Seamus Cullen’s Personal Web Site
Featuring Local History from North Kildare
New book out now!
Kildare:
The Irish Revolution,
1912–23
By Seamus Cullen
Available from Four Courts Press.
- Establishing the National Army in 1922
- Evacuation of British Security Forces from Kildare, 1922
- Civil War in North Kildare Sept. – Dec. 1922 Part II.
- Civil War in North Kildare Sept. – Dec. 1922 Part I.
- The Wogan-Brownes, a Tragic Family
- In search of Clane’s Medieval Leper Hospital
- Boycott & Gender Violence in Kildare 1920–21
- The Stacumny Ambush
- Revolution in Maynooth
- Bridget Nixon, mother of a President and grandmother of a Taoiseach
- Mick Sammon – The Last Man Standing in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday, 1920
- Charles Wogan (1685–1752)
- Tyrconnell Tower
- Know your Townland – Blackhall
- Know your Townland – Moortown
- Know your Townland – Millicent
- Know your Townland – Mountarmstrong
- Kilcock, from St. Coca to the Reformation
- Timahoe Connection to the Easter Rising 1916
- Maynooth and 1916
- Know your Townland – Baltracey
- Know your Townland – Ballinagappa
- A History of Ladychapel Graveyard
- Burial of Andrew Hall in Mainham in 1899
- County Kildare: Always Popular with Visiting Royals
- A Divisive County Kildare Parliamentary Election from July 1892
- A Short History of Commercial Activity in Kilcock
- An Incident in Clane at Easter 1310
- Clane Church
- Wolfe Tone and his Family Connections with County Kildare
- The History of Donadea Demesne
- An American Presidential Visit to County Kildare
- Rathcoffey CYMS Hall
- Edward O’Connor
- St. Farnan and Downings Graveyard
- Sinead De Valera and her County Kildare Connections
- The History of Clane
- The Trial and Execution of Laurence O’Connor at Naas in 1795
- Conflict and Rebellion in North Kildare 1792–98
- The Battle of Ovidstown
- Hugh Ware
- Hamilton Rowan
- Michael Quigley
- Carton Cemetery
- Land Transactions in Hodgestown
- Knockanally Crannog
- The Baltracey Quakers
- Thomas Dongan, Earl of Limerick
- The Formation of Rathcoffey GAA Club
- Bridget Fitzgerald of Maynooth
- St. Mochua
- The Lady in White
- Horrible Events at Hungry Hall
- The Drummin Road
- The Aneen Road
- The Founding of Rathcoffey Chapel
- St Coca’s Well, Kilcock
- St Peter’s Well, Dunmurraghill
- The Capture of Kilcock by Rebels
- History of Rathcoffey
- The Pale
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The Pale
Frontier boundary built around Dublin in 1494
The Pale gives its name to a phrase in the English language, Beyond the Pale. The history of this boundary in North Kildare is given and the line of the Pale between the two sole surviving sections is traced.
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The History of Rathcoffey
Covering a period from 8000 BC to 1900
Various events of local history in Rathcoffey are detailed, including the involvement of the village in six rebellions and profiling notable individuals from the area.
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The Capture of Kilcock by Rebels
Details of the activities of rebels who took over Kilcock in June 1798
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St. Peter’s Well, Dunmurraghill
Early Christian Centre Associated with St. Patrick
Details of a Holy Well that has connections with pre-Christian religious activity, before St. Patrick visited the site and brought Christianity to the area. The subsequent history is also given.
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St. Coca’s Well, Kilcock
Holy well associated with St. Coca in the Early Christian period
An account of St. Coca an early Christian missionary that brought Christianity to the area and her connection to the Holy Well that bears her name.
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The Founding of Rathcoffey Chapel
The Oldest Post-Reformation Catholic Church in County Kildare and the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin
An account of how a stable on the Wogan Estate became Rathcoffey Chapel in 1710. The role played by Lady Tyrconnell widow of the Viceroy of King James II is also detailed.
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The Aneen Road
The Story of an Ancient Road in Rathcoffey
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The Drummin Road
Origin of an Ancient Road in Rathcoffey
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Horrible Events at Hungry Hall
Folklore Tale from the Rathcoffey Area
Folklore story relating to the gruesome execution of a woman in the Rathcoffey area accused of cannibalism and witchcraft.
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The Lady in White
Ghost Story Associated with the Rathcoffey Area in the 1860’s
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St. Mochua
Early Christian Missionary in North Kildare and South Dublin
The career and travels of St. Mochua an early Christian missionary who is associated with religious foundations in Timahoe, Celbridge, Clondalkin and Balraheen–Rathcoffey.
