The Welshmen of Tyrawley

by Graham Barratt

  ‘It was Dermot who we killed after he defiled my sister, Molly. He is the reason why we were all blinded with needles. She never recovered from the grief of the assault on our people and endures the burden to this day.’

  ‘It was I who took away his manhood and I believe that he became a bitter man towards women as a result of the injuries he suffered and probably would not have attacked Molly if he hadn’t been filled with hate and frustration. Father, I did not confess the sins against Dermot because I did not believe my actions to be sinful.’

  ‘And did you yield to Dermot?’

  ‘No, Father, after the rape by Patrick, I was always prepared. Once I realised that Dermot was intent in taking me, I knifed him in the gonads and left him bleeding. He lived but kept the events of that night secret, for fear of exposing himself as a rapist and bully. Furthermore, Father, whilst drunk one night, a woman of ill intent let it be known to the village that Dermot was impotent and had never pleasured her. I could not stay in the township any longer and we would have been in further danger if we had stayed with the Barretts. I think at that time, I would have gladly killed again to be offered a life back with my clan and safety for my baby.’

  ‘I knew Dermot of Nephin Emily. He was indeed a bully and the events you described to me are of no surprise. It also explains why he hated women.’

  ‘Oh, Father, what have I done? If it wasn’t for me attacking him, then he might not have attacked Molly and Daille La’ might never have happened. I would not have been believed or defended in the Barrett community. They are a ruthless tribe, you know that.’

  ‘Alas yes, Emily, regrettably, I and every Lynott in Tyrawley knows the same, but you cannot blame yourself as so with Molly.’

  ‘The only way William would agree to take me and Tibbot back into the clan and Crossmolina was on those terms. Tibbot was still just a baby.’

  ‘You were his kin, surely James could forgive you.’

  ‘My brother is good and forgave me, but my father’s wishes and desires lived on and I do not blame him for sustaining them. It was the only way of hiding the shame while keeping face against gossips and those who judged. There was also a great risk of punishment by the Lord Deputy if it became common knowledge and it surely would if I had not upheld a false account.’

  ‘My dear, I am so sorry, what if you met this man now?’

  ‘I think you know my answer. I would have him for my husband, but my father wanted nothing more for me than a betrothal which held advantage for the clan, a political and financial alliance. My father wanted Cirilo dead and my brother James was torn. It is now clear that my other brother William described a false death for Cirilo.’

  ‘Father Niall, I am worried that Duald may have described the wrong man. If so, then it could cause a war between clans. If he is not Cirilo, then Tibbot could be put to death in Dublin for murder. If it is Cirilo, then Tibbot will have killed his own father, a good man who deserves to have a loving family.’

  ‘Emily, I would like you soon to speak with Molly as I believe you will be able to take away some of the angst she suffers daily, but first we will need to pursue Tibbot and describe your story to him.’

  ‘Father, I fear that may not work. Tibbot has believed the account for many years. He would not believe me now. He has much anger within himself. His parentage has caused great bitterness toward Cirilo. He is so enraged, he would kill him before any attempt to listen. I do not know how we can stop Tibbot. And if he should see us in pursuit, Tibbot would have us sent back by force.’

  Emily knew that there was little chance they could prevent Tibbot from killing the man even if it were not Cirilo, but they had to try.

  The Fianna

  Niall and Emily set out on horses and travelled to Ballysakeery. Being blind, Niall would not be able to provide the protection that Emily would need, especially if there was any aggression or attack on her. A woman could not travel such distances alone and would need protection. She knew she had little time and there was only one man who could agree to help.

  ‘Richard, I need your help more than ever this day. Would you please travel with me to Cork? I will explain much on the way and it is time for me to justify my refusal and the reason why I could never be yours. We need to travel in pursuit of Tibbot and a gallowglass who are intent on killing my only lover, the man who was taken from the Spanish boat at Blacksod.’

  Richard still secretly loved Emily and would do anything to make her happy. He immediately started to collect his weapons, money and belongings for the journey ahead.

  ‘I would do anything for you Emily and will indeed come with you. I have for many years discounted any assertion on you with certainty that you loved another. You can explain your story to me, but I will need to know everything and I believe that you have kept much secret from me over the years.’

  When the truth becomes known, she would again be out of favour with the Bourkes, this time it would be final and complete although her father was no longer alive. She had to trust Richard and she knew he was a man who was true to his word.

  ‘Richard, I will tell my complete story, I promise you, but please come with haste.’

  They took Niall back to Garranard and set off for Cork travelling very light. With very few provisions, she hoped they could forage for food and plead for lodgings, or at least a dry barn on the way. As they rode, Richard questioned Emily further.

