History of Kinsalebeg
Walshs of Pilltown: Part 2

Fighting Walshs of Pilltown

Introduction

We continue the history of the Walshs of Pilltown with Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior who was the son of Sir Nicholas Walsh Senior (1540 – 1615). Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr, who died in 1615, was the founding father of the branch of the Walsh family that became known as the Walshs of Pilltown. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was the heir to his father’s large estate which had its focus in the Kinsalebeg area of Co Waterford. The Walsh land holdings in Kinsalebeg had been built up towards the end of the 16^th century and at the start of the 17^th century as already outlined. The vast bulk of the Walsh of Pilltown & Ballykeerogue estate was built up by Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr through his high profile role as a judge and through his long term association with the Ormond dynasty and other key individuals of the time. Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr was a very successful legislator, administrator and political figure who had proved to be a very astute diplomat during his life. His life spanned a very violent period in Irish history culminating in the Desmond rebellions in the late 16^th century which brought death and famine to vast areas of Munster in particular. Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr managed to maintain relationships on both sides of the various conflicts even though his primary role was that of legislator and parliamentarian in support of the English administration in Ireland at that time.

Descendants of Sir Nicholas Walsh Senior

..... 1   Sir Nicholas Walsh Senior (1540 - 1615) b: Abt. 1540, d: 12 Apr 1615

.....   + Catherine Comerford

........... 2 Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior (1590 - 1643) b: Abt. 1590 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford, d: 1643 in Dungarvan Co Waterford (Killed in capture of Dungarvan)

...........   + Mary Colclough b: Tinterne Abbey, Wexford, m: Aft. 1607

................. 3 Thomas Walsh Senior (1624 - 1670) b: 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford, d: 05 May 1670

.................   + Eleanor Power (1626 - ) b: 1626, m: Abt. 1645

....................... 4 John Walsh (1653 - 1690) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: 1690 in Cove of Cork aka Queenstown or Cobh (Blown up in prisoner ship)

.......................   + Helen Power

....................... 4   Nicholas Walsh (1653 - 1685) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford,

d: Abt. 1685 (Killed in duel in London)

....................... 4 Robert Walsh, Lieutenant Colonel (1653 - 1713) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

.......................   + Mary Butler ( - 1724) m: Abt. 1690, d: 10 Jun 1724 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

....................... 4   James Walsh

....................... 4   Valentine Walsh the Elder, Captain (1653 - ) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford

.......................   + Ellen Walshnee

....................... 4   Mary Walsh (1645 - ) b: Abt. 1645

.......................   + Morgan Kavanagh b: Borris Co Carlow

.......................   + Derby Long

....................... 4   Catherine Walsh (1648 - ) b: Abt. 1648

.......................   + John Warren b: Carlow

....................... 4   Ruth Walsh (1650 - ) b: Abt. 1650

.......................   + Councillor Kennedy b: Pill Lane Dublin

....................... 4   Ellen Walsh (1652 - ) b: Abt. 1652

....................... 4   Margaret Walsh

.......................   + Thomas Cantwell

....................... 4   Joan Walsh (?)

.......................   + William Sweetman

................. 3   Pierce Walsh

................. 3   Adam Walsh (1636 - ) b: Abt. 1636

................. 3   James Walsh (1625 - ) b: Abt. 1625

................. 3   Mary Walsh

.................   + Mr Nugent

................. 3   Martha Walsh

.................   + Thomas Sherlock

................. 3   Catherine Walsh (1630 - ) b: Abt. 1630

.................   + Mr Kennedy

........... 2   Ellen Walsh (1572 - ) b: Abt. 1572

.....   + Jacquet Colclough (1555 - ) b: 15 Sep 1555, m: Abt. 1580

Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior (1590-1643)

Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr who succeeded his father in 1615 was born in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford in 1590.  He married Mary Colclough of Tinterne Abbey Wexford, who was the daughter of Thomas Colclough and Martha Loftus. The Colclough family were closely linked with the Walsh family during this period as Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr had married Jacquet Colclough when his first wife died. Jacquet Colclough was a sister of Thomas Colclough, whose daughter Mary Colclough married Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr as outlined above. Anthony Colclough from Bluerton & Wolstanton in Staffordshire, England came to Ireland around 1540 as a Captain in Queen Elizabeth's army.  He was appointed Military Governor of Wexford in 1559 and was granted Tintern Abbey in Wexford in fee by patent on 27th August 1575. The Tintern Abbey lease was previously held by Sir James Crofts.

Tinterne Abbey Wexford was founded by the Earl of Pembroke in 1200 and was run by the Cistercian monks who had come from another Tintern Abbey in Wales.  Tintern Abbey in Wales was founded on the 9^th May 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow. Anthony Colclough was knighted in 1582. The descendants of Sir Anthony Colclough were supposed to be stricken with the "curse of fire and water" due to some actions he carried out when he was granted Tintern Abbey in 1575. One story goes that he either killed or expelled all the friars from Tintern Abbey when he arrived there in 1575 but it is generally accepted that the Cistercian monks had departed to France well before 1575. Another story goes that he had disturbed a fairy rath when he was developing and expanding the abbey. In any case his descendants were supposed to carry “the curse of fire and water” and according to one account four descendants were killed in duels, three died in battle, two were hanged, two died in horse riding accidents, one was killed by an exploding gun and one was poisoned by his wife! Tintern Abbey was greatly expanded in the time of Sir Anthony Colclough as in 1579 it not only housed Sir Anthony Colclough and his extended family but also the Lord Deputy of Ireland William Drury. It also accommodated the Lord Justice William Pelham and the entire military force which he commanded at the time.

The marriage of both Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr and Jnr into the Colclough family was an indication of the influential position of the Walshs of Pilltown. The trend of marrying into influential families was continued by other members of the Walsh family in later years. It was one of the reasons why the Walsh family managed to survive many of the land confiscations and expulsions in the period from Cromwell onwards. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and Mary Colclough had at least seven children namely Thomas, Pierce, Adam, James, Mary, Martha and Catherine. We will firstly look at the life of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr, who was the head of the Walsh of Pilltown family when the 1641 rebellion broke out. We will come back to his children and in particular his eldest son, Thomas Walsh Senior, who inherited his father’s estate and who took over as head of the Walsh of Pilltown family on the death of his father in 1643.

After the death of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr the lands and castle of Pilltown were involved in a number of lease and sub-lease arrangements. The nett effect of these transactions meant that Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr lost access to Pilltown even though he was still the overall owner landlord. This process started when Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr leased Pilltown, including the castle and manor, to Sir John Dowdall Senior around 1590. The lease was inherited by Sir John Dowdall Junior on the death of his father in Pilltown Manor in 1606. Sir John Dowdall Junior then sub-leased Pilltown to Richard Boyle, 1^st Earl of Cork, in 1620 at a cost of 1,700 pounds sterling. This lease purchase was 200 pounds more than the 1500 pounds sterling which Richard Boyle paid Sir Walter Raleigh for his entire 42,000 estate, albeit the Sir Walter Raleigh estate came with some large debts.The John Dowdall Junior to Richard Boyle lease transaction was to cause endless problems in later years when the Walshs and the Boyles finished up on opposite sides in the Confederate wars. The problems essentially revolved around the strategic position of Pilltown Castle which was in a key defensive location between West Waterford and East Cork as hostilities developed after 1641. The Dowdall to Earl of Cork lease of Pilltown is recorded as follows by the Earl in the Lismore papers³⁰.

           

The Earl of Cork then sub-leased Pilltown to Sir Edward Harris of Ardmore Castle who was the 2^nd Justice of the Kings Bench in Ireland and Chief Justice of Munster. The transaction is noted in the following 8^th November 1622 entry in the Lismore papers³⁰:

            Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr apparently ran into some financial difficulties around 1628 as he obtained a loan of 320 pounds sterling from the Cleere brothers, John and Andrew, of Waterford. The loan itself was not a problem but Nicholas Walsh Jnr pledged a mortgage of Pilltown as security for the loan. A couple of years later, in 1632, the Earl of Cork³⁰ bought the mortgage from the Cleere family and by all accounts he then foreclosed. The plot thickens from this point on as the Earl of Cork then sub-leased Pilltown and the castle to Philip Perceval. The transaction is recorded by Richard Boyle in the Lismore papers³⁰ as follows:

Sir Philip Perceval (1605-1647) was an influential English politician who built up a vast estate in Ireland. He came to Ireland in the 1620s and became a key figure in the Court of the King’s Bench of Ireland and the Court of Common Pleas of Ireland. He was admitted to King’s Inns Dublin in 1636 and was knighted by Thomas Wentworth, Lord Deputy of Ireland, later in the same year. He became heavily involved in the whole area of legal issues surrounding landed estates, land confiscations and title to property. In the process he built up vast land holdings amounting to over 100,000 acres at one stage. He obtained the rights to the issuing of licenses for the sale of ale and brandy in 1638 and also became a member of the privy council. His involvement in land confiscations, including those of families such as the Roches and Barrys, meant that he had a lot of enemies who felt that he had taken advantage of his legal position to deprive them of their property. He received support from James Butler, 12^th Earl of Ormond, who appointed him commissary-general of victuals for the king’s army in Ireland at the start of the 1641 rebellion. His interest in taking out a sub-lease on Pilltown was most likely due to the presence of the strategic Pilltown Castle but no doubt he made use of the fertile land around Pilltown to provide food for Ormonde’s army during the 1641 rebellion!

The introduction of noisy and troublesome neighbours to Pilltown must have caused much distress to Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown. Even though he was the owner landlord he was effectively not in possession of Pilltown for long periods from the time of the initial lease of Pilltown to Sir John Dowdall Senior. This moved on to the continuation of the lease by Sir John Dowdall Junior up to 1620. The involvement of the voracious Richard Boyle 1^st Earl of Cork in leasing Pilltown in 1620 was however a whole new ball game and this was exacerbated with Boyle’s sub-leasing to Sir Edward Harris and Sir Philip Perceval. Pilltown was already a dangerous place for the Walshs of Pilltown due to the proximity of the loyalist garrison town of Youghal. However this situation became even more dangerous when Youghal threw their support behind Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces during the 1641 rebellion. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his extended family decided to fight their way out of trouble and the following decades are full of confrontations and battles involving the family that are best described as the “Fighting Walshs of Pilltown”.

Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown and Ballykeerogue did not follow the legal and political route of his father. He was very much the instigator of the revolutionary route followed by the Walshs of Pilltown in the decades following the death of his father in 1615. The English establishment had been shocked and embarrassed when Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr had converted to Catholicism on his death bed and the remaining Walsh family members bore the brunt of the ensuing criticism. Nicholas Walsh Jnr was nevertheless knighted in 1623 by Henry Cary 1^st Viscount Falkland, who was Lord Deputy of Ireland in the period 1622 to 1629. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr became a rebel leader who had an involvement in numerous military raids, battles and general rebel activities in the period up to and including the 1641 rebellion. He was accused of having played a key role at the commencement of the 1641 rebellion itself by producing a royal commission, later described as a “forged commission”, outlining support from King Charles I for the Irish Catholic rebel cause.  He showed this commission to the then Lord President of Munster William St. Leger in 1641 and of course the disclosure caused consternation as it effectively indicated English royal support for the Irish rebellion. The impact of the royal commission, whether forged or genuine, was an important aspect of the 1641 rebellion and we will attempt to cover the details of it from a number of different sources.

“Forged Commission” of Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior

Commission from King Charles I:

The 1641-1649 Rebellion was yet another bloody period in Irish history. It was also a very confusing time with a number of unusual political & military alliances coupled with frequent changes in allegiances. King Charles I was in severe difficulties in England and Scotland at this time as the English parliament rose up in conflict against the royal family. The basis of the rebellion by the English Parliamentarians revolved around the marriage of King Charles I to a French princess, Henrietta Maria, who was a Catholic. This marriage raised the alarming possibility for the English Protestant ascendancy that the children of Charles I, and in consequence the possible future heir to the throne, might be a Catholic. The ensuing insurrection led later to the English Civil War of 1642-1651 with the Parliamentarians or Roundheads in conflict with the Royalists or Cavaliers. It was not surprising therefore that King Charles would try to generate military support in Ireland for his cause in return for a more lenient political & religious administration in Ireland. The largely Catholic population would have a bigger role in administration and there would be an acceptance of their religious beliefs. The 1641-49 Rebellion in Ireland ran roughly in parallel with the English Civil War and was essentially a war between the Irish Catholic Confederates and the English Parliamentarians but there were many other unusual alliances and indeed switching of support from one side to the other as the conflict progressed.

The Irish rebel leaders in 1641 were therefore initially aligned with the Royalist side of King Charles I against the English Parliamentarians and the Scottish Covenanters. It was this unusual situation for Irish Catholics that led to the supposed commission from Charles I. The commission would give permission to the Irish leaders to raise an army in opposition to the English parliamentarians. The presence of a commission from the King of England would be a strong issue with those in Ireland who saw themselves traditionally as being strong royalists and in support of anyone who defended the Crown. It meant that there were some unusual combinations in the Irish rebellion with many of the Anglo-Norman settled community, including many big landlords, fighting on the same side as the Irish rebel leaders. It also led to switching of allegiances with Roger Boyle of Lismore more commonly known as Broghill, son of the Earl of Cork, being a prime example. He was originally a royalist supporter of King Charles I but then switched sides to play a leading role on the parliamentarian side against the Irish in Munster in the 1641-49 rebellion. Broghill became a leading supporter of Cromwell’s bloody invasion of Ireland. Cromwell was very impressed with the ruthlessness of Broghill in the battle against the Irish confederates and stated that if there were more Broghills in the towns of Ireland the 1641 rebellion would have been very short lived. As events transpired Broghill later switched his transitory “allegiance” back to the royalist side when Charles II was eventually restored to the throne as King of England many years later. The alarming prospect of possible confiscation of his large estate, not to mention the vision of the gallows, was sufficient reason for the ambitious Broghill to “review his position” and to declare sudden and undying allegiance to the restored King Charles II.

The first reference to the alleged “forged commission” of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr came in 1641 when it was shown to Sir William St Leger who was the Lord President of Munster at that time. St Leger was marching with his army to confront the army of Viscount Muskerry, later Lord Muskerry, who had entered Munster at the head of a large body of Irish rebels. St Leger was in the company of Lord Broghill when he was allegedly approached by Nicholas Walsh requesting an urgent discussion before any hostilities would take place with the Muskerry led Irish rebels. The discussion took place and Nicholas Walsh produced the commission from King Charles which allegedly outlined the king’s support of the Irish rebel leaders and urging St Leger to withdraw his troops. Needless to say this caused consternation with St Leger who was a royalist and would be unwilling to go against the wishes of King Charles. Lord Broghill, on the other hand, immediately declared the commission to be a forgery. St Leger decided that the commission produced by Walsh was genuine. He abandoned his battle plans against Lord Muskerry and withdrew his forces.  The same or a similar commission of support from Charles I was alleged to have been produced by Phelim O’Neill on 4^th November 1641 at Newry when he told the Catholic population to rise in rebellion in the North of Ireland and that they would have the support of the King of England in the rebellion.

In the succeeding years Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr frequently referred to the support he had from King Charles when he was involved in various rebel raids in the Waterford area during the 1641 rebellion. This “rebellion” was one of the few occasions in Irish history when the native Irish were on the same side as the King of England but still finished up being described as “rebels”. The major impact of any commission of support from King Charles I for the Irish rebellion was that it drew in the support of many leading land owners and leaders who would traditionally have been strongly royalist. This would have included many Anglo-Irish Protestants landowners who traditionally would not have been supporters of any Catholic led insurgency. It also cemented the support of the various, often warring, strands of Irish Catholic leadership under one banner based on the expectation that they would have better royalist support in the future. In many ways Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was not deviating from the royalist position of his father but the political situation was now much changed and royalist supporters were now being treated as rebels. In the words of Captain Boyle from Juno & the Paycock “Th' whole worl's in a terrible state o' chassis”.

The full story around the alleged “forged commission” is quite complicated. It is worth recounting here even though it comes with the usual health warning regarding descriptions of past events. The descriptions of these events usually come from one side or the other in any particular situation and there there may not be a balancing counter description of events from the “other side”. One surviving description of the events surrounding the “forged commission” at the outbreak of the 1641 rebellion in Munster is contained in the overview of the Boyle family in a 1748 Biographia Britannica¹ publication. The article refers to a discussion between Lord Muskerry and Lord Broghill, which took place in the aftermath of the 1641 rebellion. Muskerry and Broghill were military adversaries during the rebellion but after the rebellion they settled their differences and were back on speaking terms at least. Lord Muskerry, otherwise Donough MacCarthy 1^st Earl of Clancarty, was Viscount Muskerry at the time of the rebellion and was commander of the Confederate forces in Munster. He was exiled after the rebellion and his property was transferred to his 2^nd wife Ellen, who was a sister of the Duke of Ormond. In 1650 Lord Broghill was made a paid custodian of part of the Viscount Muskerry estate around Blarney Castle, presumably on the orders of Cromwell. Broghill was granted £1,000 per annum to look after the Muskerry estate in lieu of losses he was incurring as part of his own estate around Lismore which was under the control of the Irish rebel Confederates. The Muskerry property was later restored to Viscount Muskerry when Charles II was restored to the throne in England. Lord Broghill, otherwise Roger Boyle Earl of Orrery, was a leading Parliamentarian leader in the 1641 rebellion and a favourite of Oliver Cromwell. Lord Muskerry and Lord Broghill were therefore very much on opposite sides in the 1641 rebellion and indeed fought on opposite sides of the 1651 Battle of Knocknaclashy in Cork. This was the last pitched battle of the 1641 rebellion between the Irish Confederate forces, led by Donough MacCarthy Viscount Muskerry, and the English Parliamentarian forces under the leadership of Broghill. The Irish Confederate forces were defeated and this last battle effectively brought to an end the 1641 rebellion.

Viscount Muskerry, now Lord Muskerry, and Lord Broghill had obviously patched up their difference sufficiently to be back on social speaking terms after the rebellion. There were of course major changes in the political situation in the period after the 1641 rebellion and the English Civil war. King Charles II was eventually restored to the throne in England. Viscount Muskerry was pardoned and had his estates restored. Lord Broghill on the other hand suddenly found himself on the wrong side of the fence with his support of the Parliamentarians during the rebellion. The King was back on the throne and Broghill was now in danger of losing his estates. In a quick about turn he now declared himself to be again a royalist and a supporter of King Charles II.  This is the background to the following article and in particular the discussion between Lord Broghill and Lord Muskerry concerning the circumstances of the “forged commission”. The article is written mainly from the viewpoint of the Boyles, Lord Broghill in this case, but the actual details regarding the alleged forged commission of Nicholas Walsh are similar to other later descriptions. We therefore include this version of events from the 1748 Biographia Britannica¹ surrounding the “forged commission” as it was the most complete description available and in addition it was published less than 100 years after the end of the 1641-1649 rebellion (spellings, punctuation and titles are as per original published book):

“As this was one of the first actions of a publick nature, in which Lord Broghill distinguished himself, so perhaps in the course of his whole life there was none that did him greater credit, and therefore it is necessary that we should enter into all particulars of it. When the Lord Muskerry entered Munster, at the head of a great body of Irish rebels, The Lord President, St Leger, with a small body of English forces, marched to meet him, and would have given him battle; but he sent a trumpet with one Mr Walsh, who demanded to speak with the Lord President, to whom he was well known; when he gave him audience, his Lordship could not help expressing his surprise, that he being a lawyer, should engage himself among the rebels; to which Walsh answered, that they were no rebels, for that they had taken up arms for the King’s service, and Lord Muskerry had his Majesty’s commission, which he offered to produce to him, if he might have leave to wait upon him again. The Lord President communicated this to the Earl of Barrimore, Lord Broghill, and his brother; the other two Lords were much astonished, but Lord Broghill without hesitation, said it was a cheat, that his Majesty could have granted no such commission, and advised the Lord President to be very cautious how he believed it; but, however, it was agreed, that he should promise the man a safe conduct, and that their forces should retire; Lord Muskerry also upon the return of Walsh drew off his men, and the next morning Walsh appeared again in the Lord President’s quarters with a trumpet, who was immediately conducted to the Lord President’s house, where being received, Walsh renewed the same request, that he might speak with the Lord President alone, and in private; which the other Lords opposed, but at last it was agreed, that one man should stand at the door with a drawn sword, and charged pistols; this being done, Walsh produced a large parchment, wherein was a very formal commission, drawn up for the Lord Muskerry, to raise four thousand men, and the broad seal attached to it; St Leger having read it over, dismissed Walsh, and returned to the Lords, declaring to them that Muskerry really had a commission for what he did; and that he would dismiss his men, and stir no more in this business, saying he would die before he would be a rebel; whereupon the Lords all withdrew to their several homes, only Lord Broghill declared he could not but think, it is a cheat. But is seems the Lord President took this matter to heart, and he never held up his head afterwards, but within a short time died, and Lord Inchiquin was by the King appointed President in his room. Many years after this, when his Lordship was become Earl of Orrery, and went to pay a visit to the Duke of Ormond, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, at Kilkenny, he there met with my Lord Muskerry, and the very sight of him putting the old affair in his head, he took an opportunity one day when alone with Muskerry, who happened then to be in an pleasant open humour, to ask him how the rebels obtained the commission, which they had thus shewed to the then Lord President, St Leger, under the King’s great seal ? Lord Muskerry answered, ‘I will be free and unreserved with you; it was a forged commission, drawn up by Walsh and others, who having a writing, to which, the great seal was fixed, one of the company very dexterously took off the sealed wax from the label of that writing, and fixed it to the label of the forged commission; whilst this was doing, an odd incident happened, which startled all present, and almost disconcerted the scheme. The forged commission being finished, while the parchment was handling and turning, in order to put on the seal, a tame wolf which lay asleep by the fire, awakened at the crackling of the parchment, and running to it, seized it, and tore it to pieces; notwithstanding all haste and struggle to prevent him, for that after all their pains they were obliged to begin a-new, and write it all over again.’ Lord Orrery, struck with the wickedness of this action, could not refrain expressing himself, to that purpose to Lord Muskerry; who, laughing, replied, ‘It would have been impossible to have held the people together without this device.’ Such was the secret history of this fatal, this infamous, this execrable contrivance, which gained credit, purely from a supposition, that there could not be impudence and villainy enough in men, to bring them to commit so foul and base an action, especially in persons well born, and who pretended to religion.”

In the above overview of the alleged forged commission Lord Muskerry was the military leader on the Catholic Confederates in Munster. The Lord President of Munster St. Leger was the King Charles I appointed political head of Munster. St Leger was reluctant to go against the wishes of King Charles I and took the commission seriously, much to the annoyance of Lord Broghill and his brother, the Lord of Kinalmeaky. St Leger died in 1642 and his duties were taken over by Lord Inchiquin, who initially fought with Broghill against the Catholic Confederation but who also later switched sides in 1648 in support of Charles I. The Duke of Ormond, mentioned above, was yet another who switched sides. He led the fighting against the Irish Catholic Confederation from 1641 to 1647 and from 1649 to 1650 he was commander of the Royalist forces fighting against the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland. In any case it would appear that old hostilities were forgotten after the rebellion as the Earl of Orrery (Broghill), Viscount Muskerry and the Duke of Ormond got together for a social evening and in the process tried to clear up any confusion about the commission from King Charles I which Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was alleged to have produced at the start of the rebellion.

If the above discussion between Lord Muskerry and Lord Broghill did actually take place then Lord Muskerry and the Confederate side of the rebellion were basically accepting that there was indeed a “forged commission” in existence at the start of the rebellion stating that King Charles I supported the 1641 rebellion of the Irish Confederate Catholic leaders. Lord Muskerry stated that the “forged commission” was drawn up by Walsh [Nicholas] in 1641 and sealed with the official royal seal which had been carefully removed from previous royal correspondence. The seal was an important historic device used to authenticate important documents such as deeds, wills and in this case royal correspondence. It was usually a type of mould which was filled with hot wax, for example, and the resultant image was impressed on the document as a form of seal or authentication. The king would have his own unique seal and in the case of the forged commission it was alleged that both the commission document and the seal were “forged”.

Lord Muskerry goes on in a presumably light hearted manner to describe an unusual incident which happened when Nicholas Walsh was trying to seal the document. The crackling of the parchment apparently woke a pet wolf which Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr kept in his castle in Pilltown and the wolf tore the document to pieces. The document had to be recreated to become the now infamous “forged commission”.  The above excerpt from 1748 Biographia Britannica¹ was written from a Boyle perspective and we have no other evidence that such a conversation ever took place. It was in Lord Broghill’s interest that any commission from King Charles would be treated as a forgery. This allowed him to fight the rebellion without a concern that he was doing so against the orders of the king. When King Charles II was restored to the throne some time after the rebellion then Lord Broghill was able to state that as he thought the commission was forged that he should not be punished for ignoring it. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was unfortunately killed during the 1641 rebellion and there is consequently no history of the rebellion or any commission from a Walsh perspective.

Annals of Youghal and “Forged Commission”:

The Historic Annals of Youghal⁹ gives a description of the military situation in the Youghal area in February 1642 during the rebellion. It includes a reference to the commission of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown which it describes as a “cheat”. It outlines that Walsh, a lawyer living at Pilltown opposite Youghal, presented a formal commission to Sir William St. Leger in February 1642 which authorised Lord Muskerry to raise 4,000 [Irish] men for the King’s service. It stated that St. Leger believed the document to be a genuine royal document with instructions from King Charles and had the broad seal [of King Charles] attached. St. Leger dispersed his forces on the basis of the document and retreated to his house in Doneraile. He later took the view that the document was indeed a “cheat” or forgery and according to the Annals of Youghal⁹ this discovery:

“preyed so heavily on his mind, that it threw him into a disorder, of which he died a few months after at his house”.  

St. Leger died in 1642 and if the above description is true he must have descended into some form of insanity or mental disorder when he took the view that he might have been deceived by Sir Nicholas Walsh. The following is the excerpt from the Annals of Youghal⁹:

“Early in February the Lord President, Sir William St. Leger, posted himself at the pass of Redshard in the Ballyhowra mountains, hoping to provoke a battle with the Irish army. He had with him 300 horse and 900 foot, and was assisted by the Earl of Cork’s three sons, the Lords Dungarvan, Broghill, and Kynalmeaky, the Earl’s son-in-law, Lord Barrymore, Sir Hardress Waller, Sir Edward Denny, Sir John Browne, Major Searle and Captain Kingsmill. The Irish general, Lord Montgarret, sent a trumpeter demanding a parley; and Walsh, a lawyer, who resided at Pilltown, opposite Youghal, submitted to the President [William St Ledger] a large parchment, in which appeared a formal commission, with the broad seal attached, authorizing Lord Muskerry to raise 4000 men for the King’s service. St. Ledger peruses the document, and, believing it to be genuine, he agreed to articles, 10^th Feb., by which he bound himself to retire to some convenient place, and disperse his forces, until further directions from His Majesty. By his discovery of the cheat, when it was too late, preyed so heavily on his mind, that it threw him into a disorder, of which he died a few months after at his house, Doneraile. Source: Annals of Youghal”

Commission of Phelim O’Neill in 1641:

On the 4^th November 1641 Phelim O’Neill addressed a large gathering of Irish Catholics at Newry in Co Down extolling them to come out in rebellion against the English rulers. During his address he produced a commission outlining the support of King Charles I for the Irish cause. The commission was dated 1^st October 1641 and was under the Great Seal of Scotland from King Charles I. It was later alleged that this commission was also a forgery and that the particular Great Seal of Scotland had very rarely been used and was never again used to seal any correspondence after October 1641. When the 1641 rebellion was over, after the defeat of the Irish Catholic Confederacy, Phelim O’Neill was brought to trial for his leading part in the rebellion.  He was put on trial for treason in Dublin under a Cromwellian court in February 1652. He was convicted and sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. According to historical accounts, including Warner’s History of the Rebellion², he was offered a pardon if he would admit that the commission from Charles I was in fact genuine so that the name of the King would be blackened. Here we have a situation where the English, who at an earlier stage of the war were insisting that his commission of support for the Irish rebellion from King Charles I was a forgery, were now trying to get Phelim O’Neill to admit on the scaffold that it was genuine in order to undermine the same King Charles. Phelim O’Neill was reputed to have responded that he never had a commission from King Charles and that it was therefore a forgery. The following are O’Neills reputed last words from the scaffold but there is no independent verification of this:

“I thank the Lieutenant general for this intended mercy but I declare, good people, before God and his holy angels, and all you that hear me, that I never had any commission from the king for what I have done”. (Source: The History of the Rebellion and Civil-war in Ireland by Ferd. Warner Vol 2 1768).

Commentary and recollections of historic events were not necessarily neutral in their position. Participants at the time or subsequent commentators obviously tended to put forward a viewpoint beneficial to their own particular situation. This is indeed no different to present day political or public relations pronouncements and propaganda or dirty tricks departments have existed from time immemorial.

Summary of the Royal Commission of 1641:

            There have been a number of conflicting reports since 1641 which unfortunately add to the confusion regarding the alleged forged commission and hopefully we have not added to the confusion here. Some historical reports indicate that the “forged commission” was the work of Sir Justice Walsh Senior Chief Justice but of course this was not possible as he died in 1615 some 25 years before the 1641 rebellion. Eleanor Hull, in her “A History of Ireland and her People”¹⁰ published in two volumes in 1926, refers to Phelim O’Neill’s Commission from King Charles I in which she indicates that the “The Peter Walsh named in this extract was the Franciscan priest who opposed the mission of Rinuccini, and the author of the “Remonstrance,” an address of loyalty to Charles I “. Most references to the “forged commission” refer to Nicholas Walsh or Justice Walsh of Pilltown and do not refer to a Peter Walsh unless of course there were two separate “forged commissions” one from Sir Nicholas Walsh and another from a namesake Peter Walsh. The extract from Biographia Britannica¹ which we have quoted above, and which Eleanor Hull also references, describes Walsh as “that he being a lawyer”.  Sir Nicholas Walsh was indeed a lawyer whereas the Peter Walsh mentioned by Eleanor Hull was a Franciscan priest. The quoted extract also indicates that Walsh was well known to St Ledger and the Boyle brothers Broghill and Kinalmeaky who were present at the time the “forged commission” was shown to St Ledger. The Walsh family of Pilltown would have been very well known to everyone in Munster as Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr had been Chief Justice of the Common Pleas and a leading administrator and judge for many years. Peter Walsh, the Franciscan priest, was a contemporary of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr and was a royalist supporter of Ormond in the rebellion. It is unlikely from available documentation that Peter Walsh had any involvement in the commission from King Charles I which was presented to St. Leger and Broghill. Eleanor Hull includes in her book details from the Memoirs of the Earl of Orrery which gives an overview of the “forged commission” from the perspective of the Earl of Orrery in a similar manner to the Biographia Britannica¹ quoted entry above. Her entry from the Earl of Orrery mentions, as in the entry above, that the commission was shown to the Lord President St. Leger but in her narrative Hull only refers to the commission as shown by Phelim O’Neill in Ulster. She also references Mary Hickson’s book “Ireland in the Seventeenth Century” which also has a commentary on the commission of Phelim O’Neill. Hull outlines that the author omitted to include in her book the description of events surrounding the commission as outlined by the Earl of Orrery in his memoirs. It would appear likely from the information available that the alleged royal commission shown to St Leger and Lord Broghill and his brother was indeed presented to them by Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown. The entries in the Annals of Youghal⁹ would confirm this.

We are also aware from the 1641 Depositions³ that Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his son Captain James Walsh were prominent in many raids on English and Protestant landowners in the Waterford, Cork and Tipperary areas during the 1641 rebellion. These raids involved the confiscation of cattle, horses, pigs, hay, corn, farm equipment, household goods and other goods. When the Walshs were asked for the justification behind the raids they usually responded by stating that they had authority to do so and that they had the king’s seal to prove it. There is not any conclusive evidence that the alleged “forged commission” presented by Phelim O’Neill to the assembled crowd in Newry in November 1641 was the same or indeed a different “forged commission” to that presented to St Leger and his colleagues in Munster by Nicholas Walsh Jnr . Events surrounding the later activities of the Earl of Glamorgan in Ireland may provide another view on the whole area of possible negotiations and commissions between King Charles I and the Irish Catholic Confederacy but these events took place in 1645 which is four years after the appearance of the initial royal commissions in 1641. The Earl of Glamorgan royal commission is therefore a completely different commission from those produced at the start of the 1641 rebellion and as such has no connection with the Walsh of Pilltown history but we incude a summary of the details below to show that commissions, forged or authentic, were the order of the day in this period.

King Charles I and the Earl of Glamorgan:

The following overview of activities involving the Earl of Glamorgan, Lord Digby and King Charles I occurred in 1645 which is four years after the start of the 1641 Irish Rebellion. It is therefore not immediately relevant to the issues surrounding the 1641 commission or alleged “forged commission” of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr. We include it here as it describes yet another Charles I commission of support for the Irish rebel cause which gives credence to the view that King Charles was indeed trying to get Irish support in the period from 1641 to 1645 but was attempting to do it in secret. In 1645 the Earl of Glamorgan, acting on behalf of King Charles I, made a secret agreement with Viscount Mountgarret regarding the future position of Catholics in Ireland. Viscount Mountgarret, otherwise Richard Butler, was at that time Lord President of the Supreme Council of the Confederate Catholics in Ireland and therefore leader on the Catholic Confederate side in the rebellion against the English Parliamentarians. The agreement would gave major rights back to the Irish Catholics including freedom to practice their religion, exemption from the jurisdiction of the Protestant clergy, repeal of laws made against Irish Catholics, restoration of property and rights to take up any public office, etc. The Irish Catholic Confederacy, in return for the granting of Catholic rights, would supply 10,000 men to act on behalf of King Charles I in England with some 3000 men to be sent to England initially to relieve the Siege of Chester.

The Earl of Glamorgan was, at the time of these negotiations, stated to be acting in secret on behalf of King Charles I and without the permission of the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. Later in 1645 the English captured the town of Sligo and placed a garrison there. The Irish Confederates attempted to retake the town but were repulsed and in the process the Archbishop of Tuam was killed.  The Archbishop of Tuam was at the time also Catholic Confederate President in Connaught and a member of the Supreme Council in Kilkenny. It was alleged that amongst his baggage was found a copy of the Earl of Glamorgan’s agreement with the Irish Catholic Confederacy and of course this caused huge consternation amongst the English administration in Ireland. Lord Digby, appointed Secretary of State for a period by King Charles, wrote⁵ to Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary of State in England outlining the details of the secret agreement and proposing that the Earl of Glamorgan should be tried for treason on the basis that he had no rights to negotiate in Ireland on behalf of the King. The matter was raised in the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster. King Charles was forced to deny that he had any involvement in the agreement with the Irish and stated that the Earl of Glamorgan had no authority to act on his behalf.  So here we had yet another alleged “unauthorised commission” from King Charles I in support of the Irish to go with the earlier alleged “forged commissions” of Sir Nicholas Walsh and others. 

There was no doubt an element of “dirty tricks” in the whole episode of commissions of support for the Irish rebels from 1641 onwards and quite a number of the individuals involved had either dubious reputations or multiple conflicting agendas. King Charles I was no doubt in a very difficult situation in his on field and off field battles with the English Parliament. This was a struggle he was eventually to lose when he was executed in 1649. He urgently needed external support for his cause, including the support of the Irish, but he did not be want to be seen to be publicly supporting Irish rebels. Lord Digby was pivotally involved in the Irish “commission” issues as a leading English representative in Ireland. He was a divisive and quarrelsome individual who had a reputation for intrigue and reckless behaviour. He was often described as the “evil genius” of King Charles I. Lord Digby embarked in what only could be described as a disastrous military career at the start of the English Civil War in 1642 on the royalist side. His military endeavours in the Battle of Edgehill in 1642 and in later battles were by general consent disasters in some part due to his impetuous nature. His military career came to an end when in conjunction with Sir Marmaduke Langdale they managed to lose fifteen hundred horse troops in a battle against Colonel Copley and General Poyntz in Yorkshire in October 1645. The events following this defeat are described as follows in Lettice Digby’s 1928 family history⁴:

“Digby, therefore, became a General, and never saw the King again. He and Langdale marched north with fifteen hundred horse, but they were soon routed by Copley. Most disastrous of all, Lord Digby’s cabinet of papers, said to contain sixty ciphers dealing with the King’s negotiations and plans, fell into the hands of the Parliamentarians. Lord Digby and Langdale pushed on to Dumfries, where their men deserted wholesale on October 24^th, 1645. The two leaders were obliged to leave Scotland and sailed for the Isle of Man, en route to Ireland. Meanwhile, the King, realising that he must get help from elsewhere, had sent Henry Somerset, Lord Herbert, lately created Earl of Glamorgan, to negotiate with the Irish Catholic army. Glamorgan reached Dublin in July 1645. Glamorgan, ignoring Ormonde and Digby, drew up a treaty with the Irish in which equal rights with Protestants were granted to the Catholics.  The Irish were as anxious as the Royalists to regain Chester, for it was the most important port for Irish trade. They, therefore, agreed to give Glamorgan 3000 men, and he only needed transport to convey these troops to England. Glamorgan hastened to Dublin to confer with Ormonde, but unhappily for him a copy of the treaty had already reached Dublin, which had been found in the pocket of a Roman Catholic divine killed in a skirmish. On December 6^th the Privy Council was summoned, Glamorgan was arrested, and Lord Digby impetuously accused him of high treason. Glamorgan’s defence was that he had only done that for which he had sufficient warrant. The King openly disowned his unlucky envoy, but privately wrote to him:  ‘I must clearly tell you, both you and I have been abused in this business, for you have been drawn to consent to conditions much beyond your instructions ... If you had advised my Lord Lieutenant, as you promised me, all this had been helped.’  In this extraordinary confusion the blame finally fell upon Lord Digby.”

