Composed by Owen Bresnan Loughgair. Molloy was a contractor delivering an Emergency-man's hut to the lands of Mary-Ann Bresnan (Mollie in poem). Herbertstown.He was trying to travel in disguise having condensed milk written on the sides of his vans or carts.Tuttle was the local land agent. The emergency huts were intercepted in Cahercorney and were burned by a number of local young men. Miss Bresnan took an active part.

1. There was an old mail coach road from Drogheda to Dublin which went through Tullach and the Naul. One day the old coach carried a chest of gold. At the Old Mill beyond the Naul the coach was held up by a band of robbers and the chest of gold stolen. Then the robbers hearing voices and footsteps buried the chest of gold. It is said that people started digging for it in later years but it was never found.2. Collier the Highwayman had many places of refuge in this locality and the people were very loyal to him. Caddell of Herbertstown always left five gold pieces on the window sill for him with the result that Collier never robbed him. It is said however that on one occasion Collier held up a lone horseman at the Merry Corner (1 1/2 miles from here) and relieved him of his money. On learning later that it was really his benefactor - Caddell, whom he had held up he left the money back on the

KilcullaneKilcullane is now a townland in the parish of Herbertstown but in the olden times it was a parish having a church the remains which are to be seen still. It derives its name from this chruch. Cillcarlain [?] or Cathlan's Church. This is how O' Donovan derived [the] name. Other writers stated that the name was derived from St Cellan who is supposed to have lived in Kilcullane.The church was described as having a nave and chancel 33 feet by 20 feet and 18 1/2 feet by 12 feet 10 inches 10 feet by [?] east end down; all features defaced: choir arch pointed, [?] high 7 feet 10 inches wide". It is shown with one gable and roof in 1657.Kilcullane was granted to Edward Browne in 1607.

RawleystownRawleystown is a townsland in Herbertstown parish. It got its name from a nephew of Sir Walter Raleigh who had a residence here. It is now in ruins and is called Raleigh's Court.When Cromwell ordered the local inhabitants "To Hell or to Connaught" in 1654. The following is an extract from a certificate of those ordered away from Raleighstown.Edmond Raleigh of Raleighstown aged 21: tall stature; flaxen hair. Margaret Raleigh widow aged 40; middle stature black hair. Maurice, James, Garrett and Ellice, children of Margaret Raleigh all under 14 years of age.

A long time ago there was a blacksmith's forge outside Herbertstown on the road leading to Ballybrood. One night at twelve o'clock, a knock came to the smith's door. He got up and dressed himself, and came out to see what his visitor u might want at such a late hour of the night. A strange man whom he had never seen before asked him, if he would put on a shoe on his horse, but the smith could see no horse. The smith went to his forge, and lit the fire, and set about making a shoe. His visitor then got into chat with the smith, and said, "I now find that my horse wants a set of shoes, which one are you making." The smith said, "the shoe I am making will do your horse's front leg. His visitor then brought in the front leg of the horse. When he had that done, he brought in the other front leg.In like manner, he brought in the horse's hind legs. When the smith had that done, his visitor then said, "what is the cost." When the smith told him, he handed him a handful of grass, and told him that night they were fighting a big battle against the protestants of the north. "If we win the trough will be full of water in the morning. If we lose it will be full of blood". The smith got up early in the morning to see if they had won. He went to his forge and found the trough full of water, which told him

Lough Gur is a lake west of Herbertstown. It is a horse-shoe shape, and contains two islands namely Garrett Island and Boland Island. It is a lake surrounded by hills, the most important being Knockadoon, and Knockfennel. Lough Gur is a romantic scene. There are many traditional stories told about Lough-Gur. The following is one:-There is a man named Garrett a descendant of the Fitzgeralds of Desmond, supposed to ride round the surface of the lake, once, in seven years. The steed on which he is supposed to be riding has silver shoes, and it is said, that when the shoes will be worn, that Ireland will be freed.There is a Geraldine Castle on the eastern side of the lake. It is now owned by Count Hynes of Lough Gur, but he does not reside there. He is an Absentee.
Martin Scanlan (50)
Mohane

