Know your Townland-Gorteen/An Goirtín

Quin Village is roughly equi-distant between two Gorteen named townlands. One is in the parish of Doora, where the Doora-Barefield GAA grounds are located, the other is adjacent to Dangan in the parish of Quin. It is the latter townland, in the north-east of the parish, we will look at here. The name means ‘little field’ or ‘little field of corn’, although an old ‘Down Survey’ (see note at bottom of post) record calls it Gortealeavane. Other population records indicate a surprisingly well populated district of the parish, as you will see below. It is the townland within which Paddy Hannon (Patt Haneen) was born in 1840, as the record of births at the bottom of this post will show. The townland also provides a dense concentration of monuments, a description of each of which you will find below.

1.8 km²/0.70 square miles/448 acres

1659 Census

This is a listing of the owners of title for each townland after the Cromwellian conquest and the inquisitions that followed. These w:ould be persons to whom land was allocated after removal from the local Gaelic tribes. Gorteen/ Gurteene is listed as being in the ownership in 1659 of:

Patrick Meade (gent); Robert Meade (gent)

Tithe Applotment books 1825

The Tithe Applotment books provide a record of the titheable land in each Church of Ireland parish. They are useful as a census substitute as they contain a listing of rural taxpayers in the 1820s and 1830s. They were calculated as one-tenth of the rateable value of one’s agricultural produce. As it was only concerned with tithe payers, thus excluding other classes such as cottiers, landless labourers and those living in urban settlements. It cannot be considered a comprehensive record.

Gorteen/Gurteen occupiers of land in May 1825:

White

Patt

Reddan

Connor

Lynch

John

White

Lawrence

Lynch

John (part of Reddan’s farm)

Lawler

James

Lawler

Patt

Lynch

Daniel

Lynch

John

Griffith’s Valuation (Primary Valuation of Tenements) 1855

Griffith’s Valuation was undertaken in order to establish the value of land and buildings in Ireland as a basis for levying a local system of taxation under the Irish Poor Law Act of 1838. It was carried out by Richard Griffith and published between 1848 and 1864. It is one of the most useful sources available as it lists every property holder in the country, with details of their houses, outbuildings, fields and gardens.

Gorteen landowners listed in 1855:

Cornelius Creagh

Anne Halloran

Michael Hoey

James Hogan

Daniel Lynch

Patrick Lynch

Thomas Lynch

Catherine Reddan

Thomas Reddan

Thomas White.

1841 Census Stats:

Population 95 (50 M/45 FM), Dwellings 19

1851 Census Stats:

Population 88 (44 M/44 FM), Dwellings 18

1861 Census Stats:

Population 76, Dwellings 14

 

1871 Census Stats:

Population 59, Dwellings 15

1881 Census Stats:

Population 49, Dwellings 13

1891 Census Stats:

Population 52, Dwellings 12

Down Survey

Following the Cromwellian Conquest in the early 1650’s, the Commonwealth government owed debts to adventurers and soldiers. They repaid them by offering confiscated land taken from the local clans. To facilitate this transfer, William Petty was tasked to undertake a survey and map of the lands to be reassigned. In order to facilitate this, he measured and ‘laid down’ the detail of newly defined boundaries and other features to be represented. This then became known as the ‘Down’ Survey. Placenames at the time were often different to those used today and the process of ‘transliteration’ (of Irish placenames) more crude.

Local feature Names:

Turloughmore, Turloughbeg, Cloghleagh Rock, Earl’s House

 

Left: 1842 6″ OS map

1901 Census (Population 55, dwellings 10)

Denis & Catherine Hogan, daughter Bridget, sons Patrick, Michael, granddaughter Mary Linane.

James & Ellen Hogan, sons Thomas, Michael, daughters Mary, Ellen, Margaret, Elizabeth, Catherine.

John & Margaret Hoey, sons Michael, Patrick, John, Thomas, Joseph, daughters Bridget, Margaret, Mary.

James Lynch, niece Margaret MacNamara.

Thomas & Margaret Lynch, niece Johanna Littleton.

Timothy O’Halloran, mother Anne.

John Murphy.

Michael Keogh, daughter Johanna Cusack & husband John, their son John Cusack, servant Michael Mack.

Patrick & Mary Reddan, daughters Bridget, Margaret, Mary, Norah, sons Thomas, nephew Richard O’Gorman, servant Bridget Dwyer.

Bridget Brazil.

Thady & Margaret MacNamara, daughter Elizabeth, sons William, Patrick, Thomas, James.

1911 Census (Population 46, dwellings 10)

Denis & Catherine Hogan, son Pat, granddaughter Mary (Linane).

John & Margaret Hoey, sons Michael, Patrick, James, daughters Margaret, Mary.

John & Johanna Cusack, daughter Kate, sons John, Michael, George, mother Hanora, servant James Lyons.

Patrick & Mary Reddan, daughters Bridget, Margaret, Mary, Catherine, sons Thomas, Patrick, Michael, James, John, nephew Richard O’Gorman.

Thomas Lynch, brother-in-law Matthew Littleton, niece Jone Littleton.

James Hogan, daughters Katie, Margaret, Elizabeth.

James Lynch, niece Margaret MacNamara.

Timothy & Mary Halloran.

