The Welshmen of Tyrawley

by Graham Barratt

  The first young competitor of the Welsh clan eagerly mounted his horse with no attempt to settle the animal. The beast was distressed, bucking and shaking and inclined to break away. As the spectator’s jeering grew, the horse became increasingly spooked by the crowd. Once freed from tethers and leg-ties, the colt bolted to the side, weaving and kicking as it ran towards the fence-line. The young man was soon thrown from the horse, landing on his back. As he struggled to gain his breath, the colt reared up stamping hard on the injured boy’s neck, killing him instantly. Tibbot watched with horror as he saw the boy die only seconds after climbing onto the horse. Once the horse was re-captured, his mother was allowed to run to his body. He had lied about his age. He was just 16 years old.

  Tibbot was next to be called to mount. Toeing off his shoes and dropping his cape, he walked across the compound. Refusing to take any saddling or harness, walking silently over to the animal from the side, he looked down at the ground to avoid eye contact. Then moving slightly away to check that the beast’s eyes were following him across to the other side of the compound, he smiled as he saw that they were. Tibbot approached the animal again and this time while speaking in a soft, but reassuring voice, gently rubbed its neck, breathing close to its nostrils. He inhaled and exhaled in time with the colt and moved closer, lightly increasing body contact to imitate grooming and mimicking the colt’s movements. He moved the rubbing down its back, still whispering to make sure it knew his attentions were solely to befriend the horse and the horse knew it.

  ‘Be still, young boy, be my friend, don’t look at the rabble, be calm, still and know that I am here to help you.’

  Then silently, he pulled an apple from his pocket and offered it to the beast. After a second apple, he walked away to see if the horse followed. The colt fidgeted in a nervous response, shaking his head in as if in doubt at the situation. The crowd as well as the other candidates jeered in frustration, surely he was not allowed to bribe and delay his attempt with apples? Niall heard the objections but signalled to continue. They were eager to see him mount the horse and anticipated another refusal, but Tibbot was not put off. He was aware that the time started from the mounting of the horse and so was using all the time he could to secure confidence before mounting. He repeated the same moves several times and eventually, the horse followed him, much to the surprise of the crowd gathered around the field. He moved around slowly and gently offered to walk the colt around the compound, whispering all the time. Tibbot needed to ensure that the animal was comfortable, at ease and happy. If the horse was lazy, angry or spooked, then no amount of comforting would work and he could be thrown. Tibbot worked on the horse for around fifteen more long minutes, without any attempt to mount it. In frustration, another rider mounted his colt at the other end of the compound and was thrown but un-hurt. That was his chance over.

  It was now evident from the gait of Tibbot’s colt, it was feeling happier and more at ease with him. This was despite the noise coming from the audience, the market stalls and the other riding attempts. Amid the noise and commotion, the horse drew more comfort from the friendship being shown him.

  When at last he was happy with his progress, Tibbot slowly climbed the step, all the time speaking in whispers. At last he mounted the colt gently, its ears flicked back as it reared up and started to gallop forward. Tibbot dropped the reigns, held his hands down submissively and made a soothing musical sounds in its ears. After a short time, the agitating abated. Its ears sprang forward and he gave the horse an assertive pull of the reigns. The animal stopped in its tracks and stood still. It was clear to Tibbot that this was a moment of truth. The horse was assessing the situation and making a decision on whether to allow his rider to continue or to eject him completely. Feeling the comfort of close contact with Tibbot, the horse settled and allowed the mount to continue.

  The crowd which had gathered around the field was now speechless. Tibbot had successfully broken in a wild horse. He had achieved it through gaining its trust almost before even mounting the animal. He was relieved and happy as he was allowed to ride the horse and teach it new commands. They now had a relationship and it was clear that the mount wanted to please him. Tibbot’s task was now complete.

