Thomas McDonagh died in the Ratra ambush between Frenchpark and Ballaghaderreen. Two other RIC officers, Edward Murphy and Martin McCarthy also lost their lives.
Our aim is to connect all people with a link to Killaraght (Sligo). You may live here, have visited here or maybe are tracing ancestors who left long ago. In any case, we’re sure to have lots to share and are delighted to welcome you.
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Boyle Poor Law Union formally declared
<p>The Irish Poor Law Act of 1838 divided Ireland into poor law unions (in which paupers would receive poor relief). A union was named after the town on which it was centred (where its workhouse was located) and the "union" boundaries were unrelated to those of the civil parishes ( and crossed county boundaries in many cases). Prior to this date, poor relief was administered by parish and these records were kept in the Church of Ireland Vestry Books (held locally).</p>
1839-08-20 12:00:00
Cattle driven in lieu of rent at Frenchpark
<p>During the winter months of the Great Irish Famine, Lord De Freyne sanctioned "driving for rent" for the many tenants on his estate who had fallen into arrears. This harsh practice involved a bailiff driving a debtor's livestock off the land and selling it in lieu of rent. He had, the year previous, ordered his tenants not to dispose of their oats until they could see the exact extent of their losses and that he would not call upon them for rent until the calamity had been averted. This change of tack may somewhat explain why Frenchpark tenants burned an effigy of Lord de Freyne, outside his gate during the famine.</p>
1846-12-16 12:00:00
Cholera hysteria from Croghan to Boyle
<p>In February 1832, a devastating outbreak of Asiatic Cholera (which had left millions dead across the trade route to England) finally reached Ireland. This was a disease that had fatal consequences in a matter of a few hours. There were reports of people driven mad with fear of the disease. Thus began the mass hysteria that lead to the "Day of the Straws"...</p>
1832-06-16 12:00:00