Bridget Brazil.

Thady & Margaret MacNamara, son James

The Saturday Record

December 22nd 1917

Clare 108 years ago

The same paper records a desperate outrage at Gurteen where a band of armed banditti broke into the dwelling of Patrick Lynchey, beat the man and woman of the house unmercifully, while one of the daughters was carried off against her will. When dawn came after the party had escaped, Lynchey made his way to Mr Richard Creagh, of Dangan, his landlord, who with all servants and a few neighbours tenants went hot foot in pursuit of the gang. None of the culprits were caught but the young woman was found in a house at Ballymountcashel where she had been left when the captors found the pursuant too close. Mr Creagh had the girl brought to his own house and two days after he arrested Patrick MacNamara the leader of the gang and the man whom the poor girl was to have been compelled to marry. He was lodged in Ennis Gaol. Feb. 18th 1917

National Monuments (source: National Monument Service)

This townland has one of the densest concentrations of antiquities in the parish. Sadly, much of those described below no longer exist on the ground. Thanks to the work of Mary Tunney and her team from NMS, we are gifted with a detailed description of each feature. She references TJ Westropp in her reports as he too made much of the rich store of monuments to be found when he visited for his reporting to the Royal Irish Academy c1901.

CL035-098—- : Ringfort – cashel

On a low rise, in a small, rectangular woodland plot with pasture to the immediate N, E and S and a farmyard abutting to W. A circular area (c. 24.5m N-S; c. 24m E-W) defined by the remains of a collapsed stone wall (int. H 0.45m; ext. H 0.45m; width at top 1.3m; overall width 8.05m) which is very broad. A field wall (long-axis NE-SW) appears to be built on top of the enclosing elements SE-S. No obvious entrance could be noted due to dense overgrowth. The interior is very overgrown with mature thorn trees and is largely inaccessible except across a limited portion of the E sector. There is a lot of rock outcrop and loose stones scattered within. Round bales in the farmyard abut the monument at W.

CL035-101—- : Ringfort – rath

On a generally level area on a gentle E-facing slope, in improved pasture. Westropp (1914-16, 67), describes this monument as an ‘earthen fort…with a shallow fosse…’. A circular area (22m N-S; 24m E-W) defined by the remains of a levelled bank (int. H 0.35m; ext. H 0.45m; Wth at top 4.2m; overall Wth 11.1m) WNW-SSE and levelled SSE-WSW. The enclosing elements are truncated across the W sector by a tertiary road (long-axis N-S) and across the SW sector by a stone and tree-lined field boundary (long-axis NW-SE). A concrete tank with trackway and field entrance has been built at S-SW. There is no obvious entrance gap. The interior is sunken below the external ground level across the western half. Ringfort (CL035-104—-) is located c. 115m to E.

CL035-103—- : Ringfort – rath

On a plateau, at the edge of a gentle SE-facing slope, in improved pasture. Depicted on the OS 25-inch map as a circular area (diam. c. 34m) defined by a broad single enclosing element which is defined on the exterior by a field boundary SW-N. According to Westropp (1914-16, 67), this monument was an ‘earthen fort’. It has been levelled and survives as the traceable remains of a roughly oval area (30m NW-SE; 34m NE-SW) defined by the very low traces of a levelled bank (int. H 0.25m; ext. H 0.75m; Wth at top 4m; overall Wth 13.2m). The monument appears to be truncated by a farm road (long-axis NW-SE) across the SW-sector. The interior is gently undulating with a distinct depression in the NE and SE sector. Ringforts (CL035-101—- and CL035-104) are located c. 168m and 190m to NNW and NNE, respectively.

CL035-104—- : Ringfort – rath

On a gentle E-facing slope, in improved pasture. Westropp (1914-16, 67) described this monument as an ‘earthen fort’. A circular area (diam. 29m) defined by a steep, short scarp (Wth 3.2m; H 1.2m). The scarp is covered in briars for most part and some trees are present S-N. There are very short portions of bank (int. H max. 0.4m) at SW, W and N but these are very piecemeal and poorly preserved. A possible entrance may exist at ENE where there is a ramp (Wth 3.3m) up into the interior. The ramp appears modern, however it may have used an existing entrance. There are possible traces of a fosse at SW, although this is not conclusive and may represent poaching by cattle in this area which is located between the monument and a field boundary (long-axis NE-SW) c. 2m to SE. The interior is generally level and featureless and is raised (H 1.2m) above the external ground level. Ringforts (CL035-105—- and CL035-101—-) are situated c. 62m to N and c. 115m to W, respectively.

CL035-105—- : Ringfort – rath

On a very gentle E-facing slope, in improved pasture. Westropp (1914-16, 67), described this monument as an ‘earthen fort’. A roughly circular area (28m WNW-ESE; 26m NNE-SSW) defined by a bank (int. H 0.6m; ext. H 2m; width at top 0.75m; overall width 3.25m) ENE-S and W-WNW and by a scarp (width 3.9m; H 0.55m) WNW-ENE. The enclosing elements are truncated by a farm road (long-axis NW-SE) across the SW sector. There is no obvious entrance or fosse. The interior is generally level and featureless. Ringfort (CL035-104—-) is c. 62m to S and ringfort (CL035-101—-) is c. 115m to W.

