Hunted: Pursuit of Gerald, ‘Rebell of Mounster,’ 1581 to 1583
Formerly one of the largest landowners in the whole of Ireland, the Earl of Desmond’s territory was devastated by the English. At length, all his castles fell into their hands[1] By 1581, the Earl of Desmond had taken to the woods for protection from the Elizabethan forces. For a time, he maintained a considerable following, […]
Last of the Earls of Desmond
With tract oblique, as one who seeks Access, but fears, side-long he Works his way – As when a ship, by skilful steersman wrought, Nigh river’s mouth or foreland, where the wind Veers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail: So varies he. – Compitum, book 4, p161 During the memorable and unhappy […]
The Earls of Desmond in Castleisland
The Erl of Desmond and his kin hath of lands under him 120 miles. Four hundred horse, eight battles of Galoglas, 1 battalion crossbow men and gunners, three thousand kerns. His country is long, and so environed, and hateth the kings laws, so they give none aid. A part of Burghs, called the Bourgh country, […]
