News

Pass of the Plumes

    On 19 May 1999 Seamus Hosey (RTÉ) unveiled a monument, designed and sculpted by Anna Bland, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the battle of the Pass of the Plumes (Cashel Cross, County Laois), when an English force under Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex, was ambushed and defeated by Owny MacRory O’More. Local … Read more

From Barrow Boy to Viscount: the story of Matthew Barnewell

by Colm Culleton     He started life as an illiterate barrow-boy and died a viscount, having taken three wives on the way. This is the incredible story of Matthew Barnewall. ‘Never without an idiot or a lawsuit’ The Barnewalls were Normans, and took their name from the small sea-side town of Berneval le Grand … Read more