CL035-106—- : Ringfort – cashel

In generally level area of dense, mixed woodland. Westropp (1914-16, 66) described this monument as a ‘ring-wall…nearly levelled…’. It is depicted as a circular enclosure (diam. 21m) within an area of rough pasture and rock outcrop on the 25-inch OS map and the 1921 edition of the OS 6-inch map. Access not gained during 2017 survey.

CL035-107—- : Ringfort – cashel

On a low rise with rock outcrop close to the surface, in improved, undulating pasture. Westropp (1914-16, 67) described this monument as a ‘defaced cathair’. It is depicted as a circular enclosure (diam. 42m) within an area of rough pasture and rock outcrop on the 25-inch OS map and the 1921 edition of the OS 6-inch map. Not visible at ground level.

CL035-108—- : Enclosure

In improved, undulating pasture, adjacent to E of woodland and on a low, distinct rise. It is depicted as a circular enclosure (c. 38m E-W; c. 36m N-S) within an area of rough pasture and rock outcrop on the 1841 OS edition of the OS 6-inch map. It is not depicted upon later OS historic mapping. Not visible at ground level. There is rock outcrop close to the surface on the low rise, where the monument was sited.

CL035-109—- : Ringfort – cashel

In gently undulating, ungrazed, dense natural woodland. Depicted on OS historic mapping as a subcircular enclosure (c. 48m NE-SW; 47m NW-SE). The monument is predominantly obscured by blackthorn thickets within the interior and whitethorn around the enclosing elements. A short arc of the enclosing elements are visible at W, otherwise the monument is engulfed by impenetrable vegetation. This arc of collapsed drystone wall (int. H 1.0m; ext. H 0.35m; width at top 2.6m; overall width 7.8m) is exposed SW-NW and appears to continue into the wilderness of thickets at either end. A drystone field wall (long-axis NW-SE) is located c. 8m to W.

CL035-111—- : Enclosure

At the edge of a relatively steep contour, on a SSE-facing slope, in mixed woodland. Described by Westropp (1914-16, 66) as ‘…a faint ring of small field-stones…, evidently a house-ring…’ Depicted as a circular enclosure on OS historic mapping. A circular area (16m N-S; 15m E-W) defined by the remains of a collapsed drystone wall (int. H 0.2m; ext. H 0.2m; width at top 1.1m; overall width 3.7m). There is an entrance (width 2m) at E. There is no evidence of an outer fosse. The interior is open and featureless and there is intermittent tree cover.

CL035-112—- : Enclosure

In improved pasture, on a very gentle E-facing slope with rock outcrop close to the surface. A beech woodland with obvious rock outcropping and stone deposits located to the immediate N. Recorded by Westropp (1914-16, 65-66) as a small enclosure (labelled ‘C’ on his map ‘Gorteen Group of Forts’) and he describes it as ‘a ring of small blocks….nearly levelled’ and refers to ‘the wall of C alone has filling’. Not depicted on OS historic mapping. Not visible at ground level. According to local information this land was improved during the 1960s/70s.

CL035-113—- : Enclosure

In improved pasture, on a very gentle E-facing slope with rock outcrop close to the surface. A beech woodland with obvious rock outcropping; stone deposits are located to the immediate N. Recorded by Westropp (1914-16, 65-6) as a small enclosure which he labelled ‘D’ on his map ‘Gorteen Group of Forts’. He describes it as ‘a bawn, D-shaped in plan, with nothing in the site to necessitate this shape’. Not depicted on OS historic mapping. Not visible at ground level. According to local information this land was improved during the 1960s/70s.

CL035-114—- : Enclosure

In improved pasture, on a very gentle E-facing slope with rock outcrop close to the surface. Recorded by Westropp (1914-16, 65-66) as a small enclosure which he labelled ‘A’ on his map ‘Gorteen Group of Forts’. He describes it as ‘a house-ring, barely 50 feet across, with a thin wall, 6 feet or 7 feet thick, of coarse cragg stones’. Depicted on the 1921 edition of the OS 6-inch map as a subrectangular enclosure (c. 19.5m ENE-WSW; c. 15.5m NNW-SSE). Not visible at ground level. According to local information this land was improved during the 1960s/70s.

CL035-115—- : Enclosure

On a generally level area of limestone rock outcrop and beech woodland. Depicted on OS historic mapping as a circular enclosure within an area of rough pasture and rock outcrop. A roughly circular area (15m N-S; 16m E-W) defined by the remains of a collapsed drystone wall (int. H 0.6m; ext. H 0.5m; width at top 1.4m; overall width 4.6m) which is constructed of large, rounded moss-covered stones. There is no obvious entrance. The interior is generally level and featureless except for occasional beech trees which also grow around and on top of the drystone wall. A later drystone field wall (long-axis NNW-SSE) constructed of more angular stone is situated on top of the enclosing elements SW-W. A farm trackway has been cut through the woodland, along the eastern side of the field boundary and is respecting the enclosing elements of the monument immediately NNW-E-SSE.