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Bridget Fitzgerald of Maynooth
An Earl’s Wife who was Left Behind at the Flight of the Earls in 1607
The story of a Kildare involvement in the ‘Flight of the Earls’. Rory O’Donnell one of the two Earls that left in the flight did not get time to bring his wife Bridget FitzGerald who was staying in Maynooth Castle.
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The Formation of Rathcoffey GAA Club
An Account and an Analysis of the First Meeting of Rathcoffey GAA Club in 1888
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Thomas Dongan, Earl of Limerick
Famous Governor of New York from Castletown, Celbridge
Details of the Celbridge connection to Thomas Dongon who is regarded as the most famous pre-revolutionary Governor of New York.
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The Baltracey Quakers
The Story of a Quaker Family who were Members of Timahoe Meeting
Genealogical details of the Watson family, members of the ‘Society of Friends’ and their connection with Timahoe, Baltracey and Larchill.
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Knockanally Crannog
A Possible Causeway at Knockanally Crannog
Surviving features connected to Knockanally Crannog.
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Land Transactions in Hodgestown
Details of the Russell and McDermott families who lived in the townland in the 18th and 19th centuries
Genealogical details of the Russell family, members of the ‘Society of Friends’ from Hodgestown, Timahoe and also the McDermott family who purchased their property.
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Carton Cemetery
Burial ground of the Dukes of Leinster
Details of the family burial ground of the Dukes of Leinster from 1850 to 1938.
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Michael Quigley
Head of Robert Emmet’s Personal Staff throughout the Emmet Conspiracy and Attempted Rising in 1803
Profile of Michael Quigley, a builder, a farmer, a 98’ rebel, head of Robert Emmet’s personal staff and informer. Includes original details of his connections with Robert Emmet throughout 1803.
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Hamilton Rowan
Prominent United Irishman in the 1790’s
Profile of Archibald Hamilton Rowan, a prominent United Irishman from the early 1790’s, and his connection with Rathcoffey. Published in Fugitive Warfare, 1998. This article is hosted on Hermann Geissel’s site.
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Hugh Ware
1798 Rebel Leader and French Colonel in the Napoleonic Wars
A 98’ rebel, Emmet Rising conspirator and a leading officer in the Irish regiment in France during the Napoleonic wars. He was the last commander of an exiled Irish Regiment on the Continent. Published in Fugitive Warfare, 1998. This article is hosted on Hermann Geissel’s site.
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The Battle of Ovidstown
The Last Major Field Battle in the Dublin Area
Reconstruction details of the Battle of Ovidstown, 21st of June 1798 between Irish rebels and crown forces. Published in Fugitive Warfare, 1998. Colonel William Aylmer, commander of the rebels at Ovidstown, is pictured above. This article is hosted on Hermann Geissel’s site.
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Conflict and Rebellion in North Kildare 1792–98
The history of the 1798 Rebellion in North Kildare
An account of rebellious activity both before and during 1798 in the northern half of County Kildare is given, including the capture of Prosperous. Also the subsequent guerrilla tactics associated with the rebels which came to be known as Fugitive Warfare. This article is hosted on Hermann Geissel’s site.
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The Trial and Execution
of Laurence O’Connor at Naas in 1795Execution of the last man sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered in County Kildare
A local Defender leader who was arrsted in Kilcock while recruiting new members during the Defender crises of 1795. The events surrounding this incident resulted in the execution of four men.
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The History of Clane
From the Earliest Times to 1945
Various events of local history in Clane are detailed, including a connection with almost every era in Irish history.
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Sinead De Valera
and her County Kildare ConnectionsThe History of a County Kildare Family
Genealogical details of the Flanagan family covering three centuries. Includes historical particulars relating to the ancestors of Sinead De Valera and their interest in the Irish language.
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St. Farnan and Downings Graveyard
An early Christian centre founded by St. Farnan
An account of St. Farnan an early Christian missionary who brought Christianity to the Prosperous area and built the first Church in Downings Graveyard.
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Edward O’Connor
The Career of a 19th century Naas Town Commissioner
Details of a prominent Naas entrepreneur and local politician, who was twice imprisoned for his nationalist principals, firstly, as a Fenian in 1865 and secondly, during the ‘Land War’ in 1882.
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Rathcoffey CYMS Hall
Built between August 1951 and January 1952
Details of the official opening of North Kildare’s ‘Ballroom of Romance’ in the early 1950’s and an account of the entertainment following the ceremony.