  Several more contestants pulled out of the competition, clearly aware that they had no chance of achieving the same result. A few others even attempted a similar routine to Tibbot, mimicking his technique before mounting, but none of their efforts were successful. Once time had been exceeded, each attempt would usually have been halted if it were not important for the Lynotts to have their horses broken in “for free”. Some other beasts rejected their riders and either threw them or the rider jumped off in desperation. Tibbot was the victor and most importantly, was invited to become the appointed leader of the Lynott Clan in Tyrawley. Through him, the Lynott plan to be allied to the Bourkes had become a reality.

  Tibbot was helped off the animal in a combination of cheers and jeers. Lynotts were pleased with the results, but many Bourkes were not happy that the rejected Tibbot had won above all other competitors. It was suggested that he must have cheated in some way.

  Any alliance with the Bourkes through Tibbot could never be as strong as someone of say James’ status. However, Niall’s plan seemed to have succeeded and was now one more step towards completion. Tibbot insisted on two things. Firstly his mother Emily would travel with him to Carn and secondly that he would be granted ownership of the horse.

  In the late afternoon, the inauguration of Tibbot was a simple formality. He was congratulated and titled by the Lynotts in a public ceremony of speeches and accolades at the cross in the town. As the Bourke contingent realised the implications for Tibbot and both clans, he was ridiculed and berated time and again. This was as much through jealousy as anything else and his title as Lynott leader was suddenly nothing to be proud of. In the opinion of the non-gallant losers, it was a small prize to become leader of these pitiful people. For Tibbot though, the disdain from the Bourkes was the final seal in his personal disgust of his blood clan. He was now completely sure that his place was with the Lynotts and alongside Niall. Furthermore, Emily would be there at his side in Carn. That day, Tibbot was fed the very best food and wine and for the first time in his life was treated with respect by people outside his immediate family.

  Later, he attended a banquet hosted by the Lynotts to again be asserted the new leader before the Lynotts that very night. Niall stood up at the table end, fumbled his hands and banged a candlestick against the oak top.

  ‘My great friends, I feel we are honoured; God sees fit to deliver such a clansman to our people for foster-ship by Thomas Lynott as his new tanist. With the agreement of the council, we will have a great leader in this young man and with our help, he will be guided to greatness. Tonight, we will eat, sing and celebrate the victory of the day which delivered this young man to our people. We will now look towards the future for our clan. We, who lost the sight of our world and our loved ones on Daille La’, will not be granted our sight by the Lord, but we now have a leader who is fostered from the Bourkes and has the eyes of a great chief. Though we are all Welshmen, this will be good for the Lynott family. It is our hope that we will one day overcome and become stronger than the Barretts through this alliance.’

  Thomas Lynott stood up and held his goblet out in front of him as it splashed wine onto the table.

  ‘Niall is right. I thank the Lord for this day, I thank Niall for his perception and I thank the people for their faith in God and in Niall’s plan. Bald Tibbot may look different, but he is a warrior and to those who cannot see such as many of our clan, his looks do not matter. Today, the Bourkes have suffered a loss. This man is a warrior, fearless courageous and acts with great wisdom and substance of mind. I hope he will come to love the clan as I know we and the good Lord do.’

  The lives of both Emily and Tibbot had now changed beyond anything they had known up to this moment. They were in a position of authority and trust, albeit with a lo
wer tribe. James was sorry to see his sister and Tibbot leave but understood the reasons. They would both be released from the bondage of the Bourkes. Tibbot had previously been subject to ridicule over his tallness, black skin and bald features. He looked different and shaving the curls from his head made him look even more unlike the Welsh and Celtic people of Tyrawley. He had lived with prejudice, bullying and constant reminder that he had no father. There had also been resentment and jealousy toward his talents and good looks. Few were willing to see him for what he was: a righteous, brave and an intelligent man with compassion and morale. At times his self-esteem had been very low. This young man had grown up with people who had been his friends, but when friendship mattered, it was cast aside. Tibbot trusted no one. Despite being illegitimate, under Brehon law this should not have mattered, at least when it came to matters of heir-ship. He should still have been recognised as being a member of a clan and his inheritance should have remained intact. He had been denied a position of leadership which should have been his as Emily’s only son and a rightful leader of the Lochter Bourkes heir to the Dael estate.