CL035-116—- : Ringfort – cashel

In gently undulating, dense, natural woodland enclosed by overgrown rough pasture. Indicated by Westropp (1914-16, 67) as a small enclosure which he labelled ‘J’ on his map ‘Gorteen Group of Forts’. He described it as ‘a defaced cathair’. Depicted as an oval enclosure (c. 50m NW-SE; c. 44m NE-SW) on the 25-inch OS map. The enclosing elements consist of a collapsed drystone wall (int. H 0.7m; ext. H 0.45m; width at top 1.2m; overall width 5.4m) which is noted in places, between the vegetation. The interior is largely impenetrable. A later drystone field wall (long-axis ENE-WSW) appears to have been constructed on top of the enclosing elements SE-SW.

CL035-118002- : House – indeterminate date

In deciduous woodland, on a generally level, elevated area overlooking the creek of a meandering stream to E. Recorded by Westropp (1914-16, 66-67) as being a rectangular structure named ‘Earl’s House’ and located within a rectangular enclosure (CL035-118001-), which adjoined a second enclosure (CL035-118003-) to S. The complex is labelled ‘I’ on Westropp’s map named ‘Gorteen Group of Forts’ (ibid.). He describes it as, ‘a house, 60 feet east and west by 30 feet, the wall only a couple of feet high’ which was located upon ‘an oblong, flat-topped platform’ within enclosure (CL035-018001-) (ibid.). It is depicted and named as ‘Earl’s House (in ruins)’ on OS historic mapping. It is depicted on the 25-inch OS map as a rectangular area (c. 16m E-W; c. 6.7m N-S) located off-centre to SW, within the interior of an enclosure (CL035-118001-). The 100 foot contour appears to skirt around the monument N-E-SW, where the house would have been located on higher ground. According to Westropp (1914-16, 66), the precise origins of the name ‘Earl’s House’ are unknown, however he suggests it may be associated with an Earl of Thomond or a Red Earl such as De Burgo. This monument was not seen due to its low profile and the dense overgrowth of vegetation and trees across this ungrazed and largely inaccessible area.

CL035-118003- : Enclosure

In deciduous woodland, on a generally level, elevated area overlooking the creek of a meandering stream to East. Recorded by Westropp (1914-16, 66-7) as the southernmost of two enclosures which he labelled ‘I’ on his map ‘Gorteen Group of Forts’ and described as ‘a levelled ring’. Westropp (ibid.) continues: ‘About the middle of the southern fosse [of enclosure CL035-018001-] was a stone causeway leading to a ring-wall [CL035-018003-], now greatly levelled. The cathair is 98 feet across the garth. The wall is perfect round the craggy platform to the north-east. It is of rather poor coursed dry-stone masonry, and 4 feet to 5 feet high…..it seems from 6 feet to 10 feet thick. There were late cabins in the garth…..they are now nearly effaced’. This monument is depicted on the 25-inch OS map as a sub-circular area (c. 30m E-W; c. 29m N-S) located immediately S of enclosure (CL035-118001-). The enclosing elements (where seen), were defined by a collapsed drystone wall (int. H 0.4m; ext. H 1.1m; width at top 1m; overall width 5.9m) which was visible only SE-S and NNW-NNE due to dense, impenetrable overgrowth. A fosse (width c. 3-5m; D c. 1.2m) is located to N, between this and enclosure (CL035-118001-). The interior appears generally level but is mostly obscured by vegetation. The 100 foot contour skirts around the monument N-E-S, being located on higher ground overlooking the stream to E. A limekiln which is depicted on the 25-inch OS map at SSE-S was noted as a depression.

CL035-169—- : Hut site

In Beech woodland, on a generally level area of ground, within a wider network of moss-covered field walls, c. 18m to E of enclosure (CL035-117—-). Not depicted upon OS historic mapping. An oval area (3.8m N-S; 2.75m E-W) defined by the remains of a collapsed drystone wall (int. H 0.45m; ext. H 0.3m; width at top 1.1m; overall width 2.65m) which is best preserved SE-W-NE and has collapsed outwards NE-S-SE. There is no obvious entrance or evidence of an outer fosse or ditch. The interior is generally level and bowl-shaped. Beech trees grow around top of bank.

 

See also: https://www.burrengeopark.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Types_of_the_Ring-Forts_Remaining_in_Eastern_clare.pdf

 

Births in Gurteen in 1800’s

(source: Clare Library)

Child’s name

Date of birth

Father’s F/name

Mother’s name

John

Clune

23.11.1826

Thady

Lynch

Mary

John

Connelly

29.01.1822

Michael

Flanagan

Mary

Bridget

Connelly

23.05.1821

Thomas

Baker

Bridget

Mary

Connely

01.03.1820

John

Baker

Biddy

Patt

Connily

21.03.1820

Michael

Flanagan

Mary

Bridget

Flaherty

02.02.1824

P

White

M.

John

Garvey

04.04.1834

James

Bermingham

Mary

Michael

Garvey

21.08.1828

Michael

Birmingham

Mary

Patt

Garvy

25.03.1840

James

Birmingham

Mary

Andrew

H(?)

06.11.1816

Laurence(?)

