The Welshmen of Tyrawley Read online

  The Welshmen of Tyrawley

  Graham Barratt

  Austin Macauley Publishers

  The Welshmen of Tyrawley

  About the Author

  Dedication

  Copyright Information ©

  Acknowledgement

  Preface

  Cast of Characters

  Guide to the Locations

  Part 1 1588Dael to Glencastle

  The Scattered Fleet

  Profit from the Boat

  The Ascension

  The Fighting Stone

  Part 2 1589Death, Slavery or Ransom

  Emily, Sin and the Slave

  Brian na Múrtha Ó Ruairc

  Betrayal at Ballybrannagh

  Shame at Dael

  Cirilo with Duald Lynott

  The Gallowglass MacSweeney

  Templeboy – The Road to Sligo

  A New Home with an Old Clan

  The Execution of Cirilo

  Blackmail and the Glutton

  Part 3 1595The Great Earl at Clontibret

  Surrender and Regrant

  Part 4 1600Emily and Tibbot Return to Dael

  A Levy Too Far

  Tobber Sgornach Bhuid Bhearrtha

  Trouble from Truth

  A Baby Betrays a Clan

  Gathered for Punishment

  Daille La’, the Day of the Blind

  Moyry Pass

  Part 5 1613Foster to Prosper

  Maol Tibbot, the Smithy

  The Competition

  Molly and Tibbot

  Between the Wars

  Duald in Carn

  The Fianna

  Dromaneen to Carn

  The Traytor

  About the Author

  Graham Barratt grew up in the historic city of Lichfield. After many years working in the telecommunications industry, he embarked on a variety of history projects. He soon realised that Irish history, in particular, was rich with untold stories, myths and legends that stirred his interest. His love of history soon became an obsession and so following many visits to Ireland and help from County Mayo people, he embarked on his first novel. He currently lives in Gloucestershire with his wife and best friend, Jill.

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my friends and family, but most importantly, the good people of County Mayo, past and present.

  Copyright Information ©

  Graham Barratt (2019)

  The right of Graham Barratt to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

  Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

  A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

  ISBN 9781528941938 (Paperback)

  ISBN 9781528970938 (ePub e-book)

  www.austinmacauley.com

  First Published (2019)

  Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd

  25 Canada Square

  Canary Wharf

  London

  E14 5LQ

  Acknowledgement

  I would like to thank my darling Jill for her support, patience, encouragement and inspiration during the writing and research of this book.

  The people of County Mayo have been most kind, and I give special thanks to the people I met for their knowledge, references, locational and historical support. Without their help, I probably would not have had the encouragement needed to embark on the project.

  Thanks must be made to First Great Western for providing Quiet coach A on their trains, which is where I wrote much of this book.

  Credit must also be given to my good friends Graham and Valerie Knights, who helped turn the research trips into great times.

  Preface

  I find it important to state that I should disclaim all responsibility for the acts and opinions expressed by the Irish people in this book. It must surely be unrealistic that anyone living today could truly understand the complexities of lives, skills and cultural eccentricities that these people acted out in order to overcome the challenges and adversities of the times. This book cannot be a fully factual representation of how people would have behaved at these times and under the conditions they had to live, as should be said for any novel dealing with history. I must therefore acknowledge the genius of these long-absent people and hope that this fragment may do them justice. If I could, I would thank all the people in times, past and present, who have helped me understand and piece together the struggles of this long forgotten, but brief moment in time.

  In Britain, during the 11th century, many groups were combative immigrants emerging from Normandy in the quest for new resources. As they moved slowly through Norman-claimed terrain, hearing the part-true stories of land’s rich new resources, they learned to fight long and hard for their right to sustain their claims. Many settled at Pendine in South Wales, but before they would respond to the lure of riches and wealth that new land could provide.

  In the 12th century, with the leadership of Strongbow, the Anglo-Norman clans infiltrated vast swathes of Ireland, reaching County Mayo, and settled there, just as their Norman ancestors had done in England 100 years before. These people were accomplished horsemen, hardened through battle and often mercenary. They were accustomed to long demanding travel and the challenges of moving through the shires with their family and kinsmen. For hundreds of years, political and religious unrest had shaped these societies. Differences were often settled violently with the arrow, spear, sword or fist. Eventually, the musket or the cannon turned them into very bloody affairs.

  In the days of alchemy, understanding of the mysteries of life was either gained through the practice of pagan rituals, or the doctrine of deity and religious experience. Religious faith was of primary importance and a strong motivator. When clansmen went into battle, it was with the common belief that their fight was just and underwritten by God himself. For mercenaries though, their services were provided in payment from the highest bidder. Religious ambiguity gave these men good reason regardless of which side they were on. There was religious justification for conflict on all sides. Some would say there has been little change.