As stated above Digby and Langdale escaped to the Isle of Man and from there made their way to Ireland where they arrived sometime after the 24^th October 1645. The Earl of Glamorgan, otherwise Sir Edward Somerset, had arrived in Ireland some months previously in July 1645. He had already concluded his negotiations with the Irish Catholic Confederates before Lord Digby arrived in Dublin. The Earl of Glamorgan was one of the richest lords in England and gave huge financial support to King Charles I during the English Civil War. He was a close advisor to King Charles and it is unlikely he would have attempted to negotiate with the Irish Catholic Confederates without the knowledge of the king as the above history of the Digby family confirms. He was left out on a limb when King Charles denied that he was aware of the Irish negotiations and that in addition they were carried out without his authorisation. The Earl of Glamorgan was eventually tried for treason and although convicted he escaped with his life and was released from the Tower of London after six years imprisonment.  The above events happened in the period from 1645 onwards and therefore were long after the time period of the original “forged commission” of 1641. We are recounting the details here to outline that the issue of royal commissions was not confined to the period around the start of the 1641 rebellion. The whole area surrounding the alleged “forged commission” of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and others is extremely complex and the full truth of what really happened during the 1641 rebellion is unlikely to be ever known. Whether forged or authentic the “commission” of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was the spark that set off the 1641 rebellion in West Waterford. We are left with the colourful image of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr drawing up a “forged commission” in Pilltown Castle on a cold winter’s night in 1641 – a quill and parchment on the table, a blazing fire, a pet wolf dozing by the fireplace and the wind howling around the castle.

Commencement of 1641-1649 Rebellion

The Walshs of Piltown were involved in many aspects of the 1641 rebellion on the Irish Catholic Confederacy side. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr effectively started the Confederate war in West Waterford by attacking Pilltown Castle on 9^th January 1641/42. The castle was “in the possession” of the Earl of Cork at the time but was of course the property of the Walshs of Pilltown. The attack on the castle was not successful as the Earl of Cork had sent over reinforcements to stengthen the garrison. The Walsh siege of Pilltown Castle lasted three months but they were forced to raise the siege in April. The driving force behind the Walsh rebel involvement was Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr who was involved in various rebel activities before and during the early part of the rebellion until he was killed in Dungarvan in 1643. Captain James Walsh, son of Sir Nicholas Walsh, was also involved in the 1641 rebellion even though he would only have been sixteen years old when the rebellion started in 1641. James Walsh rapidly took a leading role and was already a captain in the rebel army by 1642. 

The position of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his family in Pilltown was very difficult in the period around the start of the 1641 rebellion. He had lost access to the land and castle in Pilltown as a result of various lease arrangements in earlier years. The Earl of Cork and Sir Philip Perceval were in effect “in possession” of the strategic Pilltown part of his estate. The relationship between the Walshs and their tenants was poor and the Walshs were intent on making life as difficult as possible for the occupiers of their land in Pilltown. The following excerpts from the Earl of Egmont manuscripts²⁹ give some background to activities in Pilltown around 1641. The first two excerpts are letters from William Beale to Sir Philip Perceval. Beale was the Pilltown agent for Sir Philip Perceval and he was having a lot of problems with Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his supporters. William Beale describes a “court leet” of the Manor of Pilltown which was held in Ferrypoint on the 27^th May 1641. A court leet was a medieval form of local court which had jurisdiction over local issues such as tenancy and the administration of the local manor but had no power to deal with criminal acts. The manor in this case was the Manor of Pilltown. William Beale had apparently issued a warrant for the collection of 50 shillings from a William Tobin as compensation for a cow which Oliver Buller had allegedly stolen from him. The court proceedings in Creed’s house in Ferrypoint did not get off to the best of starts as John Lacy, an employee of the Bullers, struck William Beale with a blow to the head with his sword. Beale records that “one John Lacy, brought in by Mistress Buller at her heels, gave me such a blow on the head with his sword that I was like to lose my life by it”. William Beale had no better luck the following day when he called to Creed’s house to arrest Mr Buller as he was again confronted by the same John Lacy who “set upon us”. Beale’s letter to his employer goes on to request that Perceval should take some action against the McWilliam brothers who were sergeants of Nicholas Walsh Jnr. Beale describes Edmund, Thomas and David McWilliam as “a company of rogues and wicked members” who were disputing the boundaries between Knockbrack and Drumgullane on behalf of Walsh. Beale said he brought in two of the oldest men in the country to make a judgement on the correct boundary between the two townlands but could not get any agreement from Nicholas Walsh or his employees. Beale’s dog had also been stabbed and the McWilliams had “broken your cowboy’s head” for which they were up in court in Tallow. The had also stolen propery which was being used as security against rents owing to Perceval and which Beale described as “and yet they catch up kittles and pots which are made over by bills of sales for security of your worship’s rents”. The full details of William Beales letter together with other similar letters from Beale give an overview of some of the difficulties encountered by tenants of Sir Philip Perceval in Pilltown around 1641:

William Beale was still having problems in Pilltown on 28^th June 1641 and he writes another letter of complaint to his boss, Sir Philip Perceval, regarding the treatment of Perceval’s tenants. Richard Moore and his nephew had allegedly stolen eight steers to the value of 21 pounds sterling. The dispute with the Walshs over the boundaries between Knockbrack and Drumgullane continues and Beale has introduced “two old and ancient men to view the bounds and to tread out the same”. The two old men have ages of over 100 years and 80 years respectively, which were impressive ages in 1641. However the representatives of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr were not impressed with the measurements and carried on with their incursions into Pereceval’s leased land as Beale’s letter outlines: “nothwithstanding which the serjeants, viz.: the old man William Mc Edmund, and his son Edmund Mc William, and the other two rogues, Thomas and David McWilliam, are not contented, but do catch and snatch all that ever they take there.”

            Another letter from William Beale to Sir Philip Perceval complains that Mr Bullor is going around with a letter stating that he has authorisation to collect rents on behalf of Perceval.

            John Lonte, another agent of Sir Philip Perceval, wrote a letter to his employer on the 24^th July 1641 in which he outlines difficulties he was having with Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his sergeants. Lonte stated that he requested permission from Nicholas Walsh to cut timber in Drumgullane in order to repair the “great house” of Glistenane as there was no suitable timber in the woods of Kilmaloo. Lonte went on to complain to Nicholas Walsh about the wrongdoings which he alleged were being done against the tenants by his sergeants namely the McWilliam brothers. The alleged offences carried out by the McWilliams included “pawns wrongfully taken and detained by them, such as crocks, hatchets and billhooks, and also concerning other foul abuses committed by them”. Sir Nicholas Walsh did not take too kindly to the criticism according to Lonte and responded as follows: “spoke very harsh, so that the best name that was given us was knaves. It is well known to all the parishioners bordering upon Piltowne that those sergeants are very wicked persons and very ill-members, for what pawns or distresses soever they catch or take, if it comes once into their hands they will never restore it”. Lonte finally requests that Sir Philip Perceval should write to Sir Nicholas Walsh in order to try to resolve the issues. Lonte’s letter is as follows:

            The situation for tenants of Perceval in Pilltown and other parts of Kinsalebeg did not improve and the area was largely out of control leading up to the rebellion. The Walshs, with their supporters, were making life impossible for the tenants in Pilltown. The outbreak of the 1641 Rebellion brought an altogether more serious situation for inhabitants of Kinsalebeg, regardless of their political and religious persuasion. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his army were in the forefront of the Confederate campaign in West Waterford and as early as the 29^th March 1642 Sir Percy Smyth wrote to his brother-in-law Sir Philip Pereceval stating: “Your tenants of Pilltowne have long since lost all, but keep the Castle, although the rogues, to the number of three hundred, lie daily near them”. On the other hand the Earl of Cork and his associates were ever present on the Parliamentary side of the rebellion and were in control of Pilltown Castle for extended periods.

Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his son Captain James Walsh were frequently named in witness statements as rebels, who were involved in violent raids on English and Protestant landowners in this period. These witness statements are known as the 1641 Depositions³ and are largely compensation claims from English Protestant landowners who suffered losses from rebel raids. There is little corroborating evidence to verify the witness statements, but the names of Walshs of Pilltown appeared in dozens of witness statements throughout the 1641 rebellion. It would appear that they were regularly involved in leading attacks and raids on property and farms, mainly in the Waterford area but also in parts of Cork and Tipperary. A frequent companion of the Walshs on their raids on landowners, according to the depositions, was Captain Edmund Fennell who was named in numerous depositions. Captain Fennell was involved in many Confederate activities in the Munster area but by all accounts he was a bit of a maverick and came in for a lot of criticism from colleagues on his own side. Hugh O’Neill, a nephew of Owen Roe O’Neill, complained bitterly that Captain Fennell had stood by with two troops of cavalry when O’Neill’s forces were under heavy attack during the siege of Clonmel in April 1650. Fennell was also accused of allowing Cappoquin to be captured without putting up a fight and for abandoning the pass at Killaloe which allowed Henry Ireton to cross the Shannon and attack Limerick. Captain Fennell of Clonmel was put on trial on four capital charges in the High Court in Cork in 1652 involving over twenty four alleged murders and was convicted on two murder charges for which he was subsequently hanged. Many of the charges against Fennell were trumped up charges but in reality it was a miracle that he had not been killed much earlier by some of his own Confederate colleagues as he had let them down on too many occasions.

             

Battle between Broghill and Sir Nicholas Walsh at Cappagh

A battle apparently took place between the forces of Lord Broghill and Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr at Cappagh Waterford sometime around June or early July 1642. Lord Broghill was on his way to relieve the Knockmone Castle of Sir Richard Osborne at Whitechurch, Co Waterford which had been attacked by rebels including Captain Fennel in March 1642. The encounter is described in a letter between Thomas Moore, a soldier in Lord Broghill’s army, and a Mr Bayly dated 4^th July 1642 at Youghal. The numbers quoted in the letter are subject to the usual warnings as losses on the opposition side were often exaggerated and corresponding losses on the other side minimised. If this correspondence is to be believed then Lord Broghill only lost one man in the battle whilst Sir Nicholas Walsh lost two hundred and fifty men! The military force under Sir Nicholas Walsh Jun in this encounter was quite large, if the figures are to be believed, with three horse regiments and six or eight regiments of foot soldiers. The loss of only one soldier from Broghill’s side would have been extraordinary in the circumstances. The number of soldiers in a troop of horse would have varied quite a lot in this period with contemporary military manuals giving a typical figure of twelve officers and sixty troopers per troop. In the Irish situation many troops would have been raised by local landowners or magnates and the numbers per troop could be as low as twenty or thirty troopers and a few officers. Likewise the number of soldiers in a foot soldier regiment or Colour of Foot, as it was frequently called, would officially have been around 100 foot soldiers and six to eight officers. However in practice this often varied as low as forty to seventy foot soldiers with maybe four or five officers. In the unlikely event that the numbers quoted in the following letter were accurate then this would mean that in the above battle Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr led a force of possibly one hundred to two hundred horse soldiers and three hundred to eight hundred foot soldiers together with a quota of officers. Broghill on the other hand was described as having a force of maybe thirty to sixty horse soldiers and two hundred to three hundred foot soldiers plus officers. The reference to the “great deale of good cheere” obviously refers to an amount of alcohol which was recovered after the battle together with various guns and pikes. The relevant part of the letter⁶ goes as follows:

“Yesterday the Lord Broghill with his Troop, and between two and three Hundred Foot going to relieve Sir Richard Osborn, who was in great Distress at his Castle, was encountered by Sir Nicholas Welsh (near Cappa) with three Troops and six or eight Colours of Foot, after an houres Skirmish, they fell into disorder, brake and fled: Our men did execution upon them untill they got [to] the wood to their shelter, they found two Hundred and fiftie dead bodyes, took forty Musquets, abundance of Pikes, some powder and bullets, and a great deale of good cheere, wherewith they intended to be merry, after they had washed their hands in English blood; we lost one onely Gentleman Master Maynard, eldest Son to the Lady Maynard, whom we all much lament. Your assured loving Friend Thomas Moore, Youghall 4, July 1642.” 

Pilltown Castle and the 1641 Rebellion

The history of Pilltown Castle is intrinsically linked to the Walsh family of Pilltown particularly in the 17^th century. There is no confirmed date as to when Pilltown Castle was built but it was part of the defences of the Desmond branch of the Geraldines in Munster and therefore existed long before the Walshs arrived in Pilltown. The castle came into possession of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr at the latter end of the 16^th or early 17^th century as part of the new Walsh landholdings in Kinsalebeg resulting from the breakup of the Desmond estates. The following article appeared in Samuel Hayman’s Guide to Youghal, Ardmore and the Blackwater⁷ which was published around 1860:

“The extension of Anglo-Norman rule in the neighbourhood of Youghal might be traced by the Castles, successively erected by the adventurers. King Henry II, during his two days stay at Lismore, is said to have been much impressed with the advantage of having a fortress there, that he selected the site and gave the necessary orders for the building. Fourteen years afterwards, this project was carried out by his son, Prince John. Near Aglish, within eight miles of Youghal, was the entrenchment of Clough. Having a ballium or bawn of half-an-acre, defended by angle-turrets. Here (according to Dr Smith), as at an half-way stage, the cavalcade of Prince John was accustomed to halt, when journeying from Waterford to Cork. Near Clashmore, in the same district, was the tower of Ballyheeny; and, at Pill-town, the family of Walsh had their feudal seat, for nearly five hundred years. The Geraldines erected castles, without number; the nearest to Pill-town was at Monatrea. Other fortalices were at Kilnatoorigh, Cornaveigh, Strancally, Dromana, Tourin, Affane and Cappoquin. At Rhincrew was the garrison of Templars. The Mernins fixed themselves at Ardmore, and built a fine castle, with a bawn, strengthened by flankers.”

The book Confederate Catholics of Ireland at War 1641-1649¹¹ by Padraig Linehan has an item on fortifications which states:

“The ‘strong outwork of earth’ which Castlehaven built around Pilltown castle, facing Youghal across the Blackwater estuary, had a 20 foot deep ditch and double ramparts, 12 foot high. However it seems to have been a simple rectangular structure.”

Castlehaven, as outlined in the chapter on Ferrypoint, was involved in the siege of Youghal during the 1641 rebellions and was obviously using Pilltown Castle as a fortified base at that time.

Notes re above article excerpts: King Henry II visited Ireland in 1171 and stayed at Lismore in what was then an ecclesiastical centre rather than a castle. His son John built a “castellum” (small fort or watch tower) there in 1185 and on this site the Boyles built Lismore Castle in the early 1600s. There is no indication as to when Pilltown Castle was built but the comment that Pilltown was the feudal seat of the Walsh family for 500 years would indicate that it could possibly have been built originally in the 12^th century. Our own record of the Walsh’s of Pilltown and Pilltown Castle commences with Sir Nicholas Walsh Senior (1540-1615) and we have no definitive information indicating that there were Walshs in Pilltown Castle before Judge Nicholas Walsh. It is interesting to note the comment regarding the presence of a Geraldine castle at Monatrea (Monatray) – we have no knowledge as to the location of the Monatray castle.

Pilltown Castle was in Irish rebel hands in February 1641 according to the following letter from Youghal by James Gibbes who was a member of the besieged forces in the town. The letter copy is dated the 28^th February 1641 but it also mentions the arrival of Charles Vavasor to relieve the siege of the town by the Irish Confederates. Vasavor arrived in Youghal on 25^th February 1642 according to historic records so the date of the Gibbes letter is either incorrect or else the Vavasor arrival in Youghal was 1641 and not 1642. Discrepancies in dates are not unusual historically and in some cases are due to different calendars and year start dates being used by different religions such as Christians, Quakers or Jews. Charles Vavasor received a hostile reception when his ships arrived in Youghal harbour with a regiment of a thousand men onboard. His ships were subject to a barrage of battery fire from heavy guns placed on Ferrypoint on the Waterford side of the harbour. The letter of James Gibbes⁸, with spellings as per original, begins as follows:

“Good and Bad Newes from Ireland: Sir, It is no small joy unto us here, that Sir Charles Vavasor is well arrived with his Regiment, which putteth us in heart againe: whereas otherwise, wee could not have held the Towne much longer: For amongst other our wants, the want of fuell was none of the least for wee had no coale came a long time out of Wales, and the River was so commanded all downe from Capperquin by the Rebels, that no wood could come downe. They have taken the Castle of Piltowne, and come in multitudes every day, to the Ferry Banke, which is within Musket-shot of the Towne, on the other side of the water; and since the revolt of Waterford they have gotten three Peeces of Ordnance, which they have planted on Piltowne land, to block up the harbour, so as Sir Charles Vavasor got in with much adoe. The losse of Waterford is a great losse unto us; for besides that it is a strong Maritine Towne, it had in it 56 Peeces of Artillery; besides, as the rumour goeth, they were well stored with powder, and all other necessities; but I hope Waterford or Rosse [Ross in Wexford] shall doe us little hurt, so long as the Fort of Duncannon holdeth out, where wee heare that Captain Thomas Aston, and Captain William Welden are arrived with two hundred men, which is a good supply for that place...”. [Source Joly Papers JP 2057 NLI].

The 1641 or 1642 attack on Pilltown Castle by Irish rebels including Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his son James is mentioned by William Beale of Kinsalebeg in a deposition signed on the 18^th January 1642. It indicates that the rebel attack took place between the 9^th January 1641 and April 1641 with a force of three to four hundred armed men. We include the complete Beale deposition elsewhere but the following is the section which refers to the attack on Pilltown Castle:

“... and further he deposeth not Aboute the nynth of Jan 1641 Sir Nicholas Welsh of Ballykeroyn in the County knight & his son James Welsh of the same Esquire John fitz Gerrald of ffarnane in the said County gen Bran Welsh & divers others with at least to the number three or foure hundred armed men in company with them came to besiedge the said Castle of Piltowne in the said County; & continued siedge to the same till the begining of Aprill following...”.

Pilltown Castle was not captured by the Irish rebels in the above attack and stayed under the control of the Earl of Cork and his sons. Sir Richard Osborne of Knockmone Castle in Whitechurch Co Waterford in a letter to the Earl of Cork mentions the securing of Pilltown Castle. The letter is dated the 26th January 1642 and, having described how his own castle was attacked by the rebels, Osborne goes on to state:

"I am right gladd you have secured Piltowne. I would wish the same were done for Templemichgell [Templemichael] which must be donne by compulsory meanes and authority of state; and yett I think Mr FitzGerald will not be adverse thereunto."

 It is not surprising that the castles along the banks of the Blackwater were early targets in the rebellion as they were on the doorstep of the Earl of Cork, whose family were the dominant parliamentary and Cromwellian military supporters in the area. The Earl of Cork and his family would traditionally have been staunch royalist supporters but the Earls sons switched to the parliamentary side during the rebellion and were of course a major support to Cromwell in the Munster area. The reference to Templemichael in the Osborne letter concerns the situation in Dromana Castle. It is obvious from this, and other references, that there was still some element of doubt as to which side the FitzGeralds of Dromana were backing in the war as they probably had closer associations with the Confederate side.

The key strategic location of Pilltown Castle between Youghal harbour and the rebel county of Waterford meant that it was captured and recaptured on a few occasions during the 1641-1649 rebellion. Preceding the rebellion it belonged to the Walshs of Pilltown but was in the possession of the Earl of Cork through leases.  It was being used by Lord Castlehaven as a defensive base during his attacks on Youghal at one stage during the rebellion. Pilltown Castle was finally destroyed by the army of the Earl of Inchiquin on the 19^th of August 1646 and we will cover this later in the history. There are now no remaining traces of the ruins of the original castle. The Fisher’s of Pilltown in later years had a house and milling operation on the site of the old Pilltown Castle.

Siege of Dungarvan 1642/1643

Dungarvan, like many other towns around Ireland, broke out in revolt in 1642 in support of the rebellion. Dungarvan was attacked in March 1642 by the then Lord President of Munster William St. Ledger. The town was overcome and many people were killed. The town was left under the control of Lieutenant Rossington in Dungarvan Castle but the Irish rebel leaders immediately set about recapturing the town. The rebel leaders included Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown, John Hore FitzMatthew and his son, John FitzGerald of Farnane, and also Richard Butler Esq of Kilcash. Under the cover of darkness they made a daring attack on Dungarvan Castle and using scaling ladders got over the walls on to the battlements. They seized the sentry and after a brief skirmish the English were overpowered and the Irish rebel forces again controlled the town of Dungarvan. The English residents in Dungarvan were driven outside the castle walls.  The chronicle The Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Waterford by Charles Smith¹² from 1774 states:

“and the same night, all the English in the town were plundered, by Sir Nicholas Walsh and his followers”.

The Irish forces established their defences in Dungarvan Castle and within a short period decided that they would need additional military equipment in order to be able to defend the town. They sent a ship to France loaded with goods in order to barter for the required equipment and the ship returned safely with a large quantity of powder, firearms, cannon and other equipment which strengthened the castle fortifications. John Butler of Carrick had meanwhile been appointed Governor of Dungarvan. The following is a description of the recapture of Dungarvan by the Irish rebel forces, including Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr, in 1643 which appeared in the 1924 Illustrated History of Dungarvan¹³ by Edmond Keohan. The description has as its basis the 1774 Charles Smith publication referenced above:

“The Lord President of Munster made preparations for an attack, and in March, 1642, he was successful in getting possession of the town. He inspected the Castle, and being satisfied of its strength of resistance, he left in command one Lieutenant Rossington, who felt secure after a survey of the defences of the Castle. But councils were being held in secret, and one night the security of the Castle was disturbed, for there was a fierce attack made on it by the Irish. They were under the command of John Hore Fitzmatthew and his son, John Fitzgerald of Farnane, with Richard Butler, Esq., of Kilcash. The assaulting party came provided with scaling ladders and other implements of warfare. The spirit of the rebellions was amongst them. They imbibed some of the torrent of patriotic ardour which was surging through the country, and they determined to make a bold and desperate stroke to recover the old fortress, which had shielded the representatives of British rule for over three hundred years. The attacking party was ably led, and they possessed that which was of as much moment as skilled leadership – the spirit to do and dare on behalf of their country. Under cover of the night they crept beneath the Castle walls, and with a dexterity which was a surprise even to themselves, they flung their scaling ladders over the walls and mounted the battlements. They seized the sentry, and he giving the alarm, a fierce but brief encounter followed. The English were overpowered and the Irish forces became masters of the citadel. Another of the leaders was Sir Nicholas Walsh, and we are told that the same night all the English in the town were plundered, their goods and chattels seized, and they were driven outside the walls. The Irish forces settled themselves in the Castle, and in a short time they fitted out a vessel for France, which they loaded with several kinds of goods. She made a safe voyage to her destination, and in return brought over a large quantity of powder, cannon, and other firearms, with which they fortified the Castle. They appointed one John Butler governor.”

The Irish rebels held Dungarvan until May 1647 when Lord Inchiquin laid siege to Dungarvan, having already captured Dromana and Cappoquin. Inchiquin was the successor to William St. Ledger as President of Munster and he came to Dungarvan with three thousand men including fifteen hundred horsemen. Dungarvan was overcome and once again was under control of the English royalists. It remained under control of the royalists until Lord Broghill captured it for the Parliamentarian forces just before Cromwell arrived in Dungarvan in December 1649. The political and military situation was quite confusing in this period as there were in essence three groupings namely the native Irish rebels, the Royalist supporters of the King and thirdly the Parliamentarians who supported the English Parliament and Cromwell. The three military groupings sometimes operated independently and at other times the Irish rebels and the English royalist supporters supported each other as the Irish Confederate forces in opposition to the Parliamentarians. Dungarvan was therefore under control of all three military groupings at some stage during the rebellion.

Death of Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior 1643

The 1641 rebellion as well as being yet another bloody period in Irish history was also a confusing one in terms of allegiances. The Irish “rebels” were technically on the side of the Royalists in support of King Charles I and in opposition to the Parliamentarians but on the ground all sorts of allegiances were established and just as frequently broken as people switched sides depending on the circumstances at any given time. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his colleagues in the siege of Dungarvan dispensed with any confusion by not supporting either side and basically conducting their own hostilities in a policy of “a plague on both their houses”. According to most records Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was killed during the attack of Dungarvan Castle in 1643 and he certainly was one of the leaders in this attack. We are also aware that the Walsh castle in Ballykeerogue was attacked on the 2^nd May 1643 and Piltown Castle was also involved in hostilities around this period. Sir Nicholas Walsh was also involved in a number of raids in this period. So coupled with the hostilities surrounding the attacks on the castles of Dungarvan, Piltown and Ballykeerogue there were no shortage of occasions on which Walsh could conceivably have been killed. It is however clear that he was killed at some stage during the early part of the rebellion and most reports would indicate that it was probably during the attack on Dungarvan in 1643. 

A reference to the attack on Ballykeerogue Castle was mentioned in the The History of the Execrable Irish Rebellion (pp 116)¹⁴ of 1680 and whereas the title leaves no doubt as to the viewpoint of the author there is no reason to believe that the factual information is incorrect. The publication states with spellings as original:

“About the 1^st of May 1643 the Lord Inchequin (since the death of his father-in-law, Sir William St. Leger, as yet Commander in Chief in the Province of Munster) march’d forth with his Army, divided into two Parties; one Commanded by himself, into the West of the County of Cork, doing excellent service there, without resistance: and the other under the Conduct of Sir Charles Vavasor, with select Numbers, respectively gathered from the Garrisons of Youghall, Talloe, Castle Lions, Lismore, Mogily, and Cappaquin; the whole number consisting of about 1200 Musketeers, and 200 Horse, besides Volunteers and Pillagers. In which Expedition, Major Appleyard, May the 2^nd, near the Castle of Cosgrave, was assign’d to fall on Ballykeroge, (Sir Nicholas Walsh’s Town and Lands) that he might burn and spoil them:”.

Another reference to the attack on Ballykeerogue Castle is given in A Short History of County Waterford¹⁵ by historian Rev P. Power.  The Rev Patrick Power had connections with the West Waterford area as he lived in a cottage in Rhincrew for a period when he was a lecturer in UCC.  The cottage still exists on the hill just overlooking the stone bridge which is on the boundary between the counties of Cork and Waterford. We include his overall description of events in the West Waterford area in the rebellion period from March 1641 onwards as it gives a good picture of the evolving rebellion:

“In March, 1641, Lord Dungarvan (the Earl of Cork’s son) and Sir Charles Vavasour, with 1200 foot, marched from Youghal, via Lismore, to Carrick-on-Suir for the purpose of conveying the Countess of Ormond and her children to Youghal, probably for passage by sea, to England. On their journey, via Cappoquin, the troops burned the country towards Dungarvan, and killed two hundred persons in the latter town, the castle of which, however, they failed to take. Apparently the English did not have it all their own way, as, later in the month, over three hundred of their people, who are alleged to have been despoiled in Waterford, were obliged to seek refuge in Youghal. The battle of Liscarrol, in which, though the Irish were defeated, the English suffered severely, was fought September 3^rd, 1641. Among the slain were another of the Earl of Cork’s sons, Lord Kinealmeaky, whose body was brought for burial to Lismore.”

“After the battle of Liscarrol, Inchiquin, commander-in-chief of Munster for the King, sent Sir Charles Vavasor with a picked force of 1400 men, besides volunteers and pillagers, into Co. Waterford. They took Dungarvan, and a detachment under Major Appleyard was despatched to take and raze Sir Nicholas Walshe’s castle at Ballykeroge. Vavasour himself, with the main body, marching towards Kilmacthomas, encountered opposition at Barnakill by the south-east flank of the Comeragh Mountains, where a sharp but rather inconclusive engagement was fought. Eight hundred are stated to have been slain in this fight, but the number seems excessive. From Barnakill, Vavasour marched, via Stradbally, to Kilmacthomas, where he captured the castle and killed many of the country people who had fled thither for safety. The ups and downs of the war become now quite perplexing. Castles and strong places continually change hands, and the unfortunate tillers of the soil are ground as between millstones. The castle and round tower of Ardmore which had been held for the Confederates, was captured in August, 1642, by the Earl of Cork’s sons, Lords Dungarvan and Broghill. Both castle and tower had surrendered on mercy but the garrison, to the number of 117 men, were hanged, although the English prisoners in their custody had been found unharmed. Dromana, at the same period, was captured by the Irish, but Templemichael, Strancally and Lismore were held by the Earl of Cork in the English interest. Soon after the Irish also recovered Dungarvan, which they held for the next five years, till its recapture by Inchiquin. By the truce with Ormond, in 1643, it was agreed that the Co. Waterford should retain in possession of the Catholics, except the castles of Knockmaon, Ardmore, Piltown, Templemichael, Strancally, Lisfinny and Lismore. On the Catholic side, Lord Castlehaven took Cappoquin, Lismore and Dromana castles for the Confederates in 1645, as well as the neighbouring stronghold of Conna. From Tallow he marched towards Youghal through the territory of the Earl of Cork. On the way he captured another castle, most pronably Templemichael, under shelter of which he crossed the Blackwater. Planting his cannon at Ferry Point, he bombarded Youghal, which, however, he did not succeed in taking. Three years later the same general, in the same cause, brought relief to Duncannon besieged by the Parliament or Cromwellian forces. He had marched from Waterford to Passage, communicated with Duncannon by stratagem, and managed to send in to the garrison 80 horses fully equipped. Thanks to Castlehavens’s succour, the garrison was able to make a successful sortie and to beat off the besiegers. Castlehaven was next made Governor of Waterford, into which he thereupon introduced 1000 men for its defence against the Parliamentarians. Mocollop, Cappoquin, Dromana, Sledy and Dungarvan were recaptured by Inchiquin in 1647. Dungarvan was of prime importance to the English because it gave them direct communication with England: Waterford remained all this time in the hands of the Catholics.”

There are no references to any military activities involving Sir Nicholas Walsh in the period from 1644 onwards so it is reasonable to assume that he was killed before that date with May 1643 being the most likely period. He had packed a lot of activity into his life and set the tone for the activities of other members of the Walsh of Piltown family in the years ahead. The extended family of Nicholas Walsh were to continue the revolutionary anti-establishment policy of their father after his death, thus consolidating their reputation as “The Fighting Walshs of Pilltown”. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr’s son, Captain James Walsh, was also involved in the 1641 rebellion and if our dates are correct would only have been sixteen years of age when the rebellion broke out in 1641. James Walsh was already a Captain in 1642 and is referenced many times in the 1641 Deposition³ witness statements. The children of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and Mary Colclough were Thomas (born circa 1624), James (born 1625), Pierce, Adam (born circa 1636), Mary who married a Mr Nugent, Martha who married Thomas Sherlock or Scurlog and Catherine (born circa 1630) who married a Mr Kennedy. Thomas Walsh was the eldest son of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and he succeeded his father in 1643 at nineteen years of age. He was to take over the affairs of the Walsh family of Pilltown at a treacherous period in history when war and famine ravaged the country. The location of the Walsh stronghold on the westerly extremes of Waterford meant that they were never far from the glare of multiple enemies particularly those across the harbour in Youghal and over the Blackwater River.

Storming of Pilltown Castle 1646

            The lead up to the last attack on Pilltown Castle is chronicled in the Egmont manuscripts²⁹ which are historical records recorded by John Perceval 1^st Earl of Egmont. He was a great grandson of the Sir Philip Perceval whose name appears in the following entries concerning Pilltown. The first correspondence is from Sir Percy Smyth to Sir Philip Perceval and is dated 18^th August 1646. Sir Percy Scott of Ballynatray was Deputy Governor of Youghal during the 1641 rebellion and was married to Isabella Ussher, who was a daughter of Arthur Ussher and Judith Newcomen. Sir Philip Perceval was a large landholder in Ireland and was one of the leaders of the English Parliamentarians during the 1641 rebellion. He was married to Catherine Ussher, who was another daughter of Arthur Ussher and Judith Newcomen, and Sir Percy Smyth was therefore a brother-in-law of Sir Philip Perceval. The letter from Smyth to Perceval states that Pilltown Castle was under siege from the Parliamentary forces on the 18^th August 1646 so the castle was being defended by the rebel Irish Confederates. There were almost three thousand soldiers in the attacking Parliamentary army of the Earl of Inchiquin aka “Murrough the Burner”. The letter also comments on a few unrelated topics including a comment that relationships between Broghill and the Earl Inchiquin were not great. They were both leading Parliamentary leaders during the 1641 rebellion but it would appear that their differences of opinion may not have been due to policy differences but due to unspecified problems with the female sex.

            The next entry from the Egmons MSS manuscrips²⁹ is from Major General William Jephson to Sir Philip Perceval. It describes the siege and massacre of the Confederate forces in Pilltown Castle on the 19^th August 1646. The attack was carried out by the Earl of Inchiquin with his Parliamentary army of around three thousand between cavalry and foot soldiers. The Earl of Inchiquin was an Irishman who started his life as Murrough O’Brien, son of Dermod O’Brien 5^th Baron of Inchiquin. Inchiquin obtained his military education in the Spanish service and prior to the 1641 rebellion he would have been very much a Royalist supporter.  However he changed his support to the Parliamentary side at the start of the 1641 rebellion and fought a bloody and brutal military campaign against the predominantly Catholic Irish Confederate forces. He earned the nickname of “Murchadh na dTóiteán or Murrough the Burner” as a result of the scorched earth policy on the lands, houses and animals of anyone who would not convert to Anglicanism or support the Cromwell led Parliamentary forces.

Major General William Jephson was the second in command to Inchiquin when the attack on Pilltown Castle took place in 1646. His description of the attack starts off with a description of the castle itself and it is one of the few records giving a picture of the layout of Pilltown Castle at the time. He describes it as “a very strong place”. The outer wall or earthworks was twenty foot high from the base of the surrounding moat to the top of the wall. Inside the outer earthworks there was a stone courtyard with a twelve foot wall and inside that was another courtyard also with a twelve foot wall. Inside the last wall was the actual castle entrance itself. The Parliamentary forces eventually broke through the surrounding defensive structures with “the loss of some men and wounding of about twenty”. However having reached the castle walls they were initially unable to gain entry to the castle and were subject to a barrage of stones from the top of the battlements which resulted in many injuries. The attacking forces eventually broke into the lower level of the castle but were unable to get up to the higher levels of the castle as “the rogues still defended it, and broke down the stone stairs to prevent our men from getting up to them.”

The attacking army eventually decided that it was going to be virtually impossible to capture Pilltown Castle and decided that they would destroy it instead. This would have been an unusual course of action at the time as castles were valuable defences and were usually captured so they could then be used subsequently by the capturing forces. The Pilltown Confederate garrison refused to surrender, despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered, and in the military convention of the time they could expect no quarter if captured. The attacking army were also enraged by the stubborn resistance and bravery of the Pilltown defenders (“Kinsalebeg man stand back from nobody!”). The following is Jephson’s chilling account of the last stages of the attack on Pilltown Castle:

“We therefore, finding that without much mischief it was impossible to get them down, were forced to lay powder below, and blow them and the castle up together, which we did last night. My Lord President at his first summons thereof promised them fair quarter if they would surrender it before he discharged three pieces of ordnance against it, which they refusing, were by that means afterwards (the soldiers being also incensed) deprived of all their lives, it being taken by storm; only the women and children were turned out by the rebels of their own accord.”

            There is no indication of the number or the names of all those who were killed in the massacre at Pilltown on the 19^th August 1646.  It is reasonable to assume that the deaths were in the hundreds if not greater. We do not know whether any members of the Walsh family were in the castle at the time but undoubtedly many of the defending “rebel” garrison were from the greater Kinsalebeg and West Waterford areas. Pilltown Castle was destroyed in the above attack so not only do we not know the names of those who died there but we also have no surviving vestige of the castle itself to remember those who died there. The following is the full Major General William Jephson excerpt from the Egmont manuscripts²⁹ describing the attack:

            The concluding entry in the Egmont manuscrips²⁹ concerning the last siege of Pilltown Castle was a letter which Sir Percy Smyth sent to Sir Philip Perceval on the 7^th September 1646.  Smyth outlines the storming of Pilltown Castle and the killing of all those defending the castle except for seven people: “in which time we took Piltowne by storm, put all to the sword except seven persons”

            The Earl of Inchiquin aka Murrough the Burner later switched his allegiance back to the Royalist side against the Cromwellian led Parliamentarians. He went into exile to France in 1650 together with the Duke of Ormonde who had also switched back to Royalist support. They set sail for Brittany on the 11^th December 1650 and eventually joined up with Charles II who was also in exile at this time. Inchiquin remained in exile for a decade and during this period he mysteriously became a Catholic which must have caused consternation in many circles and no doubt was a big surprise to his earlier fighting colleagues such as Cromwell and Broghill. Inchiquin had a bloody reputation for his violent campaigns against the Irish Catholics and his Catholic “conversion” must have been received with a mixture of disbelief and disquiet in Ireland. His staunchly Protestant wife, Elizabeth, was not at all amused by his latest about turn.