Halloran

Mary

Patt

Haneen

26.04.1840

John

Lynch

Bridget

Bridget

Haneen

??.03.1848

John

Lynch

Bridget

Bridget

Haneen

20.03.1850

John

Lynch

Biddy

Mary

Hanheen

??.04.1836

John

Lynch

Bridget

Bidy

Hehir

24.02.1846

Thomas

Glynn

Magaret

John

Hoy

15.11.1843

Michael

Lynch

Bidy

Thomas

Hoye

31.12.1848

Michael

Lynch

Bridget

Mary

Hoye

23.08.1851

Michael

Lynch

Bridget

Michael

Hoye

??.01.1839

Michael

Lynch

Bridget

Anne

Hoye

13.06.1841

Michael

Lynch

Bridget

Bridget

Hoye

28.12.1845

Michael

Lynch

Betty

John

Lawler

20.01.1835

Patt

Cody

Eliza

James

Littleton

05.04.1822

Patrick

Naughtin

Catherine

James

Littleton

22.01.1826

William

Nash

Nancy

Jane

Logan

20.05.1820

Richard

Hardgrove(?)

Mary

George

Logan

31.08.1821

Robert

Hardgrove

Bridget

William

Logan

28.09.1816

Robert

Hardgrove

Brigid

Demetrius

Lyddy

06.02.1822

James

Roughan

Nancy

John

Lynch

24.12.1820

Daniel

Kelly

 

Daniel

Lynch

15.05.1842

Daniel

Lynch

Mary

Thomas

Lynch

11.02.1817

Daniel

 

 

Michael

Lynch

??.08.1835

James

Lynch

Mary

Catherine

Lynch

31.10.1816

John

Canny

Brigid

Tom

Lynch

??.04.1847

John

Hogan

Catherine

Patrick

Lynch

24.01.1831

John

Lynch

Mary

John

Lynch

03.05.1833

John

Lynch

Mary

Brigid

Lynch

01.12.1817

John

 

 

Patt

Lynch

29.02.1844

Patt

Simons

Betty

John

Lynch

28.12.1845

Patt

Simons

Betty

Ellen

Lynch

11.07.1853

Thomas

Kitchen

Nancy

Bridget

Lynch

21.01.1850

Thomas

Kitson

Anne

Thomas

Lynch

14.02.1852

Thomas

Kitson

Anne

Margaret

Lynch

31.10.1816

William

Corbett

Brigid

William

Lynch

04.03.1822

William

Corbett

Bridget

Michael

Lynch

06.04.1825

William

Corbett

Brigid

Thomas

Lynch

17.12.1844

William

Garvey

Anne

William

Lynch

29.10.1839

William

Halloran

Margaret

Mary

Lynchy

16.06.1820

John

Cany(?)

Bridget

Brigid

MacNamara

21.09.1816

Thomas

White

Brigid

Michael

McGrath

27.08.1844

Martin

Fahy

Mary

Pat

Morony

??.12.1837

James

Lynch

Catherine

John

Morony

03.06.1839

James

Lynch

Catherine

James

Morony

24.05.1841

James

Lynch

Catherine

William

Morony

26.06.1843

James

Lynch

Kity

Michael

Morony

15.09.1845

James

Lynch

Kity

Thomas

Morony

17.04.1847

James

Lynch

Kity

Eliza

Ready

12.04.1820

James

Mac(?)

Mary

Mary

Reddan

29.03.1849

Thomas

Lyddy

Margaret

Cornelius

Reddin

02.01.1851

Edmund

Halloran

Cath

Bridget

Reddin

24.04.1854

Thomas

Liddy

Margaret

John

White

02.02.1819

James

Mack

Ellen

Margaret

White

22.07.1816

James

MacNamara

M.

James

White

18.01.1822

James

McNamara

Ellen

Mary

White

20.03.1817

James

Tarpy

Mary

Thomas

White

04.07.1819

James

Torpy

Mary

Nancy

White

05.04.1822

James Thomas(?)

Torpy

Mary

John

White

13.08.1819

John

MacNamara

Honora

Thomas

White

13.08.1819

John

MacNamara

Honora

Honora

White

19.03.1821

John

McNamara

Honora

James

White

12.08.1821

John

Torpy

Catherine

Mary

White

19.08.1820

Larry

Reidy

Mary

Patrick

White

17.03.1818

Laurence

Halloran

 

Margaret

White

10.11.1827

Laurence

Ready

Mary

John

White

25.09.1824

Laurence

Reidy

Mary

Anne

White

08.05.1823

Laurence

 

 

Mary

White

10.12.1819

Nicholas

McEnerny

Bridget

Catherine

White

15.10.1821

Nicholas

McInerney

Bridget

Michael

White

01.09.1823

Nicholas

McInerny

Bridget

Catherine

White

18.07.1825

Nicholas

McInerny

Briget

John

White

30.04.1822

Patrick

Gorman

Nancy

Thomas

White

12.02.1823

Thomas

Flaherty

Brigid

Patt

White

25.11.1819

Tom

Flaherty

Bridget

Bridget

White

25.03.1840

William

Keating

Mary

Pat

Whyte

05.01.1842

William

Keaton(?)

Mary

Keogh

John(?)

