Ballycaraney

Cork
Parish: Ballycaraney
BALLYCARANEY, or BALLYCRANA, a parish, in the barony of BARRYMORE, county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 8 miles (S. S. E.) from Rathcormac; containing 1036 inhabitants.

It comprises 6461 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act, and valued at £3240 per annum: a very small portion is in pasture, and the remainder is under tillage.

The gentlemen's seats are Lemlara House, that of Garrett Standish Barry, Esq., situated in a well-cultivated and highly improved demesne; Ballinaclashy, of the Rev. G. E. Cotter; and Ballycrana, of Jos. Wilson, Esq.

It is a rectory, in the diocese of Cloyne, and forms part of the union of Lisgoold and corps of the precentorship in the cathedral of Cloyne : the tithes amount to £l84. 12s. 3.75 d.

In the R. C. divisions also it is included in the union or district of Lisgoold.

Graney Village

Kilkenny
Parish: Kilmacow
GRANEY, a village, in the parish of KILMACOW, barony of IVERK, county of KILKENNY, and province of LEINSTER, 2 miles (N. W.) from Waterford, on the road to Clonmel ; containing 12 houses and 77 inhabitants.

Fairs are held here on Jan. 6th, April 10th, May 12th, Sept. 4th, and Dec. 11th.

Aney

Limerick
Parish: Aney
ANEY, or KNOCKANEY, a parish, in the barony of SMALL COUNTY, county of LIMERICK, and province of MUNSTER, 3 miles (E.) from Bruff ; containing 4542 inhabitants, of which number, 514 are in the village.

This place, which is situated on the river Commogue, and bounded on the north by Lough Gur, appears to have been distinguished at a very early period of Irish history. Its parish church and a monastery, or college, are said, by ecclesiastical writers, to have been founded about the time of St. Patrick; but the earliest authentic notice of the place occurs in 941, when a convent for nuns of the order of St. Augustine was founded, but by whom is not recorded. This establishment, which was called Monaster-ni-Cailliagh Juxta Aney, and was situated on Lough Gur, was destroyed in the Danish irruption, but was refounded, in 1283, by a branch of the Fitzgibbon family, and appears to have subsisted till the dis-solution: of the building, only some small fragments are remaining. In 1226, a preceptory was founded here, which subsequently became the property of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem; and, in 1349, a friary for Eremites of the order of St. Augustine was founded by John Fitzgerald, or, as he was sometimes called, Fitz-Robert, which, after the dissolution, was granted by Queen Elizabeth to Edward, John and Mary Absley.

This place was equally celebrated for its numerous stately castles; the most important was a spacious and very strong fortress, erected in 1248 by John Fitzgerald, sometimes called John of Callan, on the western bank of the river Commogue, in which the founder died in 1296; some very inconsiderable fragments only are remaining. In the fourteenth century the same powerful family erected two very strong castles on the shores of Lough Gur, called respectively Doon and the Black castle, to defend the two entrances to Knockadoon, a lofty eminence nearly surrounded by the lake, and by most writers considered as an island. The present castle of Doon, supposed to have been erected on the site of the original by Sir George Boucher, in the reign of Jas. I., is in a very perfect state; but the Black castle is a heap of ruins. A smaller castle was built in the village, soon after the erection of those on Lough Gur, probably by the family of O'Grady, who also built a very extensive castle at Kilballyowen: the former is, with the exception of the roof, in a very perfect state; and the latter has been incorporated with the modern dwelling-house, and contains four rooms in perfect order. Though the surrounding neighbourhood is fertile, and the inhabitants in general opulent, yet the village, which is the property of the Provost and Fellows of Trinity College, and of the Earls of Aldborough and Kenmare, is in a state of neglect and ruin.

The parish comprises 8312 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act: the land is remarkably productive, particularly round Kilballyowen; about one-fifth is under tillage, more than three-fifths are meadow and pasture land, and there is a small tract of very valuable bog. The great fertility of the soil seems to have obviated the necessity of paying much attention to the improvement of agriculture, which throughout the district is generally disregarded. The surface is adorned with rich plantation.

The principal seats are Kilballyowen, the residence of De Courcy O'Grady, Esq. (who retains the ancient title of O'Grady of Kilballyowen), a handsome modern building in a richly planted demesne; Elton, of Mrs. Grady; Lough Gur Castle, of Miss Bailie; Baggotstown, of J. Bouchier, Esq.; Milltown Lodge, of T. D. O'Grady, Esq.; and Rathaney, of T. Bennett, Esq.

