Community Notes Nov 7th

The Return of The Book of Lismore

Last week saw the long- awaited return, on a permanent basis of The Book of Lismore or as it is referred to in the Irish context, Leabhar Mhic Carthaigh Riabhaigh. It made a temporary visit to The Glucksman Gallery at UCC in 2011 and it was enthusiastically received on that occasion. Discussions were being carried on behind the scenes no doubt since then, hence the announcement last week of its return to UCC, which has been warmly welcomed.

Generations of pupils of Timoleague National School will no doubt know of the book’s discovery at Lismore Castle by workmen in 1814 and its connection with Timoleague Abbey and Kilbrittain Castle. That is but a small part of an intriguing story of mystery, deception and deceit. Indiana Jones wouldn’t get a look in with the colourful journey of this prized manuscript from medieval Ireland. Over the next few weeks, I will endeavour to give the reader a brief account of this much travelled book.

It was given as a wedding present to Finghin Mac Carthaigh Riabhach and his bride Caitlin, daughter of The Earl of Desmond. Finghin was son of Lord Carbery, a powerful West-Cork family and Caitlin was of Norman stock. The marriage resulted in a powerful alliance among two of the most powerful families of the time. Finghin died, in fact he was drowned crossing the river Bandon near Kinsale, in 1505. We can deduce from this that the manuscript was written and given to the newly married couple in the mid 1400’s. Finghin and Caitlin lived in Kilbrittain Castle. The Mc Carthy and The Barry families were the heavyweights who wielded power in the district when Timoleague Abbey was founded in c1240. The Mac Carthy’s were one of the Abbey’s main benefactors and are buried within the choir of the building. Some maintain that the manuscript was written in the scriptorium by the monks and because of the special relationship with the family, it would be plausible that the monks would give a wedding present to the happy couple. Now that the book is back in its native county, let’s hope that scholars will solve some of the mysteries that surround this historic book.

We do know that when An Brathair Micheal O’Cleirigh was on his travels throughout Ireland endeavouring to save its history from destruction that he visited all the Franciscan houses in Ireland and he arrived at Timoleague in 1629. Here he copied extracts from the book which was made available to him by the Mc Carthy’s of Kilbrittain. The result of his labours is to be found in his “Anala Riochta Eireann”, his historical masterpiece also known as “The Annals of the Four Masters”

 In 1642 Lord Kinalmeaky and an army of Parliamentarians from Bandon attacked and captured Kilbrittain Castle. Kinalmeaky presented the manuscript, which he appropriated on the capture of the castle, to his father Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork. It was then transferred to Lismore which was also in the possession of Richard Boyle. Incidentally, another son of Richard’s is Robert, the scientist who is regarded as one of the founders of modern chemistry and whose name is perpetuated by the term, Boyle’s Law.

Lismore Castle was itself attacked by Lord Muskerry and his forces in 1643. The book may have been hidden at this time to save it from possible plunder. Nothing further is recorded about it until 1814 when workmen doing some repair work to the castle came upon a door that had been bricked up. When they broke through they discovered ……….. 

Racing Success

A local racing success was recorded at Wexford Races on Sunday week last when Cailin Dearg won the final race on the card. The 5 year old mare is owned by Padraig Butler of Cregane. She had won at Bandon Point to Point fixture already but this was a step up in class. Padraig had been doing all the work out and training with Cailin Dearg but he now has the mare in training with James Dullea of Bandon, a close family relative. She was ridden first past the post in the bumper by Mr. D. Allen carrying the maroon colours of its proud owner. It was a nice touch as she came in at 11/2 on the day. Padraig and all the Butler family are active members of Argideen Rangers and Padraig, Finbarr and John Joe are leading hurlers and footballers with the club. Padraig is quickly following in the footsteps of that great horseman and hurler, Jamesey Kelleher of Dungourney.

Generous Gesture

During the first lock down earlier in the year, Gavin and Michelle of Monk’s Lane very generously donated cooked dinners to those who were cocooning at home. This act of kindness was greatly appreciated by all. Now they have decided to again donate dinners to those who are living alone and in semi-isolation. Last Saturday a team of volunteers delivered the meals to residents of the village. On Saturday next the following areas will be catered for: Cregane, Abbeymahon, Gurranes, Ahafore, Ahamonister, Barryshall and  Cloughgriffin.

This most generous donation by Monk’s Lane is what community spirit is all about. We are lucky and fortunate to be living in a community that is pro-active in the care of neighbours. Long may it remain.