19.06.1860

Michael

Halloran

Catherine

Keogh

Johanna

05.03.1863

Michael

Halloran

Catherine

Littleton

Patt

26.11.1856

Michael

O’Loughlin

Margaret

Lynch

Michael

04.10.1862

Thomas

Kitchen

Anne

Lynch

Anne

08.09.1855

Thomas

Kitson

Anne

Lynch

Margaret

12.06.1857

Thomas

Kitson

Anne

Lynch

Thomas

02.06.1859

Thomas

Kitson

Anne

Lynch

Catherine

02.06.1859

Thomas

Kitson

Anne

Reddin

Thomas

20.12.1855

Thomas

Liddy

Margaret

Reddin

Margaret

10.08.1858

Thomas

Liddy

Margaret

Reidy

Mary

25.03.1868

John

McNamara

Margaret

Reidy

Anne

14.08.1869

John

McNamara

Margaret

This once highly populated townland has been called by various spellings of its English name since first recorded in the inquisitions in 1586. Sometimes it was found with East or West added. Its current official Irish translation derives from Cé, meaning quay, which belies explanation given the situation of the townland. The inquisitions in 1641 recorded it as ‘Ceab’ while John O’Donovan, in 1839, suggested Ceabhach/Céabhach meaning ‘a land producing marshy grass’, both of which make a lot more sense!

Today, we could count the number of families living here on two hands. The figures given for baptisms and past census give a totally different picture of what it harboured in the past when up to 26 families lived here.

88.6 hectares / 0.88km²/0.34 square miles/219 acres

This townland is situated both sides  of the road to Ennis having left the village.

Inchiquin Papers – extracts referencing Keevagh

13-14 June 1699. Lease and release by John Durey to Sir Donough O’Brien, 1st Bart. of 24 acres in Keevagh, parish of Quin, barony of Bunratty in consideration of £40.

In 1703 Sir Donough purchased from the Commissioners for Sale of Forfeited Estates the lands of Keevagh, Daganbrack, Creevagh, Cahercalla, Maddara and Kildrum, totaling 440 acres, formerly held by Nicholas Arthur, who was attained for treason on account of his adherence to James II.

Land transfers in Keevagh in 1641

Freeholders in 1821

Keevagh: Laurence Corbett, James Corbett, Patrick Cody, James Halloran.

Keevagh West: H. Rev. Fitzgerald (resident in Dublin).

The above List of Freeholders contains the names of landholders who were registered to vote in Keevagh in 1821. A freeholder was a man who owned his land outright (in fee) or who held it by lease which could be for one or more lives (for example, his own life or for the lives of other people named in the lease). A significant percentage of the population was included in freeholders’ lists in the time period covered by this list (1796-1820), when both Catholic and Protestant 40 shilling freeholders were qualified to vote. A 40 shilling freeholder held a freehold worth at least 40 shillings per annum above the rent, enabling the inclusion of substantial farmers in the voters’ list. In 1829 the franchise level was increased to 10 pounds (there were 20 shillings in a pound), thus barring the 40 shilling freeholders whom Daniel O’Connell had mobilized and consequently confining the vote to landlords.

 

Occupiers of land in Keevagh on 1st May 1825 – eligible for tithe payments

Keevagh East: John Massey, John Doolaghty, Widow McNamara, Tim McGrath, James McGrath, John Moylan.

Keevagh West: James Boland, Patt Hallaran, Michael Downes, Cody Denis, Lawrence Corbett.

 Census Records for Keevagh

1841 Census: Population 140; Households 26

1851 Census: Population 31; Households 4

1861 Census: Population 42; Households 6

1871 Census: Population 29; Households 7

1881 Census: Population 17; Households 4

1891 Census: Population 11; Households 3

 

1901 Census: Population 7; Households 2

John & Mary Burke, nephew Patrick Gallagher.

Patrick Hogan, niece Delia Hogan, grand nephews Patrick & Michael Hogan.

1911 Census: Population 7; Households 2

Thomas & Catherine Moylan, servants Mary O’Callahan, Matthew Moloney.

Bridget Hogan, sons Patrick & Michael Hogan.

1926 Census: Population 13; Households 2

Thomas Moylan Head Married English Only
Catherine Moylan Wife Married English Only
Mary A Moylan Daughter   English and Irish
Cecelia Moylan Daughter   English and Irish
Patricia Moylan Daughter   English and Irish
Kathleen Moylan Daughter   English and Irish
Francis Moylan Daughter   English Only
Anne Gregan Sister in Law Single English Only
Matilda Custy Servant Single English Only
John Burke Servant Single English Only
Bridget Hogan Head Widow English Only
Pat Hogan Son Single English Only
Michael Hogan Son Single English Only