Local CuresBiddy Early a noted women who lived in Co Clare used to practise "witchcraft". She cured certain diseases and told events that were going to happen in the future by the aid of a "black book". The people from all over the country went to her with their tales and those who came from distances whom she did not know she saluted by their names. Another noted woman lived in Co Tipperary. She carried on the same practices; her name was Moll Anthony.Petticoat loose was a witch who lived in Kilbehinny. She was not able to cross a stream and she used to kil men in the night. About fifty years ago the people used to dig a grave and cut the right hand off the corpse. Then they brought it home and let it rot. After awhile they joined the fingures wtih wire. Every night they skimmed the (milk) cream from some farmer's milk. The curse does not fall on the people who do it but on their childresn.There was once a witch at the cross of Herbertstown and she gave a cure for any disease for two and

The cross on the eastern side of Herbertstown now known as Malachy's Cross was known in ancient times as Cros na Céarocan or the Smith's Cross. The smith from which this cross took its name was called Bresnan. A name very common in this district. One night this smith had retired to bed after an arduous day spent in his forge and just before midnight he was awakened from his slumbers by a knock on his window. Being a man who knew no fear he replied to the first knock, altho' superstitious [?] had often told him that this should not be done. At all [?] he replied to the knock and a stranger asked him if he would kindly put a shoe on his horse as he was after casting one of his shoes. The smith told him that he would do so as it was his custom never to refuse a "travelling man" anything he asked.The smith got up and went to his forge and soon had his fire blazing on the hob. He went to the door of the forge and called on the stranger to bring the horse.The stranger approached the forge and to the smith's surprise he brought not a horse but the hindleg of a horse which was minus a shoe.He told the smith he was'nt particular and that any kind of shoe would do. The smith looked at the horses hoof and selected a suitable shoe, and in a short time he had the shoe fixed firmly on the hoof.The travelling man then asked how much was due to the smith for the work he had just completed. The smith replied that he had never charged a "travelling man" for putting up a shoe and

(I)Brigh na h-Ainme:-Creidtear go raibh árus cómhnuighthe thart annso fadó agus go raibh grianán na mban ar an gcnoc agus halla na bhfear i ngiorracht míle uaidh - Tigh Riogh (Teree as béarla). Chualas leis, go bhfuil bealach fé thalamh ag dul ón nGleann go dtí Herbertstown - in aice le Tigh Ríogh.
(II) Na Clocha Móra i mBaile an GhrianáinTá trí clocha móra ar an mbóthar, ceann eile 'sa pháirc ar chúl na scoile agus an chúigeadh ceann mar chuid de falla. Tá sgéal ag na daoine go raibh Fionn Mac Cumhaill i dTeamhair uair agus go dtáinig cuthach feirge air (bhféidir mar gheall ar theitheadh Diarmuda is Gráinne). Ar chuma ar bith tré neart a feirge, chaith sé na cúig clocha uaidh agus thuiteadar go talamh annso.Níorbh altóirí le h-aghaidh na n-iobairt páganach iad dar leis an té a thug an sgéal dom.

Bealoideas
The Grey Rock
There is a big grey rock in Mr Foleys field in Cahercorney. About a mile and a half from Herbertstown, in the Co. Limerick. This is a story told about the rock, and how is came to Cahercorney.
One time, this rock by the hill-side at Knockderk. A woman went to take it to the fairy hill. From the hillside in her apron. As she was coming down Foleys hill the strings of her apron broke and the rock fell out. She fixed her apron, and tried to pick the rock up again, but it failed her. When She failed to pick up the rock, she said "When I shall send a messenger to pick up this rock, then it will be time for it to go" The finger-prints are still to be seen on the rock.
This story was told by-
Mr. Paddy Hayes (35)
Cahercorney,
Co. Limerick.