  Through the heritage of the Anglo-Norman era, family groups were given identity through the adoption of surnames, depicting many factors including their trades, skills, physical appearance and place of origin. Similarly with Scotland, as the clan system developed, lineage became increasingly important. The surname system changed the way groups associated with others and gave them their tribal reference. By the 15th century, the family was bigger and more widespread, establishing stronger and more secure social groups. If a family or clan became partnered with another, through mutual benefit, then this would strengthen security if another clan happened to become your enemy.

  By the 16th century, the French lineage and the Norman migrations were long over with society entrenched in the Gaelic, Brehon and Irish ways. The clans had made Ireland their own and for these people, their European descent and history were a myth but not necessarily without truths. Politics had evolved from the feudal Norse into the Celtic Irish order and then progressed into a new Anglo-Irish Feudal system. This was now an order where the clan name gave people identity, loyalty and a form of social security.

  Perhaps by this time there were some remnants of the old ways. The Normans had used Britain as a resource and took wha
t they would. There was central rule in Dublin and Ireland which on paper anyway reflected English sovereignty. The political system was shifting away from clans and they had begun to lose power. The English believed they had the mandate to take what they wanted through monarchical imperialism.

  By the 16th century, a combination of leadership, luck and fortune helped the Barretts evolve from a particularly rich and ruthless tribe of people. They were now a political force, capitulating with the English to maintain favour with the Queen and siding with the Irish to maintain revenue. They controlled great swathes of land, with the sound knowledge and perception that land was where all wealth and power lay. The Lower Bourkes of Mayo, on the other hand, had chosen to oppose the English and side more with the rebellions of the Earls. A gamble if you were unsure where victory would eventually lay, but an easy decision for the faithful. Now they had to fight to keep their faith and pride or face the paradox of English rule and Irish pride.

  The story presented in this book commences at a time following the Reformation, when much of Europe was still at odds with England and the Protestant Queen. In addition, Spain’s King, Phillip II, believed that his Armada would provide the political and religious solution that Europe and the Pope needed.

  This project took me through many journeys of both body and mind and hopefully does justice to the lost lives of these long gone people. While all places in this book are real, as are many historical events, it is important that the reader does not attempt to associate the characters with historical people. Otherwise, there is a danger that we could do to those people, what Shakespeare did to Richard III. That is to create an image based on a political bias, which subsequently would be difficult to supplant.

  Research was initially aimed at understanding the lives, traits and paradoxes which faced the “Welsh” clans of Mayo. Over 600 history books have been searched and researched, including many definitive and respected works such as the Genealogies of Duald MacFirbis. He developed his research into a study of Irish life in the late 16th century.

  Samuel Ferguson fictionalised the account provided by MacFirbis with great drama and added new characters to make it into a story that would entertain. Where there is harmony, I have embraced the elaborations, but where there is inconsistency in the story telling, I have asked a few “what-ifs” with revised answers, taking some ideas from other clan stories and adding more probable concepts.

  One certainty with any chronicle or history is that the recorded facts and the implied motives of the characters depend on the agenda and interpretation of the writer, the sources used and the agenda at that point in time.

  This is the story of some of those people and their struggle to survive in clans, in faith and in love at a time of political and religious turmoil.

  These people are still affectionately known as “The Welshmen of Tyrawley”.

  Family Tree of the Clans

  Cast of Characters

  Cahir O’Callaghan

  A clansman of Cork who had accepted the process of surrender and re-grant. Recognised the Queen and converted to the English faith.

  Cirilo

  Son of Juana and illegitimate son of De Cortez, half-brother to Dominic. Inherited his mother’s good looks, athletic and powerful, but a man of great composure, respect and faith.

  Dermot of Nephin

  A strong Barrett clansman. Rent collector for the MacPadine. Lame, a glutton and a libertine. A disgusting man.

  Dominic

  Son of De Cortez, child friends with Cirilo. He secretly hated slavery but under pressure to conform.

  Don Antonio De Cortez

  Self-made, rich Spanish noble and merchant. Exploited the opportunity of war and made a fortune.

  Duald Lynott

  A petty thief in his younger years, matured and turned rebel. Highly dependable, a natural leader and good friend to Cirilo.

  Emily Bourke

  Daughter of Walter Bourke, sister to William and James. Independent and strong-minded.

  James Bourke

  One of the three scouts who discovered the Rata. Second son of Walter, intelligent and brave, brother to Emily and William.