Some Baptisms in Keevagh in 1800’s

Date Child’s Forename Father’s Surname Father Mother Sponsors
15.12.1844 Thomas (?) Michael McGrath Mary John Curtin, Margaret McGrath
05.04.1832 Margaret Boland James Flanagan Briget Briget Quigly
??.06.1837 Bridget Boland James Flanagan B. Michael and Briget Cody
31.01.1840 Mary Boland James Flanagan Bridget Bridget Boland
06.04.1843 Pat Boland James Flanagan Bidy Pat Boland, Bidy Boland
25.01.1827 Briget Boland Pat Flanagan Mary Denis Carly(?), Margaret Carley(?)
10.05.1829 Michael Boland Pat Flanagan Mary Briget Boland, Michael Kitchin
27.10.1831 Pat Boland Pat Flanagan Mary Nancy McNamara, Thomas Halloran
19.10.1843 Kity Boland Pat Flanagan Mary Pat Halloran, Bidy Flanagan
??.08.1838 James Boland Pat Flanagan Mary Michael Downs, Mrs. Boland, Janes
??.05.1836 Margaret Boland Pat Flannagan Mary Dennis and Briget Cody
18.04.1828 John Boland Patrick Flanagan Mary Denis Cody, Briget Corley
15.10.1844 Mary Boland Patt Flanigan Mary Bridget Cody
05.03.1847 Mary Boland Patt Flanigan Mary Mary Donohoe
07.09.1825 Catherine Brick John Halleran Mary James Boland
03.02.1822 Bridget Brick John Halloran Mary Patrick Cody, Sally Halloran
26.09.1816 Michael Brick John Halloran Mary John Halloran, Honora Boland
29.08.1817 Michael Brick John Halloran Mary John MacNamara
22.04.1828 John Brick(?) John Halloran Mary Anne Halloran
05.08.1830 James Bricke John Halloran Mary Michael McNamara, Hanagh Lawler
14.01.1844 Patt Coady John Donoughue Mary Patt Corbett, Sarah MacNamara
21.09.1842 Michael Coady(?) Denis Lawler Judy Pat Corbett, Bidy Corbett
11.04.1845 Susan Cody Dennis Lawler Hannah John Hennesy, Mary Clune
03.10.1848 John Cody Dennis Lawler Susan Margaret Cody
08.05.1842 Nancy Cody John Donohoe Mary Denis Coady, Bidy Coady
27.05.1846 John Cody John Donohoe Mary Lawrence Downes, Kate Downs
23.06.1850 Mary Cody John Donohoe Mary Patt Corbett, Margaret Cody
29.11.1816 (?) Cody Patrick Fraly Pat Boland, Betty Cody
23.06.1850 Mary Coffee James McGrath Mary Margaret McGrath
16.02.1855 Mary Coffey Michael McGrath Mary John McGrath, Mary Moylan
26.08.1830 Michael Coleman John Haneen Margaret Pat Halloran, Sally Halloran
04.10.1843 John Collins John Reddin Bridget Michael McGrath, Mary Doloughty
29.05.1844 Michael Corbet Pat Coady Margaret Thomas Corbet, Bridget Corbet
12.08.1817 Margaret Corbett James Halloran Honora Anne Corbett
28.11.1844 Bridget Corbett John Doloughty Mary Patt and Bridget Corbett
31.01.1849 Mary Corbett John Doloughty Mary Patt and Norry Corbett
15.03.1821 Nancy Corbett John Horan Margaret Patt Corbett, mary Corbett
21.02.1830 Margaret Corbett John Moran Margaret James Corbett, Briget Moylan
22.03.1817 Pat Corbett John Margaret James McNamara
??.06.1840 John Corbett Matt Harkins Mary Patt Doloughty, Anne Corbett
03.02.1848 Mary Corbett Matt Harkins Mary Patt Halloran, Bridget Corbett
24.01.1830 Pat Corbett Pat Cody Margaret Lawrence Corbett, Briget Corbett
26.12.1831 Briget Corbett Pat Cody Margaret Denis Cody, Briget Cody
??.01.1838 Laurence Corbett Patt Cody Margaret Laurence and Anne Corbett
25.10.1843 Norry Corbett Tom Shea Nanny Pat Corbett, Bidy Corbett
27.02.1853 Mary Corbett Tom Shea Anne Laurence and Margaret Corbett
05.06.1828 Briget Corry James Hehir Mary Thomas Moylan, Nancy Corry
05.06.1828 John Corry John Corry Betty Michael Henissy, Catherine Moylan
23.01.1837 Bridget Cremins Daniel McNamara Hannah Pat Hogan, Ellen McNamara
30.08.1823 John Doolaghty Tim Rochford Brigid Laurence Corbett
22.05.1823 Thomas Downes M Kitchen Catherine
22.05.1823 Mary Downes M Kitchen Catherine
06.07.1825 Anna(?) Downes Michael Chichin Catherine Pat Cody
08.04.1821 Ellen Downes Michael Kidson Catherine Patt Cody, Mary Frawley
08.10.1826 Martin Downs Michael Kitchin Catherine Pat Carley, Ellen Lawler
21.01.1830 Lawrence Downs Michael Kitchin Catherine Patrick Corbett, Catherine Lawler
04.01.1825 Patrick Fraley Patrick Patrick Henessy
06.09.1819 Judy Griffy James Cummin Johanna John Corbett
26.01.1835 Tim Halloran Pat Grady Bridget Pat Halloran, Bridget McDonnell
16.02.1836 Pat Halloran Pat Grady Bridget Michael McNamara, Nancy Halloran