Cromwell in Waterford Nov 1649

Lord Lieutenant Oliver Cromwell arrived in Ireland on the 23^rd August 1649 and his son-in-law, Major General Ireton, arrived some days later. Ireton had planned to land in the Munster area and firstly arrived at Capel Island just off the coast of Monatray and Youghal but was apparently unable to land and travelled on to Dublin after ten days at sea. The combined Cromwellian invasion party was accommodated on a total of 113 ships. Their arrival in Ireland is described as follows in the Cromwelliana chronicle published in 1810:

“Chester, August 30. The Lord Lieutenant landed at Dublin the 23^rd, with 25 vessels. Major General Ireton designed for Munster, hovering at Cabell Island, near Youghal, some days did not see ground to put in there, the 10^th day from his putting out from Milford he landed at Dublin, with 70 sail: after him the third squadron, commanded by Col. Horton, consisting of 18 sail, in all 113. They who came with Major Gen Ireton suffered most, by being so long at sea, especially the horse, who were brought very low, but in 14 days are like to recover, and be able to take the field; before which, the men will have got strength and courage;”

The full extent of Cromwell’s bloody invasion of Ireland is well chronicled and we do not plan to recount it here, other than to give an overview of his period in Waterford preceding his arrival at his winter headquarters in Youghal in 1649. Cromwell arrived in Waterford on the 24^th November 1649 after his bloody massacres in Drogheda and Wexford in the preceding months. His bloody campaign came to a temporary halt in Waterford and the county quickly established itself as his least favourite destination in Ireland. Waterford was fortified by the presence of a thousand of Castlehaven’s men plus many volunteers and was determined to resist Cromwell. James Butler, 1^st Duke of Ormond, offered his support to defend Waterford but the offer was politely declined and the city decided to fight Cromwell from their own resources. Ormond had of course spent the rebellion years from 1641 to 1647 as a commander of the Parliamentary forces in Ireland fighting against the Catholic Confederates. He switched sides in 1649 and spent the years 1649 to 1650 as a commander of the Confederacy forces in the fight against Cromwell. However his political manoeuvring over the years meant that he was still not largely trusted by many on the Catholic Confederate side and Waterford decided they would continue the fight without his assistance. Cromwell had 6,500 men in his army at Waterford and was confident of a quick success in capturing the city. However his attempts resulted in failure and in addition many of his 6,500 army were suffering from typhoid and dysentery. He had also failed in his attempt to capture the strategic Duncannon Fort at the entrance to Waterford harbour but had captured Passage killing 200 of the garrison in the process. The Aylward held estate in Faithlegg was attacked and captured when the resident Aylward apparently refused to deny the Catholic religion. The Aylwards were replaced by Captain Bolton who had led the Faithlegg attack on Cromwell’s behalf and the Boltons remained in Fathlegg apparently until the early part of the 19^th century.

The stubborn Waterford resistance plus the arrival of General Farrell with a force of armed Ulstermen to support Waterford so disheartened Cromwell that he abandoned the siege and decided to proceed to his winter quarters in Youghal on the 2^nd December 1649. He had also lost close to 1000 men, including Major Cromwell, through sickness of one sort or another. Cromwell outlined his departure from Waterford in a letter to the Speaker in the House of Commons dated 19^th December 1649 which started as follows:

“Mr Speaker, Not long after my last to you, from before Waterford, by means of the tempestuousness of the weather, we thought fit, and it was agreed to march away to winter quarters, to refresh our men until God shall please to give further opportunity for action. We marched off the second of this instant, it being so terrible a day as ever I marched in all my life. Just as we marched off in the morning, unexpected to us, the enemy had brought an addition of near two thousand horse and foot to the increase of their garrison, which we plainly saw at the other side of the water; we marched that night some ten or twelve miles through a craggy country, to Kilmac Thomas, a castle some eight miles from Dungarvan. Source: Cromwell letter 19^th Dec 1649 in Cromwelliana chronicle published 1810.”  

The letter indicates that Cromwell was unwilling to concede that he had failed to capture Waterford from a military point of view and used the excuse of bad weather as the main reason for abandoning his siege. He also indicated that they were already leaving Waterford when they saw about two thousand horse and foot soldiers coming to the relief of Waterford as if the event did not in any way influence their decision to abandon their failed siege. This presumably is a reference to the arrival of General Farrell in Waterford with a force of Ulstermen which in reality was considerably smaller than the two thousand indicated by Cromwell.

Cromwell Departs for Dungarvan Dec 1649

Cromwell was undoubtedly not in the best of form at this stage after his failure in Waterford coupled with the unseasonally bad weather in the sunny South East!  He took his revenge on some minor castles on the route from Waterford to Dungarvan. He seized Butlerstown Castle and threw out the owner Sir Thomas Sherlock even though Sherlock could be deemed to be on the same side as Cromwell by all accounts. Thomas Sherlock was an Irish Catholic, which presumably was the reason why Cromwell took a dislike to him, and had been Mayor of Waterford in 1632. He was knighted by the Earl of Cork and became a big landowner in Waterford. When the 1641 rebellion broke out he took a strong anti Irish stance and was an active supporter in the military campaign of the Lord President of Munster William St. Leger who was terrorising Munster at this stage. Thomas Sherlock himself stated that he had “hunted and hanged one hundred Irish marauders”.  In 1642 Lord Mountgarret captured Butlerstown Castle for the Irish Confederates and Thomas Sherlock fled to Dublin in a state of undress. Sherlock had obviously returned to Butlerstown Castle by 1649 and it must have been a major surprise to him that he was now being thrown out of his castle for the second time in a decade, once by his “friends” and once by his “enemies”. It is unlikely that Cromwell was in any particular mood for a reasonable argument, given his experiences in Waterford, so Sir Thomas Sherlock found himself homeless again.

Butlerstown Castle has some later connections to the Kinsalebeg story in that Harry David Fisher and his family lived here in the period around 1900. Harry David Fisher was proprietor of the Munster Express at this stage before he sold it to Edward Walsh in 1907. Harry David Fisher was a grandson of Abraham Fisher and Jane Moor who operated Pilltown Mills of Kinsalebeg in the early 1800s. Harry David Fisher’s father, Joseph Fisher, had established the Munster Express in 1860 in Waterford and the business was later taken over by his two sons Harry David and William Garrow Fisher. After leaving Butlerstown Cromwell continued his march towards Dungarvan. He captured Kilmeaden Castle which was one of the seats of the Power (Le Poer) family in that period. The unfortunate Le Poer owner was apparently hung from a tree outside the castle and the associated land was parcelled out to individuals from Cromwell’s army.

The larger Power stronghold of Curraghmore escaped the wrath of Cromwell and his army on his journey through Waterford and we have outlined some of the reasons for this in the history of Thomas Walsh Senior of Pilltown. Thomas Walsh was married to Eleanor Power of Curraghmore, daughter of John Power 5^th Baron Le Power & Curraghmore and his wife Ruth Pypho. The story in summary is that Eleanor Walsh nee Power reputedly invited Cromwell’s son-in-law, Henry Ireton, and other Cromwellian officers to Curraghmore to explain the position of the Powers of Curraghmore. In some histories it is recorded that it was Katherine Power, Eleanor’s sister, who was involved in this incident even though she would have been very young in 1649. Eleanor Walsh nee Power explained to Cromwell’s officers that the earlier indiscretions and outbursts of her father were due to his insanity and she pleaded for leniency in the case of Curraghmore. Richard Power 6^th Baron Le Poer, Eleanor’s younger brother and brother-in-law of Thomas Walsh of Pilltown, was another factor who probably influenced the Cromwellian decision not to attack Curraghmore. Richard Power was the eldest son and heir to Lord John Power and Ruth Pypho but was only twelve years old when his parents left Ireland in 1642 and would have been only nineteen years old when Cromwell came to Ireland.

In the absence of his parents Richard Power was essentially raised by his Protestant grandmother, the formidable Kinbrough Pypho, who was a big influence in his early life. It was no doubt partially due to the influence of Kinbrough Pypho that the still teenage Richard Power declared his support for the Cromwell led Parliamentarians against the Catholic Confederates during the latter stages of the 1641 rebellion. On the surface this was still a surprising decision even if we ignore the Confederate position of Richard’s now exiled father. Most of Richard’s siblings, including Eleanor, were Catholic and/or married to Catholics who were very much on the Confederate side of the conflict. However when we consider the young age of Richard, coupled with the impending arrival of a bloodthirsty Cromwell on his doorstep, then it is perhaps not surprising that Richard Power initially supported the Cromwell backed Parliamentarians. Discretion may have been the better part of valour in the short term if the Curraghmore Le Poer estate was to survive. In any event Curraghmore was spared and the Cromwell army continued on their way towards Dungarvan. The following notification letter from Oliver Cromwell, dated 20^th September 1649, confirms the special position of the Curraghmore estate of the Power family. This letter was written before Cromwell arrived in Waterford and confirms that Cromwell had already been acquainted with the situation at the Power Curraghmore estate before he arrived in Waterford. Any subsequent negotiations or discussions between Cromwell’s army and members of the Power family whilst in Waterford led to a confirmation that the Curraghmore estate was to be left alone. The Cromwell letter details were as follows:

“There are to require and strictly to charge all officers, soldiers and all others under my command as they parseby or quarter at ye habitation of ye Lord John Power Lord Baron of Curraghmore in ye county of Waterford, who is taken into my special protection that they comporte themselves peacefully and friendly towards his person, family, goods and habitation and any thing to him appertaining, without offering violence, injury or danmage, as they will answer to the utmost peril. Given under my hand and seale at Dublin this twentieth of Sept 1649. (Signed) O. Cromwell.”

The above letter is referenced in Dromana: the Memoirs of an Irish Family¹⁶ by Therese Muir Mackenzie. The author also states that Katherine Power, daughter of Lord John Power & Ruth Pypho and a sister of Eleanor Walsh nee Power and Richard Power Earl of Tyrone, had also been involved in the negotiations with Cromwells’s army to save Curraghmore.

Dunhill Castle, another Power stronghold, was also attacked by Cromwell’s army on his journey to Dungarvan. The castle was owned by John Power, last Baron of Donoyle, who was married to Giles FitzGerald of Dromana, a sister of Gerald FitzGerald. According to local history the defence of the castle was bravely led by Lady Giles Power nee FitzGerald in the absence of her husband who was defending another Power castle at Kilmeaden. Dunhill Castle was built on a hill and Cromwell’s army found it extremely difficult to capture it. Lady Giles Power apparently spent a number of days on the ramparts of the castle encouraging the garrison and keeping their spirits up until she eventually had to retire for a rest. One of Lady Power’s gunners requested some refreshments for his battle weary soldiers and by all accounts received buttermilk instead of the expected stronger tipple. They soldiers were so annoyed, according to the story, that they gave up the castle to the Cromwellian forces. The castle was duly blown up with the brave Giles Power nee FitzGerald buried in the ruins but not before the traitorous gunner was hung from the walls by Cromwell’s army. The story of the defence of Dunhill Castle later became known as “The legend of gunners and buttermilk.” The Cromwellian forces continued to Kilmacthomas where it took them a day to cross the Mahon River which was flooded after another day of heavy rain.

Cromwell arrived in Dungarvan on the 4^th December 1649 on his way from Waterford. Dungarvan had at this stage been captured by Broghill from the royalists but it was apparently Cromwell’s plan to massacre the inhabitants of Dungarvan because of their stubborn resistance over a period. The story goes that Mrs Nagle, an inhabitant of the town, bravely approached Cromwell and offered him a flagon of beer to drink the health of the conqueror, could this conceivably have been a large bottle! Thus humoured Cromwell allegedly revoked the order for the massacre of the people. If the story was true then this was one of the few occasions that Cromwell showed any leniency in his dealings with the Irish. Cromwell then left Dungarvan to continue his journey to the safe English garrison town of Youghal. A detachment of Cromwell’s army had earlier been despatched to capture Knockmoan Castle which they duly destroyed. Cromwell left his second-in-command Lieutenant General Jones behind in Dungarvan as he had fallen ill and was unable to travel – it is a subject of conjecture whether he had a fever or was poisoned on the orders of Cromwell. Colonel Jones died a few days later and his body was brought to Youghal for burial. His death was described by Cromwell in the earlier quoted letter of 19^th Dec 1649 to the Speaker of the House of Commons:

“The noble Lieut.-General (whose finger, to our knowledge, never aked in all these expeditions) fell sicke (we doubt upon a cold taken upon our late wet march, and ill accommodation) and went to Dungarvan, where struggling some four or five days with a fever, he dyed, having run his course with so much honour, courage, and fidelity; as his actions better speak than my pen.  Source: Cromwell letter 19^th Dec 1649 in Cromwelliana chronicle published 1810.”

Cromwell Arrival in Youghal Dec 1649

Youghal had established itself as an anti-Catholic town in this period of its history. It was traditionally a Royalist town but during the 1641 Rebellion it switched allegiances to support the Cromwell driven Parliamentarians under the influence of the Earl of Cork and his sons. Irish Catholic support or toleration was not high on the agenda in Youghal and decrees to throw “papists” out of the town or to limit the trading activities of “Popish merchants” was a periodic agenda item at town corporation meetings in the period from 1600 to 1800 as outlined in the marvellously detailed Council Book of the Corporation of Youghal¹⁷. Cromwell would no doubt been humming a 17^th century version of “My Kind of Town” as he made his approach to the safe haven of Youghal in the winter of 1649. There is little doubt that Waterford would not have appeared in his list of favourite destinations and the safe winter quarters of Youghal must have been a welcome sight in December 1649.  We would like to report that we gave him a good thrashing as he passed through Kinsalebeg on his way from Dungarvan to Youghal but the Official Secrets Act and a lack of concrete information prevents us from doing so.  He was obviously well advised and was on his best behaviour as he made his way from Dungarvan to Youghal. He would have been aware that a “Kinsalebeg man stood back from no man” and that Ferrypoint and the Tráigín would have been blood red if he attempted any of his old tricks in this part of Waterford!.

 We can divulge however that Cromwell was apparently not at all impressed with the ferry service from Ferrypoint to Youghal and threatened the Mayor of Youghal with hanging unless he managed to speed up the whole operation.  There is an old story passed down through the generations in Kinsalebeg that Cromwell demolished the Catholic Church in Piltown on his way to Youghal but we have no documented evidence of this. This story was recounted by Declan Connery of Piltown to his daughter around 1900 and this story is available in the records of the National Folklore Commission which we cover elsewhere. Cromwell did apparently split up his troops on his way from Dungarvan to Youghal with some of the troops, led by Cromwell, travelling through Kinsalebeg to take the ferry from Ferrypoint to Youghal whilst the remainder arrived in Youghal from the north side having travelled via Templemichael. The details of Cromwell’s arrival in Youghal are taken from the History of the Earls of Desmond and Earl of Cork etc³¹ where it is outlined:

“His march from Drogheda to Youghal was a bloody trail of murdered garrisons, massacres of women and children, rapine, plunders, burnings, and debauchery. He arrived before Youghal in August, 1649 [December 1649]; part of his army crossed at Templemichael, the main body under himself came to the Ferry Point. He sent a message over to the mayor to provide at once boats for the transport of his army.”

Youghal as we outlined above would have been considered a royalist town but the relentless progress of the Parliamentarian military campaign against the Royalists resulted in local leaders such as Lord Broghill of the Boyle family switching allegiances from Royalist to the Cromwell led Parliamentarians. Youghal had again declared itself in support of Cromwell some weeks before his arrival in the town in December 1649. Lord Broghill described to Cromwell the welcome the parliamentary forces received in Youghal with the words:

“were received with all the reall demonstrations of gladness an over-joyed people were capable of”

This support of an “overjoyed people” in Youghal was outlined in a letter which Cromwell sent to the William Lenthall, Speaker of the House of Commons, on the 14^th November 1649. The letter included the following excerpt:

“... As they went with an intention for Cork, it pleased God the winde coming crosse, they were forced to ride off from Dungarvan, where they met Cap. Mildmay returning with the Nonsuch frigot, with Col. Townesend, coming to me, who advertised them that Youghall had also declared for the Parliament of England; whereupon they steered their course thither, and sent for Col. Gifford, Col. Warden, Major Purden (who with Col. Townesend have been very active instruments for the return both of Cork and Youghall to their obedience, having some of them adventured their lives twice or thrice to effect it) and the Mayor of Youghall aboard them, who accordingly immediately came and made tender of some propositions to be offered to me. But my Lord Broghil being on board the ship, assuring them it would be more for their honour and advantage to desire no conditions. They said they would submit, whereupon my Lord Broghil, Sir William Fenton, and Col. Faire, went to the town, and were received (I shall give you my Lord Broghil’s own words) with all the reall demonstrations of gladness an over-joyed people were capable of.”

Having wintered in Youghal, Cromwell and his army continued their destructive campaign from the 29^th January 1650 when he set out with the primary focus on defeating Ormond who was the main Munster royalist commander at that point. Ormond had switched from the Parliamentary to the Confederate royalist side during the 1641 rebellion period in what had become a frantic and bloody version of musical chairs. The Cromwellian forces captured the castles of Conna, Dromana, Cappoquin, Mocollop together with a string of towns and castles in Waterford, Tipperary, Cork and Kilkenny. These included the capture of Kilkenny City and Clonmel which put up a good defence under Hugh O’Neill. Cromwell then marched on Waterford for the second time in his campaign but he was recalled to England as soon as he arrived in Waterford so it can be said that Waterford never conceded to Cromwell. He left in command his equally vicious son-in-law Henry Ireton who did go on to capture Waterford and Duncannon where Cromwell had failed a few months previously. Henry Ireton indeed proved to be an equally destructive and bloody campaigner as his father-in-law.

Cromwell finally left Ireland from the port of Youghal on the 29^th May 1650 and returned to England leaving a trail of destruction and bloodshed in his wake even though his period in Ireland was relatively short from August 1649 to May 1650. His departure was undoubtedly welcomed on the Waterford side of Youghal Harbour as it was in most of Ireland. Cromwell died at the age of 59 on 3^rd September 1658 in London, after a short illness, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. On the 30^th January 1661, 12 years after the execution of Charles I, Cromwell’s body was ordered to be exhumed from Westminster Abbey. At this point King Charles II had been restored to the throne in succession to his executed father Charles I whose death warrant had been signed by Cromwell.  Cromwell’s body was subjected to what was known as a “posthumous execution” together with his son-in-law Henry Ireton who was also well known to the Irish. Cromwell’s exhumed remains were hung in chains at Tyburn and his body was then thrown into a lime pit. His severed head was put on display on a pole outside the Parliamentary Buildings at Westminster Hall in London where it remained for twenty four years until 1685 when the pole apparently broke in a storm.

1641 Depositions re Sir Nicholas & Captain James Walsh of Pilltown

The 1641 Depositions³ are a useful source of information on events that took place during the 1641 Rebellion. The originals and transcripts of the 1641 depositions have been made available online by Trinity College Dublin and are an invaluable source of information. They are essentially claims for losses incurred during the rebellion but the depositions were also used as evidence to convict people at a later stage for alleged offences committed during the rebellion. They were primarily taken from English and/or Protestant residents and landowners and as such reflected the uncorroborated views of one side in the rebellion. We have included transcripts of a few depositions here together with an image of the original deposition with alterations and parts of the text deleted. These alterations were made after the original statements had been written down. The 1641 depositions have therefore been subject to a lot of discussion over the decades regarding the credibility of the claims and the views expressed. Regardless of the doubts concerning the credibility and impartiality of the depositions, they nevertheless serve as a useful source of names and events during the 1641 rebellion. We incorporate a small number of relevant depositions here with the kind permission of TCD. They describe raids in the Waterford area which involved either Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and/or his son Captain James Walsh who was a captain in the Irish Confederacy.

February 1641 Attack on Waterford City:

A deposition from a Benedict Claybrooke of Ballymaclode near Waterford City describes a November 1641 attack on his farm by rebels in which he alleged he was robbed of fifty three cows, three horses and household goods. He stated that his losses in total amounted to five hundred pounds sterling. He goes on to describe other attacks on inhabitants of Waterford City in this period and included in these is a description of an attack made by Sir Nicholas Walsh Jun and others on Waterford City in February 1641. According to Benedict Claybrooke the attackers imprisoned the families of all the English in Waterford City including himself and his family. They were kept in prison for twenty four hours until they were eventually shipped out of Waterford by sea. This deposition or witness statement was taken from Benedict Claybrooke on the 30^th October 1645 but refers to rebellion activities from November 1641 onwards. The complete deposition is quite long and we only include the elements of it that refer to rebellion activities of Sir Nicholas Walsh of Pilltown & Clonmore. This rebel attack on Waterford City took place a couple of years before a similar attack on Dungarvan in 1643 also involving Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr.  The following is a transcript of part of this deposition:

“...contd… And further the deponent saieth these parties that they were Commissioners soe Imployed were theise thatt followe  vizt of and for the County of Kilkenny Edmond Buttler Esquire eldest sonn to the Lord Mongarrett, and diuers others of thatt County, whome hee Cannott Name, being the Retenune and Complices of the saide Edmund Buttler, And of the County of Wexford one Mr Brooks of Hoaretowne in that County, a Justice of the peace and a burgis of the Parliamnet and others of his Confederates whome the deponent Cannott name, And of and for the County of Tiperrary Richard Buttler of Kilcash neere Clonmell Esquire and Mr Jeffery Barronn of Clonmell gent and others in theire Company whom{e} hee Cannott name, And of and for the County of Waterford  Pore Esquire eldest sonn to the Lord Pore Sir Nicholas Welshe of Clanmore knight, of the saide County and one Mr Sherlocke of Killoore neere waterford, and diuers others of that County whose names hee Cannott expresse
And farther saieth thatt aboute the middle of ffebruarie 1641 the aforesaide Sir Nicholas Welshe knighte with others of the County Came into the Citty of Waterford, and then and there, did Cause one Andrew Montaine merchant and others of  the baser sorte, Contrary to the Maiors Consent moste vnlawfully and Tyrannously Caused the deponent and al{l} the familes of the Englishe in the Citty to bee kepte Inn prisone vppon pretence thatt they would Rise and ioyne w{ith} the Lord President of Munster againste them In which prisone this deponent and some others Remained aboue 24 hou{res} and many others vntill they were sent to sea, butt in the meane time Relieued by the Maior of the Citty and att our pr{e}sent Committall Mr James White one of the Aldermen, hadd badd language by some of those Refrectorie fellowes, for demanding some of vs out of the prisone thatt nighte, Butt after thatt those fellowes were sattisffied thatt they the english hadd noe sutch intention the moste parte were Released
And farther the deponent saieth thatt nott long after the Maior and Councell were enioyned by the Countrie to summone vs the english att our their particular dwellings, To bring whatt goods wee hadd left into the Citty store house sutche as would, and some others were Constrained to bring Inn theire goods Onely wee were allowed as Competence of wollen and linnen with other necessaries and ffive pounds of Mony for euery party bothe old and young thatt were provided wherevppon for feare of future Imprisonment, and the danger of the Countrys Coming Inn to surprise or att leaste beseege the Citty wee were provided from youghall with a shipe and by one more vessell shipped by the Maior and Aldermen att the Key with sutche provissions as were formerly allowed vs, some went into England some to youghall and some vnto this Citty of dubline, being all affrighted and expelled their former setled habitations, leaveing theire estates and goods as aforesaide
y me, Benedick Claybrooke
Jur 30 Octobr 1645
Hen: Jones
Will: Aldrich”

January 1642 Deposition of William Beale:

The following transcription of a 1641 deposition describes an attack on William Beale of Kinsalebeg in December 1641 involving the Walshs of Pilltown. It goes on to describe a siege of the Castle of Piltowne from January 1641 to April 1641 by Sir Nicholas Welsh, his son James, John FitzGerald and at least three or four hundred armed men. It would appear that Pilltown Castle was not under control of the Walshs of Pilltown in 1641 as they were apparently involved in the siege of the castle:

“William Beale late of Kinsalebegg in the barony of decies and within the County of Waterford yeoman (a brittish protestant) duely sworne and examined before vs by vertue of &c deposeth and saith That on or aboute the last of december 1641 and diuers times since the begining of this present rebellion in Ireland he lost was robbed and forceably dispoiled of his goods and Chattles to the seuerall values followeing vizt value of 101 li. 13 s. 4 d.
Of Cowes steeres one bull heiffers & horses to the value of three score and two pounds Of houshould stuffe to the value of six pounds thirteene shillinges and foure pence Of garden fruites and tiethes of gardens to the value of ten pounds The deponent saith that by meanes of this presente rebellion in Ireland he was dispossessed of the tiethes lands of Kilg a brell &c in the said County wherin he hath a lease of ten yeeres to come wherin he is damnified twenty three pounds The totall of his losses amounts to one hundred and one pounds thirteene shillinges and foure pence besides the losse of his Imployment vnder Sir Phillipp Percivall knight worth yerly twenty pounds per annum The deponent further saith that aboute the time aboue menconed his goods & Cattle were taken away by James Welsh son to Sir Nicholas Welsh knight John fitz Gerrald of ffarnan in the said County Esquire, William oge of Grange in the County gentleman Dauid o Shehan of the same gentleman James Butler of Dromgallin in the said County gentleman Edmond mc William of the same gentleman Robert Hackett and William Hackett of Kilgabriell in the said County gentleman James fitz Gerrald of Balline corke in the said County gentleman James o Shea of Crowbally in the said County gentleman Thomas o Morrissoe of Cnockine gery in the said County yeoman, Dauid Bythor of Newtowne in the said County gentleman and diuers others whose names he knoweth not; and further he deposeth not Aboute the nynth of Jan 1641 Sir Nicholas Welsh of Ballykeroyn in the County knight & his son James Welsh of the same Esquire John fitz Gerrald of ffarnane in the said County gen Bran Welsh & diuers others with at least to the number three or foure hundred armed men in company with them came to besiedge the said Castle of Piltowne in the said County; & continued siedge to the same till the begining of Aprill following dureing which time [ ] & especially in & aboute the foure and Twentyth of January aforesaid one Edward Jacob of Listenane in the said County shepheard was murthered by Thomas Toby of Ballykerogn in the said Company County yeoman & after cleaveing his head a sunder one vllicke Bourke neere Newtowne in the said County yeoman stripped him & left his corps naked
Jurat coram nobis 18o January 1642
William [mark] Beales marke
Jurat coram nobis
18o January 1642
Phil: Bisse
Thomas Ellwell”

June 1642 Deposition of Mary Cock:

The following Mary Cock deposition outlines that Captain James Walsh, son of Sir Nicholas Walsh knight, together with Captain Edmond Fennell was involved in the robbery of animals, money and household goods belonging to her husband John Cock who was a husbandman in Ardmore:

“Mary Cock (wife to John Cock of Ardmore in the Baronry of Deces within the Drom & County of Waterford husbandm:) a Brittish protestant duly sworne & Examined before vs by vertue etc for and in the behalfe of her said husbandm: now absent Employd as a waggoner in the Army deposeth & sayth that about twelfe day last and diuers times since the begining of this rebellion her said husband was robd & forceably despoyled of his goods & Chattells, to the seuerall values following Vizt value of 28 li. 13 s. sterling part consisting
   of Cowes yearlings, swine & one horse to the value of thirteene po w nd{s}
   of houshould prouision & necessaryes to the value of three po w nds ten shillings, six pence

of houshould stuffe fiue pownds
   of apparrell & linnen to the value of three pownds fiue shillings
   of ready monye to the summe of three pownds seau ’ n shillings six pence The depon e nt also sayth that her said husbandm: had seuerall debts due vnto him, which before this rebellion were esteemed good debts, bu t now become desperate by reaso n the debtours are out in rebellion debts due from Rebells as as Morris mc Dauid of Ardmore aforesaid labourer Morris O Hay of the same labourer, John mc Thomas Labourer, Donnough o fflin labourer all of Ardmore aforesaid, with diuers others whose names the deponent cannot well remember; all which are debts amount to the summe of ten pownds shillings sterling which the deponent conceiueth to be lost The totall of her husbands losses amount to the summe of twenty eight pownds thirteene shillings sterling: She further sayth that her sayd husband was robd of <part of > the premises in the Castle of Ardmore by Captain Edmond ffennell & Capatin James Welsh son to Sir Nicholas Welsh knight & their followers: she further sayth that her selfe, her husband and her only child were stript by Leonard Anthony of the Cumroe gentleman and Henry Dowdall of the same gentleman both in the County of Waterford, with diu & further she cannot depose
Mary [mark] Cock her marke
Jurat coram nobis
25o Juny
1642
Phil: Bisse
Thomas Ellwell”

June 1642 Deposition of Amos Godsell:

The following 1641 deposition by Amos Godsell of Grange in Waterford indicates that he was robbed of his goods and chattels by a group which included Sir Nicholas Walsh and one of his sons. He also stated that the alleged robbers had stated that they had permission of the King of England (“the kings broad seale”) to carry on their rebel activities. This is again a reference to the supposed commission of King Charles to the rebel leaders supporting their involvement in starting the 1641 rebellion. It was later alleged that this commission was in fact a forgery drawn up by Sir Nicholas Walsh of Piltown.  The following is a transcript of the deposition and we also include a copy of the original document:

“Amos Godsell late of Grange in the parish of lisgenin in the barony of deces within the County of Waterford husbandman (a brittish protestant) duely sworne & examined by vertue of &c depos{eth} & saith That on or aboute Christmas last & since the begining of this presente rebellion in Ireland he was robbed of his goods & Chattles to the seuerall values following vizt value of 42 li. 2 s.
Of his Cowes yonge Catt l e & swine at the Grange aforesaid to the value of eight & twenty pounds Of houshould stuffe to the value of thirtie shillings sterling Of corne & malt to the value of two & thirtie shillings sterling The totall of his losses amounts to thirtie one fortie two pounds two shillings He saith And that that his said goods were taken away by Sir Nicholas Welsh his son, & John o ffarnam of Ballyellelane in the said County gentleman (as this deponent is credibly informed) The deponent further saith that at when the rebells took away his this deponents Cattle amonge other Cattle he this deponent demanded why wherefore they tooke them away they answered that they had authority for to doe it & that they had the kings broad seale to shew for it & further he cannot depose He lastly saith that John Adams his wife & children & his s{on} in lawe Richard Henisy Robert Marlin his wife & all his family & John Stutely & his wife & family & the widdowe Whitlocke & her son Jam{es} Whitlocke, John lecy James Cooper William Tobin James Branag{h} Edward Newton & his wife Ellin Toby all formerly protestants butt since this rebellion turned papists & all parishoners of the seuerall parishes of lisgenin Armore & Kinsale & further he cannot depose
The deponent further saith that the vndernamed persons John Impouerished protestants by vertue of this rebellion are indebted to this deponent in the full sume of eleaven pounds ten shillings vizt John Horton John Godsell Gilbert Gambitch butt in regard the parties are vtter{ly} dissenabled by meanes of this rebellion therefore the deponent cannot gett satisfacti{on}from them & further he canot depose
Amos Godsell
Jurat coram nobis
15o Junij 1642
Tho Badnedge
Phil: Bisse”

The following is the original of the above Amos Godsell deposition with the alterations later made to the original.

3rd Generation & Thomas Walsh Senior (1624-1670)

Thomas Walsh Senior of Pilltown succeeded his father Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior who was killed in 1643 during the rebellion. He was born in 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore and was nineteen years of age when his father died. He was seventeen years old when the 1641 rebellion broke out and his brother James was sixteen years old. They were the two eldest sons of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr but despite their youth they were both involved from the beginning of the 1641 rebellion or the Confederate Wars. Thomas Walsh inherited the large estate of his father, which was predominantly in the Kinsalebeg area but also included land in Stradbally, Kilrossanty, Ardmore and Clashmore as well as land in nearby counties such as Kilkenny. Thomas Walsh was amongst those named in a deposition of William Carewe of Athmean [Affane] in 1642 which stated that he was attacked, captured and robbed by a large group of rebels around Shrovetide of that year. He went on to outline that the rebels were at the time laying siege to the town and castle of Cappoquin and were using his house and property in Affane as military quarters while holding him as a prisoner. Amongst those who were present in the attack and siege according to William Carewe were:

 “Sir Nicholas Walsh of Ballicaroye [Ballykeerogue] in the Com of Waterford knight & Thomas Walsh his sone & heire Esquire”.

The witness statement of William Carewe outlined that there were over two thousand rebels involved in the hostilities and in an extraordinary feat of recollection he manages to name about one hundred and fifty rebels, mostly from the Waterford area, but also from East Cork and South Tipperary. This list included Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his eighteen year old son Thomas together with eight members of the Roch family including John, Peirce and Theobold Roch of Carriroch, Thomas, Edmond, Morris and John Roch of Grange, William Roch of Cappoquin, Lord Morris Roch of Fermoy and Edmond Roch of Tourin.

Thomas Walsh married Eleanor Power of Curraghmore in Co. Waterford about 1645 when he was twenty one years old and his wife was nineteen years old. Eleanor Power was a daughter of John Lord Power of Curraghmore and Ruth Pypho who had apparently departed to the USA in 1642 leaving their children in Curraghmore. The marriage of Thomas Walsh into the influential Power or Le Poer family was to play a significant part in the Walsh family history. The Power family were the biggest land owners in Waterford and had extensive family and business links throughout Waterford and nearby counties. Eleanor Power’s father, John Power (1599-1661), was the 5^th Baron Le Poer & Curraghmore who was in turn a son of John Og Power and Helen Barry. John Power was married to Ruth Pypho (1598-1642) who was a daughter of Robert Pypho and Kinbrough Valentine who were married in St Mary’s Abbey in Dublin. Kinbrough Valentine was an energetic and formidable character who was very influential in both the Power and Walsh families. Both Kinbrough Pypho nee Valentine and her equally formidable granddaughter Eleanor Power were to play significant roles in maintaining the stability of the Walsh and Power families in the violent period around the 1641 rebellion and the subsequent Cromwellian land confiscations. The already difficult situation was not helped by the gradual descent into insanity of John Power, Eleanor Power’s father, in the period leading up to the 1641 rebellion and the subsequent emigration of both her parents to the USA in 1642.

In our overview of Cromwell’s journey through Waterford in 1649 we mentioned that Curraghmore escaped the wrath of Cromwell even though he was apparently very keen to get hold of the vast Power estates. The Powers of Curraghmore were seen as very much anti Parliamentarians and in the earlier part of the rebellion John Power, head of the Curraghmore Le Poer estate, had been vociferous in his condemnation of the Parliamentarians and no doubt Cromwell and his associates were well aware of this. John Power’s developing insanity probably accounted in the main for his indiscrete outbursts in what was a very dangerous time to be creating new enemies. The Power family presumably decided that it might be advisable for John Power to remove himself from Curraghmore entirely and in 1642 he appears to have emigrated to Virginia USA together with his wife Ruth Pypho leaving their young family behind in Curraghmore. Their eldest daughter Eleanor was only sixteen years of age when her parents emigrated and her younger brother Richard, who was the heir to the vast Curragmore estates, was only twelve years old. It should be noted that not all historians are in agreement regarding the emigration of John Power and Ruth Pypho to America in 1642. However there are few references to them in Ireland from 1642 onwards and there is some convincing evidence of their presence in Virginia from 1642 onwards

Cromwell, together with his son-in-law Henry Ireton, landed in Ireland in August 1649 and arrived in Waterford in November 1649. Eleanor Power and her grandmother Kinbrough Pypho were apparently central to the saving of the vast Curraghmore estates from falling into Cromwellian hands. Eleanor Power had married Thomas Walsh a few years earlier in 1645 and they already had two children by 1649 namely Mary (aged four) and Catherine (aged one). Kinbrough Pypho nee Valentine, mother-in-law of John Power of Curraghmore and grandmother of Eleanor Power, wrote to the Lord Justice of Ireland on the 17^th June 1642, shortly after the start of the 1641 rebellion, requesting special treatment and support for the beleaguered Curraghmore esate and the Power children who to all intents were orphans after the departure of their parents to America. The petion commences with the request:

 “Petition of Kinborough Phypoe, widow, grandmother of the 5^th Lord Power’s seven distressed motherlesse children, ye eldest sonne being 12 yeares of age, ye second fower years, ye third three, ye fourth scarce two etc”.

She went on to outline the poor mental state of her son-in-law Lord John Power of whom she said “these past twelve years been visited with impediments” and requesting that they should provide assistance to prevent the young children of the Lord John & Ruth Power from being exploited. This letter was written in the same year that the Power parents apparently emigrated to the USA leaving behind their young children including sixteen year old Eleanor and her twelve year old brother Richard, heir to Curraghmore. In later years the petition of Kinbrough Pypho was sometimes mistakenly used as evidence to signify there were only seven children in the family of Lord John Power and Ruth Pypho and that Ruth Pypho had died before the 17^th June 1642. This was based on the reference in Kinbrough Pypho’s petition to “Lord Power’s seven distressed motherlesse children”.  In reality the parents were at this time living in Virginia and had at least one other daughter named Mary who was born in Nansemond Virginia and who married John Lawrence about 1663. In the event the Curraghmore estate survived the rebellion, including the Cromwellian invasion, and the subsequent land confiscations and this was in no small part due to Kinbrough Pypho and her granddaughter Eleanor Walsh nee Power.

Henry Ireton and his officers were invited to dine at the Curraghmore estate in November 1649 and on their arrival Eleanor Walsh nee Power is reputed to have given Ireton the castle keys and welcomed him with a declaration of loyalty. She apologised to Henry Ireton for her “father’s weakness in discourse” in his earlier years, which she explained was due to his insanity and she apparently persuaded him to leave the Curraghmore estate alone. If the story is true then it reflects well on the persuasive powers of Eleanor Walsh if one bears in mind that she was only twenty three years of age at the time and had to defend not only the anti Parliamentarian position of the Powers of Curraghmore but also presumably families that were closely linked to the Powers. Eleanor Power’s aunt for example, also Eleanor Power and sister of Lord John Power, was married to Maurice Roche 8^th Viscount Roche of Fermoy who was heavily involved on the Confederate side of the rebellion. Maurice Roche was a Colonel in the Munster army of General Garret Barry and was attained after the rebellion and his estates were forfeited. The Powers were also connected to the Butler-Ormonde dynasty as Piers Power, brother of Richard Power 4^th Earl Le Poer, was married to Katherine Butler daughter of Walter Butler 11^th Earl of Ormond. James Ormonde, Marquess of Ormonde, originally fought against the Catholic Confederacy in the 1641 rebellion but from 1649 onwards he was the leading Irish commander in the battle against the Cromwellian forces. Additionally there is no doubt that Lord Broghill would have acquainted Cromwell & Ireton of the earlier intensive rebel campaign waged by the Walshs of Pilltown during the rebellion and of course Eleanor Power was now part of that family also.  It is not an exaggeration to state therefore that Eleanor Walsh nee Power had a pretty poor hand when she faced up to the Cromwellian leadership in Curraghmore in 1649 but whatever form of persuasion she used seemed to work as Curraghmore was left relatively unscathed whereas other Power castles and strongholds were attacked in this period. Rev. Patrick Power’s A Short History of County Waterford¹⁵ in reference to the visit of Ireton to Curraghmore states:

 “The owner’s daughter, an enterprising young woman, managed to get her aged father, who was an uncompromising Confederate, into a dungeon where she locked him up”.