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An American Presidential Visit
to County KildareAn account of President Nixon visiting his ancestral burial ground
The story of an early 18th century Quaker community in Timahoe, North Kildare. In 1970 President Nixon, a descendent of one of the Quaker families from the community, visited his maternal ancestral burial ground in Timahoe.
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The History of Donadea Demesne
From the earliest times to 2003
Details of the history of Donadea, from the early Christian period to the present time. Includes a full account of the construction of Donadea Demesne in the 19th century which is now the nucleus of Donadea Forest Park.
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Wolfe Tone and his Family Connections
with County KildareThe Story of an 18th century County Kildare Farming Family
Genealogical details of the Tone family and their direct connection with Bodenstown from 1750 to 1818. Also includes personal details of Wolfe Tone, his wife and children, parents, siblings, uncles and aunts.
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Clane Church
Details of Fr. Turner’s work in building a new Church in Clane between
1875 and 1884 -
An Incident in Clane at Easter 1310
Details of an Altercation in 14th Century Clane that Embroiled Many in the Community
Medieval Clane was an important town in the Norman colony and in 1310 a minor incident led to a homicide. This eventually resulted in the involvement of the local Mayor, the County Sheriff and the Viceroy.
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A Short History of Commercial Activity
in KilcockKilcock was an Important Trading Centre from the Medieval Period to the Late 1900’s
Kilcock for centuries was one of the major commercial centres in the mid-Leinster region. The article details the history of the fairs, markets and business life in the town throughout the period.
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A Divisive County Kildare Parliamentary Election from July 1892
Details of a Hotly Contested Election for the Westminster Seat of Kildare North
The election of 1892 in North Kildare was a bitterly fought contest. The outgoing Parnellite MP was opposed by an anti-Parnellite candidate who was actively supported by the local Catholic clergy.
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County Kildare
Always Popular with Visiting RoyalsDetails of Visits to County Kildare by Ten English Monarchs
Between 1171 and 2011 ten English Kings and Queens came to Ireland either as conquerors or visitors. During their stay they all visited county Kildare.
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Burial of Andrew Hall in Mainham in 1899
An Unusual Burial of a Pauper in Mainham Graveyard
In 1899, a mix-up in the morgue of the Workhouse Hospital in Naas led to the burial of the wrong corpse in Mainham Graveyard.
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A History of Ladychapel Graveyard
An Ancient Church and Graveyard near Maynooth County Kildare
The site with a history stretching back 2000 years consists of a disused graveyard, church ruins and holy well. Individuals interred in the burial ground are connected to many important events in Irish History.
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Know your Townland – Ballinagappa
A History of a Townland Close to Clane
Important details of Ballingappa survive in two sources from the 17th century. It has important connections with the famous Sarsfield family, the Vesey-Colthurst family and the Bingham family Earls of Lucan.
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Know your Townland – Baltracey
A History of a Townland in North Kildare
The history of Baltracey begins in the early Christian period with its connection to an ancient highway. It also has links to the Norman period and an important Quaker involvement in the modern period.
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Maynooth and 1916
The Involvement of Maynooth Volunteers in the Easter Rising
The Maynooth Company of the Volunteers mobilised on Easter Sunday along with other companies in county Kildare.
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Timahoe Connection to the Easter Rising 1916
Details the connections of a rural district in West Kildare to the Easter Rising 1916
The rising was fought mainly in Dublin with minor outbreaks in a number of other counties. County Kildare also had an involvement which is well documented.
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Kilcock, from St. Coca to the Reformation
A history of Christianity in Kilcock between AD 550 and 1550
Various writers have suggested that there were four different saints from the early Christian period who could have been the St. Coca associated with Kilcock.
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Know your Townland – Mountarmstrong
A history of a townland close to Donadea Forest Park in north Kildare
The earliest history of Mountarmstrong connects it to an ancient road. Accounts detailing the various owners including the Armstrong family are given together with particulars of its original name.
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Know your Townland – Millicent
A history of a townland situated between Clane and Sallins.
Millicent dates from the Norman period and throughout its history was the residence of numerous important individuals. Originally known as Newtown the present name emerged in the early 18th century.
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Know your Townland – Moortown
History of a townland now part of the built up area that comprises a portion of Rathcoffey Village.
Moortown is a townland with an interesting and historical geological origin. In the early to mid-19th century it was one of the most densely populated townlands in the county and also the home to a famous parish priest.
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Know your Townland – Blackhall
A history of a historic townland south of Clane adjoining the river Liffey.