  ‘Tell me, have you loved anyone since the slave? And how could it happen?’

  ‘Richard, I have not loved any other man by my mind, soul or body and I think about him every day. I knew from an early age that I would know instantly when I had met the man right for me. I rejected you that day at Glencastle because I knew we were not a match. Once I met him, I realised he was the only man I could give myself to. The memory of Cirilo and his love for me will be within until we are together again. I will never love another man. I could not have married you because it would have no meaning and would not have been fair for you.’

  ‘What if he dies before you meet?’

  ‘Then I will die too. If Tibbot kills him, I must uphold the lie. Tibbot cannot discover that he killed his own father, a good man I loved; it would break his heart. My heart has been broken all these years and I would not wish the torment on my own son. The account he gives the Brehon must also reflect that he killed for good reason.’

  ‘Once you have been reunited with Cirilo, you will both be very lucky people and I know how much you love him. I will ask God for your mercy in silent prayer for you all.’

  ‘And I will pray that the Lord will bring us together in heaven if not in this life.’

  ‘But that cannot be certain, Emily.’

  ‘Richard, my heaven must include Cirilo. If it did not, then it would not be heaven, it would be hell.’ Richard smiled and gave a resigned nod of approval.

  ‘I hope you are right, Emily. I like your reasoning and your idea of heaven. You describe it in a way that makes sense. The Lord, our God will grant you your heaven. If you have faith, then I am sure you will see heaven after this life. My heaven is also personal to me and will be a place where I will be able to see through my eyes once again.’

  ‘I have faith, but how strong does it need to be? Will all good people go to heaven? Are we different? Who will be chosen to go to hell?’

  ‘I do not know, but I expect that we must try our best in this life. Most people need food water, air and shelter to live. Then they need love money and comfort to be happy. Then after these, they worship the Lord. For a few though, God comes first and above all else. These are the true righteous. All other things are material, things that God will allow when he sees fit to further test us,’ Richard continued.

  ‘Emily, if there was any happening in my life that I could undo, then it would be the time I hurt you at Glencastle. I regret it every day and I am sorry. How can I make it up to you the wrong that I did?’

  ‘Oh, Richard, I think I too overreacted and was taken by surprise. You h
ave already made up for your transgression many times over: with the shelter you gave me and Tibbot all those years ago and you have been the gentleman who saved us. You are now married to a loving wife who would not have accepted your ask if you had married me. It was also you who discovered Cirilo at Doona and I thank you too for that.’

  ‘Emily, probably I above all other people know how much you truly love this man. I have knowledge firsthand the power of your love for him and I hope we can bring you together soon.’

  The travellers pressed on in the hope and determination to move at a greater speed than Tibbot until they had sight of him. He had weapons and a cart which would be significantly slower in the mud tracks.

  Emily and Richard would have to gain ground and follow the tracks until they caught sight of the Flanna from behind, hopefully they would be able to take up board in houses along the way and leave early to maintain sight of them.

  Richard, being a leader and tanist of the Barretts, would not be denied a night’s lodge by good people along the way. Although being accompanied by a female might be questionable if their story was not realistic. On the other hand, if they were to catch up with Tibbot, then they would need to be careful not to be seen.

  The journey was tough with a great deal of exposure to the elements. There were few opportunities to shelter and take routes which shielded them from the bitter winds. Emily could never be certain that they were taking the same route as Tibbot. They used the main tracks and obeyed the signposts, which were at times unreliable. During the journey, she reflected on her time with Cirilo and their fleeting times together. She wondered if the man reported as Donovan was truly the man she had loved and if he was still alive. Would he still love her? If she did find him, would it be the same between them? Would she feel the same? And does he have a new woman in his life?

  Her mind returned to the reality of the immediate situation and their quest to find Cirilo. She and Richard must get to Tibbot before he kills his father.

  During the morning of the third day, Emily spotted the Fianna. Keeping well out of sight, waiting behind hill brows, turf mounds and tree lines, Emily and Richard remained unseen. At the times when there was little or no cover, they had to wait until the party disappeared over the next brow miles away before they could progress any further. Several times they lost sight of them, but eventually identified their positions.

  It took eight days to reach Manala and on the final evening, as Emily and Richard rode cloaked and disguised through the town, they followed Tibbot through the streets, eventually taking up lodgings at an inn.

  Tibbot seemed to have calmed a little, however, he was concerned with being fresh in the morning and clear-minded enough to perform the execution of the slave successfully.

