School: Sgoil na mBuachaillí (1), Ráthdroma

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   “Glenmalure is probably the most historic place in the county. It is nine miles from Rathdrum and six from Glendalough by the old military road...”

   

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   and hail as his horse breasted the mountain side of Imaal - the first rigid barrier of that wild expanse of Wicklow mountains which lay beyond - fitting refuge for a hunted fugitive driven from broad lands and home.

   Tired and weary after that day of incessant fighting upon the Kildare border - precious moment of which his life was of little account as that dark stain upon the breast of his rich velvet doublet showed. when at times the gusts of wind sweeping down the mountainside flung wide his military cloak and disclosed his ebbing life's blood from some sword slash or pike thrust dealt him in one of the many skirmishes through which he had been during that eventful day.

   Burned out of Kildare his fair lands despoiled and made forfeit by alien law - made out to a recreant kinsman - the Queen's " set-up " as was the custom of the day - one who had forsworn the ancient faith and embraced the newly established creed which Elizabeth and her ministers were than enforcing with rack, rope and sword upon the Irish of the land - hunted by ruthless foes athirst for blood for that brown head

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Languages

   Irish

   English

   Informant

   Mac de Búrca

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Feirmeoir

   Address

   Greenan, Co. Wicklow