School: Birr (Mercy Convent)
- Location:
- Birr or Parsonstown, Co. Offaly
- Teacher: Sr. Flannan
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0821, Page 223
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- XML “The Penal Days”
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- The Penal DaysIn the parish of Lusmagh about 3 miles from Birr on the Banagher road is a turn to another road which is known as the "Ridge Road". Part of this was the divided line between Leath Cluinn and Leath Mogha. At a cross roads a little further on goes to Annagh and Derrinsallow. To the right a road leads to All Saints Churchyard. About a mile still further on is a tree known as the "Yew Tree" of Lusmagh. It is over 1000 years old. On the slope of a long ridge hill to the right Mass was celebrated during Penal times. On the heights above watchers were posted to warn the people of the approach of the red-coats.To maliciously interfere with this Yew tree or stump was unlucky. To cut or take a souvenir was all right. A man named Joe Kelly lived near. His son partly for fun or bravado lighted a fire at the bottom of the tree, knowing well its legends and associations. That evening the young man got bad. Priest and(continues on next page)
- Informant
- Michael Carroll
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 65
- Address
- Birr or Parsonstown, Co. Offaly