The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Emly, with the vicarages of Ballynard, Ballynamona, Long or Knocklong, Kilfrush, Ballinlough, and Hospital, which seven parishes constitute the union of Alley, in the patronage of the Crown during the legal incapacity of the Earl of Kenmare; the rectory is impropriate in E. Deane Freeman, Esq. The tithes amount to £860, of which £573:6:8. is payable to the impropriator, and the remainder to the vicar; and the entire tithes of the benefice amount to £748 0s. 4 1/2d . The church is a neat edifice, with a handsome octagonal spire of hewn stone, and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have lately granted £183 for its repair. The glebe-house, nearly adjoining the church, but not habitable for a family, is built on a glebe of 7a. 1r. 38p.

The Roman Catholic parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church, the chapel is in the village of Alley, and has been rebuilt and was consecrated on the 9th of October, 1836 ; there is also another at St. Patrick's Well.

There is a school aided by a donation from the parish, which is held in the R. C. chapel; and a school is also supported by the Count de Salis. In these schools are about 220 boys and 130 girls; and there is also a pay school of 20 boys and 8 girls.

Lough Gur, the only lake of importance in the county, is about four miles in circumference, and bounds the parish for nearly three miles; it has two beautiful small islands, and is of very picturesque and romantic character. On one of the islands are the remains of ancient fortifications; and midway between Knockadoon and Knockfennel is the other, about three-quarters of an acre in extent, which was strongly fortified, and the walls are now nearly in a perfect state. Not far from the Black castle are the interesting ruins of the New Church, so called from its being founded by the Countess of Bath, when resident at Doon Castle, by whom it was also endowed with £20 per annum for the support of a chaplain; but the property having descended to the Count de Salis, and the church not being registered in the diocesan records, that nobleman discontinued the appointment of a chaplain, and the church has fallen into ruins. The plate presented to this church by the Countess of Bath is now used in the parish church of Alley. At St. Patrick's well are some remains of a church, with an extensive burial-ground ; and near Elton are also some fragments of another in a churchyard. Not far distant are the picturesque ruins of Baggotstown castle, built by one of the Baggot family in the reign of Chas. I., and forming, with its lofty gables and chimneys, a singular object when viewed from a distance. On the hill of Knockadoon, just over the lake, are some rude traces of an ancient fortress.

Killaney

Louth
Parish: Killaney
KILLANEY, a parish, partly in the barony of ARDEE, county of LOUTH, and province of LEINSTER, but chiefly in the barony of FARNEY, county of MONAGHAN, and province of ULSTER, 2 miles (E. by s.) from Carrickmacross, on the road from Carrick to Dundalk (Co. Louth) ; containing 4823 inhabitants, of which number 1424 are in town.

The rivers Glyde and Ballymackney run through this parish ; and the Earl of Essex had an interview, in 1599, at Essexford, with O'Nial, Earl of Tyrone. It comprises, according to the Ordnance survey (including 167.75 acres in the detached townland of Essexford) and 106.25 under water), 7127.25 statute acres, of which 1989.25 are in Louth, and 5188 in Monaghan ; 5870 acres are applotted under the tithe act, and chiefly in tillage, and 500 acres consist of bog.

The principal seats are Moynalty, the residence of T. Mc Evoy Gartland, Esq., and Ballymackney House, of W. Daniel, Esq.

The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Clogher, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the tithes amount to £461. 10s. 9.25d. The church is a small ancient structure. There is a glebe house, with a glebe of 90 acres.

In the Roman Catholic divisions this parish is partly in the union or district of Carrickmacross, and partly the head of a district, comprising also three or four townlands in the parish of Louth ; it contains two chapels, one at Corcreagh, belonging to the Carrickmacross district, and the other in the village of Killaney.

About 270 children are educated in five private schools, and there is a Sunday school. Here are the ruins of an ancient church, and of a fortification on a conical hill, called Mount Killaney.

Killaney

Monaghan
Parish: Killaney
KILLANEY, a parish, partly in the barony of ARDEE, county of LOUTH, and province of LEINSTER, but chiefly in the barony of FARNEY, county of MONAGHAN, and province of ULSTER, 2 miles (E. by s.) from Carrickmacross, on the road from Carrick to Dundalk (Co. Louth) ; containing 4823 inhabitants, of which number 1424 are in town.

The rivers Glyde and Ballymackney run through this parish ; and the Earl of Essex had an interview, in 1599, at Essexford, with O'Nial, Earl of Tyrone. It comprises, according to the Ordnance survey (including 167.75 acres in the detached townland of Essexford) and 106.25 under water), 7127.25 statute acres, of which 1989.25 are in Louth, and 5188 in Monaghan ; 5870 acres are applotted under the tithe act, and chiefly in tillage, and 500 acres consist of bog.

The principal seats are Moynalty, the residence of T. Mc Evoy Gartland, Esq., and Ballymackney House, of W. Daniel, Esq.

The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Clogher, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the tithes amount to £461. 10s. 9.25d. The church is a small ancient structure. There is a glebe house, with a glebe of 90 acres.

