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| MACROOM CASTLE, CO. CORK. -These imposing, ivy-garlanded ruins stand close to the town which gives them name, on a pint of land formed by the confluence of the Lee and Sullane rivers. Here the latter stream is merged in the longer river and then united waters flow on in stately volume to the sea. The name Macroom is derived from the Gaelic Maigh-Croim, which, according to Professor Addey, signifies "the Plain of Crom, who was th Jupiter Tonans of the Irish; and here the second order of Druids, the Bards, held their meetings, even after the introduction of Christianity." It is said that the castle, which dates form the time of King John, was originally founded by O'Flynn family, from whom is derived its ancient Galeic name of Caslean-i-Fhlionn, or O'Flynn's castle. During the old wars it was often taken and retaken. In 1649, Lord Broghill, Cromwell's general, hanged Bishop MacEgan, of Ross, for refusing to ask the Irish garrison to surrender. Instead, according to Dr. Madden's poem, he warned his compatriots thus:- "Remember, 'tis writ in our annals of blood. Our countrymen never relied on the faith Of turce, or of treaty, but treason ensued- And the issue of every delusion was death!" He died on the scaffold, in front of those walls Where the blackness of ruin is seen from afar; And the gloom of tis desolate aspect recalls The blackest of Broghill's achievements in war! |
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