This added bit of intrigue is unlikely to have taken place as Eleanor’s father John Power had departed Irish shores many years earlier and was unlikely to have returned to welcome Cromwell or any of his associates to Curraghmore in 1649! Some histories indicate that the “enterprising young woman” mentioned above was in fact Katherine Power, a sister of Eleanor Power, but she would have been very young to face up to Cromwell’s officers in 1649.

Walshs of Pilltown Post 1641 Rebellion

The 1641 to 1653 Rebellion was a difficult period in the history of the Walshs of Pilltown as indeed for the rest of Ireland. It was a period of battles, raids, bloodshed, treachery, changing allegiances, famine and death on all sides over an eleven year period. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr, the head of the Walsh family in Pilltown, was killed during the rebellion at the age of fifty three years and had been succeeded by his eldest son Thomas who was nineteen years old when his father was killed. Thomas Walsh Snr of Pilltown was therefore the head of the family as they headed into an uncertain future with the threat of repercussions and land confiscations resulting from the defeat of the Catholic Confederates in the rebellion. The Walshs of Pilltown were also in a particularly difficult position due to their proximity to the avaricious Boyle family of Lismore and Youghal who were vehemently anti-Catholic and made no secret of their desire to extend their land holdings in the West Waterford and East Cork area in particular. They believed that the Cromwellian confiscations and settlements would give them an ideal opportunity to expand their empire and no doubt the Walsh estate was very much in their line of sight. The Boyles already had a foothold in Kinsalebeg as they were already leasing an amount of land in the Pilltown area even before the 1641 rebellion. We have outlined elsewhere one of these transactions where Sir John Dowdall had sold his lease of the Manor of Pilltown to Richard Boyle Earl of Cork in 1620. This land was still in the ownership of the Walshs but was now in effect being leased to the Earl of Cork instead of the Dowdalls. In the aftermath of the 1641 rebellion it is unlikely that the Boyles would have been diligent in making lease payments to the Walshs and indeed the later impeachment of Roger Boyle 2^nd Earl of Cork in 1668 would confirm that they were trying to eject the Walshs from Pilltown.

It might be useful to recall here which members of the Boyle family were most influential in the period from the 1641 rebellion onwards. Richard Boyle, 1^st Earl of Cork, had died in 1643 which was the year in which we believe Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was killed in the capture of Dungarvan. Richard and Roger Boyle, two sons of the deceased 1^st Earl of Cork, were now the most influential members of the Boyle family. Richard Boyle Junior aka Viscount Dungarvan succeeded his father, also Richard, as the 2^nd Earl of Cork in 1643 when he was 31 years old. He was Governor of Youghal when the rebellion broke out in 1641 and was involved in the defeat of the Irish rebels at Liscarroll in September 1642, where his brother Lewis Boyle aka Viscount Kinalmeaky was killed. Roger Boyle aka Lord Broghill & Earl of Orrery was the younger brother of Richard and was the most influential and ambitious member of the Boyle family. He must have been a precocious child as he apparently matriculated at Trinity College in 1630 when he was ten years of age and was admitted to Gray’s Inn in 1635-1636. He reached the rank of Captain in the army in 1641 when he was twenty years of age and reached the rank of Colonel and Governor of Youghal in 1644 at the age of twenty three. Roger Boyle, or Lord Broghill as he was more commonly known as, played a major role in the 1641 rebellion, initially on the Royalist side but more significantly on the Cromwell driven Parliamentary side of the rebellion as it developed. Broghill had of course an involvement in the alleged “forged commission” of Thomas Walsh’s father Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr when it was presented to the Lord President of Munster William St. Leger in 1641. We have covered this incident in detail elsewhere and it is sufficient to say that Broghill believed that the commission was a forgery whereas St Leger believed it to be genuine. Broghill was a major ally of Cromwell, particularly in the Munster area, and as a consequence the Boyles and the Walshs were sworn enemies. This situation deteriorated further after the death of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, in 1615 and more particularly from 1641 onwards. Broghill went on to become a Member of Parliament for Cork in 1654-1655 and was Lord Justice of Ireland in 1661-1662 as well as being President of Munster from 1660 to 1672.

1649 Redeemable Mortgage Walsh to Osborne

One of the first land transactions after the 1641 rebellion, which involved the Walshs of Pilltown, took place on the 1^st June 1649. Thomas Walsh of Pilltown and Ballykeroge Castle signed what was described as an indented deed of a redeemable mortgage with Thomas Osborne of Ballintaylor Co Waterford for land in Killkipp and Ffarranbolin. Killkipp is close to Kilmolash and was also known as Woodstock and Ffaranbolin is the latter day townland of Farranbullen close to Whitechurch. A redeemable mortgage was an unusual transaction in that it apparently allowed the possibility of the land being taken back or redeemed by the seller or his descendants at a later date on payment of an agreed fee. The redeemable fee to be paid to the Osbornes for the return of the land to Walshs was set at fifty pounds sterling  which was the same amount paid by Thomas Osborne to Thomas Walsh for purchase of the land. In the uncertain times after the 1641 rebellion where land confiscations, transplantations and evictions were rife the redeemable mortgage was one method of putting land out of reach by putting it in possession of someone who was unlikely to be affected by land confiscations. The “redeemable” aspect of the sale created the possibility of the land being reclaimed by the seller or his descendants at a later date. The amount of land involved in this transaction was relatively small and was stated to be “half a plowland” which was approximately sixty acres.

The land sale has some significance in Walsh history in that Killkipp, or Woodstock as it was later known as, was redeemed or bought back by Thomas Welsh the Younger of Canty from Sir John Osborne in 1742. This Thomas Welsh the Younger was probably related to the Walshs of Pilltown and about 1765 he built a large house in Woodstock which became the home of the Welsh family of Canty thereafter. This branch of the Welsh family usually had the spelling “Welsh” rather than “Walsh” but much like the Walshs of Pilltown both spellings of the name appear in various deeds and documents even when referring to the same family so no undue significance should probably be attached to the name spelling.  Both Walsh and Welsh are generally pronounced Welsh in Waterford and for the sake of convenience in this document we will refer to the Walshs of Pilltown and the Welshs of Woodstock/Canty except where the documentation states otherwise. There is little doubt that this particular sale of Walsh land in Killkipp and Ffaranbolin to Thomas Osborne was in part due to the difficult post 1641 rebellion situation of the Walshs whereby all their land was subject to possible forfeiture due to their involvement on the Confederate side of the rebellion. There are numerous records which indicate that Thomas Walsh of Pilltown was ordered to hand over lands in the Whitechurch area such as Ballynamintra and Canty to Sir Richard Osborne of Knockmaon Castle around this period. The Walshs of Pilltown, however, managed to avoid any serious loss of their estates and this was due in no small way to the influence the Walshs had built up over the years coupled with their close links to other influential families such as the Colcloughs, Powers, Ormonds and FitzGeralds.

1653 Thomas Walsh Inquisition

Another major development in the ongoing Walsh battle to retain their estates came in the 1649-1653 period when Thomas Walsh Snr of Pilltown was called before an Inquisition of Enquiry established by the Parliamentary administration to investigate alleged activities of those involved on the Confederate side of the 1641 rebellion. The Walsh family were called before the Parliamentary Commissioners in Clonmel to explain their involvement in the rebellion. The 1641 Depositions³ were a major part of the “evidence” which had been gathered by a Parliamentarian commission and which was now being presented in the various inquisitions against those on the Confederate side such as Thomas Walsh. The Court of Justice had established the commission in 1652 with the aim of collecting evidence for use in the trials of those who supported the Confederates and had appointed eight Protestant clergymen to take evidence from the alleged victims. The clergymen were led by influential churchmen such as Philip Bisse Archdeacon of Cloyne, Henry Jones Dean of Kilmore and Dean Grey of Ardfert. The depositions had been collected in the main from Protestant English settlers who outlined details of robberies, murders and various other crimes which they alleged had been committed against them during the rebellion. These depositions were very detailed and contained a full inventory of the value of goods and property robbed or destroyed together with the names of the individuals who it was alleged had carried out atrocities. The 1641 depositions have been somewhat discredited in later years for a number of reasons including the rather one sided nature of the depositions and the exaggerated financial claims as the depositions were also intended to be used to possibly recompense victims. Many of the witnesses in the depositions demonstrated an extraordinary memory capacity as they could recall a decade later the names of dozens, and in some case hundreds, of alleged rebels who had attacked their property in the middle of the night. The depositions included the names of many rebels who were from locations far removed from those of the alleged victims and unlikely to me known to the victims. The essential aim of the inquisitions was to establish the guilt of various Confederates, determine punishment, confiscate Confederate land and/or to transplant Confederates to other parts of the country including “to hell or to Connaught”.

Atrocities were committed on all sides during the 1641 rebellion but the administration of “justice” was very much in the hands of the Cromwell led Parliamentarians. The Walsh family of Pilltown were named in dozens of depositions as having taken part in attacks on Protestant settlers with a range of alleged offences from robbery to murder and we have included details of some of these depositions elsewhere.  The evidence in the depositions would have been promoted as substantial and credible by the Parliamentary judiciary at the time and they would have used the status of those responsible for collecting them, such as Archdeacon Philip Bisse of Cloyne and Dean Henry Jones of Kilmore, as proof of their credibility. Thomas Walsh had himself not appeared in too many depositions but his father Nicholas Walsh Junior and his brother James Walsh were named in dozens of depositions and the overall evidence against the Walsh family must have been considered formidable. There is no doubt that Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his family had been involved in many battles and rebel attacks during the rebellion so, even if we discount the deposition evidence, the situation of Thomas Walsh as he approached the Inquisition Commission in Clonmel would have to be viewed as dire. It is ironic that one of the charges levelled against the Walshs and other Confederate supporters was that of treason whereas the Cromwell led Parliamentarians had initiated the conflict by rising up against King Charles I and then executing him at a later date. There were not many situations in Irish history where the Irish were to all intents and purposes on the same side as the King of England and to be accused of treason as a result must have seemed the ultimate irony. Thomas Walsh lived to see the day in 1661 when Cromwell’s corpse was dug up from Westminster Abbey and he was hung in chains and beheaded at Tyburn on the basis of his treason and regicide.  The Walshs had no doubt moved on with their lives at this stage but the belated death sentence and “execution” of Cromwell was no doubt the source of some satisfaction in the Walsh homestead in Pilltown as indeed in the rest of Ireland.

On the 25^th January 1653 Thomas Walsh of Pilltown submitted various details regarding the Walsh estates to the inquisition being held by the Commissioners at Clonmel. His submission included details of family members and tenants from the Walsh estates and these are very useful historical records. They give details of the ages and physical characteristics of the members of Thomas Walsh’s immediate family at that moment in time. It included some details about his wife Ellis (Eleanor) Power and the four daughters born at that time namely Mary (aged eight), Catherin (aged five), Ruth (aged three) and Ellin (aged one). The list did not include any of the five sons of Thomas Walsh and Eleanor Power namely John, Nicholas, Robert, James and Valentine who were either not born at that time or were not included on the submission for some reason. One of the interesting names on the list is that of “James Walsh of Ballykiroge” as it raises the possibility that this James might be the brother of Thomas Walsh. There are some references that indicate that this James Walsh was killed during the 1641 rebellion as was his father Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr. However there is no evidence of his death and indeed it is now considered possible that he may have survived the rebellion.

The Walsh family of Pilltown had land and a castle in Ballykerogue and were frequently referred to as the Walshs of Pilltown and Ballykerogue so the reference to a “James Walsh of Ballykiroge” on this submission would seem to indicate that he was closely related to the Walshs of Pilltown. The age of this James Walsh was given as twenty-eight years old, which was one year younger than Thomas Walsh, and therefore raises the strong possibility that James Walsh survived the rebellion and was indeed residing at Ballykerogue. It is clear from various deeds and documents that there is probably a family link between the Walshs of Pilltown and the Walshs of Woodstock and Canty but confirming the actual link has proved to be elusive. It is quite possible that this James Walsh of Ballykerogue was therefore the brother of Thomas Walsh of Pilltown and was in fact the first member of the Walsh/Welsh of Woodstock family.  This would mean that he was the father of Thomas Welsh (the Elder) of Canty whom we refer to elsewhere and whose father was indeed called James Walsh. We have no definite evidence to corrorobate this up and are therefore reluctant to confirm this as fact but the circumstantial evidence is quite strong and some future research may be able to confirm or contradict it. Other members of the extended Thomas Walsh family named in the submission included his sister Catharine Walsh (aged 23) and his brother Adam Walsh (aged 17). Thomas Walsh’s aunt Ellin (Ellen) Walsh (aged 81), who was a sister of Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior, was also listed.

The submission of Thomas Walsh to the commission in Clonmel in 1653 goes on list the various servants and tenants which were part of the Walsh of Pilltown estate in 1653. The list indicates that there were one hundred and sixty seven servants and tenants on the Walsh estate which appeared to be split between the Kinsalebeg and Ballymacart (Rathleade, Hacketstown) areas of West Waterford even though the list of names in the Ballymacart area is incomplete. The names and physical characteristics of tenants comes complete with some details of the cows, sheep, horses (garrans) and the acreage of wheat and barley held by the tenants. The list is of interest from a historical point of view and gives the names of a subset of families who lived in the area at the time. The partial list indicates the presence of about 100 cows, 450 sheep, 150 garrans or working horses and 6 pigs on the land. The number of animals indicated is low, considering the size of the Walsh estate, which is probably a reflection on the time period involved or else was deliberately kept low to minimise the value of the estate.  This list was compiled closely after the rebellion period when animals and agricultural produce were fair game to feed the various marauding armies.

The various inquisitions set up after the 1641 rebellion to establish the involvement of Catholic Confederate landowners in the rebellion resulted in massive confiscations of land and transplantations of many landowners to the west of Ireland in particular. The confiscated land was parcelled out to soldiers on the Cromwellian side of the war and to other Parliamentarian supporters. Families such as the Roches of Fermoy and many others suffered severely with the loss of most of their estates. Land was declared forfeited from the Walshs on a number of occasions but in most cases they seemed to avoid the actual confiscation. They were usually able to reclaim any confiscated land at a later stage or else get the original confiscation decision overthrown. Their battle to retain possession of their estates would continue on through the generations of Thomas Walsh Senior and his sons which spanned the period from 1641 up to the end of the next rebellion which was the Jacobite-Williamite War of 1689 to 1691. There is no doubt that the strong links the Walshs had with families such as the Powers, Ormonds and FitzGeralds helped in this situation but the Walshs left no stone unturned in their efforts to hold on to their property.

Thomas Walsh Snr went through the process of converting to the Protestant faith as this had again become almost a necessity for anyone wishing to retain property in Ireland. His conversion was confirmed in the Convert Rolls of 1667 which listed those who had converted to the Protestant faith. Thomas Walsh’s grandfather, Justice Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr, had similarly declared himself of the Protestant faith in the previous century and there is no doubt that he would not have achieved his high legal and governmental positions or indeed his large estate if he had not been a Protestant. It will be recalled that Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr converted back to the Catholic faith on his death bed in 1615 much to the annoyance of the English establishment at the time but obviously this fact was forgotten half a century later. Thomas Walsh was at least nominally accepted into the Protestant faith in order to eliminate another barrier towards retention of his estate. More complete details of the 1653 submission of Thomas Walsh to the Clonmel Inquisition are given in Appendix 1.

Civil Survey of 1654-1656

The Simington Civil Survey of 1654-1656¹⁸ gives details of landholdings in various parts of Ireland at that time. This was the period after the 1641-1649 rebellion and Cromwell’s Irish invasion with all the subsequent land confiscations, land reallocations and expulsions. The Civil Survey lists the various land holdings of Sir Nicholas Walsh (described as Sir Nicholas Welsh of Ballykeroge Kt Ir. Papist deceased) in Waterford which was primarily in the parishes of Kinsalebeg (3307 acres), Ardmore (280 acres), Clashmore (300 acres), Stradbally (770 acres) and Killrossanty (996 acres). The total indicated land holding of Nicholas Walsh in Waterford was therefore close to six thousand acres. It is important to note the following comments in the Civil Survey however where Nicholas Walsh is recorded as the proprietor of all the land indicated but a note following each townland entry for Nicholas Walsh indicated that most of the land was “in the possession of the Earl of Cork by virtue of an old mortgage and lease”. It may seem unusual that the Walshs of Pilltown were leasing land and property to the Boyles of Lismore but these transactions had taken place in a much different earlier political climate. Sir John Dowdall Senior, a captain in the English army, had been leasing Pilltown Castle, Pilltown Manor and a substantial amount of land around Kinsalebeg from Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr at the latter end of the 16^th century. Dowdall Senior died in 1606 and in his will the various leases were passed on to his son Sir John Dowdall Junior. In 1618 Dowdall Junior sold these leases to the Earl of Cork for 1700 pounds, which was two hundred pounds more than the Earl of Cork reputedly paid Sir Walter Raleigh for his entire 42,000 acre estate. The freehold and ownership of the properties obviously remained with the Walsh family so the nett result of the various transactions was that the Boyles were effectively leasing from the Walshs. The 1^st Earl of Cork and Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr were largely political associates so these lease arrangements did not become an issue until the two families finished up in opposite sides in the 1641 rebellion.

The Manor of Pilltown was described in the Civil Survey as:

“The Mannor of Pilltowne hath ye priviledge of a Courte Leete and Corte Barron beinge ye propty of Sr Nicholas Welsh aforesaid and possessed by ye Earle of Corcke”.

Pilltown Castle, or what remained of it after the battering it took in the 1641 rebellion, was also owned by Sir Nicholas Walsh but also leased to the Earl of Cork and was described as:

“an old battered Castle with a large bawne, good habitation and a mill worth £10 by ye year”.

 It is interesting to note the presence of a mill near Pilltown Castle which indicates a milling business in the area centuries before the Fisher family arrived in Pilltown. Nicholas Walsh Snr had died in 1615 and Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was killed in 1643 during the rebellion but the Civil Survey of 1654 was still recording Sir Nicholas Walsh “Irish Papist Knight deceased” as the proprietor of the land.

Thomas Walsh, eldest son of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr, would have been the natural heir of his father and would therefore have been the owner of the indicated land in the period of this survey. The following is a breakdown of the land in the ownership of Sir Nicholas Walsh (deceased) on a townland basis according to the 1654 to 1656 Civil Survey. The parish and townland spellings are as per the original Civil Survey and are generally self explanatory but we have indicated current townland names in brackets where relevant.

-          Parish of Kinsalebegg (3307 acres) in townlands of: Monetory [Monatray] 900 acres, Newtowne [Newtown] 168 acres, Piltowne [Pilltown] 190 acres, Rath 253 acres, Glistenan [Glistenane] 148 acres, Kilmeedy 300 acres, Dromgallane [Drumgullane] 300 acres, Knockebracke [Knockbrack] 140 acres, Lackendarry [Lackendarra] 66 acres, Kilmaloo 300 acres, DLoughtan [D’Loughtane] 214 acres and Kilgabriell [Kilgabriel] 328 acres.

-          Parish of Ardmore (280 acres) in townlands of: Croskea [Crushea] 180 acres and Garranaspucke [Garranaspic] 100 acres. Note: Over the centuries Garranaspic has periodically moved between Kinsalebeg and Ardmore parishes in historic records.

-          Parish of Clashmore (300 acres) in townlands of: Currimore & Clashmore 300 acres

-          Parish of Stradbally (770 acres) in townlands of: Islandbogg 190 acres, Ballyvoile [Ballyvoyle] 300 acres, Durrow & Sanacoole [Shanacoole] 120 acres, Knockedromlea [Knockdrumlea] 80 acres and Millerstowne [Millerstown] 80 acres.

-          Parish of Killrossinta [Kilrossanty] (1002 acres) in townlands of: Ballykerogmore [Ballykeroge] 306 acres, Ballynevogy [Ballynevoga] 256 acres, Glandallagan [Glendalligan] 300 acres and Gort Iviccary [Gortavicary] 140 acres.

The Walsh family had castles in Pilltown (Kinsalebeg) and Ballykeeroge (Kilrossanty) and references to the Walshs typically mention either one or both of the names eg Sir Nicholas Walsh of Pilltown and Ballykeeroge. However most of the Waterford land holdings of the Walshs was in the Kinsalebeg area. In the 1654 Civil Survey the following Kinsalebeg townlands were stated to be owned by Sir Nicholas Walsh but “in the possession of the Earle of Corke by vertue of an old mortgadge and lease”: Monatray, Newtown, Pilltown, Rath, Glistenane, Kilmeedy, Drumgullane, Knockbrack and Kilmaloo. The townlands of Lackendarra, Kilmaloo, D’Loughtane, Kilgabriel and Ballyheeny had no references to the Earl of Cork.

           

The other landowners recorded in the vicinity of Kinsalebeg at the time of the 1654 Civil Survey were:

(a)   Gerald FitzGerald of Dromana who had 1,030 acres in the townlands of Ardsallagh, Tinnabinna, Ticknock, Shanacoole and Ballycrompane. He held 203 acres of the townland of Ballyheeny and he also held around 4060 acres in the parish of Lisgenan [Grange] including 230 acres in Knocknageragh [Summerhill] bordering Pilltown. The only other landowner in Grange at the time was Sir Peter Aylward of Faithlegg, described as “Knight Irish Papist deceased” who had 110 acres in the Ballyquin townland.

(b)   Walter Mansfield described as an “Irish Papist transplanted” held 650 acres in the townland of Ballynamultina.

(c)    Nicholas Stoute described as an “English Protestant” held seven acres in the townland of Parkefoyle which is the area now known as Pillpark.

1656 Capuchin Monks in Pilltown

It is recorded that the Capuchin monks ministered in the Pilltown area around 1656, which was shortly after Cromwell’s period in Ireland. The following article appears in the Waterford & Lismore: A Compendious History of the United Dioceses¹⁹ by Rev Patrick Power:

“Shortly after Cromwell’s time some Capuchins, who, for a while, had a quasi-residence at Hackettstown in the neighbouring parish of Ring, ministered in and around Piltown. A commissary of the Order, Father Bernadine, who made a visitation in 1656, describes his arrival at Piltown, the residence of Thomas Walsh Esq. He found Father Gregory Conroy, a Capuchin, living in a cave so narrow and small that one could not stand erect within it. It was early in the day and the poor friar, already exhausted after his morning’s labour, was stretched on his couch. The people, whose devotion is wonderful, flock to him in crowds for the Sacraments. He never remains more than two days in the same place but travels around a district twenty miles in circumference.”

It would appear that the cave referred to in above article must have been somewhere close to the residence of Thomas Walsh in Pilltown.  Father Bernadine was prefect of the Capuchin mission in Ireland at that time. This period was obviously another very difficult period for Catholic laiety and clergy in Ireland following on from the introduction of the Penal Laws, the 1641 rebellion and the Cromwellian campaign. The draconian Penal Laws were later described by Edmund Burke, the Anglican Irish statesman and orator, as: “a machine of wise and elaborate contrivance, as well fitted for the oppression, impoverishment and degradation of a people, and the debasement in them of human nature itself, as ever proceeded from the perverted ingenuity of man.”

1667 Will & Death of Thomas Walsh in 1670

Thomas Walsh of Pilltown and Ballykeroge signed his will on the 23^rd September 1667. He was obviously not in good health at the time even though he was only forty three years of age. He starts his will by stating: “I Thomas Welsh of Pilltowne in the County of Waterford Esquire though sick of body yet thanks bee to God in perfect wit and memory doth make this my last Will and Testament as followeth:”. He goes on to appoint his eldest son, John Walsh, as the heir to his estate and also as executor and administrator of his will. He appoints his grandmother Kinbrough Pypho nee Valentine as the guardian and executrix of his son John Walsh who was still a minor at the time of his father’s death. John Walsh was probably around fourteen years old at the time the will was signed in 1667. Kinbrough Pypho was born Kinbrough Valentine who married Robert Pypho of St. Mary’s Abbey in Dublin. Their daughter Ruth Pypho married Lord John Power of Curraghmore and three of the children of that marriage were to have a significant part in the history of the Walsh, FitzGerald and Power families. Eleanor Power married Thomas Walsh of Pilltown, Katherine Power married John FitzGerald and Richard Power became the 1^st Earl of Tyrone.

Kinbrough Pypho was therefore Thomas Walsh’s grandmother from his wife Eleanor Power’s side of the family. She was a formidable and apparently well loved woman who played a significant role in the Walsh and Power families during difficult times as we have outlined elsewhere. The fact that she was a Protestant was no doubt of benefit to both families in the hostile environment of the 1641 rebellion. This support would also have been beneficial during the Cromwellian invasion and the subsequent inquisitions and property confiscations. Kinbrough Pypho played a major role in helping these families when her daughter Ruth Pypho, and her increasingly insane son-in-law Lord John Power, apparently went to the USA during the 1641 rebellion. They left behind a young family including the heir to the vast Curraghmore estate, Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone, who was barely into his teenage years at that time. The departure of Lord John Power & his wife Ruth Pypho to the USA coincided approximately with the death of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown so the heads of both the Walsh and Power families were no longer around to look after their young families and this is where Kinbrough Pypho played a key role in in her support of both families. In his will Thomas Walsh states:

“I doe nominate, authorize, constitute and appoint my well beloved Grandmother Kimbro Pypho of St. Mary’s Abby in Dublin guardian and Executrix of my said sonne and Heir John Walsh during his minority and overseer of my said real and personall estate or estates left by mee unto my said sonne accordinge to the intent of the late Act of Parliament for taking away the Court of Wards and Settlements etc...”.  

Thomas Walsh went on in his will to state that “my aforesaid wife Ellen Power shall in the absence of my said Grandmother receive the rents issues and profits of my said estate or estates left unto my said sonne as aforesaid until he comes to bee of full age”. He then stated that in the event of his grandmother being unable to continue in her role as guardian to John Walsh that he was authorising her to nominate and appoint another guardian. He outlined some benefits that were to accrue to his five daughters and four sons and also refers to “Lord Power, Uncle to my said children”, “my owne Uncle Dudley Colclough Esq., my cosson Alexander Pickett Esq., and my dear and natural sister Mrs Martha Scurlog”. The witnesses to the will were Thomas Scurlog, Martha Scurlog, Edward Walsh and Oliver Byrne. The name Scurlog was an old variation on the name Sherlock and Thomas Walsh’s daughter Mary married Thomas Sherlock aka Scurlog. Thomas Walsh died on the 5^th May 1670 and, as his eldest son John would still have been a minor at that time, the role of Kinbrough Pypho as John’s guardian would have come into effect as stipulated in the will.

Thomas Walsh Snr and Eleanor Power had five daughters and four sons according to his 1667 will but it is unsure if this is in addition to John who was mentioned earlier in the will. We are aware that John, Nicholas, Robert and Valentine were four sons from the marriage and some records indicate the presence of another son James. Mary, Catherine, Ruth and Ellen were four of the daughters who were named in the 1653 deposition of Thomas Walsh.  The fifth daughter is probably Margaret who is referenced as having married a Thomas Cantwell. There are however historical references to another daughter Joan Walsh who married a William Sweetman but the estimated ages of William Sweetman and Joan Walsh would indicate that this was an unlikely event. Joan Walsh is not named in all references to children of Thomas Walsh & Ellen Power but the following entry appears in the History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory²⁰ by Carrigan:  “He [William Sweetman] took part with his countrymen in the War of the Confederate Catholics, for which he forfeited under Cromwell in 1653, and was transplanted to Connacht in 1654. The time and place of his death are unknown. By his wife, Joan, daughter of Thomas Walsh of Piltown, Co. Waterford, son of Sir Nicholas Walsh, he had five sons, viz., John, Edward, Piers, ffrancis, and Nicholas.”

In some records a Joan Walsh is stated to be the “illegitimate” daughter of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr and in other records she is recorded as a daughter of Thomas Walsh & Ellen Power. She married William Sweetman, who was Baron of Erley and the owner of a large amount of land in Kilkenny. This William Sweetman was born around 1595 and Thomas Walsh was born in 1624 so it would not appear likely that a daughter of Thomas & Ellen Walsh would have married this particular William Sweetman. The 1653 inquisition list of Thomas Walsh lists four daughters Mary, Catherine, Ruth and Ellin who were born between 1645 and 1652 so any other daughters of the marriage would probably have been born after 1653. Thomas Walsh’s 1667 will indicates he had five daughters and it has been assumed that the 5^th daughter was Margaret. Any daughters of Thomas & Eleanor Walsh, after the four named above, would have been under twenty years of age by 1673 at which point William Sweetman would have been almost eighy years old.  It is more likely that the Joan Walsh who married William Sweetman was in fact daughter of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr but there no conclusive evidence of this other than some references that Sir Nicholas Walsh had a daughter Joan born outside marriage. In order to give Joan Walsh a "home" we will include her in the family of Thomas & Eleanor Walsh for the moment. William Sweetman and Joan Walsh had five sons namely John, Edward, Piers, Francis and Nicholas. The Sweetman family of Erley were involved on the Confederate Catholic side of the 1641 rebellion and like many more had to forfeit their lands. William Sweetman forfeited under Cromwell in 1653 and was transplanted to Connaught in 1654. John Sweetman, eldest son of William & Joan Sweetman, also forfeited Rathculbin during the Cromwellian confiscations and was transplanted to Connaught in 1654.

Descendants of Thomas Walsh Snr & Eleanor Power

After the death of Thomas Walsh Senior in 1670 the focus of this history switches to his children namely John, Nicholas, Robert, James, Valentine, Mary, Catherine, Ruth, Ellen and Margaret. The children of Thomas & Eleanor Walsh are shown at level 2 in the following family tree below. John (killed in Cove), Nicholas (killed in duel), Robert (succeeded his father Thomas) are covered elsewhere and little is known of James. Valentine married an Ellen (surname unknown) and they had six children namely James, Nicholas, Valentine, Robert, Ellen and Catherine. Details of the daughters of Thomas & Eleanor were as follows: (1) Mary married Morgan Kavanagh (2) Catherine married John Warren (3) Ellen (4) Margaret married Thomas Cantwell (5) Ruth married Councillor Kennedy of Pill Lane Dublin. It was Ruth Kennedy nee Walsh, a brother of Robert Walsh, who submitted the affidavit in support of his 1691 petition. One of Ruth Kennedy’s children later became a Colonel in the Holland Service.

..... 1 Thomas Walsh Senior (1624 - 1670) b: 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford, d: 05 May 1670

.....   + Eleanor Power (1626 - ) b: 1626, m: Abt. 1645

........... 2 John Walsh (Officer) (1653 - 1690) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford,

d: 1690 in Cove of Cork (Blown up in prisoner ship)

...........   + Helen Power (dau Sir Richard Power Earl of Tyrone)

........... 2   Nicholas Walsh (1653 - 1685) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford,

d: Abt. 1685 (Killed in duel).

........... 2 Robert Walsh, Lieutenant Colonel (1653 - 1713) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

...........   + Mary Butler ( - 1724) m: Abt. 1690, d: 10 Jun 1724 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

................. 3   Thomas Walsh Junior (1692 - 1750) b: Abt. 1692, d: Abt. 1750

.................   + Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald m: 1718 in Youghal Co Cork

................. 3   Pierce Walsh

................. 3   Robert Walsh

................. 3   George Walsh

................. 3   Elizabeth Walsh

................. 3   Ellen Walsh

........... 2   James Walsh

........... 2   Valentine Walsh the Elder, Captain (1653 - ) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford

...........   + Ellen Walshnee

................. 3   James Walsh, Lieutenant (German Service)

................. 3   Nicholas Walsh

................. 3   Valentine Walsh the Younger (Officer in Bohemia)

.................   + Mary Graney

................. 3   Robert Walsh

................. 3   Ellen Walsh

................. 3   Catherine Walsh

........... 2   Mary Walsh (1645 - ) b: Abt. 1645

...........   + Morgan Kavanagh b: Borris Co Carlow

...........   + Derby Long

................. 3   John Long

.................   + Sister of Lord Cahir

........... 2   Catherine Walsh (1648 - ) b: Abt. 1648

...........   + John Warren b: Carlow

................. 3   Thomas Warren

................. 3   James Warren

........... 2   Ruth Walsh (1650 - ) b: Abt. 1650

...........   + Councillor Kennedy b: Pill Lane Dublin

................. 3   Colonel Kennedy

........... 2   Ellen Walsh (1652 - ) b: Abt. 1652

2     Margaret Walsh

+ Thomas Cantwell

2     Joan Walsh

+ William Sweetman

................. 3   John Sweetman

................. 3   Edward Sweetman

................. 3   Piers Sweetman

................. 3   Francis Sweetman

................. 3   Nicholas Sweetman

Walsh of Pilltown & FitzGerald of Dromana Links

We have outlined the close links between the Walsh of Pilltown and the Power of Curraghmore families in the period from the 1641 rebellion onwards. These links were of mutual benefit to both families both during the rebellion and in the equally difficult period after the rebellion when the Cromwell induced confiscations and inquisitions were being implemented. Another family connection which was to have a significant influence in the period from the 1641 rebellion onwards was the close links between the Walsh of Pilltown and the FitzGerald of Dromana families. This essentially extended from the period when Thomas Walsh Snr succeeded to the Walsh estate around 1643 up to the period around 1730 where Thomas Walsh Jnr, grandson of Thomas Senior, sold a significant part of the Walsh estate to John FitzGerald of Dromana, 1^st Earl of Grandison.

 We have outlined the initial family connection between the families whereby Thomas Walsh Senior of Pilltown and John FitzGerald of Dromana married two sisters, namely Eleanor & Katherine Power. These were both daughters of the Lord John Power of Curraghmore and Ruth Pypho. John FitzGerald of Dromana and Katherine Power married around 1658 and had one child namely Katherine FitzGerald who was born in August 1660. Unfortunately both Katherine FitzGerald’s parents died within four years of her birth. Her mother, Katherine FitzGerald nee Power, died shortly after giving birth to Katherine in August 1660 and her husband, John FitzGerald, also died a few years later on the 1^st March 1664 at the age of twenty two years. He had remarried Helen McCarthy of Clancarty shortly after his first wife died but the four year old Katherine FitzGerald was in effect an orphan by 1664 and she had no other siblings. John FitzGerald was obviously aware of his impending death as he made a will in 1662 leaving the bulk of his estate to his four year old daughter Katherine. He also appointed Thomas Walsh of Pilltown as tutor of his young daughter while she was still a minor and this was another factor in confirming closer links between the families. The excerpt from the will which was proved on 8^th March 1670/71 stated:

“My daughter Katharine is to be my sole extrix [executrix]. My well beloved brother Thomas Walsh of Pilltown is to be tutor of said dau. during her minority”.

Thomas Walsh and his wife Eleanor were of course uncle and aunt of the now orphaned Katherine FitzGerald, sole heir to the large Dromana estate. The relatively short period from 1641 to 1664 had been devastating to the Walsh, Power and FitzGerald families and no doubt the extreme hardship and many deaths had brough the remainder of the families closer together. The period was of course dominated by the 1641 rebellion in which all the families had lost close family members. Nicholas Walsh Jnr, father of Thomas, had been killed in 1643 when Thomas was nineteen years old and his other siblings were even younger. Gerald Fitzgerald, father of John FitzGerald, and grandfather of young Katherine FitzGerald had died in 1643. Gerard’s wife, Mabel FitzGerald nee Digby, had endangered the whole Dromana estate when she invited the Confederates into Dromana Castle during the rebellion and was viewed as a bit of a loose cannon in the family. This was no doubt a well intentioned invitation on her part but not a wise move in the circumstances with the belligerent anti-Confederate and anti-Catholic Boyle family a stones throw away. Katherine FitzGerald’s grandparents on her mother’s side, namely Lord John Power & Ruth Pypho, had long since apparently departed to America and indeed were both deceased by 1661. It was in these circumstances that John FitzGerald attemped to ensure in his will that his only daughter Katherine FitzGerald would be in good hands after his death when he appointed Thomas Walsh as tutor of the orphaned Katherine. Thomas Walsh was also a witness to the will together with James FitzGerald, Mary FitzGerald, Edmond Roch and Richard Wadding.

Thomas Walsh Senior died in 1670 when Katherine FitzGerald was still only about ten years old and his wife Eleanor took over some role in the guardianship of Katherine. However Eleanor’s brother, Richard Power of Curraghmore, had plans of his own. In 1673 an extraordinary marriage took place at Lambeth Palace, London between the thirteen year old Katherine FitzGerald and her eight year old cousin John Power, son of Richard Power. Richard Power was attempting to unite the two massive estates of Curraghmore and Dromana by marriage. He arranged the marriage between his eight year old son John, future heir to Curraghmore, and the thirteen year old Katherine FitzGerald, heir to Dromana. The details of this marriage are covered elsewhere but the marriage was later annulled and the attempt to unite the estates failed. We can only speculate whether the marriage would ever have taken place if Thomas Walsh had still been alive in 1673. Katherine FitzGerald however proved to be an extremely strong willed and high spirited individual who had no intention of being a pawn in the plans of her nearest relatives. Her marriage to John Power was later annulled and she then married the charismatic Edward FitzGerald Villiers when she was still only seventeen years old.