If there are three coats on an onion in October, it is a sign of a hard winter.
If there are many hips and haws in October, there will be much snow and frost during the winter.
If January comes in fine, it is a bad sign of the Spring for there will be snow before May Day.
If oak trees bend with snow in January good crops may be expected.
If foxes bark much in October they are said to be barking for snow.
It is a sign that there will be a long spell of rain if clouds are thick over Howth.
If the stone in Herbertstown House turns dark rain is at hand.
If apple trees bloom in March - "you may search for apples."
After Twelfth Day there is a stretch three cock's steps on the manure heap.
March grass never did good.
Every second day after St. Brigid's Day fine

Without hesitation we have got a proclamation.
To free our nation as they say from criminals.
To stop the League and intimidation
And make us pay our rack rents in time.
But all the laws that a hellish parliament.
Or English scoundrels can devise.
Won't make us cease from agitating.
Till we free our nation from rogues and spies.Now this proclamation was an imitation.
Of its predecessors who were killed and slain.
Whose whole ambition and full intention.
Was to suppress the Plan of Campaign.
But the men of Bodyke and farmed Coolgreany.
And not forgetting brave Herbertstown,

Cahirelly Graveyard.At Cathirelly which is situated about nine miles south-east of Limerick City and about 3 miles north-west of Herbertstown is an ancient graveyard.The most notable monument in it was erected to the memory of a man named Matt Heo who in his day was a famous athlete.
Matt Heo died in 1717.The words on the flagstone are :-"Lost to the living, Friends around him mourn,
His corpse to earth, his soul to Heaven is borne.
Weak Lazarus' Treasury and sure of hope of bliss,
Flowering in dust with stainless fame are his.
Bright throng of virtues doth his urn contain,
Firm Faith. good Hope with Piety train
Rare gifted graced by Art and Poesy
Here lies Matt Heo of fair pedigree"John Dooley. (Farmer)
Grange, Kilmallock.

fághail inntí ariamh as san amach.
(V)Árd CathaNuair a bhriseadh ar na FIANNA i gCath Gabhra bhí a raibh fágtha aca ag teicheadh leo ó pháirc an áir.Sheasadar an fód arís nuair a thánadar cho fada leis an áit seo agus thugadar cath arís. Sin an cúis go dtugtar Árd Catha air.
Tugadh Cath Gabhra i n-aice le Garristown - Baile an Gharrdha (Gabhra)
(VI)CrombhuilNuair a bhí Crombhuil agus a arm ag déanamh ar Droichead Átha 1649 leigeadar a sgíth ar feadh tamaill i n-aice leis an áit seo - áit ar a dtugtar "Crombhuill" ó shoin.Cheangail sé a chapall le tór nó sgeach in aice leis an gcrosbhóthar. Tugadh "Tor Chrombhuil" air.Chaitheadar oidhche i Herbertstown. Bhí iomháigh d'Ár dTighearna 'sa teach agus nuair a chonaic na saighdiúirí é ghearradar géag de le claidheamh. Bhí an iomháigh sa teach go dtí dhá bhliain ó shoin nuair d'imthigh muinntear an tighe

DROMAUN: A backband for a plough horseCLUDOGE: A present of eggs at EasterDURNEENS: Grips on scythe
SHELICEEN: Primrose
SCRIBE: A ploughed furrowFORGARTHA: A violent hunger pain usually after eating (pain)THURSHABRONA: To be in a wretched condition poor and in want.WHILLABALOO: He ran like whillabaloo: he ran off as fast as he could.CULEEN: A fair haired girl. (Very occasionally heard)GARHILLE and GIRSHA: A young girlEOLAGAWN: (?) A fat plumpy person
KAME: I heard this word used only once by James Connell. Herbertstown aged 87. He was referring to a man who had the KAME of magistrate.
SMIG: A goat's beard.

Here are some of the teachers that taught in the Emly National School :-Michael Ryan (Prin.) Ballinvrina [?], Knocklong.Pat MacNamara (Prin.) - Co. Claire.Thos o'Shea (Assist.) Bonnettstown, Kilfinane.John Reilly (Asst) Martinstown, Kilfinane.Michael o'Shea (Asst) Knockainey, Co. Limerick.Dan Molloy (Prin.) Ballinaveen, Emly.Michael B. Purcell (Prin.) Ballycahill, Thurles.Dan o'Brien (Asst) Murroe, Co. Limerick.- Tierney (Asst) Knockainey, Co. Limerick.- Tierney (Asst) - - -- Maher (Asst) Kilteely, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick.Jas. Quane (Prin.) Ballintubber, Ballylanders, Co. Limerick.Anthony Joye (Asst) Emly.Chas. Loftus (Prin.) Nicker, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick.Patrick Fitzpatrick (Asst) Lisnagry, Co. Limerick.
Miss Mary Ann Ryan (Prin.) - - -Miss Mary Curran (Prin.) Hospital, Co. Limerick." Mary Sheehan (Asst) " " "" Cleary (Asst) " " "" Norah Woods (Asst) Herbertstown, Co. Limerick." Katie Meehan (Mrs Quarie) (Asst) Dalkey, Co. Dublin." Mary Mulchahy (Asst) Emly.