  On the other hand, Emily had protected Tibbot and shielded him from much of the unpleasantness. He had suffered far more because of his mother’s purported rape by a slave and her subsequent insistence on raising a black and illegitimate child. What was a privileged childhood, changed overnight into the situation where she had become an outcast in her own family. She had only the love of her baby and dear brother James to give comfort.

  Tibbot had been accepted by a clan that had lost their sight. Through their burden, blindness and disfigurements, they had come to understand the futility of aesthetics. Throughout their suffering, they were a community that had come to realise that appearances did not matter. Some Lynott husbands had never seen their partners and had married them for reasons other than physical attraction. As far as they were concerned, what occupies the mind and personal conduct is far more important than physicality.

  The clan celebrated into the night with music, poetry and speeches from bards, traders and travellers. The event was not as grand as a Barrett celebration but just as important for the Lynotts. The subject matter from the bards and performers was mainly centred on hatred for the Barretts and vengeance over the Daille La’, the Day of the Blind. There was very little discussion over the clandestine issues of the English occupation. Hatred for their landlords was no secret and the bards made their feelings clear to all who were there to hear.

  The scathing hatred for the Barretts moved on with new debates and speeches concerning the English claims to territory and the declaration of the Tudors as having dominion over Ireland. Whilst capitulation with the English would have improved their standing, the Lynotts carefully accepted that was one step too far and submission to the English would be regarded as treasonous. It would not be a noble thing for a clan who had been persecuted by a double-dealing to then accept offers of land from the English, though it was a controversial issue at Carn. Within a week, Tibbot and Emily’s belongings were moved out of the tower house at Dael and carted to the Lynotts in Garranard Township to accompany the new tenants of Carn Castle.

  Tibbot sat in the hall of Carn Castle. He pondered his new position as leader of the Lynotts.

  ‘How can I begin to understand how to lead a clan when there is so much to learn and understand? I am not sure I will make a leader of people. All I know is what a smithy understands. I can make things from steel and I can control farm animals, but I do not feel that I can be a strong leader.’

  He walked across the huge rug laid out in the main chamber and knelt down at his mother’s feet.

  ‘Mother, how am I to take on the burden of leading the Lynotts and improving their lives?’

  ‘’Twill be hard at first, Tibbot, but give your compassion and understanding to them first. Use the memory of your grandfather as well as the wisdom of the other elders to guide your decisions and do nothing in haste. Niall and Thomas are good men, who will steer and assist you. These people have suffered and now need to regain their pride as a faithful Welsh tribe. They will look to you for help and guidance in everything. As a Bourke, they will look to you as someone who has the knowledge and means to improve their status and wealth.’

  ‘I hope you are right, Mother; at the moment, I feel as though I am at the foot of the cliffs of Creevagh, looking up and I have no foothold to start my climb.’

  ‘Carn is your first foothold, Tibbot, and I am your second. I will help you and once you start your journey, then you will be able to gain more purchase where none appear and you will progress upwards.’

  ‘I am unsure of my ability to become a clan chief, Mother.’

  ‘But I am certain of it, my son. You should have belief in yourself and your abilities as well as faith in Father Niall and the new clan. They would not have allowed you to take part in the competition let alone promote you as leader if you were not ready for your work. Yes you have much to learn, but you will learn well and will endure.’

  ‘I hope you are right, Mother. I fear that if I fail, it will bring us both back down into hardship once more. Shane the Blacksmith did not take kindly to my leave.’

  ‘You were meant for better things than were given to you in Crossmolina and Dael. You are special and deserve more. I know that the Lynotts will realise you are to become a good leader. That is why you must now have loyalty and devotion towards these people as though they were your own. They trust you now, but if they sense that you have alliance or sympathy with the Barretts, or any undue bonds with them, it will not work and you will lose their confidence.’