1669 Impeachment of Broghill

On the 25^th November 1669 the Earl of Orrery Roger Boyle, also known as Lord Broghill, had to answer serious charges in the House of Commons for activities carried out by him during the 1641-1649 rebellion. He was impeached on a charge of High Crimes and Misdemeanors and one of the charges involved Thomas Walsh of Pilltown. It will be recalled that Roger Boyle or Broghill had taken the side of Cromwell and the Parliamentary forces during the rebellion and played a big role in military actions against the Irish Confederates. The Boyles were largely opportunists by nature and generally supported whichever cause was likely to bring them most benefit. They had been Royalist supporters of King Charles I until they switched to Parliamentary support when they saw the Royalists were losing the battle. Lord Broghill was a big favourite of Cromwell and the two of them worked together when Cromwell came to Ireland in 1649. When Charles II was restored to the throne of England some years later Lord Broghill was quick to see that he was now on the wrong side of the fence and promptly declared his support for King Charles.

Broghill was nevertheless impeached and brought before the House of Commons to answer for a whole series of offences including treason, raising great amounts of money for the purpose of sedition, unlawfully imprisoning people, protecting murderers, unlawfully confiscating land belonging to the King’s subjects and bribery.  One of the charges against Lord Orrery was:

 “for compelling one Thomas Walsh, of Pilltown, Esq to convey to him lands of inheritance to the yearly value of 600li, under pretence of procuring witnesses to prove him guilty of the late rebellion”.

Lord Orrery or Broghill had some years earlier apparently accused Thomas Walsh of Pilltown of being one of the instigators of the 1641 rebellion despite the fact that Thomas Walsh would only have been seventeen years old when the rebellion started. Broghill told Thomas Walsh that he would produce witnesses to this effect and have Walsh tried for treason unless he handed over lands in Pilltown and elsewhere. It can be assumed that Broghill was referring to the infamous “forged commission” which was allegedly drawn up by Nicholas Walsh, Thomas Walsh’s father, before the 1641 rebellion. Thomas Walsh was therefore the third generation of the Walsh family to be implicated in the alleged “forged commission”. Broghill apparently accused Thomas Walsh of being implicated in the forgery and used it as the reason for occupying or confiscating some of Walsh’s land. The Boyles already had an interest in the land around Kinsalebeg, as Sir John Dowdall Junior had sold his lease of Pilltown Manor and nearby land to the Earl of Cork in 1620. Pilltown Manor was owned by Nicholas Walsh Jnr so in effect the Earl of Cork would have been leasing Pillown Manor from the Walshs. Additionally the Simington Civil Survey of 1654-1655 confirms that quite an amount of the Walsh land in Kinsalebeg was “in possession” of the Earl of Cork around 1655 but that the land was actually owned by Sir Nicholas Walsh. It is unlikely that any of the Boyles would have been dropping into Pilltown on a regular basis to pay their lease in lieu of the history between the two families from the time of the rebellion.

We will see elsewhere that the Boyles were not the only “squatters” in Kinsalebeg in the latter half of the 17^th centur, as Lady Isabella Smyth and Sir Thomas Stanley were also occupying Walsh land as outlined by the Walshs in a 1670 inquisition.  The devious Broghill seemed to get away with most of the House of Common charges brought against him by one means or another. He wrote a long and elaborate letter in his own defence and was at pains to point out the serious state of his health as he apparently suffered from severe gout. He no doubt had disturbing memories of what happened to his old friend Cromwell whose body had been exhumed many years after his death and hung at Tyburn. It would be difficult to find any positive comment on Cromwell in Ireland but he was never afraid to stand up for his beliefs, extreme as these beliefs were. Broghill, on the other hand, appeared to change loyalties and positions when it suited him. He was admired for his industry but was generally disliked as a person. His comrade-in-arms during the 1641 rebellion, the Earl of Ormond, deplored him for his “vanity, ostentation and itch to popularity”. The Earl of Arlington Henry Bennett described him as “A deceitful and vain man, who loved to appear in business, [Orrery] dealt so much underhand that he had not much credit with any side”. Thomas Walsh died in 1670 at the age of forty six years and did not live to see the outcome of the Broghill impeachment. Broghill himself died in 1679 at the age of fifty eight and we suspect not many from Kinsalebeg attended his elaborate funeral in Youghal.

1670 Inquisition of Walshs of Pilltown

An inquisition was held in Waterford in 1670 concerning the payment of debts which were allegedly owed by the Walsh family of Pilltown for their lands in Waterford and Kilkenny. Thomas Walsh was already deceased in 1670 and the case for the Walshs was put forward by Thomas’s wife, Ellen Walsh nee Power, and his eldest son John Walsh. The defence outlined by Ellen & John Walsh was that they were not liable for the alleged debts as their lands were being occupied by Lady Isabella Smyth, Sir Thomas Stanley and others at the time. Isabella Smyth was the wife of the late Percy Smyth of Ballynatraty and it is ironic that one hundred and fifty years later the Smyths would again become involved in Kinsalebeg when they purchased land from the Bernard family. The case against the Walshs was that they owed £338 5s 6d in back rent for 11,992 acres of land in Waterford and £19 10s 10p per annum for three years (approx £60) for 1573 acres of land in Kilkenny. The land was stated to be in the following areas of Waterford: “lands of Piltowne [Pilltown], Monolerys, [Monatray], Rath, Knockbane [Knockbrack], Glestenan [Glistenane], Lackendary [Lackendarra], Drumgallen [Drumgullane], Kilneedy [Kilmeedy], Kilmaloe [Kilmaloo], Kilgabrell [Kilgabriel], Loughtan [D’Loughtane], Clashmore, Currymore, Croskea, Ballykeroges, Ballnivoiges, Ballyvoile, Island, Durren, Shanakeele [Shanacoole], Knockdrumlea, Milerstowne, Glandalgin (in the Barony of the Deeses [Decies]), the lands of Coolroe, Kiljamis and Whitestowne (in the Barony of Upperthird) and containing in total 11,9992a [acres ] 2r and 3p. at £112 8s 6d per annum.”

It was also stated that the Walsh family held the following land in Kilkenny: “tenants in the Barony of Knocktopher, the lands of Tiniskelly (Tiniscolly), Mongan, Tyreloyne (Tintine) and Cooleveheny (Coolreney), in the Barony of Ida, Igrin and Ibecon and County of Kilkenny, containing in the whole 1573a [acres] 3r. 21p. at £19 10s 10p per annum, for the same time”.  Ellen & John Walsh claimed relief on the alleged debts stating that Lady Isabella Smyth and others were in possession of the following lands: “Monolerys [Monatray], Croslea, Ballykeroge, Ballyvoile, Island, Durren, Shanakeele [Shanacoole], Knockdrumlea, Millerstowne [Milerstown], Coolroe, Kilsavis and Whitestowne. In addition it was stated that Sir Thomas Stanley was in possession of the lands in Kilkenny belonging to the Walshs. The alleged money owed by the Walshs was called quit rent which was in effect a form of land tax on freehold or leased land which was paid by the owner to a higher authority such as the king or the government. Various documents from the revenue authorities and the Auditor General’s office were produced in support of the Walsh case. The judge in the case was Judge John Bysse and he declared in favour of Ellen & John Walsh.  The accumulated debts were written off and quit rent was suspended until such time as the lands were restored to the Walsh family. Summary details of the above inquisition are detailed in the JWSEIAS Vol XVI 1913 (pp133)²¹. See Appendix 2 for JWSEIAS article.

1689-1691 Williamite-Jacobite War in Ireland

The Williamite-Jacobite War also known as the Jacobite War or the Williamite War took place between the 12^th March 1689 and the 3^rd of October 1691 and involved a number of the extended Walsh family.  It was a conflict between the Catholic King James II and the Protestant King William III aka William of Orange to determine which of them would be King of England, Scotland and Ireland. The Williamite-Jacobite War started when James II was deposed as King of the Three Kingdoms by his son-in-law, William III in 1688. William III was married to Mary II who was a daughter of King James II. James II did not take too kindly to the actions of his son-in-law but this was not your normal family dispute and war broke out between them. James II was supported by the mainly Catholic Jacobites in Ireland whereas William was supported by the predominantly Protestant Williamites. A number of horse and infantry regiments were set up in Ireland on both sides of the dispute. One of these infantry regiments was formed by Richard Power, 1^st Earl of Tyrone, who despite the Tyrone titlewas in fact the 6^th Baron Power of Waterford and also had the title Viscount Decies. He also took up a seat in the House of Lords at one stage. Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone had Kinsalebeg connections in that his sister, Eleanor or Ellen Power, was married to Thomas Walsh Snr of Pilltown. In addition Richard Power’s daughter, Helen Power, was married to John Walsh, son of the said Thomas Walsh Snr. The Earl of Tyrone’s regiment in King James’s Army appears to have largely consisted of men from the greater Waterford area. It was stationed in Waterford in 1689 and the regiment consisted of around 400 men with a lot of Powers, Walshs, Comerfords, FitzGeralds, Nugents and Butlers etc in the army list. The Lieutenant-Colonel was a Thomas Nugent and the Mayor was Richard Nagle, the Chaplain was a William Walsh and a Comerford was the surgeon.

John, Robert and Valentine Walsh were three sons of Thomas Walsh and Ellen Power of Pilltown who were soldiers and officers in the Williamite-Jacobite War together with their uncle Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone. John Walsh, who was also a son-in-law of the Earl as outlined above, was the eldest son and heir of Thomas Walsh but unfortunately he did not survive the Jacobite War. He was a member of the garrison which defended Cork during the Siege of Cork which took place in 1690 shortly after the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of the Boyne. The Earl of Tyrone, Richard Power, and his forces were also part of the Jacobite garrison defending Cork. The Williamite commander Marlborough laid siege to Cork in a combined land and naval operation and eventually took the city and captured up to 5000 Jacobite prisoners. After the siege was over many of the defending garrison were put on ships to be transported as prisoners of war to England. One of the transport ships was however blown up in what was then known as the Cove of Cork but was later renamed Queenstown before reverting back to Cobh. The ship was blown up by the gunpowder which it had on board but it was not clear whether this was caused by an accident or by enemy gunfire from the shore or indeed by some action carried out by the prisoners on board. One of the many prisoners killed in the explosion was John Walsh of Pilltown who died instantly. John Walsh’s uncle, Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone, was also one of the prisoners taken after the Siege of Cork and he was transported to England.  He was thrown in the Tower of London where he died on the 14^th October 1690. The following is an excerpt about events after the Siege of Cork which was written by an unknown Jacobite author and which is contained in a document titled A Jacobite narrative of the war in Ireland²² from UCC CELT project.

“After Cork was thus taken, the garrison was transported into England. But before the English fleet quitted the harbour, one of the prime men-of-war was blown up by its own powder, which took fire through heedlessness of those whose office it was to look to the ammunition. In this vessel perished, among the rest, some Irish officers, and namely, Colonel Charles Kavanagh, of the county of Wexford, and Mr John Walsh, of Piltown, in the county of Waterford. Some were saved by being flung in shallow water near the shore, amongst whom was Colonel Barrett, of the county of Cork, and a young son of Colonel Kavanagh’s. ‘Twas a deplorable disaster. When the fleet arrived in England, the prisoners of the chiefest consideration were put into the Tower of London; as the Earl of Clancarty [Donough McCarthy], the Earl of Tyrone [Richard Power of Curraghmore], who died therein, the Lord Baron of Cahir, and Colonel Magillicuddy, governor of Cork. The number of the slain at this siege was but little on either side”.

Valentine Walsh of Pilltown was a Jacobite captain in the Earl of Tyrone’s regiment in King James’s Irish Army during the war. His brother Robert Walsh was a Lieutenant Colonel on the Jacobite side of the conflict and fought with Patrick Sarsfield at the Siege of Limerick. Piers Walsh of Guning Co Kilkenny who was also listed as Captain and he was probably also related to the Pilltown Walshs. The Williamites ultimately defeated the Jacobites in the war and their key victories of the Siege of Derry and the Battle of the Boyne are still celebrated by the Unionist community of Northern Ireland. The war effectively ended with the defeat of King James II forces at the Battle of Aughrim in 1691.

Another Kinsalebeg connected soldier involved in this war was Captain James Roch, better known as “Roch the Swimmer”, who was an ancestor of the Roch family of Woodbine Hill Kinsalebeg, Co Waterford. He fought on the side of William of Orange in the war after the poor treatment the Roch family had received from the Stuarts in earlier years. Captain James Roch was to famously swim three miles up the River Foyle during the Siege of Derry to give the residents of Derry news that they would shortly be relieved by Kirke’s relief ships. There are further details of “The Swimmer” Roch in the Roch family overview covered elsewhere in this history. After the Jacobite defeat at Limerick Valentine Walsh probably joined the Patrick Sarsfield led Wild Geese who went to France to continue the battle against King William III. He would have been one of many of the extended Walsh family members who became mercenaries for France as part of one of the two big Irish forces in France namely the Irish Brigade, under Justin McCarthy Viscount Mountcashel, and the Jacobite Army of James II under Patrick Sarsfield Earl of Lucan.

The Irish had a ferocious fighting reputation with a great willingness to take on the enemy in hand to hand fighting. The great French Marshal de Saxe later described the French weaknesses in this area by stating that they “lacked the discipline to manouver or hold a line under attack” and for this reason they employed a lot of mercenaries in their battles. We have another word in Kinsalebeg for this apparent French weakness but as a matter of diplomacy we will not introduce it here. The Irish Brigade battles and victories across Europe in places like Marsaglia, Steenkirk and Neerwinden were amongs the bloodiest and most notable of the war. Patrick Sarsfield died at Neerwinden in 1693 with his famous last words “would that it were for Ireland” and when the war ended with the Treaty of Ryswick in 1698 the Irish had lost over one third of their men. Valentine Walsh of Pilltown was obviously one of the survivors as he was still alive in 1722. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Walsh of Pilltown remained in Ireland after the Siege of Limerick in order to take control of the Walsh estate.  He received a pardon for his military activities during the Jacobite-Williamite war. The terms of the Treaty of Limerick allowed for a pardon to be given to anyone who was still in arms at the time of the treaty but who did not follow Patrick Sarsfield and the Wild Geese to France.

Deaths of John & Nicholas Walsh

John Walsh, eldest son of Thomas Walsh Senior of Pilltown, was therefore the latest member of the Walsh family to be killed in battle when he was blown up in the Cove of Cork in a ship carrying Jacobite prisoners to England after their defeat in the Siege of Cork. John Walsh was the heir to the Walsh of Pilltown estates which on his death would have passed to his next eldest brother Nicholas Walsh who was a Lincoln’s Inn London trained lawyer. Nicholas Walsh however had been killed in a duel outside a tavern in Fleet Street London around 1685 but the circumstances surrounding the duel are not known.  The Walsh estate passed instead to Thomas Walsh’s third son, Colonel Robert Walsh, who was involved in the Jacobite-Williamite war as we have outlined earlier. We will come back to Robert Walsh later but firstly we should outline a brief history of Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone who was closely related to the Walsh family and who had also lost his life during the Jacobite war.

Richard Power 5^th Baron le Poer and 1^st Earl of Tyrone

Richard Power was the eldest son of John Power 5th Baron le Poer and Ruth Pypho and was born in 1630. His mother Ruth Pypho died in 1642 and his father gradually descended into insanity while Richard was still a child. His parents apparently emigrated to Virginia USA in 1642 shortly after the start of the 1641 rebellion and both died there. The emigration of John & Ruth Power to the USA is not accepted by all historians but the evidence is quite convincing. Richard was only twelve years of age when his parents left Ireland in 1642. The 1641 rebellion, coupled with the loss of the head of the family, virtually bankrupted the Power Curraghmore estate. There were some additional attempts to confiscate their land after the rebellion but they were not successful. Military leaders on the Parliamentarian side indicated that the young Richard Power had been helpful in providing information and assistance to them during the rebellion and that they should therefore support him in his efforts to retain his estate. This might well have been the case but if true it would not have exactly enamoured Power with his Walsh relatives in Pilltown even though consideration would have to be given to the fact that he was not even a teenager when the rebellion broke out. Richard Power was raised primarily by his grandmother Kinbrough Pypho and also by the Annesley family in what was a largely Protestant environment even though his siblings married into Catholic families. The responsibilities of a massive estate coupled with the political pressure from all sides must have weighed enormously on his young shoulders.

Richard Power married Dorothy Annesley who was a daughter of Arthur Annesley, 1^st Earl of Anglesey, and Elizabeth Altham. Richard later became a Catholic and indeed was involved on the primarily Catholic Jacobite side during the Jacobite-Williamite war. He was linked to the Walsh family of Pilltown by the marriage of his sister Eleanor to Thomas Walsh Snr of Pilltown and also by the later marriage of his daughter, Helen, to John Walsh of Pilltown. Richard Power became Governor of Waterford in 1661 and he succeeded to the title 6th Baron le Power (Poer) and Curraghmore Waterford in 1661. He tried to unite the Dromana & Curraghmore estates in 1664 by controversially arranging a marriage between his eight year old son & heir John Power and the thirteen year old Katherine Fitzgerald who was heir to Dromana. Katherine FitzGerald was the only child and therefore sole heir of John FitzGerald and Katherine Power of Dromana. Katherine Power was Richard’s sister and she was also sister of Eleanor Power who was married to Thomas Walsh Snr of Pilltown. The parents of Katherine FitzGerald, John FitzGerald and Katherine Power, were both deceased when their only child was less than four years old. Thomas Walsh of Pilltown had been appointed her tutor or guardian by her father in his will but Thomas Walsh died in 1670 and his wife Eleanor was presumably her guardian from that point onwards. In any case Richard Power, Eleanor’s brother and uncle of Katherine FitzGerald, believed that this was an ideal opportunity to unite the Curraghmore and Dromana estates by arranging the marriage between his niece Katherine and his own son John. The highly unusual marriage was carried out in Lambeth Palace on the 20^th May 1673 by the Archbishop of Canterbury Gilbert Sheldon but was later annulled much to the annoyance of Richard Power. Katherine FitzGerald proved to be very much her own woman and having annulled her marriage to John Power she married the dashing Brigadier Edward FitzGerald Villiers in 1677 when she was still only seventeen years old.

Richard Power was created 1st Viscount Decies on 9th Oct 1672 and 1st Earl of Tyrone on 9th October 1672. He was charged with treason in 1679 as a result of what was known as the "Popish Plot". This was a fictitious conspiracy devised by Titus Oates who alleged that there was an extensive Catholic conspiracy to assassinate King Charles II. A number of so-called "Catholic sympathisers", including Richard Power, were arrested and fifteen of them were executed including Oliver Plunkett (later Saint). Richard Power was arrested and charged with treason and imprisoned at Westminster. After payment of a large bail payment Richard Power and other Catholic colleagues were released in 1684. The web of intrigue and conspiracy devised by Warren Oates eventually fell apart and Oates was convicted of perjury. Richard Power became a Privy Counsellor (PC) in 1686. He took part in the defence of Cork in 1690 as a Colonel during the Jacobite-Williamite war where he had his own Earl of Tyrone regiment.  He was involved in surrender discussions for Cork when the Jacobites were eventually overcome by the Williamite army led by Marlborough. Nevertheless, he was arrested following these negotiations together with other members of the Jacobite garrison and transported to England. We have outlined earlier how one of the prisoner ships was blown up by its own gunpowder either accidentally or maliciously and that John Walsh of Pilltown was killed. Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone and 6^th Baron Le Poer of Curraghmore, father-in-law of the aforementioned John Walsh and brother-in-law of Thomas Walsh Snr, did arrive on a prisoner ship in London and was incarcerated in the Tower of London where he died shortly afterwards in October 1690 at the age of sixty years. He was buried at Farnborough in Hampshire where his father-in-law Arthur Annesley, Earl of Anglesey, and other Annesley relations were also buried. Richard Power was succeeded by his son John Power who died without issue in 1693, just three years after the death of his father. He was succeeded as 3^rd Earl of Tyrone by his younger brother James Power who died without male heirs in 1704 so the Earl of Tyrone title died with him. The big le Poer Curraghmore estate later passed into the Beresford family when Catherine Power, only child of James Power 3^rd Earl of Tyrone, married Sir Marcus Beresford.

4th Generation & Colonel Robert Walsh (1653-1713)

Colonel Robert Walsh, 3^rd son of Thomas Walsh, inherited the Walsh of Pilltown estate when his eldest brother John was blown up with other Jacobite prisoners in the Cove of Cork in 1690. Nicholas Walsh would have been the next in the hereditary line on the death of John Walsh but his death in a duel in London meant that the estate went to Robert Walsh.  Robert Walsh, like many of the Walshs over the generation, married into another influential and powerful family when he married Mary Butler of the Ormonde dynasty.

Robert Walsh was a Colonel in the Jacobite army of King James II during the Jacobite-Williamite war of 1689-1691. He fought in the Siege of Limerick in 1690 when the Jacobite forces retreated to Limerick after their defeat by William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne. The Williamites, with an army of 25,000 men, then marched on Limerick but suffered a major setback when a Patrick Sarsfield led force destroyed their convoy of cannons and ammunition. The Williamites laid siege to Limerick but were forced to retreat after suffering major casualties and the ignominy of having been bombarded with stones by the women of Limerick. The Williamites returned to Limerick under the leadership of General Ginkel in 1691 and the city was eventually forced to surrender to the Williamite forces. This effectively brought to an end the Jacobite-Williamite war. The Jacobite leaders, led by Patrick Sarsfield, drew up the terms of the Treaty of Limerick with Ginkel in which the Jacobite army was allowed to leave Ireland for France to continue the fight with what becameknown as the Irish Brigade. Patrick Sarsfield and around 14,000 Jacobite soldiers departed for France in what became known as the Flight of the Wild Geese. Under the treaty terms Jacobites who wished to remain in Ireland were guaranteed their safety if they declared allegiance to King William or joined the Williamite army. They were also allowed to keep their estates and property and were guaranteed their religious freedom. This agreement was largely broken a few years later when the Penal Laws were introduced in Ireland. Colonel Robert Walsh of Pilltown survived the Siege of Limerick and decided to stay in Ireland to maintain his estates and he availed of the terms of the Treaty of Limerick for this purpose. He received a pardon for his activities on the Jacobite side in the recent war.

1691 Colonel Robert Walsh Petition

Colonel Robert Walsh submitted a petition to the courts in 1691 requesting retention and recovery of part of his estate in the Kinsalebeg, Stradbally and Killrossanty area of Waterford.  The conclusions of the courts were listed in a document dated 1^st March 1691 from the elaborately named “Theire Majesties Court of Exchequer Inquisitions of Settlement”. The inquiry to consider the petition of Robert Walsh was led by Thomas Osborne who had the title Prime Sergeant at Law. The basic part of the petition was that Robert Walsh was claiming lands which had descended to him from his deceased brother John Walsh. He outlined that neither he nor his brother John had been indicted or outlawed and that he was covered by the terms of the Articles of Limerick, which were part of the treaty signed after the Siege of Limerick. Robert Walsh’s petition was for the following lands with apologies for any errors in transcription and with more recent names in brackets:

“The Towns and Lands of Ballykeroge, Ballyvoile [Ballyvoyle], Island Habbog [Island Hubbock], Knockdrumback [Knockdrumlea], Durrow, Shanacoole, Ballynevogiregh [Ballynevoga], Glistenane, Kilemeedy [Kilmeedy], Dromgallane [Drumgullane], Killmallow[Kilmaloo], Knockbrack, Lackendarragh [Lackendarra], Killgabriele [Kilgabriel] and D’Laghtane [D’Loughtane] in the Barony of Deacyes [Decies] in the County of Waterford.”  

The petition mentioned that Robert Walsh was claiming for the return of all his estate with the exception of “Fferry Point of Youghall [Ferrypoint]” but there is no specific reason given why Ferrypoint was being excluded. James “The Swimmer” Roch had received a reward of the “ferries of Ireland” from King William for his bravery in the Siege of Derry in 1689 and this would have included the Ferrypoint to Youghal ferry which may be the reason why it was excluded from the petition. The court document outlined that the Robert Walsh submission stated that his parents, Thomas and Ellen Walsh, had obtained a “Decree of Innocency” when they were alive. This was a reference back to the post 1641 rebellion Act of Settlement wherby landowners could claim “innocence” for any involvement on the Confederate side of the rebellion and Robert Walsh was claiming that his parents had indeed received a Decree of Innocence at that time. The court stated that a reason for the seizure of the Walsh lands was the absence of the declared owner of the land, namely John Walsh. The court was obviously not aware that John Walsh had been blown up as a Jacobite prisoner in 1690 and the Walshs would have had some difficulty in explaining the circumstances of his death as a Jacobite prisoner of war. Ruth Kennedy submitted an affidavit to the court which outlined the Walsh family situation and again requesting that the land be returned to Robert Walsh. The court agreed with the Walsh position and in the name of John Osborne outlined that:

“it likewise appeared unto him by the Affidavit of Ruth Kennedy that the said Thomas and Ellen are dead and John Welsh theire eldest son is dead since theire Majesties accession to the Crown without issue male of his body and that Nicholas Welsh theire second son dyed about 6 or 7 years since without heires of his body and that the said Robert is the third son of the said Thomas and Ellen it likewise appeared unto him by Certificates frm the Chancellor of the Crown of the Kings Bench that neither the said John or Robert are indicted or outlawed and the said Robert clames the benefit of the Articles of Limerick as Lieutenant Colonel of Foot in the Irish Army att the surrender of the said Citty ...” 

The Court concluded by saying:

“the Court declared that he saw no reason why the said Robert Walsh should be hindered from enjoying the said lands and premises excepting Ferrypointe of Youghall”.

Robert Walsh therefore retained the lands which he was in danger of losing and coupled with the other Walsh lands, which were still in their possession, the overall Walsh estate was still reasonably intact.   

Colonel Robert Walsh married Mary Butler of the Ormond dynasty about 1690 and this continued the close relationship between the Walshs and the Butlers from the time of Robert Walsh’s great grandfather Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr. Mary Butler was the daughter of Pierce Butler 6^th Baron Cahir and Elizabeth Matthews, daughter of Toby Matthews of Thurles. Pierce Butler was a son of the Honourable Edmond Butler and Eleanor Butler. Eleanor Butler in turn was a daughter of another Edmund Butler, who was 3^rd Lord Dunboyne, and Margaret Butler. The Butler dynasty was extensive and it was not unusual for a Butler to marry another Butler from another branch of the extended Butler dynasty. Mary Butler had three sisters namely Elinor who married Sir John Everard of Fethard; Margaret who married Theobold Butler Lord Cahir; Anne who did not marry.

Colonel Robert Walsh and Mary Butler had the following children: Thomas (eldest and heir), Pierce, Robert, George, Elizabeth and Eleanor (Ellen). Robert Walsh died in Clonmel in 1713 and his wife Mary Walsh nee Butler died on the 10^th June 1724 also at Clonmel Co Tipperary. He was succeeded by his eldest son Thomas (1692-1750) who we shall refer to as Thomas Walsh Junior to avoid confusion with his grandfather Thomas Walsh Senior.

1699 Forfeited Walsh Lands

As a result of the above 1691 petition of Colonel Robert Walsh, it appeared that all forfeited lands were returned to the Walsh family. However The Calendar of Treasury Books Vol 13 (1697-1698)²³ gives details of forfeited lands of John Walsh of Pilltown and Ballykeeroge resulting from the earlier rebellions. This seems to include land in Pilltown and Ballykeeroge which was part of the successful 1691 petition. John Walsh was deceased before 1699 and the Walsh estate was now in the ownership of Colonel Robert Walsh. We have recounted above that Robert Walsh was successful in a 1691 petition to reclaim his lands. It must be assumed that the forfeited land list of 1699 was out of date or that the land was again confiscated under the newly introduced Penal Laws. According to the list of forfeited land in the calendar of Treasury Books (1697-1698) the following lands were taken from John Walsh, son of Thomas Walsh and grandson of Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr:

            “Decies Barony: Forfeited lands of John Walsh.

Ballykeroge 552 acres; Ballyvoyle 266 acres; Ballynevoygigh 354 acres; Gortinvickary 211 acres; Illand Hubbuck 286 acres; Ducroe 66 acres; Shanacoole 102 acres; Knockdrumleagh 151 acres; Glandallylane 432 acres; Pilltowne 291 acres; Rath 203 acres; Garranaspig 126 acres; Newtown 159 acres; the Ferry point of Youghal 50 acres; Monattery [Monatray] 962 acres; Gliffenane [Glistinane] 133 acres; Killenedan 182 acres; Drumgallon [Drumgullane] 355 acres; Killmalloe [Kilmaloo] 338 acres; Knockbrach [Knockbrack] 156 acres; Lackandaragh [Lackendarra] 47 acres; Kilgabriell 431 acres; Dullaghlane [D’Loughtane] 336 acres; Ballyhercon and Moyrath: total yearly value 650li.; quit rents 93li 19s. 6d.; yearly interest of incumbrances 330 li.; clear yearly value 226li 0s. 6d.”

The stated forfeiture of the Walsh land obviously did not come into effect. The bulk of the land still seemed to be in the possession of Thomas Walsh Jnr in the period from 1720 onwards when it was sold to the Earl of Bandon and Earl of  Grandison estates amongst others.

5th Generation & Thomas Walsh Junior (1692-1750)

Thomas Walsh Jnr succeeded his late father Colonel Robert Walsh as head of the Walsh family of Pilltown in 1713 at the age of twenty one. It was approximately one hundred years since the death of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr. It was a turbulent and violent century and the Walsh family had been involved in many rebellions and military encounters. As a consequence they had lost many immediate and extended family members. They had also been subject to many attempted land confiscations, transplantations, inquisitions, court cases, extortion attempts and land occupations. Nevertheless they had arrived at 1713 with the greater part of their estate still intact which was a tribute to their resilience and fighting spirit in the face of extraordinary difficulties and no little danger. It was also a reflection on the influential position that the Walshs had reached over the previous few centuries and their strong links through marriage, military operations and business with other influential families including the Colcloughs, Butlers, Powers and FitzGeralds.

The 18^th century, and in particular the decades from 1720 to 1750, were decades of major change in the land ownership of the Walsh family and by consequence in the parish of Kinsalebeg. In this period the Walshs were to dispose of most of their land holdings with the majority of the land being transferred to the Earl of Bandon or the Earl of Grandison. Around 20,000 acres of Walsh land was disposed of and this effectively ended the major presence of the Walshs of Pilltown in Waterford, Cork, Tipperary and Kilkenny. The number of land transactions involving the Walshs of Pilltown from 1720 to 1740 was enormous and complicated. These land transactions were a mixture of sales, leases, inter family agreements and in some cases what appeared to be resale of land which had already been disposed of. We outline below a summary of the key land transactions which took place during the period. The deeds and documents surrounding these tranasactions are long and complex in many cases and generally contain the names of many individuals. This is partly a reflection on the land ownership situation at the time whereby big landowners typically held many thousands of acres of land which they leased to large tenants who in turn often sub-leased to smaller tenants. When the deeds for land transactions were being drawn up both the landowner and the tenants were often named. This was partly to identify precisely the land being transacted but also to identify the various leases and sub-leases which existed on the land.  In many cases these leases and sub-leases would continue with the new land owner when the sale was completed.

Thomas Walsh Jnr was the eldest son and heir of Colonel Robert Walsh and Mary Butler and was born around 1692. The other children in the family were Pierse, Robert, George, Elizabeth and Ellen. A Thomas Walsh married Catherine FitzGerald in the Collegiate Church Youghal in 1718 and we believe that this was possibly Thomas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown but there is no verification of this. We are aware that Thomas was married to Catherine or Katherine from references to his wife in deeds but it is not clear which branch of the FitzGerald family she came from or indeed that her surname was indeed FitzGerald.  The children of Thomas Walsh Jnr and his wife Catherine were Robert and William Stewart (Stuart) Walsh. We have outlined that the major land transactions of Thomas Walsh Jnr in the period from around 1720 onwards involved the Earl of Grandison aka the Fitzgeralds of Dromana and also Judge Francis Bernard of the Bernards of Bandon. The Villiers-Stuart papers and various land deeds, wills and marriage settlements in this period indicate a close relationship between the Earl of Grandison and the Walsh family of Pilltown. We have detailed some of these links in the earlier overview of Thomas Walsh Snr, grandfather of the present Thomas. These links revolve mainly around the appointment of Thomas Walsh Snr as guardian to his orphaned niece Katherine FitzGerald when her parents Katherine Power and John FitzGerald died at a young age in the period from 1660 to 1664. Katherine FitzGerald, as heir to Dromana and mother to John FitzGerald 1^st Earl Grandison, was the key driving force in Dromana in the period from her marriage to Brigadier Edward FitzGerald Villiers in 1677 until her death in 1726 even though she had deteriorated into insanity at the latter end of this period. Her 2^nd husband, Edward FitzGerald Villiers, was killed in battle in 1693 when their son and heir John FitzGerald future 1^st Earl of Grandison was a year old. Consequently, Katherine continued to play a major role in Dromana family affairs in the decades ahead.

John FitzGerald Villiers was born in 1692 which was the year that Thomas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown was also born and together they were involved in a number of land transactions. At this point John FitzGerald Villiers had been given the title of 1^st Earl of Grandison and it is with this Grandison title that he is generally referred to in the various land transactions and deeds. In the period in which these land transactions were taking place, from 1720 onwards, Thomas Walsh was sometimes stated as living in Prospect Hall as well as in the more usual residence of Pilltown or Pilltown Manor. The land of Prospect Hall, which was originally part of Monatray, was in the ownership of the Walsh of Pilltown family. The townland of Prospect Hall is effectively the section of land on top of the hill of Monatray encircled by the road (see map). The name itself has no real historic presence or significance in Kinsalebeg and only seemed to come into prominence when the Bernards had a presence in the area. When documents refer to Thomas Walsh of Prospect Hall it is assumed that they are referring to the house even though it is possible that he was living in another part of Prospect Hall townland, such as Woodbine Hill, which was also in the ownership of the Walshs at that time. We will outline elsewhere the links between the Roch family of Woodbine Hill and the Walsh family of Woodstock and Killongford.

There is another link between Thomas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown (and Prospect Hall) and the FitzGerald family. Katherine FitzGerald, daughter of John FitzGerald and Katherine Power, had an aunt named Lettice FitzGerald. Lettice & John FitzGerald, Katherine’s father, were children of Gerald FitzGerald Lord of Dromana and the famous Mabel Digby. Lettice FitzGerald married a Major Richard Franklin (or Franklyn) who was reputed to have been a Major in Cromwell’s army. They had four children namely Richard, Mary, Letitia and Martha. According to the Villiers-Stuart records Richard Franklin changed his name to the FitzGerald surname of his wife and was subsequently known as Richard FitzGerald or Richard FitzGerald Franklin. Katherine FitzGerald Villiers, daughter of Edward FitzGerald Villiers & Katherine FitzGerald and sister of John FitzGerald 1^st Earl Grandison, married Major Richard FitzGerald of Prospect Hall. This Major Richard FitzGerald we believe to be the son of Major Richard Franklin aka FitzGerald who had changed his surname to FitzGerald. There is no doubt that the FitzGerald name was more prestigious than Franklin at that time and one supposes that any connections to a Franklin who was part of Cromwell’s army would not have gone down well in Kinsalebeg or nearby areas.  The various family relationships involving the FitzGeralds are quite complicated, particularly as in some cases both partners in the marriages had the same FitzGerald surname.

 Major Richard FitzGerald and his wife were living in the Walsh owned Prospect Hall in the period around 1715. This date is confirmed by Major FitzGerald in his evidence at the infamous Annesley court case many years later. Katherine FitzGerald Villiers died at a relatively young age in Prospect Hall in early 1726.  Her Letter of Administration (Admon) was issued on the 18^th February 1726 by which her estate was given to her husband Richard FitzGerald. Their son, John FitzGerald, also died very young as his will was made on 26^th May 1727. This will stated that John FitzGerald of Prospect Hall left his possessions to his father Richard FitzGerald and this included £300 which was due from his uncle the Rt. Hon Earl of Grandison as a result of “my deceased mother’s marriage”.  Major Richard FitzGerald left for army duty to the Rhine sometime around this period and apparently did not return to Ireland permanently for over twenty-five years when he returned as a key witness in Annesley court case of 1743. An article in the “Gentleman’s Magazine Vol XIV 1840” states that Major Richard FitzGerald, initially of Prospect Hall, spent twenty eight years of his military life in the Rhine as an officer in the Queen of Hungary’s troops before eventually returning to Ireland in 1743 as a witness for James Annesley in the Annesley Court Case. James Annesley was trying to reclaim his Earl of Anglesey title and estate from his uncle and Captain Richard FitzGerald was a key witness in the trial.  During his trial evidence Major Richard FitzGerald stated that his residence in 1715 was Prospect Hall, Co Waterford. The twenty eight years service in the Rhine would have indicated that Major Richard FitzGerald commenced his period of service in the Rhine sometime after 1715 and returned to Ireland in 1743.

According to some deeds Thomas Walsh Junior was living in Prospect Hall in the period around 1720. On 22^nd April 1720 (Deed ref: 27604) Thomas Walsh of Prospect Hall leased lands in Knockbrack to Nicholas Power and on the 15^th May 1720 (deed ref: 15815) Thomas Walsh of Prospect Hall leased the Manor of Pilltown and other lands to the same Nicholas Power for forty one years. Thomas Walsh had therefore leased out the long held family home of Pilltown Manor and apparently moved to the nearby Prospect Hall. A couple of years later he was again being referred to in deeds as Thomas Walsh of Pilltown so his exact residence from 1720 onwards is a little obscure.

