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| VIEW OF ATHENRY, CO. GALWAY.- The above picture gives a partial view of the venerable ruins and modern structures of the ancient town of Athenry-Gaelic Ath-na-riogh, "Ford of the Kings," in the county Galway. Ages ago, it was the most important place in Connaught. At one time, it contained a royal residence. The Anglo-Normans gained possession of it early in the thirteenth century, and, in the beginning of the fourteen th, it was strongly fortified by the invaders. Some of the massive walls still remain. When Edward Bruce became King of Ireland, by election, young Phelim O'Conor-head of the royal house of Connaught-forsook his enforced ally, De Brugh, and marched, with a large army, to reduce Athenry. The Anglo-Normans, under William De Burgh and John De Bermingham-two of the ables generals of that age-sailed forth to meed O'Conor. The tow armies encountered each other near the town, and then was fought one of the bloodies of battles. Phelim, twenty-eight princes of his house and 10,000 clansmen died upon the field. The Anglo-Normans, who, unlike the Irish, were clad in armor, also suffered severely. This great conflict occurred on Aug. 10,1316. Aubrey De Vere regarded "Athunree" as Ireland's most fatal defeat-it virtually destroyed the hopes of Bruce-and laments it thus: Athunree! Athunree! the heart of Erin burst on thee! Her children at that hour the fruit that slays manhood at the root; Since that hour some unseen hand on her forehead Our warriors are not what they were, our maids stamps the brand: no longer blithe and fair; Truth and honor died with thee, Athunree! |
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