O'Donovan writes from Banagher having made the trip probably from Tullamore. The weather in June 1838 was wet and difficult. The people he noted knew nothing of the old traditions. The old language was dead.

ORDNANCE SURVEY LETTERS KING'S COUNTY

[ Letter no.16 from John O'Donovan ]

Banagher,
January 9th 1838.

Dear Sir,

In reading over Rawson's account of Kildare[published c. 1801] I find that the Lady Ofalia, so much talked of about Geshill, was the sister of Gerald, the 11th Earl of Kildare and the wife of O'Conor Faly:-

"Gerald, the 11th Earl, born in February 1525, was about ten years of age at the execution of his brother and uncles; sick of the small pox at Donore near Naas, and by his nurse carefully concealed and conveyed to his sister, Lady Mary O'Connor, in Offaley." - Introduction, p. XXXII.

The Castle of Geshill, then, must have been erected by O'Conor Faly himself, as he was not conquered till the reign of Philip and Mary. We shall now attack the country lying between this and Athlone and hope that Mr. Petrie will give his directions as soon as possible about his favourite spot, Clonmacnoise and the Parish Churches connected with it. Has he made himself certain of the names of the different Churches there existing or does he think that their names are now recoverable? Who is the best guide to consult for pointing out the remains at this place? What is the name of the Chapel in which the Shrine of St. Manchan is preserved? Whether is (it) in the Parish of Lismanaghan or Kilmanaghan? Is there any town in which one could stop nearer to Clonmacnoise than Banagher or Athlone?

The weather is now assuming a fierce and terrible aspect and we must hasten to a close, for this is not the season for antiquarian investigations, especially in this County of bogs and morasses.

I want all the notices from the Annals etc., to Taghsaran (Teach-Sarain) Liathmor, Clochan and any English law documents that can be found relating to Mac Coghlan's Country.

Your obedient servant,
John O'Donovan.

ORDNANCE SURVEY LETTERS KING'S COUNTY

[ Letter no.17 from John O'Donovan ]

Banagher,
January 10th 1838.

Dear Sir,

If Dr. Lanigan be right about the situation of Rathain, I have been very much mistaken in my idea of the locality whence St. Carthach of Lismore was expelled. I shall give his text and note on the subject:-

"Next we find him (St. Carthach or Mochuda) visiting Malua of Clonfert Molua and afterwards Colman Elo, with whom he wished to remain at Land-Elo. But this Saint advised him to form an establishment for himself at a place not far distant, called Raithin or Rathen."

"Carthagh acted according to his directions and there erected a Monastery, which soon became very celebrated etc."

"While at Rathen, where he remained forty years, Carthach was consecrated Bishop. Notwithstanding his great sanctity and the extraorinary esteem in which he was generally held, he had, as has been the case with many illustrious and holy men, to encounter the envy of some clergymen or monks of a neighbouring district, who at length induced Blathmac, son of Aidus Slaine, and prince of that country, to expel him and his monks from Rathen in the year 630." - Vol. II, p.352 and sequen.

In note (186) he says Raithin "is now called Rathyne and is situated in the Barony of Fartullagh, Co. of Westmeath."

I believe he states this on the authority of Usher, Ware and Archdall. Let me have their words as soon as possible, as I incline to doubt the truth of their assertions. Is there any place in the Barony of Fertullagh in the County of Westmeath called Rathain, Rahan or Rahin? I have no recollection of any, but I think Usher mentions a place of the name in that Barony. What does he say?

Does the name Rathain O'Suanaigh occur in the Calendar or in Colgan? Who was O'Suanaigh? This Church of Rathain O'Suanaigh has puzzled me this many a day and I am not yet able to unravel the mystery. Was O'Suanaigh the Herenach family of the place, like O'Rody was at Fenagh? Can any evidence be found to shew who succeeded Carthagh at Rathain?

Can any reference be found to Ros Cam or Ros-Cam-Ruadh? I have been travelling all day through the south of the ancient Kingdom of Me (Midhe) where, I am sorry to say, the old language is just dead and the people remarkably ignorant of their old history and traditions.

Where does Archdall, in Nomenclat. Hib., place the ancient Territory of Crioch na gCedach? It certainly occurs in the Inquisitions, but I have searched for it in vain in the Extracts now before me. It was the country of the Leinster O'Fallons and I have certainly been in the territory but totally forgot it till this very moment. If I miss it, I will never forgive myself.

I am knocked up again from having slept in a damp room.

Does Lom Cluain O'Dubhain (O'Doinn) occur in the Annals of the Four Masters? (No). It is now called Lumploone and lies in Mac Coghlan's Country.

Your obedient servant,
John O'Donovan.