Major Richard FitzGerald & The Annesley Story (1714-1743)

We have mentioned earlier that Major Richard FitzGerald of Prospect Hall was a key witness in the infamous Annesley court case of 1743. The Annesley story itself has no real connections with Kinsalebeg aside from the fact that Major FitzGerald gave evidence on behalf of James Annesley against James’s uncle Richard Annesley. The three main characters in the Annesley case were firstly Lord Altham aka Arthur Annesley, secondly Lord Altham’s son James Annesley and thirdly Richard Annesley, brother of Arthur Annesley. During his evidence Major FitzGerald mentioned that he was living at Prospect Hall around 1715 when James Annesley was born. The Annesley case was one of the most famous cases in legal history and had all the ingredients of a high action thriller involving disownment, abandonment, kidnapping, slavery, manslaughter, blackmail and attempted murder. The dastardly Richard Annesley endeavoured to ensure that his nephew, James Annesley, would not inherit the Altham estate when Lord Altham, otherwise known as Arthur Annesley, died. He carried out a series of evil plans from kidnapping to attempted murder in his efforts to remove James Annesley from the scene. The story itself has been the subject of books, films and much discussion in the intervening years. This extraordinary story has reputedly inspired at least five books of which the best known was Robert Louis Stevenson’s popular adventure book titled “Kidnapped”. The book was also made into a film of the same name in 1971, starring Lawrence Douglas and Donal Pleasance.  The incidents outlined in the Annesley case spanned a lengthy period from 1715 to 1743. The case itself was primarily concerned with establishing whether James Annesley was the legitimate son of the late Lord & Lady Altham of Wexford and therefore the heir to the Lord Altham titles and property in Wexford. James Annesley’s uncle, Richard Annesley, a brother of the late Lord Altham, declared that James Annesley was illegitimate and therefore not eligible as successor to his fathers’s estate. He declared that he was therefore the legitimate heir to his brother’s Altham estate. Richard Annesley alleged that James Annesley’s real mother was not Lady Altham but his wet nurse Joan Lundy who had the unfortunate, but possibly appropriate, nickname of Jugs Lundy. At the time of the Annesley court case in 1743 Major FitzGerald, who was an officer in the Queen of Hungary’s troops stationed in the Rhine, stated that he was acquainted with Lord & Lady Altham when he lived at Prospect Hall in the period around 1715. He stated that he had visited the country seat of Lord & Lady Altham in Dunmain Wexford in the period around the birth of their son James and that he had no doubt that he was their legitimate son. He went on to explain the circumstances he found when he visisted the Althams and the reasons why he was certain that Lord & Lady Altham were indeed the legitimate parents of James Annesley. James Annesley eventually won the case and his estates and title of Lord Altham were given back to him but he died a short period afterwards as indeed did his uncle Richard Annesley.

Thomas Walsh Junior Land Sales to Francis Bernard (1720-1730)

The Walsh family disposed of practically all their lands, including Kinsalebeg, in the period from 1720 onwards. There were dozens of deeds of sale and lease throughout this period including a number of apparently conflicting deeds which seemed to indicate that the same land or townland was being sold to different people. This apparent conflict is partly explained by the fact that land was generally being sold on a townland basis as distinct from individual fields. Within a townland the land was usually leased or sub-leased to multiple tenants and some deeds listed the tenants as a way of identifying which land was being sold while other deeds referred to the townlands only. This resulted in the same townlands being referenced in different sales deeds. It is not possible to cover in detail the myriad of deeds of sale and lease involving the Walshs of Pilltown in this period so we will focus on the larger sales transactions involving sales of Walsh land to Francis Bernard of Bandon  and secondly to John FitzGerald of Dromana 1^st Earl of Grandison. The spelling of the Walsh name varies throughout a lot of these deeds with both Walsh and Welsh spellings used at different times.

July 1720 Sale of Kinsalebeg Walsh land to Francis Bernard:

Date: 13^th & 14^th July 1720

Land Registry Ref: 26/457/16272

Document type: Memorial of certain indentures of lease and release

Parties: Thomas Welsh of Pilltown and Francis Bernard of Dublin

Details: The memorial commences with the wording “In memorial of certain indentures of lease and release bearing date respectively the thirteenth and fourteenth days of July 1720 & made between Thomas Welsh of Pilltown in County Waterford and Francis Bernard of the City of Dublin”. It goes on to describe the indenture of release whereby Thomas Welsh receives £2600 from Francis Bernard for the release to him of the following towns, lands, tenements etc: 

Pilltown, Newtown, Rath, Knockbrack, Garranaspick (alias Bishops Grove), Lackindarra [Lackendarra], Glistenane, Drugallane [Drumgullane], Killmeedy [Kilmeedy], Killmaloe [Kilmaloo], Kilgabriell [Kilgabriel], Moneottory’s [Monatray] & Ferrypoint & all that the mannor or reputed mannor of Ballykeroge.

The memorial outlines a bond of £5,200 entered into by Thomas Welsh to ensure that the transaction would be completed and the overall document was signed in the presence of Andrew Crotty (Lismore), Francis Woodley (Dublin), Robert Welsh (Lismore) and Thomas Welsh (seal). The term “lease and release” at that time basically meant sale and in later periods the words grant or conveyance would be more common.

April 1723 Sale of Kinsalebeg Walsh land to Francis Bernard:

Date: 26^th April 1723

Land registry ref: 37/465/23513

Document type: Memorial of indented articles of agreement

Parties: Thomas Welsh, Mary Welsh and Francis Bernard

Details: The memorial commences with the wording “Memorial of indented articles of agreement made and concluded upon and effected the 26^th April 1723 between Thomas Welsh of Pilltown, Mary Welsh of Clonmell in Tipperary widow and relict of Robert Welsh of Pilltown deceased, and Francis Bernard of City of Dublin etc”. This agreement seems to be tidying up of aspects of the preceding 1720 deed of sale between Thomas Walsh and Francis Bernard. The Mary Welsh nee Butler in the deed is the widow of Colonel Robert Walsh of Pilltown, who was living in Clonmel. The document goes on to outline the grant to convey to Francis Bernard the fee simple & inheritance of all the towns and lands of Kinsalebeg as outlined in the preceding indenture of sale & release document of 14^th July 1720 except it has more detail of the particular townlands involved in the sale. It also contains some details of the present main tenants on the land and we will list some of these details here as they may be useful genealogical details. It is not clear what happened to the tenants or undertenants after the transfer of ownership from the Walsh family but one would assume that they were allowed to remain on the land as tenants or sub tenants of the Bernards. Up to the end of the 19^th century the bulk of Irish land was owned by big landlords who owned vast tracts of land which they leased to main tenants and in many cases these main tenants themselves leased part of this land or property to sub tenants or undertenants as they are described here.

Townlands mentioned in this memorial are:

Monottory [Monatray]: “Containing by estimation 900 acres of plantation measure be the same more or less part whereof is now held and enjoyed by John Keily or his undertenants & another part held and enjoyed by Richard Power or his undertenants and another part by John White’s widow and another part by Jeremiah Coughlan or his undertenants and another part by John Lucas and his undertenants”.

Ferrypoint: “...  another part commonly called Ferrypoint held and enjoyed by Richard FitzGerald and another part by John McCragh”.

Rath:  “… all that part of the plowland of Rath south west of the road leading from the Ferry of Youghal to the Land of Grange now held and enjoyed by Andrew Crotty”.

Monattory [Monatray again]: “and all other parts and parcells of the lands of Monattory and Ferrypoint except only that small parcel thereof now in tenure and possession of Florence Carthy Gent by lease of six pounds.” It would appear that the only part of Monatray not transferred to the Bernards was a piece of land still held by the Walsh family and leased to Florence Carthy or else this piece of land was owned by Florence Carthy or someone other than a Walsh.

Newtown: “.. also the towns and lands of Newtown now held and enjoyed by the said Florence Carthy and George Keane or his undertenants”.

Kilmeedy, Drumgullane and Lackindarra [Lackendarra]: “now held and enjoyed by Nicholas Power”.

Thomas Walsh and his aunt, Mary Walsh, were to receive payments in instalments over twenty years and the first payment of 1500 pounds was to be paid to the brothers and sisters of Thomas Walsh. Mary Walsh, widow of Colonel Robert Walsh, was to receive two hundred pounds a year for life from Francis Bernard. There is also a reference to monies to be paid to the estate of Ballykeroge by the Sheriff of Waterford and Francis Bernard due to apparent seizure or liability imposed on Colonel Robert Walsh due to a “discovery” under the “popery” acts. The agreement was signed by Richard FitzGerald of Ferrypoint, Andrew Crotty of Clonmel and justices which included Frances Woodley. The Richard FitzGerald of Ferrypoint mentioned in the agreement is probably Major Richard FitzGerald of Ferrypoint (and Prospect Hall).

December 1723 Sale of Kinsalebeg Walsh land to Francis Bernard:

Date: 14^th December 1723

Land Registry Ref: 41/132/24994

Document type: Memorial of indented article of agreement

Parties: Thomas Welsh, Pierce Welsh, Robert Welsh of Pilltown and Francis Bernard of Dublin.

Details: The memorial commences with the wording “A memorial of indented articles of agreement made concluded and agreed upon the 14^th December 1723 between Thomas Welsh of Pilltown of the 1^st part, Pierce Welsh & Robert Welsh two of the brothers of Thomas Welsh of the 2^nd part and Francis Bernard of the City of Dublin of the 3^rd part”. This agreement between the Welsh and Bernard families is just another step in the overall sale of the Walsh Kinsalebeg land to the Bernards. The details of townlands are similar to the agreement of the 26^th April 1723 but this version includes in the agreement the names of a number of other Welsh family members who were to become beneficiaries in the transacation in addition to Thomas Walsh. Pierce and Robert Walsh, brothers of Thomas Walsh, were to be paid 300 pound each. The other siblings of Thomas Walsh namely George, Elizabeth and Helen Walsh were to be paid 300 pounds each by Francis Bernard when they reached twenty one years of age. The agreement essentially seems to be trying to ensure that all members of the Walsh family are party to the agreement and benefit in some way from it and that additionally Francis Bernard is indemnified from any debts or claims due on the estate up to the point of sale. There are some minor changes to the place names where Monatray is variously spelt as Monottery, Monoclerys and Monotterie and the size is stated to be 900 acres. The primary tenants in Monatray are now named as John Kiely, Nicholas Power, Jeremy Coughlan, Richard FitzGerald, Jasper Lucas, Andrew Crotty, the widow of John White, John McCragh & Florence McCarthy.  It outlines that Florence McCarthy and George Keane are primary tenants in Newtown and Florence McCarthy was also a main tenant in Pilltown; Andrew Crotty was a primary tenant in Rath and part of Monatray; Nicholas Power was the primary tenant in Kilmeedy, Drumgullane and Lackendarra. The agreement goes on to stipulate that on the execution of the deed Pierce & Robert Walsh, brothers of Thomas Walsh, were to receive 300 pounds each from the sale price. In addition Thomas Walsh’s other siblings namely George, Elizabeth and Helen Walsh were to receive 300 pounds each when they reached the age of 21 years. This money was to be deposited into a kind of trust and the interest from this was to be used towards the maintenance of George, Elizabeth and Helen until they reached twenty one years of age. The agreement was signed by Thomas Welsh, Pierce Welsh, Robert Welsh and Francis Bernard and was witnessed by Francis Woodley.

July 1724 Sale of Kinsalebeg Walsh land to Francis Bernard:

Date: 14^th/15^th July 1724

Land Registry Ref: 40/426/26636

Document type: Memorial of deeds of lease and release

Parties: Thomas, Peirce, Robert Welsh and Francis Bernard, Wm. Westbury

Details: This is the final of the four main documents in this sequence covering the sale of Walsh land in Kinsalebeg to the Bernards as indicated by the document description as “A memorial of deeds of lease and release”. The agreement is between the three Walsh brothers and Francis Bernard as before but now includes the name a Wm. Westbury of the City of Dublin as a 3^rd party to the agreement. It outlines that the value of the sale to the Walsh brothers is £9940 which is presumably in addition to the £2600 in the first agreement dated 14^th July 1720 giving a total sale value of £12,540 pounds sterling. It is described as “.. Thomas Welsh, Pierce Welsh and Robert Welsh in consideration of the sum of nine thousand, nine hundred and forty pound to them in hand paid by Francis Bernard in pursuance of an agreement therein …”. The document also outlines the exact acreages of each townland involved in the sale transfer as indicated by the Down Survey land measurements of 1654-1656. The townlands listed are Moneottery als Monoclorie and Ferrypoint (1052 acres), Newtown (159 acres), Rath (103 acres), Kilmeedy als Kilmedy (182 acres), Drumgillane [Drumgullane] (354 acres), Lackenderry [Lackendarra] (46 acres), Knockbrack (156 acres), Pilltown (20 acres) and Glistenane (133 acres) with the total acreage involved coming to 2305 acres. In relation to Glistenane it indicates that the agreement does not include the land occupied by a Wm. Coughlan who has an underlease of 41 years & yearly rent of £20, nor does it include the land in the tenure or occupation of Florence McCarthy as indicated in earlier agreements. It also indicates that the agreement includes Walsh land in Ballykeroge which was relatively small in comparison with Kinsalebeg. The agreement makes reference to Wm. Ludlow and we will come across the Ludlow name later in the Bernard family history.

Overview of Bernard Family in period 1720-1825

The Bernards of Bandon were to become the major land owners in Kinsalebeg after the Walshs of Pilltown when the Walshs disposed of most of their land from 1720 onwards. Another large portion of land was sold to the FitzGeralds of Dromana aka Earl of Grandison which is covered later in this history. The following is an overview of the various members of the Bernard family who had land interests in Kinsalebeg for almost exactly a century between 1724 and 1825.  

There are a number of historical references to the presence of Stephen Bernard in Prospect Hall but it is not so widely documented that other members of the Bernard family of Bandon owned about 2500 acres of land around Kinsalebeg in the period from 1720 to 1825. The Bernards were very big landowners, particularly in Cork, and were reputedly the biggest landowners in Cork at one stage in the 18^th century. They had their family home in Castle Bernard, previously Castle Mahon, in Bandon, Co Cork. Judge Francis Bernard (1663-1731) was the first of the Bernard family to purchase land in the Kinsalebeg area in July 1720. One of Judge Francis Bernard’s descendants and future owner of the land in Kinsalebeg was another Francis Bernard who had the title Earl of Bandon.

The Bernards had their ancestral English seat at Acornbank in Westmoreland in England. Robert Fitz-Bernard accompanied Henry II to Ireland in 1172 and was later entrusted with the government of Waterford and Wexford. Judge Francis Bernard’s grandfather was also Francis Bernard who married Alice Freke of Rathborne Castle. He was Lord of the Manor of Castle Mahon where he resided prior to the 1641 rebellion. Judge Francis Bernard’s father was another Francis Bernard (died 1690) who married Mary Freke, a daughter of Captain Arthur Freke. They had six children namely Francis (who bought the Walsh land in Kinsalebeg), Anne (who inherited Prospect Hall and married Robert Foulkes), Elizabeth, Mary and Arthur. We will focus on the Francis Bernard who became the next big landowner in Kinsalebeg after the Walshs.

Judge Francis Bernard was born in Cork in 1663, studied law and eventually became a judge. He was Solicitor-General for Ireland in 1711 and had seven children namely Major North Ludlow Bernard, Francis, Stephen, Arthur, William, John and Elizabeth who were all born in Castle Mahon, Bandon Co. Cork. He was attainted during the reign of King James II and effectively lost his estates but they were restored during the reign of William of Orange and Mary II. Judge Francis Bernard died in Ballymodan, Bandon on 29^th June 1731 and most of his vast estate, including Kinsalebeg, was inherited by his son Francis “Squire” Bernard. The Prospect Hall part of Kinsalebeg was however inherited by Anne Bernard who was a sister of Judge Francis Bernard. The Bernard land in Kinsalebeg from 1731 onwards was therefore in the ownership of Francis Squire Bernard and his aunt Anne Bernard.

Francis Squire Bernard inherited the Bernard estates including Kinsalebeg in 1731. He was nicknamed “The Squire” because of his ornamental dress style and he must have cut an impressive picture as he came across the ferry from Youghal to Ferrypoint on his visits to Monatray. George Bennett gives a good impression of the style of Squire Bernard in his book called History of Bandon:

“Although the Squire lived in an age when every man of wealth and station had an embroidered coat or vest on, wore frills and rich ruffles of Mechlin lace and was decked out with valuable jewels, yet he [Francis Bernard] was conspicuous, in this time, for the costliness of his habiliments, for the lustre of the rubies and garnets which glowed on the hilt of his rapier, and for the size and brilliance of the diamonds which glistened on his fingers and on his shirt-front and shoe-buckles”.  

It is disappointing that this style of dress has largely disappeared from the Kinsalebeg area but we live in hope that it may return some time in the future even if only for festive occasions! In 1722 Squire Bernard married Anne FitzMaurice Petty who was a daughter of Henry Shelburne and Arabella Boyle. Henry Shelburne was the 1^st Earl of Shelburne and a son of William Petty and Arabella Boyle was a granddaughter of Richard Boyle 2^nd Earl of Cork. The Prospect Hall part of Kinsalebeg remained with Anne Bernard who was a sister of Judge Francis Bernard. Anne Bernard married Robert Foulkes and when she died in 1754 she willed Prospect Hall to her nephew Stephen Bernard, son of her brother Judge Francis Bernard.

Anne Foulkes nee Bernard was owner of the Prospect Hall part of Kinsalebeg from the death of her brother Judge Francis Bernard in 1731 until her own death in 1754. She married Robert Foulkes aka Reuben Foulkes of Youghal. When Anne Foulkes nee Bernard died in 1754 she left the Prospect Hall part of her estate to her nephew Stephen Bernard. Stephen Bernard was born in 1701 and educated at Trinity College where he obtained a B.A in 1721.  He went on to practice as a barrister and became an MP for Bandon in 1727. He was appointed a recorder for Kinsale in 1733 in succession to Jephson Busteed. Stephen Bernard never married and died in Tarbes France at the age of fifty six in 1757. He was therefore only in ownership of Prospect Hall for three years but may have been living there for a period before he inherited it. Stephen Bernard apparently carried out extensive improvements and rebuilding of Prospect Hall house and apparently used it as his main residence. Prospect Hall was described by Charles Smith in 1774 as: “a handsome seat, with good improvements, made by the late Stephen Bernard Esq”. When Stephen Bernard died in 1757 Prospect Hall passed to his brother, Arthur Bernard, who died in Prospect Hall in 1767 and was buried in the nearby Kinsalebeg Church.

Francis “Squire” Bernard proved to be as brittle in character as he was ostentatious in dress. He ran into difficulties with his neighbours around Castle Bernard when he was attempting to improve the surroundings of the castle. He planted two rows of beech trees between his ancestral home of Castle Bernard and Ballymodan Church but the local inhabitants objected to the planting of trees on the open ground which occupied the space in front of the church. There was a bitter dispute and in a fit of pique Squire Bernard uprooted all the beech trees including those on his own property. He then uprooted himself from Ireland and moved to London stating that he would never set foot in the country again. He was true to his word and set up a new home in Spring Gardens and also Bassingbourne Hall in Essex. He died in Spring Gardens in 1783 at the age of eighty five and was buried in Lokely Church in Bassingbourne after an elaborate funeral. It is unlikely that Squire Bernard made many visits to his land in Kinsalebeg during his lifetime and the land was largely leased out to third parties. It is probable that Anne Bernard and her cousin Stephen Bernard were overseeing the rest of the Bernard land in Kinsalebeg during the absence of the “Squire”. Francis “Squire” Bernard had no offspring and on his death his estate was inherited by his nephew James Bernard who was a son of Squire Bernard’s brother Major North Ludlow Bernard, a Major in the 5^th Dragoons.

James Bernard therefore came into ownership of a greater part of the land of Kinsalebeg in 1783, in addition to the vast Bernard estates in Cork. He married Hester Smyth who was a widow of Major Robert Gookin and a daughter of Percy Smyth and Elizabeth Jervois of Headborough in West Waterford. The marriage established a link between the Bernard family of Bandon and the Smyth family of Headborough which was a prelude to the transfer of ownership of the Kinsalebeg lands from Bernards to Percy Scott Smyth in 1825. James Bernard and Hester Smyth had seven children namely Francis (who inherited the Bernard estates), Charles, Rose, Esther, Mary, Charlotte and Elizabeth. James Bernard was elected provost of Bandon in 1764, 1768 and 1776 and was also elected as an MP for Bandon in 1783 and 1790. He was the complete opposite in style and character to his eccentric predecessor, Squire Bernard, and spent a considerable period representing the people of Bandon and improving the Bernard estates. He died in 1790 and was buried in Ballymodan Church in Bandon. He was succeeded by his son Francis Bernard, who was the last of the Bernards involved in land ownership in the Kinsalebeg area.

Francis Bernard, 1^st Earl of Bandon, was born in January 1755 in Bandon and married Catherine Henrietta Boyle, daughter of Richard Boyle 2^nd Earl of Shannon and Catherine Ponsonby. He was an MP for Ennis in the Irish House of Commons from 1877 to 1783 and represented Bandon as an MP from 1783 onwards. He became a peer in 1793 and with this came with the title of Baron Bandon. In 1800 he became the first Earl of Bandon and sat as a peer in the House of Lords from 1801 until his death in 1830. He inherited the Bernard estates including Kinsalebeg in 1790 and eventually disposed of the Kinsalebeg part of his estate to Percy Scott Smyth of Headborough and Monatray in 1825. The Bernard family continued to live in Castle Bernard until 1921 when the castle was destroyed in an IRA attack and never rebuilt. They built another house on the estate in Bandon and the family remained there until the death of Lady Jennifer Bernard in 2010. She was the daughter of Air Chief Marshall Percy Bernard, the 5^th and last Earl of Bandon (1904-1979), who was a senior commander in the RAF during the 2^nd World War. The Bernard involvement as the largest land owners in Kinsalebeg extended from 1720 to 1825 and thus spanned over a century. There is no record that they actually spent much time in Kinsalebeg with the exception of the time spent by some members of the family in Prospect Hall. There are no real references to Prospect Hall as a townland before the arrival of the Berrnards in 1725. The house known as Prospect Hall did however exist prior to 1725 as Captain Richard FitzGerald was recorded as having lived in Prospect Hall around 1715. The house seems to have been extensively improved by Stephen Bernard when he inherited it in 1754.

Thomas Walsh Jun Land Sales to Earl of Grandison (1724-1730)

The land transactions detailed above were primarily between Thomas Walsh Junior of Pilltown and the Bernard family of Bandon. The other major land transactions involving the Walshs of Pilltown around this period were sales to the Earl of Grandison of Dromana which are detailed below.

July 1724 Sale of Kinsalebeg Walsh land to Earl of Grandison:

Date: 16^th & 17^th July 1724

Land Registry Ref: 55/160/36370

Document type: Memorial of indentures of lease and release

Parties:  Thomas Welsh of Piltown and Rt. Hon. John Earl of Grandison & others

 Details: Thomas Walsh had at this point sold a large part of his land in the Kinsalebeg area to Francis Bernard. This document outlines that he then proceeded to transfer most of the remainder of his land holdings in Kinsalebeg and other parts of Waterford, Cork and Kilkenny to John FitzGerald Villiers otherwises known as the Earl of Grandison.

 The document is described as “A memorial of indentures of lease & release duly executed & bearing date the sixteenth & seventeenth days of July one thousand seven hundred & twenty four the lease being bipartite & made between Thomas Welsh of Piltown in the county of Waterford Esquire of the one part & the Rt. Hon. John Earl of Grandison & George Matthew of Thomastown in the county of Tippeary Esq. of the other part …”. This is a very detailed document which frequently, and confusingly at times, references the earlier land sale transactions between Thomas Welsh of Pilltown and Francis Bernard. The last document in the Welsh to Bernard sale had only been concluded the day before this Welsh to Earl of Grandison document was drawn up. It summarises the Walsh - Bernard sale as follows: “…for the  sum of nine thousand nine hundred & forty pounds sterling [£9940] sold and conveyed the towns & lands of Monotteryes alias Monotery [Monatray] of Ferrypoint, Rath, Newtown, Kilmedey [Kilmeedy], Drommgallane [Drumgullane], Lackendarra, Knockbrack, Glistenane … to Francis Bernard of the city of Dublin etc”.  The document goes on to outline a large number of townlands which Thomas Welsh was effectively selling to John FitzGerald Villiers, Earl of Grandison, by means of the indenture of lease and release. This was effectively a procedure whereby the ownership of a property was transferred to a new owner after a period of time and was a regular method of conveyance up to the 19^th century and would more commonly be known later as a “quit claim”. The townlands listed in this document as being part of the sale to the Earl of Grandison include Garranaspick, Drumgullane, Kilmaloo, Kilgabriel, D’Loughtane and most of these townlands are also included in the Welsh-Bernard sale. We can reasonably conclude that Thomas Welsh was not trying to sell the same land twice and at one point there is a note of clarification regarding the Pilltown lands which states “the town and lands of Pilltown except only that part thereof sold & conveyed to the said Francis Bernard”. The land being sold by the Walsh family to the Earl of Grandison is spread over the three counties of Waterford, Cork and Kilkenny. We will exclude the following Kinsalebeg area townlands from the Earl of Grandison sale as these townlands were already included in sales to Francis Bernard even though some of them are mentioned in both Bernard and Grandison sales. The townland spellings are transcribed from the original documents.

Walsh townland sales to Francis Bernard (1720-1730): Monatray, Ferrypoint, Rath, Newtown, Kilmeedy, Drumgullane, Lackendarra, Knockbrack, Glistenane, Pilltown, Garranaspick, Kilmaloo and Kilgabriel. This is approximately 3500 acres and is the major part of the land of Kinsalebeg.

Walsh townland sales to Earl of Grandison (1724-1730): 

(a)   County Waterford: Ringas, Knockboy, D’Loughtane, Clashmore, Currymore, Crushea, Ballynacourty, Ballynamintragh, Ballycorrowly, Killkipp, Ffarabolan, Ballykerogue, Ballynevogy, Ballyvoile, Island Hubbock, Glendalligan, Durrow, Shanacoole, Knockdrumlea, Millerstown and Gortaviccary.

(b)   County Cork: Manor of Lisserane, Curraghevern, Lehenagh, Aghfeor, Granges, Gurranes, Cooragh, Ardgehane, Lissavoura, Cregan, Carrownamanagh, Carrowknock, Abbey of Strewry, Rectory of Maur Strewry, Lisheen and Manor of Carbry.

(c)    County Kilkenny: Ballyhale, Tinnescully, Morgan, Coolreheeny, Aglish, Gilcahmore and Clonmore.

The Welsh to Bernard and the Welsh to Earl of Grandison land dealings involved in excess of twelve thousand acres of land and possibly runs closer to fifteen to twenty thousand acres if the land in the townlands indicated was being sold in its entirety. The various deeds do not usually indicate the number of acres involved so it is difficult to arrive at an exact acreage. We are aware from other documents that the Walsh of Pilltown land holdings were well in excess of twelve thousand acres and probably closer to twenty thousand acres spread over the counties of Waterford, Cork and Kilkenny.  The sales of the above Walsh lands in Kinsalebeg to Francis Bernard, Earl of Grandison and others in the early part of the 18^th century signifies the end of a couple of centuries of Walsh land ownership and major involvement in this area of Waterford. Thomas Walsh Junior died about 1750 and his natural heir was his eldest son Robert Walsh and so we will continue the Walsh of Pilltown history into the 6^th generation with Robert Walsh.

Thomas Walsh Jnr Kinsalebeg Land Transactions (After 1720)

There were a number of other smaller land transactions involving the Walshs of Pilltown in the period from 1720 onwards but we are including only the major transactions in this history.

Thomas Walsh Jnr & Earl Grandison Connections

Thomas Walsh Jnr transacted a number of land sales with John FitzGerald Villiers, Earl of Grandison, in the period from 1724 onwards. There are indications in these transactions of a close relationship between the two families. It has been suggested that Thomas Walsh Jnr was married to a Catherine FitzGerald, who was connected to the FitzGeralds of Dromana but this connection is unproven. It is apparent from the land transactions that Thomas Walsh Jnr was married to a Catherine but there is no confirmation that her surname was FitzGerald. There is a record of a Thomas Walsh marrying a Catherine (Katherine) FitzGerald in St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal in 1718 which may be a reference to the marriage of Thomas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown but this has not been verified. The situation is confused by the presence of a number of Catherine FitzGeralds around this period. The following notes are just background information to some of the FitzGerald family connections that existed in Dromana & Kinsalebeg around this period but as stated above they do not offer any confirmation of a confirmed Walsh of Pilltown to FitzGerald of Dromana family link.

(1)   According to Villiers-Stuart papers²⁸ Katherine FitzGerald, sister of John FitzGerald 1^st Earl of Grandison, was married to Major Richard FitzGerald who lived for a period circa 1715 in Prospect Hall Kinsalebeg Co Waterford. Major Richard FitzGerald was a key witness in the famous Annesley court case of 1743 which attempted to establish if James Annesley was indeed a son and heir of the late Lord Altham. Major Richard FitzGerald testified at the trial that he believed that James Annesley was indeed a son of Lord Altham and that he had visited him at his house in Dunmaine Wexford around 1715 when James Annesley was born. He stated that he himself was living at Prospect Hall at that time (1714-1715) and had met Lord Altham at Prospect Hall as well as Dunmaine. We are aware that Major Richard FitzGerald spent a considerable part of his military life in the Rhine but we have little further information on his career or the period of time he spent in Prospect Hall and whether his wife, Catherine FitzGerald, accompanied him to the Rhine.

(2)   It is recorded in land deeds that Thomas Walsh Jnr was living in Prospect Hall in 1719 and that he was married to a Catherine.

(3)   A Thomas Walsh married a Catherine FitzGerald in St Mary’s Collegiate Church Youghal in 1718 but no verification that this was definitely Thomas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown as parents of bride and groom not recorded.

(4)   The Villiers-Stuart papers²⁸ refer to a Richard FitzGerald aka Franklyn which might indicate that the Major Richard FitzGerald above who married Katherine FitzGerald, sister of Earl of Grandison, was in fact a son of Major Richard Franklyn who was a soldier in Cromwell’s army when he came to Ireland. Major Richard Franklyn married Lettice FitzGerald who was a daughter of Sir Gerald FitzGerald of Dromana and Mabel Digby. Sir John FitzGerald, Lord of Dromana & Decies, a brother of Lettice FitzGerald, married Katherine le Poer and their only child was also a Katherine FitzGerald. This Katherine FitzGerald married Brigadier Edward Villiers and their son John FitzGerald Villiers was the 1^st Earl of Grandison who transacted the Walsh-Grandison land sales.

(5)   Most historical records indicate that Sir Gerald FitzGerald & Mabel Digby of Dromana had two children, the above named Sir John FitzGerald and Lettice FitzGerald. There are a few historical records, including an unconfirmed Wikipedia entry on Mabel Digby, which indicate that there was in fact a third child who married Thomas Walsh of Pilltown (possibly a Catherine FitzGerald?). However the age profile of the individuals involved make this possibility virtually impossible as Mabel Digby was born around 1598 and Thomas Walsh Junior was born in 1692.

It therefore remains to be established as to which Catherine did Thomas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown marry and what were her genealogical details.

Other 5th Generation Walsh Family Members

Before we continue with the 6^th generation history of the Walshs of Pilltown we will take a brief detour to look at some of the children of Valentine Walsh the Elder. Valentine Walsh the Elder was a brother of Colonel Robert Walsh and a son of Thomas Walsh Snr and Eleanor Power. He was a Lieutenant Colonel on the Catholic Jacobite side during the 1689-1691 Jacobite-Williamite war. Valentine Walsh and his wife Ellen had six children namely James, Nicholas, Valentine the Younger, Robert, Ellen and Catherine. James and Valentine the Younger followed their father into a military career.

..... 1 Thomas Walsh Senior (1624 - 1670) b: 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford, d: 05 May 1670

.....   + Eleanor Power (1626 - ) b: 1626, m: Abt. 1645

........... 2 John Walsh (1653 - 1690) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: 1690 in Cove of Cork aka Queenstown or Cobh

...........   + Helen Power

........... 2   Nicholas Walsh (1653 - 1685) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: Abt. 1685

........... 2 Robert Walsh Lieutenant Colonel (1653 - 1713) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

...........   + Mary Butler ( - 1724) m: Abt. 1690, d: 10 Jun 1724 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

........... 2   James Walsh

........... 2   Valentine Walsh the Elder Captain (1653 - ) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford

...........   + Ellen Walshnee

................. 3   James Walsh Lieutenant (German Imperial Service)

................. 3   Nicholas Walsh

....................... 4   James Walsh

................. 3   Valentine Walsh the Younger (Bohemian Imperial Service ?)

.................   + Mary Graney

....................... 4   George Walsh

....................... 4   Catherine Walsh

................. 3   Robert Walsh

................. 3   Ellen Walsh

................. 3   Catherine Walsh

James Walsh was the eldest son of Valentine Walsh the Elder. He was apparently sent to Germany by his father when he was eleven years old to complete his education in the German Imperial Service. Colonel Thomas Warren, a relative of Valentine Walsh via his father's sister, also went to Germany at that time with James Walsh. Valentine the Younger was being educated in Bohemia at the same time as his brother was in the German service. James Walsh was apparently involved in a series of duels at one point during his period in Germany. He was still very young at this stage and was apparently insulted by some other unknown Irishman who cast aspersions on the Walsh family. The unknown Irishman obviously did not know his history very well and certainly was not aware of the reputation of the Walshs of Pilltown as to his surprise the young James immediately challenged him to a series of duels, as a result of which the unknown protagonist fled the scene. James Walsh obtained a lease²⁵ on the lands of Ballynevogy and Gortavicary from his cousin Thomas Walsh Jnr of Pilltown on 17th April 1704.  He is also listed in a deed²⁶ of 2nd August 1729 which outlines the sub-lease of these lands executed on James's behalf by a Thomas Warren of Dublin. In this deed James Walsh was described as a Lieutenant in General Wallis's Regiment of Foot in the service of the Emperor of Germany's Service. James is also described as a Lieutenant in General Wallis's Regiment of Foot in the service of the Emperor of Germany Frederick Wilhelm I (Warren in the Kelmscott Press book "Walsh 1170-1670").

Valentine the Younger Walsh apparently obtained some of his education in Bohemia around the same time that his brother James was being educated in Germany (Ref: JWSEIAS Vol XIII 1910²⁴) as we have outlined above. James Walsh, as we have noted earlier, was apparently insulted by an unknown Irishman while he was in Germany/Hungary. His adversary declared that James Walsh was not a gentleman and this resulted in a series of duels between the two individuals before the unknown Irishman fled the service. When Valentine heard of the events surrounding his brother in Germany he wrote to a friend of the family, Count Ulick (Ulysses) Brown, to explain what had happened and requesting some information on the Walsh ancestry so that presumably he and his brother would have a better knowledge of the Walsh family history in the future. Count Ulick Brown was a nobleman who had lost a son fighting as a Jacobite officer in the Spanish service and was also a noted historian. He was also involved in the German service in this period. He responded to Valentine Walsh with a detailed overview of the Walsh family to reassure him and his brother that they were indeed from a noble background. The letter is an interesting historical document  on the Walsh family:

"Frankforth on the Maine, 12th June 1729.

Sr.

Your letter of the 4th June came last night to my hands and I am sorry to find by its contents that malice and envy attend the other misfortunes our country groans under, or that any wretch should dare impose upon persons of so great consequence as the Counts Wallis [Walsh] are, who, tho' strangers to me, are the noble men of my country I value most because good in all respects and, which is more, have illustrated their stock and family abroad. Whoever he was that had the malice to prejudice your brother affronted them noble men more than he did him, for never was since the conquest of Ireland any of that family called in Ireland but Walshs. The first two of that family that came on the conquest of Ireland were David Walsh and Philip Walsh, considerable and leading men out of Wales as the records show or as Cambden proves whose history is to be seen or his Britania as he terms it even in Latin. In Irish the family is called Wallis, in English Walsh or Welsh. Defy mankind to say that in Ireland any were called otherwise from the conquest to this day; and would take it as an affront to be called otherwise. It's true the grandfather of Count Wallis was actually a second son of Walsh of the Mountain, as he is called in Ireland; his mansion houses were Oldcourt and Carrigmain; and that son called himself, as with reason, of the Carrigmain family. Walsh of the Mountain was Lord Sleigbranagh, as called in Irish, which is a Barony and is still to this day. No family better or nobler allied tho' I say for my near relations by my mother. Your ancestor was a second son to the heir of that family by name Walsh of Pilltown Manor, Ballykeroge, Mounotrie [Monatray], Burragharue, &c., and by sixty years out of the Mountain family before the Counts Wallis's family did, by female alliances and heiresses some difference in their arms, but still the same family, as records prove, and that I know tho' the wretch that said it knows not. When them noblemen know the truth I pity the rascal that told them so. It's not because I say it, or that your family and I are related, or that your aunt was married to my cozen german, Mr. Roe of hacketstown, that you are as well born as any man of your country and as well allied. Not to talk of your father or his ancestors you are by your mother as good as Lord Power, by your grandmother a daughter of the same and sister to ye Earl of Tyrone; her mothers are well known as daughters of Ormond, Kildare and Desmond, not to mention Irish blood O'Briens, O'Neals, McCarthys &c. all this tho' needless is too well known, I tell you good Mr. Walsh not to puff you with any pride but to be humble in ye vocation you have embraced and to study as becomes one of your family. It then will appear you have friends to sustain you and push you to the most eminent degrees of your Church. Were I not sure of what I write should be sorry to advance the same, but proud of an opportunity of convincing you and family how much I am and always shall be,

            You friend & assured humble servant

            Count Brown Camus & Muntani."

