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| DERRYBEG CHAPEL CO. DONEGAL. - "The Little Oak Wood" is the meaning of Derrybeg in English. Our artist's sketch shows the neat Catholic Chapel, of which the Rev. Father McFadden is pastor, situated in the pretty storm-swept village, which stands on the sea-shore, in the rack-rented Gweedore district, in the northwestern corner of county Donegal. The figure in the middle ground, toward the left, is that of the good priest himself, who, although still in the prime of life, has been identified with the Irish Land League movement for a quarter of a century. Because of his unselfish devotion to his people, he has suffered from persecution at the hands of their enemies; but he has succeeded in keeping the roofs over the heads of some poor creatures who, without his championship, would have no refuge but the workhouse or the grave. A dreadful "tidal wave" struck Derrybeg on Lady Day (Aug. 15) 1880, and did not spare the little chapel. The people were at mass when it was struck by the raging waters. Two of the humble worshippers perished in the flood and the rest were obliged to fly to the hills for safety. Father McFadden rescued several of his flock from drowning. In February, 1889, during a fierce eviction riot, in which the exasperated people used missiles freely, Police Inspector Martin was mortally wounded. The vindictive landlords did their utmost to implicate Father McFadden, and he suffered much tribulation, as did many of his parishioners, but finally triumphed over his foes. He is generally regarded as the bravest priest in Ireland, and it is unnecessary, perhaps, to add, that he is simply adored by his people. |
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