Tell me, tell me, tyrant Tuttle Did you hear of all the joy,
And the merriment created
O'er the shipwreck of Molloy.
From Sir Harry's Mall he launched her
And she sailed for Herbertstown
Where she got wrecked, rammed and scuttled
At the pass of Clough-na -soun.
II
Like a pirate on the ocean.
Who conceals his wicked trade,
Paddy said it was a dairy
For condensing he had made.
That to Tuttles harrassed tenants
It would be a priceless boon,
But his milk got seperated
At the siege of Clough-na-soun.
III
What was Tuttle's primrose banner
On the mast head on that day?
Twas a daub of tar and skidder
Paddy Slough (Salach)had to display
But he lowered his dirty colours
The discredited bostoon
When he met his fair opponent
At the siege of Clough-na-soun.

CNOC NA MEACAN - a field in Galmoystown, Moylough, OldcastleBÓTHAR BRÚM - a field near Lough Bawn CollinstownLOUGH BAWN - a lake three miles north of CollinstownLOUGH GLAS - a lake opposite Lough BawnSRUTHÁN - a stream beside Glenidan SchoolMÓINÍN - a patch of boggy land beside Lough GlasRANDÚN - a hill overlooking Lough Lene Collinstown W.MeathBÓTHAR na gCIPÍN - a townsland in ForeCROCH DUBH - name of a field in Ballintoher, MoyloughCROCH CEALG - between Fore and CastlepollardBLACK PÁIRC - between Skerry and Bellaney SLIABH na RÍ - in Herbertstown, ClonmellonMULLACRUAIDH - near Drumaree CollinstownSRUTH na hEALLA - at Mooretown, Castlepollard
CLUAIN na gCOINÍN -
PÁIRC an tSRUTHAIN -
ÁRD na mBÓ -
PÁIRC an TOBAIR -
fields in Cummerstown Collinstown
CIPEÓG - a wood belonging to Mr Smith, DrumcreePÁIRC na MACHRA - belonging to Mr O'Neill, DrumcreePÁIRC BHÁN - CummerstownSLIABH DUBH - district in CummerstownLOCH-PÁIRC - a field on the Fore side of Lough Lene.LOCÁN BÁN - a field in Cummerstown

A Local SongWithout hesitation we have got a proclamation
To free our nation as they say from crime.
To stop the League and intimidation
And make us pay our rack rents in time.
But all the laws that a hellish parliament
Or English scoundrils can devise
Won't make us cease from agitating.
Till we free our nation from rogues and spies.II
Now this proclamation was an imitation
Of its predecessors who were killed and slain
Whose whole ambition and full intention
Was to suppress the plan of campaign
But the men of Bodyke and famed Goolfreany
And not forgetting brave Herbertstown
Held up their banners and fought courageous
Until they b[r]ought their own rack rents crumbling downIII
Long live brave Gladstone and his English allies.
And not forgetting our own MPs
Who have always laboured both late and early
To drive from Erin those stinging bees
I mean the landlords or hellhound Tories
Who have bound our nation with coercion chains
Despite those terrors we'll fight and conquer
While Celtic blood flows in our veins
They may arrest us, what matter sure if we go to jail
There are men men before us who'll join in chorus
With ringing for old Grania Uaile
Now my lines are ended be no offended,
With brave Parnell's band we'll join heart and hand
In a native Parliament in College Green.Told to Kathleen Woulfe
South Keale
Athea by her uncle
John Woulfe of same address
John Woulfe aged 43