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| CURRAGHMORE, CO. WATERFORD. -The famous family seat of the Marquis of Waterford derives its name from the Gaelic "Currach," which means either a race course or a marsh, "Mor," signifying Great. It is probable that the demesne of the De la Poer-Beresfords obtains its designation from the former derivation, becuase no Anglo-Irish family has been more devoted to sporting and gaming of every kind than their own. The Beresfords have all been brave men, but more than doubtful patriots. They have generally stood by British interests in Ireland, and some of them were notorious persecutors of the people in 1798. The "wild Marquis," who broke his neck while hunting in 1859, was the most reckless Irishman of his time, and his marvelous escapades in Dublin, London, Paris and other European capital would fill volumes. The victor of Albuera, Marshal Beresford, was a scion of this fighting race. Lords Charles and William Beresford, in this generation, maintain the family reputation for brilliant courage. The sketch shows the ranges of fine offices by which the oblong courtyard is flanked. The entrance to the castle grounds is formed by a remnant, massive and frowning, of the old stronghold of the De la Poers. A stag, larger than life, is represented on the parapet. This animal forms the crest of the House of Beresford. A splendid modern mansion, situated amid green meadows, superb gardens and waving forests, rises in the rear of the castle. It was erected in 1824. |
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