School: Lisball

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1. The Fighting Fair of Shercock (continued)

   

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   The Catholics had no arms or guns. Several Fromen were put on trial for firing on the Catholics. Father Blakes evidence saved the Fromen. He tried to settle the riot and was in a house occupied by the Fromen.

   Belshs fight at Greystone (near Lear Schor Bridge) sometime after the Fighting Fair of Shercock, the Shercock orangemen, were proceeding on 12th July towards B’Boro. Someone had given information to the authorities that there would be trouble. So, a squad of soldiers, under an officer named Fox was sent to Bailieboro. Fox and his soldiers met the Shercock orangemen at Greystone near Lear Bridge and he ordered them to go home. The orangemen refused as they believed Fox was exceeding his duty and a duel took place between Belsh and the leader (Master) of the orangemen, who rode a horse and carried a sword. It was the custom in those days for the Master of each lodge to carry a sword and ride on horseback.

   In the duel Belsh was wounded in the face but he fought on until he knocked the sword from the officer’s hand. in the confusion an old woman picked up the sword and hid it under her long cloak. She was ever afterwards known as "Orange Lett". She went about the Country selling homemade cakes.
   the orangemen went on their way. The following day Fox came to Belsh and offered him £50 for the return of the sword. Belsh said he would return the sword.

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Samuel Doherty

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Teacher

   Address

   Lisball, Co. Cavan

   Collector

   T.J. Banon

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Knockbride, Co. Cavan

   Informant

   Thomas R. Lindsey

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   73

   Address

   Kilcrossbeg, Co. Cavan