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| PARISH CHURCH, ENNISKILLEN, CO. FERMANAGH. -The sketch pictures the parish church of this famous Irish town, noted for its Presbyterianism, cutlery and straw plait-a kind of Irish Manila. The name, we are told by the learned Dr. Joyce, comes from Cethlenn, wife of "Balor of the Great Blows," chief of Tory Island. "She fought at the second battle of Moyturey and inflicted a wound on Dagda, King of the Danaans, of which he died." In the Annals of Clonmacnois, as well as others, the name of Enniskillen is written Inis-Cethlenn, that is "Cethlenn's Island." The town lies on the river Erne, and the main portion is built on an island situated between upper and lower Lough Erne. The country around it is undulating in character and admirably cultivated. Many fine mansions crown the adjacent heights. The river is guarded by two forts, which command the only pass leading into Ulster across the Erne for many miles-some say fifty. Near the town, Col. Hamilton defeated a detachment of King James' army, under Lord Galmoy, in 1689. The Enniskillen cavalry distinguished at the Boyne is now represented by the 6th Dragoons of the British army. What Irishman has not heard the old street ballad- Fare your well, Inniskillen fare you well for awhile! And when the war is over, I'll return in full bloom And all 'round the borders of Erin's Green Isle; And you'll all welcome home the Inniskillen Dragoon! |
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