The history of Blackhall extends back to the pre Christian period with its connection to an ancient highway. From the Norman period the townland is noted as having connections to numerous well-known families such as the FitzGeralds, Wogans and Wolfes.
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Tyrconnell Tower
A picturesque tower on the summit of a hill overlooking Carton House, Maynooth.
The Tower was built in the 1680s by Richard Talbot then Earl of Tyrconnell (later Duke) as a family mausoleum. Today an artist impression of the tower is used as the logo of Carton House Hotel and Golf Club.
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Charles Wogan (1685–1752)
A Jacobite soldier from Clane who gained international fame in the early 18th century.
The adventurous career of Charles Wogan, at different times was a rebel leader; agent; diplomat; army general; administrator and writer, who is best remembered for his rescue of Princess Clementina in 1719.
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Mick Sammon – The Last Man Standing in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday, 1920
Referee of the most tragic sporting event in Irish history – the football match in Croke Park, on Bloody Sunday, 1920.
Kildareman, Mick Sammon, made a significant contribution to the Irish Revolution. Imprisoned for political activity in 1918, winner of an All-Ireland medal in 1919, and an important figure in the history of Bloody Sunday 1920.
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Bridget Nixon, 1855–1934
Bridget Nixon, Kildare born mother of a President of the Irish Free State government and grandmother of a Taoiseach
A native of Landenstown Prosperous, Bridget Nixon was the mother of WT Cosgrave. As a parent of participants in the Irish Revolution she paid a heavy price, probably second only to Margaret Pearse.
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Revolution in Maynooth
During the War of Independence, revolutionary activity in Maynooth was greater than in any other town in County Kildare
In the Main Street of Maynooth, three buildings were destroyed, and an ambush took place resulting in an RIC fatality. It was the only town in Kildare were Crown forces re-established a barrack.
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The Stacumny Ambush
The abortive Stacumny Ambush was the biggest IRA engagement in Kildare during the War of Independence
As part of a campaign to hamper transportation of British troops the IRA targeted four troop-trains in June and July 1921. One encounter close to Celbridge, a combat unit of 120 IRA targeted trains carrying 950 soldiers.
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Boycott & Gender Violence in Kildare
During the War of Independence, gender-based violence was used as a method to enforce a female boycott of Crown forces in Kildare.
In the largely garrison county of Kildare, women fraternising with soldiers were subjected to heavy handed treatment by the IRA which included forcible hair cutting as punishment and as a warning to others.
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In search of Clane’s Medieval Leper Hospital
A possible location of the medieval leper hospital in Clane has been identified.
Cartographic evidence and detail from ancient leases located Maudlins an extinct townland in Clane which takes its name from a leper hospital. The detail pinpoints a site close to the river Liffey in Carrigeen townland.
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The Wogan-Brownes, a Tragic Family
The Wogan-Browne family and their Wogan ancestors were prominent in County Kildare affairs from 1295 to 1922.
The family participated in at least three rebellions in Ireland against the English Crown, in 1580, 1641 and 1689 and two in Britain in 1715 and 1746. Their demise in 1922 came about due to tragic circumstances.
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Civil War in North Kildare Sept. – Dec. 1922 Part I.
During the Civil War attempts were made by anti-Treaty activists to capture Baldonnell Aerodrome.
Following the escape from prison of anti-Treaty activists an upsurge of activity in North Kildare included targeting Baldonnell Aerodrome with assistance from the inside. Plans were also made to bomb government buildings using a commandeered aeroplane.
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Civil War in North Kildare Sept. – Dec. 1922 Part II.
The most intensive shootout in County Kildare throughout the Irish Revolution was a Civil War encounter at Pike Bridge between Maynooth and Leixlip.
During the battle armoured cars and machine guns were used and eventually several National Army units surrounded and captured 22 anti-Treaty activists. There were six fatalities, one killed in action and five subsequently executed.
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Establishing the National Army in 1922
In January 1922, the first unit of the Irish National Army was formed in Celbridge Workhouse.
Michael Collins chose the IRA training camp in Celbridge to train the first contingent of the Irish Army. They obtained army uniforms and were inspected in Celbridge by Collins prior to occupying Beggars Bush barracks, Dublin.
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Evacuation of British Security Forces
from Kildare, 1922The evacuation of the Curragh Camp by the British army in 1922 was arguably the most important event in the history of Kildare.
In 1914 the British Army in the Curragh mutinied rather than assist in the implementation of Home Rule. Yet by 1922 they had to pack their bags and leave the Curragh – handing over the camp to the Irish Army.
© Seamus Cullen 2008–2023 | Website designed by Sandra Davis