  ‘We know people who are of good intent in the Barrett family, Mother. What of them?’

  ‘There are good and bad everywhere, but up until now, their leaders have not seen fit to show compassion to the Lynotts. The Lynotts though, through their loss of sight have seen fit to ignore your appearance and that had been a blessing for us.’

  Tibbot’s thoughts changed to that of his father. ‘But what of my father’s line, Mother?’

  Emily’s heart sank as she remembered the man who she still loved with every fibre of her being. She thought about the Lynotts and the new alliance with the Bourkes and how Cirilo would have had so much pride for Tibbot. Furthermore, her relationship with Tibbot had always been a good one and she still could not tell him the truth. If he knew the truth, he would surely hate the Bourkes for killing Cirilo and that would be a disaster for them all.

  ‘I know little of your father, Tibbot. You know what happened, I was violated and do not wish to speak further of him.’

  ‘I know it must be painful, Mother, but I would like to know what became of him.’

  ‘He went to fight in the rebellions with O’Rourke. Your grandfather sent a gallowglass to kill him and he is now dead. William, my brother, has testified to seeing his end.’

  ‘Why would a bad man go to war for the faith of the Irish?’

  ‘Many bad people went to war, Tibbot, some to escape punishments for crimes, to profit and some because they liked the killing.’

  ‘But he was from Spain. Why did he not try to return to his home?’

  ‘I do not know, Tibbot, there are too many questions, I do not know! Your father is Thomas Lynott now. Please do not ask me again!’

  ‘I will say one more thing, Mother. I do not lay complete belief on the words of William and if this man is still alive and I discover his whereabouts, I will kill him for what he did to you. I have no thanks to offer him for my life and well-being; my gratitude is with you, who he defiled. If he is dead, then he has paid for his deeds through the devil. If he is alive, then I will pray that one day I will avenge your honour.’

  ‘Please no more!’

  Emily walked swiftly out of the room fighting off the tears. She could not tell the truth to Tibbot for fear of breaking the alliance with the Bourkes. Her true memory of Cirilo was her only comfort. A memory of love, passion and devotion to a good man, who suffered terribly all his
life. Tibbot could not know the truth. He had to remain believing a lie, which was painful for them both.

  Tibbot was a warrior, a man of strength, intelligence and aptitude, but he was not a born leader. In the field, his talents were matchless. His affinity with the blade extended to applying its use in battle, but his leadership skills and knowledge of Nemed custom was insufficient. It took him some time to further understand Brehon law and develop his understanding of the clan. The structure of local law was based on high morals, open faith and redemption of sin. Execution of the law was through obedience and collective responsibility (as Dermot discovered). The community was close but a little suspicious of any outsiders, so he had yet to prove himself worthy of their trust and friendship. Ultimately though, the Lynotts had no choice but to trust, embrace and coach him in his new role. Over time, his confidence would grow, eventually establishing himself in the hierarchy of chiefs, taking on the new responsibilities associated with his awarded estate.

  Molly and Tibbot

  As first, Tibbot struggled to impose his authority on the Lynotts, but with time and help from Thomas and Niall, he steadily became a leader of substance. Within a few weeks, he was holding meetings and making decisions for the clan along with guidance from the Brehon. His position as chief ensured that his future and that of his immediate family was secure. Tibbot could not have dreamed that he would become such a privileged individual.

  Once he was familiar with the way the clan worked in matters of minor law, Tibbot, as the new chief, was expected to make decisions and refer to the Brehon in serious cases in the sessions. On one such day, Tibbot was presented with Molly; she had confronted strangers entering the townland and had been fighting with several women travellers, who had lost the skirmish and were distressed and injured. She was pushed towards Tibbot by two men and scowled as they stepped back to avoid a scratch of her nailed fingers or a swipe. She refused to show any shame and kept her chin up throughout the ordeal. After some time, she extended her gaze to him. Tibbot smiled at Molly as a clansman stepped forward to explain the charges.