Valentine the Younger Walsh was reputed at one stage to be a "Protestant Discoverer" which was apparently a person who reports practising Catholics or recursants to the authorites. He is also mentioned in a number of deeds revolving around land sales and leases in the West Waterford area. We continue the Walsh of Pilltown history into the sixth generation with the second Colonel Robert Walsh.

6^th Generation and Colonel Robert Walsh of Pilltown & Bath

This Robert Walsh was apparently the last in the direct male descendant line of the Walsh family of Pilltown. He was the son of Thomas Walsh Jnr & Katherine of Pilltown and was born about 1722. Robert had one younger brother named William Stewart Walsh. Robert’s paternal grandfather was also a Colonel Robert Walsh as we have outlined earlier. Robert Walsh joined the British army and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in the British Army during the American War of Independence (1775-1783). He retired to Bath in England after his army service and died in Walcot, Bath in 1788. He requested that he should be buried in the middle isle of the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul which is more commonly known as Bath Abbey. There is a wall plaque memorial to Colonel Robert Walsh on the north wall of Bath Abbey which was designed by Thomas King of Bath, the founder of a famous family of monumental masons. The monument includes a broken column which signifies the end of the direct hereditary line of a particular family and confirms that Robert Walsh had no male offspring to continue the direct line. There are of course other Walsh of Pilltown descendants and the memorial is only referring to the end of the direct line of male descendants.The Walsh family coat of arms is located at the base of the monument complete with the crest of the wounded swan pierced by an arrow which identifies this particular branch of the Walsh family. The Biographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain 1660-1851 describes the Robert Walsh memorial in Bath Abbey as follows:"The memorial to Robert Walsh in Bath Abbey has a relief of a broken Ionic column clad with yew on an oval ground of streaked grey marble".

..... 1 Thomas Walsh Senior (1624 - 1670) b: 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford, d: 05 May 1670

.....   + Eleanor Power (1626 - ) b: 1626, m: Abt. 1645

........... 2 John Walsh (1653 - 1690) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: 1690 in Cove of Cork aka Queenstown or Cobh

...........   + Helen Power

........... 2   Nicholas Walsh (1653 - 1685) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: Abt. 1685

........... 2 Robert Walsh Colonel (1653 - 1713) b: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, d: 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

...........   + Mary Butler ( - 1724) m: Abt. 1690, d: 10 Jun 1724 in Clonmel Co Tipperary

................. 3   Thomas Walsh Junior (1692 - 1750) b: Abt. 1692, d: Abt. 1750

.................   + Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald m: 1718 in Youghal Co Cork

....................... 4   Robert Walsh Colonel (1722 - 1788) b: Abt. 1722, d: 1788 in Bath England

....................... 4   William Stewart Walsh

Colonel Robert Walsh Memorial at Bath Abbey

The inscription at the base of the memorial reads as follows:

Colonel Robert Walsh made a will dated the 27^th June 1786 which was modified by codicils on 7^th November 1787 and 1^st April 1788. The will was proved on 11^th October 1788 by Edward Johnston. In his will he states that he wished to:

“be buried in the middle aisle of the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul [Bath Abbey] in the said City of Bath as was the remains of my aunt the late Honourable Elizabeth Villiers”.  

The reference to Elizabeth Villiers may have been a mistake for Katherine Villiers nee FitzGerald who married Edward Villiers and who would have been related to the Walshs. He also states in the will that:

“and being the last surviving person of the male line of my family I direct a monument of the value of one hundred pounds to be set up or created in the parish Church”.

This is a confirmation that Robert Walsh was indeed the last in the direct line of the Walshs of Pilltown. Robert Walsh left £1,000 to Lady Araminta Monck, who was the wife of George Paul Monck, on the stipulation that the money would not be subject to the control of her husband. He additionally left five hundred pounds each to the four daughters of George and Araminta Monck namely Jane (husband of Edward Johnston), Anne, Elizabeth and Amelia Monck. Additional smaller amounts were bequeathed to a number of other individuals, servants, Bath General Hospital and the Pauper House of Bath. Parts of the will were later revoked by codicil including the legacy to Araminta Monck and other beneficiaries were added including John Beresford. The amounts of money involved in the will of Colonel Robert Walsh were quite large at current day prices – a £1000 pounds in 1788 was a considerable amount of money. The Monck and Beresford families were the owners of a number of Irish estates and were extremely well off in their own right. It is surprising that Robert Walsh would bequeath such relatively high amounts of money to Araminta Monck nee Beresford and her daughters.

It is apparent that relations between Araminta Beresford and her husband George Paul Monck were somewhat strained and the stipulation in Robert Walsh’s original will that the money he was leaving her in his will “would not be subject to the control of her husband” would seem to confirm a difficult marital situation. It was not surprising therefore that in later years the estate of George Paul Monck would become the source of a bitter court case between the descendants of George Paul Monck & Araminta Beresford which eventually finished up in the House of Lords in 1835. There appeared to be a close relationship between the Beresford family and Colonel Robert Walsh. Robert Walsh describes Araminta Monck nee Beresford as “my relation” but the family connection would appear to be some generations removed. It is essentially linked back to the three Power siblings namely Richard, Eleanor and Katherine Power who were children of Lord John Power and Ruth Pypho of Curraghmore. Firstly Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone’s granddaughter Catherine Power Baroness Le Poer, who inherited Curraghmore, married Sir Marcus Beresford Earl of Tyrone (Beresford branch) and their daughter Araminta Beresford married the George Paul Monck as mentioned in the will. Araminta Beresford was a sister of George de la Poer Beresford 1^st Marquess of Waterford (1735-1800). Eleanor Power, the 2^nd Power sibling, married Thomas Walsh Snr of Pilltown and this Colonel Robert Walsh was a great grandson of this marriage. Thirdly Katherine Power, the 3^rd Power sibling, married John FitzGerald of Dromana and from this line descended John FitzGerald Villiers 1^st Earl of Grandison. There were therefore family links between the Walshs, FitzGerald-Villiers and Powers of Curraghmore families but these would have been some generations removed from Colonel Robert Walsh who died in Bath in 1788. The death of Colonel Robert Walsh brings us to the end of the direct line of the Walshs of Pilltown which spanned approximately 250 years from the birth of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr in Waterford around 1540 to the death of Colonel Robert Walsh in Bath, without issue, in 1788. There are of course other descendant lines of the Walsh family of Pilltown who survive to the present day but the focus of this article has been on the direct male descendant line.

Summary of History of Walshs of Pilltown (1540-1788)

The Walshs of Pilltown were undoubtedly a formidable family who left an indelible imprint in the history of Kinsalebeg from the 16^th to 18^th century. This particular Walsh history started with the birth of Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr in 1540 and culminated with the death of his great great great grandson Colonel Robert Walsh in 1788. The intervening 250 years covered a turbulent and violent period in Irish history. The succeeding generations of the Walshs of Pilltown were involved in many of the key events that occurred during this time. Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr was the founding father of the Walshs of Pilltown and he had a highly successful legal and political career. He rose to the position of Speaker in the Irish House of Commons and Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. He was knighted in 1597 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and was subsequently titled Sir Nicholas Walsh of Pilltown & Ballykeerogue. His political and legal positions, coupled with a close association with “Black Tom” Butler the 10^th Earl of Ormond, enabled him to build up a large estate particularly in Waterford and Kilkenny. Kinsalebeg & Pilltown was a major part of this estate but it also included land in areas such as Ballykeerogue (Waterford) and Clonmore (Kilkenny). 

Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr was succeeded by his son, Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr, who set the tone for an altogether more revolutionary position for the Walshs of Pilltown from that time forward. Nicholas Walsh Jnr obtained an immediate high profile in 1641 when he was reputed to have drawn up a “forged commission” of support from King Charles I for the Irish Confederates which influenced the start of the 1641 rebellion. The later description of the circumstances under which the “forged commission” was allegedly drawn up by Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr in Pilltown Castle has passed into legend. It would form a great opening sequence for a future film on the “Fighting Walshs of Pilltown”.  Picture the scene on a cold winter’s night in Pilltown Castle with the wind whistling around the parapets. Inside the castle a group of revolutionaries led by Sir Nicholas Walsh are drawing up on parchment a forged commission outlining Irish rebel support from King Charles. They seal the parchment with the king’s wax seal which has carefully been removed from a genuine document received from the king.  The crackling of the drying parchment startles a pet wolf which is sleeping in front of a blazing fire.  The wolf jumps up, seizes the parchment and destroys it and Nicholas Walsh has to write out the document a second time. The document or commission is later presented by Nicholas Walsh to William St Leger, Lord President of Munster, to signify the king’s support for the Irish Confederates in the 1641 rebellion. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and other members of his family, including his son Captain James Walsh, become heavily involved in dozens of rebel attacks on property, farms, castles and towns during the 1641 rebellion. A Nicholas Walsh led army took on the forces of Broghill at Cappagh as Broghill was on his way to relieve Sir Richard Osborne’s castle at Knockmone. The Walshs were later involved in an attack on their own castle at Pilltown, which had been captured by enemy forces. Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr was believed to have been killed in an audacious rebel attack on Dungarvan Castle in 1643. The attack involved throwing rope ladders over the castle walls to enable rebels to storm the castle which was duly captured.

The third generation of Walshs of Pilltown was also involved in rebellion and Captain James Walsh, the young son of Sir Nicholas Walsh Junior, was apparently killed in a rebel attack in the early stages of the 1641 rebellion. His brother, Thomas, was also involved in rebellion and a number of Thomas’s sons were involved in various conflicts which brought the Walshs into their fourth generation of armed conflict.

Nicholas Walsh the 3^rd, the 2^nd son of Thomas, was killed in a duel in London in 1585. John, Robert and Valentine Walsh, three other sons of Thomas Walsh and Ellen Power of Pilltown, were soldiers and officers in the 1689-1691 Williamite-Jacobite War together with their uncle Richard Power,1^st Earl of Tyrone.  John Walsh, the eldest son of Thomas Walsh and an officer in the army, was captured during the Siege of Cork in 1690. The prisoner ship carrying him and other prisoners to England was blown up in the Cove of Cork resulting in the deaths of all those on board. His uncle and father-in-law, Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone, was also captured at Cork in 1690 and transported to the Tower of London where he died in October 1690. Robert Walsh, 3^rd son of Thomas, was a Lieutenant Colonel on the Jacobite side of the conflict and fought with Patrick Sarsfield at the Siege of Limerick. Valentine Walsh the Elder, another son of Thomas and brother of John, was a Jacobite captain in the Earl of Tyrone’s regiment in King James’s Irish Army during the war.

Two of Valentine’s sons, Lieutenant James and Valentine Walsh the Younger, were involved in the German and Bohemian military service. Colonel Robert Walsh Jnr was the last known member of the Walshs of Pilltown who was involved in the military life. He was also the last in the direct male descendant line of the Walsh family of Pilltown. Colonel Robert Walsh was the son of Thomas Walsh Jnr & Katherine of Pilltown and was born about 1722. Robert’s paternal grandfather was Colonel Robert Walsh who fought in the Siege of Limerick and he had one younger brother named William Stewart Walsh. Robert Walsh joined the British army and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in the British Army during the American War of Independence (1775-1783) and he later retired to Bath in England where he died in 1788. A memorial to his memory is still present in Bath Abbey.

The Walshs of Pilltown were large landowners in the Waterford and Kilkenny area and over a period held somewhere between twelve and twenty thousand acres of land. They obtained most of the land and property after the Desmond rebellions at the latter end of the 16^th century when the large Desmond estates in Munster were confiscated and redistributed. Sir Nicholas Walsh Snr’s close relationship with the Ormond dynasty of Thomas Butler was a key factor in theswe land acquisitions. This was around the same period that Sir Walter Raleigh received 42,000 acres in East Cork and West Waterford. The Walsh land ownership was not without its problems and they were subject to a number of inquisitions, evictions and land confiscations throughout their history. These difficulties arose mainly because of the involvement of successive generations of the Walshs in “rebel activities”. As events transpired the Walshs of Pilltown always seemed to be able to hold onto their property and the Walsh estate was still relatively intact when they eventually disposed of most of their land to the Bernards of Bandon and Earl Grandison of Dromana in the period from 1720 onwards.

The Walshs established close links with many influential families of the period. Sir Nicholas Snr was basically raised under Ormond influence and married into the influential Comerford and Colclough of Tinterne families and Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr also married a Colclough. In the next generation Thomas Walsh married Eleanor Power who was a daughter of the powerful John Power, 5^th Baron le Poer of Curraghmore, and a sister of Richard Power 1^st Earl of Tyrone. Katherine Power, a sister of Eleanor Power, was married to John FitzGerald of Dromana and they were parents of Katherine FitzGerald who was later to become Viscountess Grandison. Eleanor Power’s mother was Ruth Pypho, who was a daughter of the formidable Kinbrough Pypho nee Valentine. Kinbrough Pypho had a big influence in both the Power and Walsh families in the difficult period during and after the 1641 rebellion. The close links with these influential families was an important factor that helped the Walshs to navigate the difficult waters they encountered particularly at the latter end of the 17^th century.

We have confined this particular history to the Walshs of Pilltown but there were of course many other branches of the Walsh family including those of Ballygunner, Kilkenny, Canty/Woodstock and Serrant in France. There are no modern day traces of the physical presence of the Walshs of Pilltown in Kinsalebeg. Pilltown Castle was destroyed during the 1641 rebellion and the ruin of the Manor of Pilltown was blown up in the 1950s. However they were a family who had a major influence in Kinsalebeg for almost 250 years. We should not forget their fighting spirit and their refusal to accept defeat in the face of tremendous military and political difficulties. The Fighting Walshs of Pilltown is a good epitaph to their memory and their name should be added to the list of Kinsalebeg heroes over the centuries.

Appendix 1

Details submitted by Thomas Walsh to 1653 Inquisition at Clonmel:

Notes: This transcript²⁷ from the inquisitions carried out in County Waterford by the English Parliamentary administration in Ireland, to investigate suspects involved in the rebellion of 1641 and the subsequent internecine warfare, during the interregnum.

Start of Transcript

By The Commissioners of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Details: Thomas Walsh, of Piltowne, delivered his particulars to the Commissioners on the 25^th January 1653.

1.  Thomas Walsh: Aged twenty nine years, middle stature, browne haire. Twenty-two cowes, two hundred sheep,   sixty-four garrans and oxen, acres of wheate and beare thirty.

2.  Ellis Power, wife to the said Thomas, aged twenty-seven years, middle stature brown haire.

3.   Mary Walsh, daughter of the said Thomas, aged eight years, brown hair.

4.   Catherin Walsh, daughter to the said Thomas, aged five years, browne haire.

5.    Ruth Walsh, daughter of the said Thomas, aged three years, browne haire.

6.  Ellin Walsh, daughter of the said Thomas, aged one year.

7.   Catharine Walsh, twenty three years, short stature, dark brown baire.

8.   Ellin Walsh, aged eighty-one yeares, middle stature, flaxen haire.

9.   Adam Walsh aged seventeen yeares, short stature, flaxen haire.

10. Thorlogh OMihan, of Piltowne, aforesaid, servant, aged ninety-one years, middle stature, browne haire.

11. Thomas Slattery, of the same, servant, aged, twenty-six, middle stature, blacke haire.

12. Richard Brenagh, of the same servant, fower cowes, one garran, one acre of wheate, beare.

13. Hugh Toole, of Ballyvoile, tennant, aged sixty yeares, middle stature, grey haire, eight cowes, twenty-eight sheep, fowr garrans, fowr acres of wheate and beare.

14. A. Whelan, of'Piltowne, aged twenty-nine, tall stature, browne haire.

15. Darby Toole, of Ballyvoile,  tenant, aged twenty-four years, tall stature, fflaxen haire, eight cowes, ffortie sheepe, eight garrans, fowr garrans, fowr acres of wheat and beare.

16. Catharine Power alias Toole, wife to the said Derby aged twenty-fowr, tall stature, browne haire.

17. Garrett Doile, of the same, servant, aged thirty yeares, low stature, blacke haire, fowr cows, one garran.

18. Nicholas Whelan, of Piltowne, servant, aged twenty-three   yeares, middle stature, browne haire.

19. John Phelan of the same, servant, aged nineteen years, middle stature, browne baire.

20. James Walsh, of Ballykiroge, tenant aged twenty-eight years, middle stature, browne haire.

21. ----?   -----?   aged sixty years, tennant, middle stature, grey haire, one cow.

22. Morough Milan, of the same, aged forty years, servant, four cowes, three garrans, and one acre of wheate and beare.

23. James Donoghed, of the same, servant, aged thirty-two, middle stature, browne haire, three cowes, one garran.

24. Thomas Molloghane, of the same, servant, aged thirty years, middle stature, blacke haire, one cowe, ten sheepe.

25. Thomas Daley, of the same, servant, aged twenty-fowr, short stature, flaxen haire.

26. Margaret Fitzgerald, wife of the said Thomas, aged thirty years, short stature, browne haire.

27. Ellin Archdeacon, of Rath, widow, aged thirty years, short stature, browne haire, fowr cowes, twenty-six sheepe, one garran, one acre of wheate and beare.

28. Patrick Daton, of the same, servant, aged thirty years, middle stature, blacke haire.

29. Thomas Daton of the same, servant aged sixteen years, short stature, blacke haire.

30. John Tinane of the same, servant, aged thirty years, short stature, black haire,

31. Ellen Brenagh, of the same, servant, aged fifty years, short stature, grey haire.

32. Ell. Grannt,  of the same, servant, aged fourteen years, short stature, black haire.

33. Sheehy Ny-falon, of Piltowne, servant, aged forty years, tall stature, browne haire.

34. Catharine Kennedy, of the same, servant, aged thirty-two years, low stature, blacke haire.

35. Sheehy Ny Connor, of the same, servant, aged forty years, middle stature, black haire.

36. Katharin Brenagh, of the same, servant, aged seventeen years, low stature, flaxen haire.

37. Ellin Tobin, of the same, aged twenty-six years, servant, low stature,  browne haire.

38. Ellin Power, of the same, servant, aged fifty yeares, middle stature, browne haire.

39. Margaret Shanobe, of the same, servant, aged fifty-three years, short stature, grey haire.

40. David Conery, of the same, servant, aged forty years, low stature, browne haire.

41. Margaret Slattery, of the same, servant, aged eighty-one years, middle stature, black haire.

42. Margaret Ny Connor, of the same, servant, aged eighteen years, low stature, flaxen haire.

43. Catharin Slattery, of the same, servant, aged twenty years, middle stature, blacke haire.

44. Gerald Fforill, of the same, servant, aged thirty-fowr years, middle stature, red haire.

45. Connor Brenan, of the same, herdsman, low stature, blackc haire,

46. Nicholas Power, of the same, servant, aged sixty-one years, low stature, red haire.

47. Thomas Cockes, of the same, taylor, tall stature, blacke haire.

48. Morrish Fflyne, of the same, labourer, aged thirty-six years, low stature, browne haire.

49. Teige O'Morossy, of the same, servant, aged forty years, low stature, blacke haire.

50. Ellin Meagher, of the same, aged eighteen years, low stature, browne haire.

51. Morice Makay, of the same, servant, aged forty years, low stature, blacke haire, one cowe, ten sheepe.

52. Wm. Dambin, of the same, servant, aged twenty years, low stature, blacke haire.

53. John Fitzpatrickn, of the same, servant, aged twenty-five years, low stature, browne haire.

54. John Grannt, of the same, servant, aged thirty years, middle stature. browne haire.

55. James Linch, of the same, servant, aged fifty years, middle stature, black haire.

56. Edmond Browne, of the same, servant, aged sixteen years, low stature, browne haire.

57. Edmond Grannt, of the same, servant, aged forty years, low stature, black haire.

58. Sheehy Ny Keily Keily, wife of the said Edmond, aged thirty-two years, low stature, blacke haire.

59. Donell Hyland, of the same, servant, aged thirty-two years, low stature, brown haire.

60. Teige O'Heary, servant, aged thirty years, low stature, blacke haire.

61. Donogh O'Mulrany, of the same, servant, aged sixty years, low stature, grey haire.

62. John Brenagh, of the same, servant, aged eighty-one years, low stature, blacke haire.

63. Margaret Kenedy, of the same, aged forty, tall stature, red haire.

64. Onner Brenagh, of the same, servant, aged twenty years, low stature, browne haire.

65. Catharin Ny Connor, of the same, servant, aged fourteen years, Iow stature, browne haire.

66. Ross Ny Donnell, of the same, servant, aged forty years, middle stature, browne haire.

67. Wm. Christure, of the same, servant, aged thirty years, middle stature, blacke haire.

68. John Mighan, of Glistenan, tenant, aged sixty years, middle stature, grey haire, three cowes, eight garrans and mares, five acres of wheate and beare.

69. Ellin FitzGerald, wife to the said John, aged forty, tall stature, browne haire.

70. Bartholomew Mighane, son of the said John, aged fourteen years, low stature, browne haire.

71. Morish Myhan, son to the said John, aged nine years, flaxen haire.

72. Ellin Myhan, daughter to the said John, aged thirteen years, middle stature, flaxen haire.

73. Mary Myhan, daughter to the said John, aged ten years, flaxen haire.

74. Thomas O'Shea, Glistenan, servant, aged twenty-five years, low stature, blacke haire.

75. Thomas Tobin, tenant, aged twenty eight, tall stature, browne haire, seaven cowes, fifteene sheepe, twelve garrans and mares, eight acres of beare and wheate.

78. Margaret FitzGerald, wife to said Thomas, aged thirty two years, tall stature, browne haire.

79. Garrett FitzGerald, servant, aged twenty years, tall stature, blacke haire.

80. John Brenagh, of the same, servant, aged thirty years, low stature, blacke haire,

S1. Edmond Duyn, of the same, servant, aged thirty years, middle stature, blacke haire.

82. Donell Clonecy, of the same, servant, aged eighteen years, low stature, blacke haire.

83. John Wall, of the same, servant, aged seventeen years, low stature, blacke haire.

84. Ellin Ny Cragh, of the same, servant, aged eighteen years, low stature, red haire.

85. John Gerald, of the same, tenant, aged twenty- six years, middle stature, browne haire, two cowes, twelve sheepe, one acre of tilladge.

86. Thomas Tobin  FitzThomas, of Kilmaloe, tenant, aged thirty-one years, middle stature, browne haire, fifteen sheep, eight garrans and mares, six acres of wheate and beare.

87. Ell. Gerald, wife to the said Thomas aged thirty years, tall stature, browne haire,

88. James Tobin, son to the said Thomas, aged nine years, browne haire.

89. David Toole, of the same, servant, aged thirty three years, middle stature, flaxen haire..

90. John Brady, of the same, tenant, aged thirty-six years, middle stature, black hair, fifteen sheep.

91. Joan Ny Teige, wife to the said John Brady, aged thirty-seven years, tall stature, black haire.

92. Onnor Brady, daughter to the said John, aged twenty years, tall stature.

93. Teige O'Bryen, of Piltowne, tradesman, aged thirty-two years, tall stature, blacke haire; Onnor Dwyer, wife to the said Teige, aged forty years, middle stature, brown hair.

94. William Fflin, of Ballyloan, blacksmith, aged forty years, low stature, brown hair, tenant, twelve cowes, twenty sheepe, ten garrans and mares, ten acres of wheate and beare.

95. Giles Fflin, his wife, aged forty years, tall stature, black hair.

96. Matthew Fflin, son to the said William, aged nine years, low stature, brown haire, one cow, one garran.

97. Mortagh Fflin, son to the said William, aged fowr years, low stature, white haire, one cow.

98. Darby Donnell, of the same, smith, aged twenty years, low stature, brown haire, tenant, fower cowes, fifteene sheepe, five garrans, two acres of wheate and beare.

99. Catherin Fflin, wife to the said Darby, aged sixty-one years, low stature, brown haire.

100. Margaret Fflingo, daughter to the said William, aged twelve years, low stature, browne haire.

101. William Fflingo, ye younger, blacksmith and tenant, aged thirty-two years, low stature, browne haire, six cowes, ten sheepe, five garrans, two acres of wheate and beare.

(Note: Balance of particulars 1 to 60 missing).

61. William O'Lanane, servant, twenty-two years, middle stature, blacke haire.

62. John Phillip. of Rathlead, tenant, fifty-eight years, tall stature, bright haire, fower cowes, two heifers, three yearlings, forty sheepe, fower horses, six pigs and fower acres.

63. Morish Cleary, of the same, servant, aged forty years, middle stature, blacke haire.

64. David Hodnett, of Hacketstowne, tenant, aged twenty-four, middle stature, browne haire, one heifer, sixteen sheepe, one garran and one acre of wheate.

65. Teige McGragb, of Rathleade, servant,  nineteen years, low statures, black haire.

66. Thomas O'Cahane, of the same, tenant, aged thirty three years, tall stature, browne haire, two cowes, one heifer, one yearling, two horses and two acres of wheate.

The substance whereof we conceive to be true.  In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seales the five and twentieth day of January, 1653.

Charles Blount, Solomon Richards, Henry Paris.

Commissioners at Clonmell.

End of Transcript

Notes from historian Spencer Welsh re 1653 Inquisition at Clonmel: Inquisition information obtained courtesy of National Archives of Ireland when based in Four Courts in 1991. Details transcribed from original 17^th century document and published in Dublin newspaper circa 1910. The original document was later destroyed in the 1922 fire at the Four Courts.

Appendix 2

Walsh of Pilltown Inquisition 1670-1671:

Appendix 3

Walshs of Pilltown Genealogy (Page 1)

Generation 1

1.       Ancestry Walsh-1.

           i.     Henry Walsh.

Generation 2

2.       Henry Walsh-2(Ancestry-1).

3.       i.     Henry Walsh.

Generation 3

4.       Henry Walsh-3(Henry-2, Ancestry-1).

+        i.     Richard Walsh.

Generation 4

4.       Richard Walsh-4(Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1).

5.       i.     Patrick Walsh.

Generation 5

5.       Patrick Walsh-5(Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1).

More About Patrick Walsh: Title: Mayor of Waterford

6.       i.     James Walsh.

Generation 6

6.       James Walsh-6(Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1).

More About James Walsh: Title: Mayor of Waterford

7.       i. Nicholas Walsh, B: Abt. 1540, D: 12 Apr 1615. ii. Ellen Walsh, B: Abt. 1572.

Generation 7

7.       Nicholas Walsh-7(James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born about 1540. He died on 12 Apr 1615. He married Catherine Comerford. He married Jacquet Colclough about 1580, daughter of Anthony Colclough and Clare Agard. She was born on 15 Sep 1555.

More About Nicholas Walsh: Title: Sir

Children of Nicholas Walsh and Catherine Comerford are:

8.       i. Nicholas Walsh, B: Abt. 1590 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford, D: 1643 in Dungarvan Co Waterford, M: Mary Colclough, Aft. 1607.

Page 1 of 5         

Walshs of Pilltown Genealogy (Page 2)

Generation 7 (con't)

ii.    Ellen Walsh, B: Abt. 1572.

Generation 8

8.       Nicholas Walsh-8(Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born about 1590 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford. He died in 1643 in Dungarvan Co Waterford. He married Mary Colclough after 1607, daughter of Thomas Colclough and Martha Loftus. She was born in Tinterne Abbey, Wexford.

More About Nicholas Walsh: Title: Sir

Children of Nicholas Walsh and Mary Colclough are:

9.       i. Thomas Walsh, B: 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford, D: 05 May 1670, M: Eleanor Power, Abt. 1645.

ii.       Pierce Walsh.

iii.      Adam Walsh, B: Abt. 1636.

iv.      James Walsh, B: Abt. 1625.

v.       Mary Walsh.

vi.      Martha Walsh.

vii.     Catherine Walsh, B: Abt. 1630.

Generation 9

9.       Thomas Walsh-9(Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born in 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford. He died on 05 May 1670. He married Eleanor Power about 1645, daughter of John Power and Ruth Pypho. She was born in 1626.

Children of Thomas Walsh and Eleanor Power are:

i.        John Walsh, B: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, D: 1690 in Cove of Cork aka Queenstown or Cobh.

ii.       Nicholas Walsh, B: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, D: Abt. 1685.

11.     iii. Robert Walsh, B: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford, D: 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary, M: Mary Butler, Abt. 1690.

iv.      James Walsh.

11.     v.    Valentine Walsh, B: Aft. 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford.

12.     vi.    Mary Walsh, B: Abt. 1645.

13.     vii.   Catherine Walsh, B: Abt. 1648.

Page 2 of 5

		Walshs of Pilltown Genealogy (Page 3)
		Generation 9 (con't)
14.	viii.	Ruth Walsh, B: Abt. 1650.
	ix.	Ellen Walsh, B: Abt. 1652.
	x.	Margaret Walsh.
15.	xi.	Joan Walsh.
		Generation 10

10.    Robert Walsh-10(Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born after 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford. He died in 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary. He married Mary Butler about 1690, daughter of Pierce Butler and Elizabeth Matthews. She died on 10 Jun 1724 in Clonmel Co Tipperary.

More About Robert Walsh: Title: Colonel

Children of Robert Walsh and Mary Butler are:

16.     i. Thomas Walsh, B: Abt. 1692, D: Abt. 1750, M: Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald, 1718 in Youghal Co Cork.

ii.       Pierce Walsh.

iii.      Robert Walsh.

iv.      George Walsh.

v.       Elizabeth Walsh.

vi.      Ellen Walsh.

11.    Valentine Walsh-10(Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born after 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford. He married Ellen Walshnee.

More About Valentine Walsh: Title: Captain

Children of Valentine Walsh and Ellen Walshnee are:

i.        James Walsh.

17.     ii.    Nicholas Walsh.

18.     iii.    Valentine Walsh.

iv.      Robert Walsh.

v.       Ellen Walsh.

vi.      Catherine Walsh.

Walshs of Pilltown Genealogy (Page 4)

Generation 10 (con't)

12.    Mary Walsh-10(Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born about 1645. She married Morgan Kavanagh, son of Brian Kavanagh and Ellen Blanchville. He was born in Borris Co Carlow. She married Derby Long.

Child of Mary Walsh and Derby Long is:

i.        John Long.

13.    Catherine Walsh-10(Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born about 1648. She married John Warren. He was born in Carlow.

Children of Catherine Walsh and John Warren are:

i.        Thomas Warren.

More About Thomas Warren:

Title: Colonel in the German Service

ii.       James Warren.

More About James Warren:

Title: Captain in the English Service

14.    Ruth Walsh-10(Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born about 1650. She married Councillor Kennedy. He was born in Pill Lane Dublin.

Child of Ruth Walsh and Councillor Kennedy is:

i.        Colonel Kennedy.

More About Colonel Kennedy: Title: Colonel of the Holland Service

15.    Joan Walsh-10(Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1). She married William Sweetman.

More About William Sweetman: Title: baron of Erley

Children of Joan Walsh and William Sweetman are:

i.        John Sweetman.

ii.       Edward Sweetman.

iii.      Piers Sweetman.

iv.      Francis Sweetman.

v.       Nicholas Sweetman.

Generation 11

16.    Thomas Walsh-11(Robert-10, Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1) was born about 1692. He died about 1750. He married Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald in 1718 in Youghal Co Cork, daughter of Gerald FitzGerald and Mabel Digby.

Walshs of Pilltown Genealogy (Page 5)

Generation 11 (con't)

Children of Thomas Walsh and Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald are:

i.        Robert Walsh, B: Abt. 1722, D: 1788 in Bath England.

More About Robert Walsh: Title: Colonel

ii.       William Stewart Walsh.

17.    Nicholas Walsh-11(Valentine-10, Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1).

i.        James Walsh.

18.    Valentine Walsh-11(Valentine-10, Thomas-9, Nicholas-8, Nicholas-7, James-6, Patrick-5, Richard-4, Henry-3, Henry-2, Ancestry-1). He married Mary Graney.

Children of Valentine Walsh and Mary Graney are:

i.        George Walsh.

ii.       Catherine Walsh.

Page 5 of 5

 

Appendix 4

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 1

Generation 1

1.       Robert Walsh son of Thomas Walsh and Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald was born about 1722. He died in 1788 in Bath England. He was known by the title of Colonel.

Generation 2

2.       Thomas Walsh son of Robert Walsh and Mary Butler was born about 1692. He died about 1750.

3.       Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald daughter of Gerald FitzGerald and Mabel Digby.

Thomas Walsh and Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald were married in 1718 in Youghal Co Cork. They had the following children:

+ 1. i. Robert Walsh was born about 1722. He died in 1788 in Bath England. He was known by the title of Colonel.

ii.       William Stewart Walsh.

Generation 3

4.       Robert Walsh son of Thomas Walsh and Eleanor Power was born after 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford. He died in 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary. He was known by the title of Colonel.

5.       Mary Butler daughter of Pierce Butler and Elizabeth Matthews. She died on 10 Jun 1724 in Clonmel Co Tipperary.

Robert Walsh and Mary Butler were married about 1690. They had the following children:

+ 2. i. Thomas Walsh was born about 1692. He married Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald in 1718 in Youghal Co Cork. He died about 1750.

ii.       Pierce Walsh.

iii.      Robert Walsh.

iv.      George Walsh.

v.       Elizabeth Walsh.

vi.      Ellen Walsh.

6.       Gerald FitzGerald son of John Og FitzGerald and Elinor Butler was born about 1610. He died in 1643. He was known by the title of Lord of Dromana & Decies.

7.       Mabel Digby daughter of Robert Digby and Lettice FitzGerald was born after 1598 in Coleshill Warwickshire.

Gerald FitzGerald and Mabel Digby married. They had the following children:

i.        John FitzGerald was born on 01 Feb 1642 in Dromana, Co Waterford. He married Katherine Power about 1658. He died on 01 Mar 1664 in Dromana Villierstown Co Waterford. He was known by the title of Sir.

Page 1 of 11

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 2

Generation 3 (con't)

ii.       Lettice FitzGerald.

+ 3.  iii.    Catherine (Verify) FitzGerald. She married Thomas Walsh in 1718 in Youghal Co Cork.

Generation 4

8.       Thomas Walsh son of Nicholas Walsh and Mary Colclough was born in 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford. He died on 05 May 1670.

9.       Eleanor Power daughter of John Power and Ruth Pypho was born in 1626.

Thomas Walsh and Eleanor Power were married about 1645. They had the following children:

i.        John Walsh was born after 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford. He died in 1690 in Cove of Cork aka Queenstown or Cobh.

ii.       Nicholas Walsh was born after 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford. He died about 1685.

+ 4. iii. Robert Walsh was born after 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford. He married Mary Butler about 1690. He died in 1713 in Clonmel Co Tipperary. He was known by the title of Colonel.

iv.      James Walsh.

v.       Valentine Walsh was born after 1653 in Pilltown Co Waterford. He was known by the title of Captain.

vi.      Mary Walsh was born about 1645.

vii.     Catherine Walsh was born about 1648.

viii.    Ruth Walsh was born about 1650.

ix.      Ellen Walsh was born about 1652.

x.       Margaret Walsh.

xi.      Joan Walsh.

10.    Pierce Butler son of Edmond Butler and Eleanor Butler. He died in 1676. He was known by the title of 6th Baron Caher.

11.    Elizabeth Matthews daughter of Toby Matthews.

Pierce Butler and Elizabeth Matthews married. They had the following children:

i.        Katherine Butler.

ii.       Elizabeth Butler.

iii.      Thomas Butler. He died on 15 Dec 1619. He was known by the title of Viscount Thurles.

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 3

Generation 4 (con't)

iv.      Ellis Butler. She died about 16 Jun 1663.

v.       Ellen Butler.

vi.      Mary Butler.

+ 5. vii. Mary Butler. She married Robert Walsh about 1690. She died on 10 Jun 1724 in Clonmel Co Tipperary.

12.    John Og FitzGerald son of John FitzGerald. He died about 1626. He was known by the title of Lord of Dromana & Decies.

13.    Elinor Butler.

John Og FitzGerald and Elinor Butler married. They had the following children:

+ 6. i. Gerald FitzGerald was born about 1610. He died in 1643. He was known by the title of Lord of Dromana & Decies.

ii.       Mary FitzGerald.

iii.      Margaret FitzGerald.

14.    Robert Digby son of George Digby. He died about 1614. He was known by the title of Sir.

15.    Lettice FitzGerald was born about 1580. She died on 01 Dec 1658 in Geashill Castle King's County. She was known by the title of 1st Baroness Offaly.

Robert Digby and Lettice FitzGerald were married on 19 Apr 1598. They had the following children:

+ 7.  i.     Mabel Digby was born after 1598 in Coleshill Warwickshire.

ii.       Robert Digby. He died on 06 Jun 1642. He was known by the title of 1st Baron Digby.

iii.      Essex Digby was born about 1609. He died about 1683. He was known by the title of Bishop of Dromore.

Generation 5

16.    Nicholas Walsh son of Nicholas Walsh and Catherine Comerford was born about 1590 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford. He died in 1643 in Dungarvan Co Waterford. He was known by the title of Sir.

17.    Mary Colclough daughter of Thomas Colclough and Martha Loftus was born in Tinterne Abbey, Wexford.

Nicholas Walsh and Mary Colclough were married after 1607. They had the following children:

+ 8. i. Thomas Walsh was born in 1624 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford. He married Eleanor Power about 1645. He died on 05 May 1670

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 4

Generation 5 (con't)

ii.       Pierce Walsh.

iii.      Adam Walsh was born about 1636.

iv.      James Walsh was born about 1625.

v.       Mary Walsh.

vi.      Martha Walsh.

vii.     Catherine Walsh was born about 1630.

18.    John Power son of John Og Power and Helen Barry was born in 1599. He died in 1661 in Nansemond Virginia USA. He was known by the title of 5th Baron le Power & Curraghmore.