  John Barrett

  MacPadine’s youngest son. A hothead at times but intelligent and resourceful.

  Juana

  A beautiful young girl taken from North Africa and sold to De Cortez and into slavery. Raped and abused by her owner, she gave birth to Cirilo.

  Melchor

  An old hand sailor, rough and tough, and does not suffer fools.

  MacCabe

  A Scottish gallowglass ageing warrior settled in Carn with the Lynotts.

  Niall Lynott

  Son of Thomas Lynott. Young and impetuous. Strong in faith.

  Patrick the Toothless

  A former warrior and elder, cousin to the MacPadine. In later years, a serial abuser of women and a drunk.

  Richard Barrett (MacPadine)

  The chief of the Barretts in Tyrawley and beyond, known as the MacWattin or MacPadine.

  Richard Barrett (Younger)

  One of the three scouts. Son of the MacPadine and tanist (heir) to the Barrett estate.

  Rose Bourke

  Young and impressionable. Her mother and now Sally have both led her astray.

  Sally Bourke

  Beautiful cousin to Emily and Rose but rather unrestrained.

  Shane Barrett

  Shane the Blacksmith left the Barrett clan many years earlier. He never knew his real father (Patrick the Toothless). Neither did his mother.

  Shibby Lynott

  The youngest of Thomas Lynott’s children.

  Skiddy Wogan

  A man of simple mind. He came to Carn when his elder sister married Thomas Lynott. He believed that her marriage to a clan leader would bring benefits; however, he was the first to receive the wrath of the Barretts.

  Thomas Lynott

  Elder of the Lynott clan, peace loving, honourable and trustworthy.

  Thomas Welsh/Walsh

  One of the three scouts. A young man of wayward ideals and dubious intent. From Ballybrannagh (the place of the Welsh).

  Walter Bourke

  The Bourke elder and self-proclaimed “MacWilliam” of Tyrawley.

  William Bourke

  First son of Walter. A lover of art, culture and men. Reluctant to fight, a brother to James and Emily.

  Molly Lynott

  Sister to Niall. A pretty girl of good nature and morals.

  Some historical and significant characters

  Colonel Sir Samuel Bagnall

  Army leader at Moyry Pass. Went on to become the Queen’s marshal in 1602.

  Don Alonso Martinez De Leiva

  Commanded the Levant Squadron of the 1588 Spanish Armada and the Carrack La Rata Encoronada.

  Sir Henry Bagenal

  The Queen’s marshal in Ireland.

  Sir Charles Blount 8th Baron Mountjoy

  Queen Elizabeth’s army commander and lord deputy in Ireland from 1600.

  O’Neill and O’Rourke

  Two of the great earls, responsible for the uprising against the English. Not characters, but historical figures.

  Guide to the Locations

  Cadiz

  Birthplace of Dominic and Cirilo.

  Dael Castle

  The tower house on the Dael River near Crossmolina. Built and inhabited by the Bourkes.

  Glencastle

  Seat of the Barretts in Erris.

  Ballysakeery

  Seat of the Barretts in Tyrawley.

  Belleek

  Now what is known as Ballina. Modern Belleek is now a short way north of Ballina.

  Fahy

  The first of the Barrett castles to be taken over by the crew and inhabitants of La Rata Encoronada. Occupied at the time by the O’Kellys, a clan in these parts affiliated to the Barretts.

  The Fighting Stone

  This was a meeting place for clans to resolve issues big and small. It is still in existence a
t the side of the road from Glencastle to Belmullet.

  Moyry Pass

  Famous for the battle between the forces of the English and the rebels led by Hugh O’Neil.

  Clontibret

  Location of the Battle in 1591 between the forces of the Earl of Tyrone (Hugh O’Neill) and the English, following the battle of Blackwater.

  Dromaneen

  Castle near Cork built and inhabited by the O’Callaghans.

  Templeboy

  A “halfway” village on the way to Sligo and Ulster.

  Carn and Garranard

  Townlands of Tyrawley and the Lynott clan.

  Ballybrannagh

  Townland of the Walsh/Welsh clan.

  Part 1

  1588

  Dael to Glencastle

  The view of the river was tranquil as evening bird songs broke out and the wagtails took advantage of the last flies of the day. The air was filled with the smell of fragrant flowers, occasionally disturbed by a waft of oak smoke from the castle chimney.

  Three girls of the Bourkes stood at the side of the large field not far from the Dael River, to the north of the Dael tower house, tending the sheep. Emily, never one to shy from unsavoury tasks, was cutting the hair away from their rear ends. She was with her cousin, Sally, the eldest, and her sixteen-year-old sister, Rose.