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| CITY OF LIMERICK.-The name of Limerick-in Gaelic Lumneach, a grazing ground for horses, applied to the island on which the original city was built-thirills every true-hearted Irishman, and Irishwoman also, with pardonable pride. St. Patrick visited it in the Fifth century. The Danes became masters of it in the Ninth, and they were conquered by King Brian in the Eleventh. Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, basely swore allegiance to Henry II. When the Normans landed, he subsequently "rebelled" and the town was taken, after a siege, by Raymond le Gros. The towers and spires of Limerick are reflected in the waters of the "Lordly Shannon," as shown, picturesquely, with a splendid sky effect, in the sketch. It is divided into the Irish and English towns-the former being the more ancient portion, and containing renowned "Garryowen." The English town is modern and very handsomely built. Limerick surrendered to the Cromwellian general, Ireton, in 1651. King William III., with his powerful army, was defeated in an attempt to storm it, Aug. 27, 1690, when the Limerick women, by a display of heroic courage, won immortal honor. The town capitulated, on favorable terms, to the Williamite general De Ginkel, Oct. 3, 1691, after another brave defense. But the treaty was feloniously violated by the English King and Parliament after the capitulated Irish army, under Sarsfield, sailed for France. This is Ireland's most bitter memory. |
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