01.05.1842 Bridget Halloran Patrick Grady Bridget Patrick Cody, Bridget Halloran
14.03.1846 Pegy Halloran Patrick Grady alias Birley(?) Nancy Michael Halloran, Margaret Grady
01.12.1838 Thomas Halloran Patt Grady Bridget Michael and Margaret Grady
10.03.1848 Thady Halloran Patt Grady Bridget Dennis Cody, Bridget McDonnel
??.07.1837 Mary Halloran Thomas Corbet Ann Pat Doloughty, Margaret Fraley
28.06.1835 Bridget Halloran Thomas Corbett Anne Michael Doolaghty
07.04.1839 Mary Halloran Thomas Corbett Ann James and Catherine Halloran
18.02.1841 Anne Halloran Thomas Corbett Anne James Lynch, Mary McNamara
06.01.1843 John Halloran Thomas Corbett Nancy Michael Corbett, Bidy Corbett
??.04.1839 Margaret Healy(Mealy?) Pat Cody Margaret Dennis Cody, Sally Russell
23.11.1845 Thomas Henry Luke Molony Mary Patt Hickey, Bridget Gorman
08.02.1829 Mary Hogan John Crow Sally Kitty(?) Gerin, David Moylan
08.03.1816 Pat Hogan Thomas Moylan Honor Hogan
18.01.1832 Nancy Kinavane Thomas Gerin Briget Nancy Corry, John Hogan
29.06.1845 John Lachford John Glynn Margaret Tom Heihir, Bridget Glynn
19.07.1816 Margaret Lyddy Patrick Halloran Mary Patrick Fahy, Cate MaGrath
12.05.1842 Mary Mac Michael Clune Mary James Mac, Mary MacNamara
11.03.1817 Pat MacNamara James Woulfe Mary James MacNamara
25.04.1833 Anne McGrath James (?)man Mary Margaret McGrath
07.12.1834 Thomas McGrath James Cremmins Mary John Hogan, Margaret McGrath
06.08.1829 Margaret McGrath James Crimens(?) Mary Honor McInerny, (?)
20.04.1818 Mary McGrath James Crimmin Mary Catherine Corry
04.10.1820 Martin McGrath James Crimmin Mary Martin MaGrath
29.04.1832 Catherine McGrath James Crimmin Mary Nancy Corbett, David Moylan
20.08.1826 Michael McGrath James Crimmin(?) Mary Catherine Moylan
??.04.1837 Patt McGrath James Crimmins Mary Anne Corbett
01.06.1817 Brigid McGrath James Crummin Mary Catherine McGrath
01.05.1838 John McGrath James Mary Thomas Moylan, Anne Corry
09.04.1824 McGrath(?) MaGrath Cate
19.12.1821 Thomas McInerny John McGrath Margaret David Moylan, Catherine McGrath
12.04.1841 John McMahon Michael Giddam Peggy Michael and Mary Cumins(Crimins?)
03.09.1845 Daniel McNamara Bat Gannesy(?) Susan Susan Lawler
19.12.1821 Thomas McNamara John Meere Nancy Patt Meere, Nancy McNamara
26.10.1823 Ellen McNamara John Quillinan Bridget James McNamara
11.09.1828 Margaret McNamara Mathew Glen Margaret Ellen Coleman, Edmund Hogan
06.03.1822 Mary McNamara Mathew Glin Margaret John McNamara, Mary Moylan
07.01.1840 Thady McNamara Michael Cluin Mary Patt Clune, Mary Doloughty
15.03.1845 Patt McNamara Michael Clune Mary Catherine McNamara
27.08.1848 Michael McNamara Michael Clune Mary Tom O’Brien, Mary Cain
29.05.1836 Anne McNamara Thomas Clanchy Ellen Pat Doolaghty, Bridget Corbett
01.09.1839 Mary McNamara Thomas Clancy Ellen James and Mary McNamara
03.03.1834 Patrick McNamara Tom Clancy Ellen Thady McNamara, Mary McNamara
31.01.1835 James McNamara Tom Clancy Ellen Pat and Anne Halloran
14.12.1839 Catherine Moylan David Moylan Anne Bridget Hogan
23.03.1837 Honora Moylan David Reddan Anne Margaret Moylan
??.12.1837 Briget O’Gorman Daniel Neylon Mary Judith Frawley
26.04.1854 Michael Slattery Michael Moylan Maria William Moylan, Margaret Slattery
07.10.1839 Mary Walsh John Freeman Bridget Michael and Mary Hehir
02.05.1857 Margaret Coffee Michael McGrath Mary Bridget Crimmins
21.04.1861 John Coffee Michael McGrath Mary Patt McGrath, Mary McGrath
??.02.1825 Mary Coffy Michael McGrath Mary John McGrath, Sally Moylan
06.03.1878 Margaret Connely Michael Faul Mary Bridget Moylan
15.08.1858 Thomas Corbett Thomas Shea Anne Laurence Corbett, Margaret Corbett
09.03.1862 Hugh Hogan Hugh Daffy Bridget Patt Hogan, Ellen Finucane
27.12.1859 Margaret Hogan Thomas Haneen Mary Edmund Burke, Margaret Haneen
22.04.1855 Thomas Rochford John Clancy Margaret Margaret Ma(?)
31.01.1872 Bridget Russell Pat Coffey Anne Michael Clune, Bridget Russell
01.05.1873 Mary Russell Patt Coffee Anne Mary Russell
15.08.1856 Thomas Slattery Michael Moylan Mary Daniel Hayes, Bridget Slattery
22.09.1861 Johanna Slattery Michael Moylan Mary Thomas Dolertny, Margaret Taylor
20.07.1864 John Slattery Michael Moylan Mary Thomas Crowe, Margaret Slattery