In the Roman Catholic divisions this parish is partly in the union or district of Carrickmacross, and partly the head of a district, comprising also three or four townlands in the parish of Louth ; it contains two chapels, one at Corcreagh, belonging to the Carrickmacross district, and the other in the village of Killaney.

About 270 children are educated in five private schools, and there is a Sunday school. Here are the ruins of an ancient church, and of a fortification on a conical hill, called Mount Killaney.

Coolaney Town

Sligo
Parish: Killoran
COOLANEY, a small market-town, in the parish of KILLORAN, barony of LENEY, county of SLIGO, and province of CONNAUGHT, 4 miles (w.) from Collooney; containing 326 inhabitants.

This place is situated on the road from Sligo to Tubbercurry; it contains about 70 houses, and has a penny post to Collooney. Here are a dispensary and a Baptist meeting-house; and it is a station of the constabulary police. In the centre of the village is the court-house, where petty sessions are held on alternate Wednesdays. The market is on Friday, and fairs are held on the 29th of May and 5th of December. It is in contemplation to erect a market-house.

Drumraney

Westmeath
Parish: Drumraney
DRUMRANEY, or DRUMRATH, a parish, in the barony of KILKENNY WEST, county of WESTMEATH, and province of LEINSTER, 2.25 miles (W.) from Ballymore, on the road from Athlone to Mullingar ; containing 8494 inhabitants.

A monastery was founded here in 588, in honour of St. Enan, which was burnt by the Ostmen in 946, and by Brian Mcainneide, in 995. The parish comprises 7290 statute acres, of which about 405 are bog, 3645 arable, and 3240 pasture; agriculture has much improved within the last few years. Limestone abounds, and lead ore is supposed to exist.

The gentlemen's seats are Dodington House, the residence of R. Jones, Esq.; Walterstown, of George Gray, Esq. ; and Lissenode, of J. Russell, Esq.

In the hamlet of Walterstown is a constabulary police station;

The parish is in the diocese of Meath ; the rectory and vicarage form part of the union of Ballyloughloe, the incumbent of which presents to the perpetual curacy of Drumraney. The tithes amount to £290. 15s. 4.50d., payable to the incumbent of the union : the income of the perpetual curate is £100 per annum, of which £60 is paid by the incumbent, and £40 out of Primate Boulter's Augmentation fund. Two townlands, called High and Low Baskin, pay tithes to the parish of Castlelost ; they are impropriate in Lord Kilmaine, and extend over about 100 acres. The glebe-house was erected in 1814, by aid of a gift of £450, and a loan of £50 from the late Board of First Fruits ; the glebe comprises 32 acres. The church, a neat building in good repair, was built in 1811, by aid of a gift of £500 from the same Board.

In the Roman Catholic divisions this parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church : there is a chapel at Drumraney.

About 100 children are taught in the three public schools in the parish, of which one was built by E. K. Digby, Esq.; and there are three private schools, in which are about 120 children..

There are several raths ; also remains of old forts and towers at High Baskin, Donomona, and near Dorrington ; and at Killininny, Ballyloughdough, Ardnagard, and Walterstown, are remains of castles, formerly belonging to the Dillons, whose burial-place was anciently at Drumraney. Here is a holy well, dedicated to St. Enan ; his festival is celebrated on the Sunday after Sept. l8th.

Ballynaslaney

Wexford
Parish: Ballynaslaney
BALLYNASLANEY, a parish, partly in the barony, of SHELMALIER, but chiefly in that of BALLAGHKEEN, county of WEXFORD, and province of LEINSTER, 4.75 miles (S. by E.) from Enniscorthy; containing 916 inhabitants.

This parish is situated on the eastern bank of the river Slaney, and on the mail coach road from Wexford to Enniscorthy; it comprises 2608 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act. A small portion is marshy, but by far the greater portion is good arable and pasture land. The river is navigable for vessels of large burden as far as Pooldarragh, in this parish, at which place the contemplated canal to Enniscorthy, a distance of 6.50 British miles, will commence, according to the proposed plan.

It is an impropriate curacy, in the diocese of Ferns, annexed to the rectory of Edermine by act of council in 1806; the rectory is impropriate partly in the Earl of Portsmouth and partly in the Representatives of Walter Redmond, Esq. The tithes amount to £161. 10 shillings 9 pence, of which £106. 3 shillings 0 and .75 pence is payable to the impropriators, and the remainder to the curate. The church, of which even the ruins have been removed, must have been originally a handsome structure; a very fine Norman doorway, formerly a part of it, has been inserted in the church of Kilpatrick at Saunders-court.

In the R. C. divisions the parish forms part of the union or district of Oylgate, in the parish of Edermine, where stands the chapel. There is a pay school in which about 40 children are educated.