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| DONEGAL ABBEY, CO. DONEGAL.- The ruins of Donegal Abbey, which crown a height above the lovely bay, recall mainly to the Irish mind the inestimable services to the Irish history of the "Four Masters"-chief of whom was Brother Michael O'Clery, of Kilbarron-who here complied the famous "Annals," familiar to all scholars, and covering a period that reaches from beyond the foundation of the pyramids of the Nile to the year of grace 1616. This great work was accomplished under the patronage of the generous and patriotic Feargal O'Gara, Lord of Moy O'Gara and Coolavin. The abbey was founded late in the fifteenth century by the Prince Tyrconnell. In 1600, the edifice was fortified by the traitor Niall Garbh O'Donnell and his English allies, but, after a siege of three months, it was finally stormed ty the Clan Conal, commanded by the illustrious Hugh Roe O'Donnell, who slew the traitor's brother, Conn, and put most of the garrison to the sword. In this sanguninary operation, the superb abbey was almost totaly destroyed by fire and never restored. Well has it been written of the patient Four Masters- Brighly on the Abbey gable, shines the full moon Tufted isle and splintered headland smile and through the night soften in her ray, While, far to the northward, glances all the bay Yet, within their dusky chamber, the meek Masters in waves of light; toil away, Finding all too short the day. |
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