School: Scoil Áine Naomhtha, Ráth gCaola (roll number 6569)
- Location:
- Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
- Teacher: An tSr. M. Assidium
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0501, Page 150
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- Gaola was an old Irish chieftain from whom Rathkeale got its name. He lived in a rath of fort at the (the) place now called Mount Southwell. The fort was a well fortified one, being enclosed by three earthen ramparts. He kept many retainers, and tradition tells us that he used to hunt on the slopes of Knock Fierna with the Fianna who were Finn and his followers. Tradition also says that he was buried under the cairn on the top of Knock Fierna. A Desmond castle the ruins of which may still be seen, was built in the place Gaola had his fort. The Eart Desmond lived in this castle.
- Informant
- Mr Madigan
- Gender
- Male
- Address
- Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