19.    Ruth Pypho daughter of Robert Pypho and Kinbrough Valentine was born about 1598 in St Mary's Abbey Dublin. She died between 17 Jun 1642-1644 in Nansemond Virginia USA.

John Power and Ruth Pypho were married before 1626 in St Mary's Abbey Dublin. They had the following children:

+ 9.  i.     Eleanor Power was born in 1626. She married Thomas Walsh about 1645.

ii.       David Power. He died on 17 Aug 1661.

iii.      Piers Power. He died in 1669.

iv.      Katherine Power. She married John FitzGerald about 1658. She died on 22 Aug 1660.

v.       Richard Power was born in 1630. He married Dorothy Annesley in 1654. He died on 14 Oct 1690 in Tower of London. He was known by the title of 1st Earl of Tyrone & 6th Baron le Poer (Power).

vi.      Mary Power was born between 1642-1643 in Nansemond or Isle of Wight Co, Virginia, USA. She married John Lawrence between 1659-1663 in Isle of Wight Co. Virginia USA. She died about 1700 in Perquimans Co. North Carolina USA.

vii.     Margaret Power.

viii.    Jane Power.

ix.      Robert Power.

x.       John Power. He died on 22 Sep 1656 in Dublin.

20.    Edmond Butler. He was known by the title of Honourable.

21.    Eleanor Butler daughter of Edmond Butler and Margaret Butler.

Edmond Butler and Eleanor Butler married. They had the following children:

Page 4 of 11

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 5

Generation 5 (con't)

+ 10.i.     Pierce Butler. He died in 1676. He was known by the title of 6th Baron Caher.

22.    Toby Matthews.

Toby Matthews and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 11.i.     Elizabeth Matthews.

25.    John FitzGerald. He died about 1620. He was known by the title of Sir.

John FitzGerald and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 12.i. John Og FitzGerald. He died about 1626. He was known by the title of Lord of Dromana & Decies.

ii.       Daughters1to8 FitzGerald.

28.    George Digby. He died in 1586.

George Digby and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 14.i. Robert Digby. He married Lettice FitzGerald on 19 Apr 1598. He died about 1614. He was known by the title of Sir.

Generation 6

32.    Nicholas Walsh son of James Walsh was born about 1540. He died on 12 Apr 1615. He was known by the title of Sir.

33.    Catherine Comerford.

Nicholas Walsh and Catherine Comerford married. They had the following children:

+ 16.i. Nicholas Walsh was born about 1590 in Pilltown or Ballycarrigmore Co Waterford. He married Mary Colclough after 1607. He died in 1643 in Dungarvan Co Waterford. He was known by the title of Sir.

ii.       Ellen Walsh was born about 1572.

Jacquet Colclough daughter of Anthony Colclough and Clare Agard was born on 15 Sep 1555.

Nicholas Walsh and Jacquet Colclough were married about 1580. They had no children.

34.    Thomas Colclough son of Anthony Colclough and Clare Agard was born on 01 Apr 1564 in Rosegarland Wexford. He died on 23 Aug 1624 in Tintern Wexford. He was known by the title of Sir.

35.    Martha Loftus daughter of Adam Loftus and Jane Purdon.

Thomas Colclough and Martha Loftus married. They had the following children:

i.     Anne Colclough.

Page 5 of 11

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 6

Generation 6 (con't)

ii.       Elinor Colclough.

+ 272iii..    John Colclough.

+ 136iv..    Richard Colclough.

v.       Leonard Colclough was born about 1567 in Rosegarland Wexford. He died on 17 May 1559.

vi.      Anthony Colclough was born in 1560. He married Wife Walsh about 1585. He died in 1598.

vii.     Jane Colclough.

viii.    Martha Colclough.

ix.      Adam Colclough. He was known by the title of Sir.

+ 17.x. Mary Colclough was born in Tinterne Abbey, Wexford. She married Nicholas Walsh after 1607.

Eleanor Bagenal daughter of Dudley Bagenal and Mabel Fitzgerald.

Thomas Colclough and Eleanor Bagenal married. They had the following children:

i.        Anthony Colclough.

ii.       John Colclough.

iii.      Mabel Colclough.

iv.      Dudley Colclough was born in 1613. He died in 1663 in France.

36.    John Og Power son of Richard Power and Katherine Barry. He died before 18 Dec 1600.

37.    Helen Barry daughter of David Barry and Ellen Roche.

John Og Power and Helen Barry married. They had the following children:

+ 18.i. John Power was born in 1599. He married Ruth Pypho before 1626 in St Mary's Abbey Dublin. He died in 1661 in Nansemond Virginia USA. He was known by the title of 5th Baron le Power & Curraghmore.

ii.       Eleanor Power.

iii.      Katherine Power.

38.    Robert Pypho.

Page 6 of 11

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 7

Generation 6 (con't)

39.    Kinbrough Valentine was born before 1598 in Possibly Cork. She died after 1667. Robert Pypho and Kinbrough Valentine married. They had the following children:

+ 19.i. Ruth Pypho was born about 1598 in St Mary's Abbey Dublin. She married John Power before 1626 in St Mary's Abbey Dublin. She died between 17 Jun 1642-1644 in Nansemond Virginia USA.

ii.       Robert Pypho.

iii.      Cecilia Pypho.

iv.      Frances Pypho.

42.    Edmond Butler. He was known by the title of 3rd Lord Dunboyne & 13th Baron Dunboyne.

43.    Margaret Butler daughter of Thomas Butler. She died in 1632.

Edmond Butler and Margaret Butler married. They had the following children:

+ 21.i.     Eleanor Butler.

ii.       James Butler. He was known by the title of 4th Lord Dunboyne & 14th Baron Dunboyne.

iii.      Thomas Butler.

iv.      Ellen Butler.

v.       John Butler.

vi.      Edmund Butler.

vii.     Richard Butler.

viii.    Margaret Butler.

Generation 7

64. James Walsh son of Patrick Walsh. He was known by the title of Mayor of Waterford. James Walsh and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 32.i.	Nicholas Walsh was born about 1540. He died on 12 Apr 1615. He was known by the title
	of Sir.

ii.       Ellen Walsh was born about 1572.

68.    Anthony Colclough son of Richard Colclough and Eleanor Draycote was born in Bluerton and Woolstanton Staffordshire England He was known by the title of Sir.

 

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 8

Generation 7 (con't)

69.    Clare Agard daughter of Francis Agard was born about 1535. She died about 1590. Anthony Colclough and Clare Agard married. They had the following children:

i.        Jacquet Colclough was born on 15 Sep 1555. She married Nicholas Walsh about 1580.

ii.       Frances Colclough was born on 25 Jul 1556 in Tintern or Rosegarland. She married William Smethwick about 1578 in England.

iii.      Ratcliffe Colclough was born about 1557.

iv.      Anthony Colclough was born in 1560. He married Wife Walsh about 1585. He died in 1598.

v.       John Colclough was born about 1565.

vi.      Matthew Colclough was born about 1566.

vii.     Leonard Colclough was born about 1567 in Rosegarland Wexford. He died on 17 May 1559.

viii.    Francis Colclough was born about 1558.

ix.      Clara Colclough was born on 01 Dec 1569 in Tintern Wexford. She married William Sneyd about 1581.

x.       Eleanor Colclough was born about 1562.

+ 34.xi. Thomas Colclough was born on 01 Apr 1564 in Rosegarland Wexford. He died on 23 Aug 1624 in Tintern Wexford. He was known by the title of Sir.

70.    Adam Loftus. He was known by the title of Most Rev..

71.    Jane Purdon.

Adam Loftus and Jane Purdon married. They had the following children:

+ 35.i.     Martha Loftus.

72.    Richard Power. He was known by the title of 4th Baron le Power (Poer) and Curraghmore.

73.    Katherine Barry.

Richard Power and Katherine Barry married. They had the following children:

+ 36.i.     John Og Power. He died before 18 Dec 1600.

ii.       Elizabeth Power.

iii.      Gille Power.

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 9

Generation 7 (con't)

iv.      Piers Power.

v.       Thomas Power.

vi.      Edmond Power.

vii.     Eleanor Power.

viii.    Edward Power.

74.    David Barry. He was known by the title of 5th Viscount Barry.

75.    Ellen Roche daughter of David Roche.

David Barry and Ellen Roche married. They had the following children:

+ 37.i.     Helen Barry.

87.    Thomas Butler. He was known by the title of Baron Cahir.

Thomas Butler and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 43.i.     Margaret Butler. She died in 1632.

Generation 8

128.  Patrick Walsh son of Richard Walsh. He was known by the title of Mayor of Waterford. Patrick Walsh and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 64.i.     James Walsh. He was known by the title of Mayor of Waterford.

136.  Richard Colclough son of John Colclough and Agnes Lockwood.

137.  Eleanor Draycote daughter of John Draycote.

Richard Colclough and Eleanor Draycote married. They had the following children:

+ 68.i. Anthony Colclough was born in Bluerton and Woolstanton Staffordshire England. He was known by the title of Sir.

138.  Francis Agard. He was known by the title of Right Honourable.

Francis Agard and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 69.i.     Clare Agard was born about 1535. She died about 1590.

150.  David Roche son of Maurice Roche and Grany MacCartie. He was known by the title of 5th Viscount Roche of Fermoy.

Page 9 of 11

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 10

Generation 8 (con't)

David Roche and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 75.i.     Ellen Roche.

Generation 9

256.  Richard Walsh son of Henry Walsh.

Richard Walsh and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 128i.     Patrick Walsh. He was known by the title of Mayor of Waterford.

272.  John Colclough son of Richard Colclough and Blanche Davenport.

273.  Agnes Lockwood.

John Colclough and Agnes Lockwood married. They had the following children:

+ 136i.     Richard Colclough.

275.  John Draycote. He was known by the title of Sir.

John Draycote and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 137i.     Eleanor Draycote.

300.  Maurice Roche son of David Roche and Catherine MacCartie. He was known by the title of 4th Viscount Roche of Fermoy.

301.  Grany MacCartie daughter of Cormac MacTeig MacCartie.

Maurice Roche and Grany MacCartie married. They had the following children:

+ 150i.     David Roche. He was known by the title of 5th Viscount Roche of Fermoy.

Generation 10

512.  Henry Walsh son of Henry Walsh.

Henry Walsh and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 256i.     Richard Walsh.

545.  Richard Colclough son of Thomas Colclough.

546.  Blanche Davenport.

Richard Colclough and Blanche Davenport married. They had the following children:

+ 272i.     John Colclough.

Page 10 of 11

Ancestors of Colonel Robert Walsh (Died 1788) Page 11

Generation 10 (con't)

600.  David Roche son of Maurice Roche. He was known by the title of 3rd Viscount Roche of Fermoy.

601.  Catherine MacCartie.

David Roche and Catherine MacCartie married. They had the following children:

+  300i.     Maurice Roche. He was known by the title of 4th Viscount Roche of Fermoy.

602.  Cormac MacTeig MacCartie.

Cormac MacTeig MacCartie and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+  301i.     Grany MacCartie.

Generation 11

1024.Henry Walsh son of Ancestry Walsh.

Henry Walsh and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 512i.     Henry Walsh.

1088.Thomas Colclough.

Thomas Colclough and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 544i.     Richard Colclough.

1200.Maurice Roche. He was known by the title of 2nd Lord Roche of Fermoy. Maurice Roche and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 600i.     David Roche. He was known by the title of 3rd Viscount Roche of Fermoy.

Generation 12

2048.Ancestry Walsh.

Ancestry Walsh and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:

+ 1024i..    Henry Walsh.

Page 11 of 11

                                   

Appendix 5

1641 Depositions (Walsh/Kinsalebeg):

                The following is a selection of 1641 Depositions which reference Kinsalebeg or the Walshs of Pilltown. The original depositions are in Trinity College Dublin and there is a free online version of these available from Trinity College (Web address: 1641.tcd.ie). We acknowledge the permission of Trinity College to reproduce elements of some of the depositions here. Some of the depositions reference the Walsh family of Pilltown & Ballykeeroge and in particular Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his sons. The 1641 Depositions are predominantly witness testimonies of Protestants, of all social backgrounds, and describe their individual experiences during the 1641 rebellion. They were collected by the Commission for Distressed Subjects, which was set up in 1641, and consisted mainly of Church of Ireland clergymen headed by Henry Jones, Dean of Kilmore. In Munster Archdeacon Philip Bisse was appointed to collect depositions and his name appears at the recorder of many of the depositions referenced here – Philip Bisse himself was hanged by the rebels during the rebellion period.  The primary reason for recording the depositions was to collect evidence of serious crimes during the rebellion such as murder, assault, arson, imprisonment and robbery. They were also intended to document the loss of goods with the possibility of recompensing individuals for losses incurred. The focus of the earlier depositions around 1641 was on trying to establish the loss of goods whereas the focus on the later depositions around 1650 seem to focus on trying to identify culprits for the alleged crimes.

The approximate 8,000 depositions are almost exclusively from the Protestant community and there few corresponding balancing records of events from the Catholic side of the rebellion.  Many of the depositions were apparently exaggerated in terms of the losses incurred and of the number of rebels involved in particular attacks. Some witness statements contain the names of dozens of rebels which the witness was able to identify as being present at the time of the attack. In many cases these rebels were not from the local area and would probably not have been known to the witnesses. The depositions were quite often used as a propaganda tool to outline the alleged barbarity of the Irish rebels. Descriptions of events and exaggerated statistics from this period have been used by both sides of the sectarian divide in the following centuries.  The killings committed by both sides in 1641 intensified the sectarian animosity that originated in the earlier plantations particularly in Ulster and the effects of this have persisted to the present time. It is unlikely that the depositions would hold up in any current court of law particularly with the amount of alterations to the original text. Nevertheless they are useful as a source of information and give an overview of the fear and desperation which must have stalked the land during this desperate period in Irish history, albeit mainly from one side in the confrontation. There are a lot of misspellings and mistakes in the depositions but we reproduce them here as they were originally recorded followed by an image of the original deposition. The names of Sir Nicholas Walsh, his son Captain James Walsh and other members of the Walsh family from Piltown Co Waterford together with Captain Edmond Fennell appear as rebel leaders and aggressors in numerous depositions particularly in the Waterford, Cork and Tipperary area.

            If the number of depositions is any reflection on the amount of rebel activity during the 1641 rebellion then Waterford, and West Waterford in particular, was an area of high activity. There were 267 individual depositions recorded for Waterford which was relatively high when compared with counties like Clare (60), Kilkenny (75), Limerick (197), Kerry (62), Tipperary (188) and Wicklow (142). The Walshs of Pilltown were recorded as having been involved in at least 36 separate rebel actions according to the depositions. The depositions only referenced a small number of incidents so the real number of rebel actions involving the Walshs was substantially higher. The figures also exclude other rebel actions involving the Walshs, such as the attacks on Pilltown Castle and the capture of Dungarvan. Most of the incidents involving the Walshs of Pilltown were in the West Waterford and East Cork area and Sir Nicholas Walsh’s name appeared in around 30 separate depositions. The following are details of a small section of depositions involving the Walshs of Pilltown.

Deposition of Chrass Cooper of Pilltown, Kinsalebeg:

The following deposition is from a Chrass Cooper late of Piltown, Kinaslebeg and is dated 25^th June 1642. Chrass Cooper, described as  a British Protestant, who lived in Piltown in the parish of Kinsalebeg stated that he was robbed by the rebels of cattle, sheep and horses as well as other goods to the value of 125 pounds around 25^th December 1641. He stated that he had a lease on a parcel of land, belonging to Piltown Castle, which he had no access to now and that a house on this land was burnt. He stated that amongst the rebels who carried out the attacks were Sir Nicholas Walsh, Thomas McWilliam and Edmond McWilliam who was a bailiff of Nicholas Walsh. Also present in the attack were some of Nicholas Walsh’s tenants. The first part of the deposition below contains a transcription of the original deposition and the second part contains the deposition with alterations and changes from the original.

Title: Deposition of Chrass Cooper

Reference:  MS 820, fols 069r-069v

Date: 25/6/1642

Nature of Deposition: Arson, Robbery, Lost by debts

1204 “Chrass Cooper Late of Pilltoune parish of Kinsa i le begg in the barronry of Deces with in the drum & County of Waterford Drover A brittish protestant Deuly Sworne and examined before vs by vertue &c deposeth and saieth that on or about the 25th day of december last past and since the begining of this present Rebellin he lost was Robbed and forcibly dispoyled of his goods and Chattells to the seuerall values following viz value of 125 li.
Off Cowes young and ould Ewes Horses Mares & Coults to the value of fifty pounds Of Houshould Goods & housho ld provision to the value of three pownds Of Haye in Staks which were Burnt Most part by the Rebells to the value of twenty eight pownds Alsoe the deponent saieth that hee had a lease of a parcell of land being part of the lands belonging to the Castell of Piltoune one which the said deponent bestowed in fensing & Inclosing of the said land & other Charges with a house burnt vppon the premises in the foresaid parish all which hee values to be the Som of f[ ower ] Tenn pownds Alsoe the deponent saith that by Meanes of this present Rebellion hee was Constrained to Kill and put away sixty Beasts: Oxen and Cowes by which the deponent was Damnified Thirty pownds And further the deponent saieth that hee lent to his Brother in law John Cooper whoe was in the County of Corke the Som of three pownds star as alsoe the deponent saieth hee lost by Nicholas Bu bb y whoe was Robd by the Rebells the som eof twenty shillings & further hee saieth that one Antho: Russell An English <pa>pist was deb i tor vnto him the some of Six teene shillings which said papist is Now in actuuall Rebellion The Totall of his losses Amounts vnto the Some of one hundred and Thirty [ ] Twenty & five pownds And lastly the deponent saieth that hee was Robbed of his aforesaid goods and Chattells as he  hath ben Informed by Thomas mc William & yeamon Edmond mc William Baylefe to Sir Nicho: wailsh and divers others which were Tennants vnder Sir Nicholas Wailsh whoe is in Actuall Rebellion & lived <at> Killgrabriell & there abouts in the parish of Kingsayle begg and further hee Cannott depose.
Chras Cooper
Jurat Coram Nobis 25th day of June 1642
Phil: Bisse
Thomas Ellwell

Deposition of Amos Godsell of Grange, Lisgenan:

The following 1641 deposition of Amos Godsell of Grange in Co Waterford indicated that he was robbed of his goods and chattels by a group which included Sir Nicholas Walsh and one of his sons. He also stated that the alleged robbers had stated that they had permission of the King of England (“the kings broad seale”) to carry on their rebel activities. This is again a reference to the supposed commission of King Charles to the rebel leaders supporting their involvement in starting the 1641 rebellion. It was later alleged that this commission was in fact a forgery drawn up by Sir Nicholas Walsh of Piltown.

Deposition of Elizabeth Ffleming of Ballybrowse:

The following 1642 deposition of Elizabeth Fleming stated that her family had been robbed of various goods and chattels including cows, a bull, a steer, four heifers, a  mare and a sow as well as an amount of money. She also stated that one of the robbers was Captain James Walsh (Welch) son of Sir Nicholas Walsh and that Captain Edmond Fennell and James FitzGerald were also involved.

Deposition of John Godsell of Grange:

The following deposition of John Godsell of Grange alleged that Sir Nicholas Walsh, his son and Captain Fennell were involved in the robbery of over 116 pounds worth of Godsell’s goods.

Deposition of James Burne of Dungarvan:

In the following deposition James Burne of Dungarvan, a British Protestant, described how his farm had been raided around Christmas of 1641 and goods to the value of over fifty nine pounds sterling had been stolen. Amongst the items stolen were cows, a horse, household goods, clothes, garden fruits and wood. He stated that he was also owed money by a number of people. His witness statement outlined that the robbery was carried out by a number of people including Captain Edmond Fennell, the eldest son of Sir Nicholas Walsh (James ?), William Murphy and a Captain Welsh of Kilkenny.

Deposition of Roger Greene of Ballyhambles:

The following 1641 Deposition describes a journey by a twelve person deposition sent by the Governor of Youghal across the ferry to Ferrypoint for the purpose of reaping and binding the corn of some of the rebels on the Waterford side of the river. We can assume that this was not a meitheal from the Youghal lads to help out with the harvest in Kinsalebeg and was an attempt to plunder corn for their own use in Youghal!.  In any case the rebels in Ferrypoint, including one William O’Shighane, did not take too kindly to the offer of assistance and promptly captured the whole raiding party. The prisoners were locked up in Dungarvan which was under control of the rebels at that time. This deposition from Roger Greene, who was one of the captured prisoners, gives his description of events during and after their capture and imprisonment in Dungarvan. He said that while he was imprisoned in Dungarvan he witnessed the delivery of arms and ammunition by ship from from France.

Deposition of William Beale of Kinsalebeg:

The following deposition describes an attack on William Beale of Kinsalebeg in December 1641. It goes on to describe a siege of the Castle of Piltowne from January 1641 to April 1641 by Sir Nicholas Welsh, his son James, John FitzGerald and at least three or four hundred armed men. It would appear that the Pilltown Castle was no longer under control of the Walshs of Pilltown in 1641 as two of the Walshs (Sir Nicholas Walsh Jnr and his son James) were apparently involved in the siege of the castle:

“1228 William Beale late of Kinsalebegg in the barony of decies and within the County of Waterford yeoman (a brittish protestant) duely sworne and examined before vs by vertue of &c deposeth and saith That on or aboute the last of december 1641 and diuers times since the begining of this present rebellion in Ireland he lost was robbed and forceably dispoiled of his goods and Chattles to the seuerall values followeing vizt value of 101 li. 13 s. 4 d.
Of Cowes steeres one bull heiffers & horses to the value of three score and two pounds Of houshould stuffe to the value of six pounds thirteene shillinges and foure pence Of garden fruites and tiethes of gardens to the value of ten pounds The deponent saith that by meanes of this presente rebellion in Ireland he was dispossessed of the tiethes lands of Kilg a brell &c in the said County wherin he hath a lease of ten yeeres to come wherin he is damnified twenty three pounds The totall of his losses amounts to one hundred and one pounds thirteene shillinges and foure pence besides the losse of his Imployment vnder Sir Phillipp Percivall knight worth yerly twenty pounds per annum The deponent further saith that aboute the time aboue menconed his goods & Cattle were taken away by James Welsh son to Sir Nicholas Welsh knight John fitz Gerrald of ffarnan in the said County Esquire, William oge of Grange in the County gentleman Dauid o Shehan of the same gentleman James Butler of Dromgallin in the said County gentleman Edmond mc William of the same gentleman Robert Hackett and William Hackett of Kilgabriell in the said County gentleman James fitz Gerrald of Balline corke in the said County gentleman James o Shea of Crowbally in the said County gentleman Thomas o Morrissoe of Cnockine gery in the said County yeoman, Dauid Bythor of Newtowne in the said County gentleman
 and diuers others whose names he knoweth not; and further he deposeth not Aboute the nynth of Jan 1641 Sir Nicholas Welsh of Ballykeroyn in the County knight & his son James Welsh of the same Esquire John fitz Gerrald of ffarnane in the said County gen Bran Welsh & diuers others with at least to the number three or foure hundred armed men in company with them came to besiedge the said Castle of Piltowne in the said County; & continued siedge to the same till the begining of Aprill following dureing which time [ ] & especially in & aboute the foure and Twentyth of January aforesaid one Edward Jacob of Listenane in the said County shepheard was murthered by Thomas Toby of Ballykerogn in the said Company County yeoman & after cleaveing his head a sunder one vllicke Bourke neere Newtowne in the said County yeoman stripped him & left his corps naked
<Jurat coram nobis 18o January 1642>
William [mark] Beales marke
Jurat coram nobis
18o January 1642
Phil: Bisse
Thomas Ellwell”

Deposition of William Carewe of Athmean (Affane):

William Carewe of Affane describes a raid on his property during which over four hundred and thirty pound worth of goods were stolen including cows, horses, sheep, household goods, farm equipment, wheat, barley, oats, beans and peas. In a remarkable feat of recollection the deposition lists over 140 individuals who William Carewe stated were involved in the raid. Amongs those named were Sir Nicholas Walsh and his son Thomas Walsh as well as a number of the Roch family including Thomas, Edmond, Morris, John, Peirce and Theobold Roch.

Reference:  MS 820, fols 035r-036v

County: Waterford

Date: 15/8/1642

Type: Bisse

Nature of Deposition: Captivity, Robbery, Lost by debts

“William Carewe late of Athmean in the Barrony of the decies and Countie of Waterford yeoman (a brittish protestant) beinge duely sworne and examyned by vertue of &c deposeth and saith That about Shrovtide last and since this present Rebellion in Ireland he lost & was Robbed and forceablie dispoiled of his goods and Chattles to the seuerall values followeing vizt worth 430 li. 19 s. 2 d. Part consisting of debts owing by the Rebells following
Of Cowes he ffers oxen you g ne cattell horses mares sheepe and swyne att Athmean aforesaid to the value of one hundred and fourtie pownds, of household stuffe the value of ffifteen pownds Of victualls & provision for his howse to the value of ffyve pownds, Of wearinge apparell to the value of three pownds, Of plough takceling & necessaries for husbandrie to the value of three pownds of hey e and Corne in the haggard & howse to the value of one hundred pownds Of wheat barley oats beanes & pease in the ground which he esteemeth lost to the value of ffiftie two pownds value of debts due from seuerall persons as followeth vizt Of Rowland Davenport late of Athmean esquire Samull Lyell of the s a me and other brittish protestants impouerished by meanes of the Rebellion se u erell somes amountinge i n the whole to thirteen pownds one nine shillinge & ten pence Of debts due from David fz Gerrald a protestant late of Athmean aforesaid derb ie o [H oane] late of the same & other Irish men [ ] of the same parish Irish subiects impou erished by meane s of the Rebellion se u erall somes amountinge to Three pownds sixe shillings Of debts du e to this deponent from others now <A> in Rebellion vizt from John Tobyn & derbie mc Morris both of the parish of Modeligoe in the Barrony of decies in the said Countie yeomen the s o me of Thirtie Three score & six pownds from John Roch of the parish of Athmean aforesaid gen the s ome of ffower pownds ten shillings from Thomas Baldon late of the same parishhusbandman thirteen shillings fower pence from derbie o Bryan & James White late of the same parish husbandm e n Ten pownds from Margarett fz Gerrald ( late of the sam{e} parish widdowe Twentie shillings from derbie o Kiley late of the same ffyve pownds The totall of the said deponents losses amounteth to ffower hundred & Thirtie pownds nyneteen Eleven shillings shillings & two pence And the said deponent further saith That he was robbed & dispoyled of his goods by the persons here after named or by some of them for that about Shrovetid{e} last they laye seige to the Towne & castle of Cappaquin & then encamped themselves att Athmean aforesaid, & some of them were then quarted in this deponents howse and kept him then prisoner in the towne of Athmean aforesaid) vizt

Richard Butler of Banchie in the Co of Tipperarie esquire
Teege o Bryan of Monester Bria bonagh in the said Com: gen
Walter Prendergast of Ballibegg in the said Co
William Prendergast of the same gen
Henrie Michell thelder & Henrie Michell the young of Molaghie in the said Com yeoman
Garrett Prendergast of the same gen
Richard O Quirke of Balliquirke
Sir Nicholas Walsh of Ballicaroye in the Com of Waterford knight & Thomas Walsh his sone & heire Esquire
Edmond Comyn of the same & John Parlon of the same gen
Michaell Parlon of the same gen
John fz Gerrald of Clonea in the said Countie ge
Robert Hackett of Kilgabrell in the said Com yeoman
William Hackett of the same yeoman
John Wade of Crobally in the said Countie yeoman
William Mansfeild of Bally currane in the said Com yeoman
James Rowe of Hacketstowne in the said Com gen
John Butler of Ringagan in the said Com gen
Thomas Butler of the same
James Gerrald of Ballynaco[rt] in the said Com gen and Richard his sonne gen
John Weale of Loluskie in the said Countie gen
Thomas fz Gerrald of Raigagone in the said Com gen
Thomas o Coundie of the same yeoman
John Roch of Carriroch in the said Countie gen
Peirce Roch of the same gen
Theobald Roch of the same gen
Edmond o Donnell of the same gen
John o Connela of the same yeoman
James o Connela his sonne yeoman
John Wade of Athmean aforesaid
Thomas o Quin of the same yeoman
John mc Cragh of the same yeoman
John o Carrane of the same yeoman
David o Kiley of the same yeoman
Donnogh mc Cragh of the same yeoman
John o Darryhey of the same yeoman
John o ffowloe of Dromana in the said Countie husb :
Thomas o ffowloe of the same yeoman
Donnogh o ffowloe of the same husb:
Richard Browne of Kilkip in the said Countie smyth
Edmond Barrett of Droma na aforesaid husb:
Edmond Londey of the same husb:
Morris Londaie of the same husb:
Garrett fz Gerrald of drom roe in the said Countie gen
Daniell o Connerie of Ballcaghan beg in the said Countie gen
Tegge o Kennedy of the said h{usb:}
John o Lynnyn of the same a mass pr{iest}
Daniell of Kennedie of the s{ame}
William o Herne of Vppergar in the said Countie husb:
John White of the same husb
John o Rathter of the same hu{sb;}
Edmond fz James Butler o{f} lower Garrane in the said Com {yeoman}
Walter Mansfeild of Ballym{ } in the said Countie gen [ ]
Thomas Power of lower gar{rane} aforesaid yeoman
James Butler of the same
Bryan o Donell of Ballicagha{ } aforeaid husb:
Morris o Gerrane of Grange {in} the said Countie yeoman
Roger Caghane of the same
Thomas Roch of the same husb:
Edmond Roch of the same husb:
Morris Roch of the same husb:
John Roch of the same husb
Edmond Balden of the same husb:
David Balden of the same husb
Morris White of the same [ ] husb
Patricke White of the same gen
William Roch late of Cappoquin aforesaid husb
<capt> John fz Gerrald of fferrnan in the said Countie gen and Thomas his sonne & heire gen
Thomas fz Gerrald of the same thelder gen
Willaim fz Gerrald of the same gen
Morris fz Gerrald of the same geb
Tegge mc Gillafoile of the same husb:
Derby mc Sragh of the same husb:
David Brannagh of the same husb:
Richard fz Gerrald of the same gen
Garrett fz Gerrald of the same gen
James Butler of Grange in the said Countie gen
John Tobyn of Ballykeryn in the said Countie thelder gen
John Tobyn of the same [ ] yeoman
David o Melcaghie of Knockenyen[ ] in the said Coountie gen
Cornelius Courgan of the same taylor
Teege o Donnell of Grange aforesaid black smyth
<Capt> Thomas mc Cragh of Corrine shedie in the said Countie gen
Thomas oge mc Cragh of Dromana beforesaid gen
Patricke White of the same gen
<Capt> Mathewe Hore of dongarvan in the said Countie gen
Thomas Hore of the same merchant
Phillip Hore of the same merchant
Michell Hore of the same merchant
Thomas Morley of the same merchant
Mylerus o Conygan of the same tayler
Donnogh o Dowsey of the same husbandman
Daniell Grauspeire and his sonne of the same yeomen
Thomas mc Phillip and his sonne of the same husbandmen
 Morris Power the fowler of the same [symbol]
John mc Gillofoile of white church in the said Countie yeoman
John oge fz Gerrald of the same yeoman
Owen o Connery of Knockenyrish in the said Countie yeoman
Nicholas White of Killester in the said Countie husbandman
John o Dowsey of the same yeoman
Donnogh o Dowsey of the same yeoman
Morris o Dowsey of the same yeoman
James Hey of the same yeoman
Roger Maghone of the same yeoman
Nicholas Power of Kilballikiltie in the said Countie of and Edmond Power his sonne & and Peirce Power brother to the said Nicholas, gen
James Butler of Creghane in the said Countie esquire
John Power of Rathcoige in the said Countie gen
Nicholas Power of Ballynety in the said Countie gen
Jefferie Power of [Dounionrattie] in the said said Countie gen
Edmond Power of Ballinclogh beg in the said Countie gen
Peirce Power of Adamstowne in the said Com gen
Walter Power of Downyn in the said Countie gen
Peter Anthony of flareleagh in the said Com gen whoe heretofore beinge & a protestant & nowe of late turned papist
Capt Deby mc Cragh of Cornesleky aforesaid in the Com gent
Capt ffrancis White of the Cittie of Waterford esquire
lo: Morris Roch Viscount of ffermoye
David White of Russelstowne in the said Com gen
Daniell mc Cragh of Kilronan [ ] in the said Com gen

Milorus mc Cragh of DromCorgowne in the said Com gen:
Cornelius o Kiley of Corrygoony in Com predict yeoman
Patricke Gough of Kilmanahom in the said Com esquire
<Captain> Clement Gough of the same g
Thomas mc Owen gowe de ead husb:
Walter Power of Castle Cona in Com predict gen
Peirce Power of Coolfyn in the com aforesaid esquire
Edmond Roch of Taryn in the said Com gen
William mc Donnogh of ffarnan aforesaid husb:
Phillip mc Donnogh de ead husb:
Tegge mc William de ead smyth
John Cragh of the same husb
Patricke White [ ] [Solonio] gen
Jefferie Power of ffyddan in the said Com gen with dyvers other sto the said deponent vnknowne to the number of Two thousand or vpward
And further he cannot depose
William [mark] Carewe his marke
Jurat coram nobis 15 Aug
1642
Phil: Bisse
Jam: Wallis

William Carews Exam:
Waterford
[hand]
James Wallis
Philip Bisse”

Deposition of Mary Horne of Caprecknockane:

Thie following deposition of Mary Horne mentions that she lost the benefit of the ferryhouse near Youghal in the Parish of Kinsalebeg during the rebellion. She outlined that this was worth thirty pounds a year to her. She was presumably referring to the ferry house at Ferrypoint which was the landing point on the Waterford side of the harbour for the Youghal-Ferrypoint ferry. Mary Horne also outlined that she lost other goods from her farm which was located in the Parish of Desertserges in the barony of East Carbery and Kinalmeaky.

Deposition of Henry Traule of Dungarvan:

Henry Traule of Dungarvan gave details in this deposition of a rebel raid on his farm around Christmas 1641 which he said was carried out by Sir Nicholas Walsh and his company. He stated that he was robbed of cows, yearlings, horses, sheep and two hogs to the value of thirty seven pounds. He stated that he was dispossessed of land around Dungarvan which was worth “three score & twelve pounds”. He stated that his total losses were around one hundred and twenty seven pounds.

 

Deposition of Thomas Tobin of Cappoquin:

The following deposition of Thomas Tobin of Cappoquin outlines that he was on a journey to Clashmore to deliver a letter in August 1641 when he was taken prisoner by Sir Nicholas Walsh and company. He stated that he kept prisoner in Dungarvan for two or three days and while he was in prison he heard Captain Walsh and Nicholas Walsh say that they would never have risen in action except that they had the “kinges Comission to doe what they did”. This is another reference to the claims of the Walshs of Pilltown and other rebel leaders that they had a commission from King Charles to raise an army in rebellion against the enemies of the king. The deposition goes on to outline that the rebels had received arms for four thousand men from Spain and three tons of powder. Thomas Tobin then stated that he had been informed that three or four hundred men, under the leadership of Sir Nicholas Walsh, were invited to Cappagh by Mabel FitzGerald [nee Digby] who was the wife of Gerald FitzGerald of Dromana. This armed force was under the leadership of Sir Nicholas Walsh, John Power, Thomas McGragh and a Wise of Newtown. They stayed in or near Dromana from Friday until Sunday and while they were there they entertained by Mabel FitzGerald who treated them to “beeffes mutton bread & beere”. News came through to Dromana that a ship loaded with powder and ammunition had arrived in Dungarvan and when the rebels heard this they “gave a volley of shot for Joy & then went away”. They presumably went to Dungarvan to meet up with the arms shipment. The story concerning the “hospitality” of Mabel FitzGerald of Dromana to the Irish rebels has been outlined in other documents around this period. The political position of her husband, Gerald FitzGerald Lord of the Decies & Dromana, was somewhat unclear at the start of the 1641 rebellion as he seemed to be torn between supporting the Irish confederates and the English parliamentary forces. He eventually threw his support behind the English parliamentary side and he was no doubt influenced in this by the malevolent influence of his near neighbours the Boyles of Lismore under Broghill. However his wife, English born Mabel FitzGerald nee Digby, threw a spanner in the works by throwing open Dromana Castle to Sir Nicholas Walsh and his rebel forces.

Deposition of Barneby Goose of Ballyhar:

The following deposition from the unusually named Barneby Goose/Gosse describes a rebel raid on his farm around the 1^st March 1641 in which cows, oxen, heifers, yearlings and housegold goods were stolen. He stated that the robbery was carried out by Captain Fennell, Edmund Roch of Tourin, JohnFitzGerald of Farnane and various others. He stated that there were about 1,000 rebels involved in the raid and that Robert Downing of Lord Broghill’s troops was killed in this period. Edmund Roch was one of a number of the Roch family allegedly involved in rebel raids during the 1641 rebellion. The 1641 depositions include the names of a number of Roch rebels including John, Edmund, Garret, Maurice, Tibbot, Theobold and David Roch.

Bibliography

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2 ^                      The History of the Rebellion and Civil-war in Ireland by Ferd. Warner Vol 2 1768.

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            Published 1860.

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            Published 2001 Cork University Press.

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14 ^                   The History of the Execrable Irish Rebellion (pp 116) by Edmund Borlase.

            Published in 1680.

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Published 1878.

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(http://www.british-history.ac.uk)

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28 ^ ^{a b}           Villiers-Stuart Papers (T3131/C/1/ -- 1708-1734). Source UCC library.

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Published by Historical Manuscripts Commission in 1905.

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            Compiled by Rev. Alexander Grosart. Published 1886.

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