Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society hold field trip to Belcarra
THE Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society group attended an archaeological field trip to the Belcarra area.
The field trip was given by Paddy Tuffy, a local historian, who has spent many years researching Mayo’s history and the history of his local Belcarra and shared his wealth of historical knowledge with the members.
The group visited Gweeshadan Cemetery in Belcarra where Paddy brought members to see one of the oldest inscribed headstones in the cemetery, marking the grave of Rodger McDonaugh who died February 24th, 1799, at the age of 46 years, six months after the French landed in Killala.
Rodger was an activist in the 1798 Year of the French. He was arrested for carrying arms and sentenced to three months in Castlebar Jail in Ellison Street. It is not known why Rodges’s life was cut short at that particular time at the age of 46 years.
His beautifully inscribed headstone of that time implies that he was an important, highly regarded activist.
A visit to the imposing ruins of Gweeshadan Castle on the hill overlooking the cemetery saw Paddy give the history of the castle and its one time owners the powerful Burkes in 1574.
Paddy led the members to Loona church site in the townland of Loona More. The site, which has the ruins of an early Christian church, occupies a hilltop which once was surrounded by a large enclosure. Loona church site is on the ancient Tochar Padraig trail.
On the road leading from Ballinafad to Balla Mart, Paddy led the group up a lane on the east side of Loona More Hill. He pointed out the ruins of two houses in a meadow field high on the side of the hill.
One of these houses was the family home of Anthony Dempsey and his family. Anthony was being evicted by landlord Sir Robert Blosse Lynch, Balla, for failing to pay his arrears of rent, amounting to £26, in 1879.
Paddy brought the story to life: Anthony’s crops had failed and he was unable to pay. The eviction led to a major Land League rally held at Anthony Dempsey’s house in Loona More. The rally was led by the Fenian leader PW Nally from Balla. Michael Davitt arrived by train to Balla and so did Charles Stuart Parnell. A number of resolutions were passed supporting the Land League.
The arrears of £26 was paid by the league and the family were allowed back home.
Paddy pointed out that this major rally held at the Dempsey home was a precursor to what followed with Michael Davitt and the Land League.
On the final stop of the day Paddy led the way to Doonamona Castle. When it was originally built it was called the £10 Castle because a grant of £10 was given to build it.
It was first occupied by the O’Kellys. In 1574 it was occupied by the De Burgos. It was then taken over by Bingham who was known at the time as the Black Tyrant of Connaught.
In Bingham’s time it was the centre where legal affairs of Mayo were signed in 1586 and the majority of chieftains submitted to Bingham’s authority. Hangings also took place during Bingham’s reign at Doonamona Castle.
The castle is falling apart. A large hole at the top of the castle is reputed to have been caused by a cannon ball fired by the French against the British in 1798. In the ruins some fine stone work is to be seen in its construction.
Noel O’Neill, chairman of Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society, thanked Paddy for a very informative and enjoyable day in sharing the history and archaeology of his local area.