  Richard and Emily progressed unseen through Manala and turned towards Dromaneen. It was here that Duald reported Donovan had been taken once he was sold on. They rested that night at a house on the road to Firville. Their rooms were ideally located, overlooking the Dromaneen Road, which Tibbot was sure to take the next morning.

  As they sat in comfort around a burning fire, the old lady of the house was keen on knowing their business.

  ‘What brings a gentleman and lady to Manala when so little is going on at this time of the year?’

  Richard thought carefully about his answer. He was also keen to understand the temperament of the O’Callaghan Clan, so was happy to open up to some limited conversation on their intent.

  ‘I am Richard Barrett and this is Emily Bourke. We are from Tyrawley and are seeking a man who she knew many years ago. We wish to speak with him on issues of an urgent call and believe he may have gone to Dromaneen,’ the woman looked puzzled at first.

  ‘In these parts, we all know the affairs of the next man, sir. Unless you seek an O’Callaghan, then I fear your journey is wasted. There are no people here who will satisfy your need. A blackamoor was added to the servants, but no others to my knowledge.’

  ‘We do not seek an O’Callaghan, the man we seek is from Tyrawley.’

  ‘Then that only leaves the slave. Are you here seeking out the slave?’

  Emily looked at Richard with an expression of deep concern at such direct questions. The answer could not be any clearer for the prying woman.

  ‘It is true then. You are here seeking out the blackamoor! He must be a very special slave to warrant such a journey.’

  Richard avoided any further discussion. She already knew too much.

  ‘Tell me of the O’Callaghan’s, what is the clan like? Are they law abiding and true to the Irish?’

  ‘Yes, these days, they are true to English law and do not look for quarrels, but then I would say that because I am an O’Callaghan child so I am. The O’Callaghan is an ancient clan and is more Irish than the Welshmen.’

  ‘Why do you say that?’

  ‘You are in the line of Welshmen who became Irish, but the O’Callaghan’s were true Gaelic kings of ancient Munster and all parts near. They were strong fighters and they ravaged other Irish counties long ago. Today, the ways of the clan are not the same as they were. Be told that those changes will come to Tyrawley in time, you can be sure.’

  ‘I do not think that our ways will change for many years yet, madam, and to be clear, in Tyrawley, the clan ways are intact. There have been no alliances with the Sassenachs. Our clans will fight to the death to maintain our God, freedom and lands.’

  ‘Do not be so sure. We thought that too, but our land was taken from us by the English Queen. After representation to the Queen and agreement to yield, we were granted most of our land back. It was though on certain condition that we adopted the English ways, convert to the Church of Ireland and recognise their reign. Today, the family has three castles in these parts, but we are still a family of influence and respect. Other clans were affected much more than we were.’

  Richard smiled at the woman as though he was unconvinced, but something deep inside him felt that she spoke with some legitimacy.

  ‘It is not my intention to cast judgment on what has happened in the past. My clan know only too well that to dwell on history will bring trouble to our minds and souls. I will be sure to treat all with respect.’

  ‘The respect will be given to you, sir. We are all good Christians, but heed my words, the judgment of the Queen will befall your clan too.’

  They both said no more about their quest that evening for fear of giving away their intentions, particularly as the old lady was an O’Callaghan and Tibbot would be passing through in the morning.

  Dromaneen to Carn

  Richard and Emily left the next day while it was still dark, initially boarding the horses at the house and walking down the lane to the road, hiding behind bushes. An hour later, Tibbot and his band came past with the murmur of quiet conversation. He was now wearing the dress of an Irish chief and was mounted adorning his horse a significant complement of weapons. His helmet was four-sided and lined on the outside with leather. Tibbot’s inar, jacket and léine matched the helmet and he wore a large green brat coat with fur lapels. With the exception of MacCabe, the others in the band wore the formal clan dress of the Lynotts. A party of clansmen in costume would mean only one thing. They were in the area concerning a matter of honour and remedy of some important clan issues, but the Lynotts surely had no truck with the O’Callaghans.

  Clan dress was important and the wearer seemed to make intentions more legitimate. It gave authority to take action in the intended way according to tribal customs. Tibbot had come to avenge the wrong done to his mother, rather than the Bourkes, but somehow he wanted redress the consequences of his own birth and its bearing on the life of his mother.

  In Manala, the spectacle of the riders leaving the inn caused great concern and word was soon sent to the other two strongholds that the O’Callaghans at Dromaneen may be under threat from another clan. There would be no point in sending messengers to Dromaneen as they would most likely be either too late or intercepted before they arrived.r />
  Richard and Emily returned to the house, readied the horses and followed Tibbot until they got to the grounds and boundary of the castle. The collection of new stone structures made the dwelling look more like a fortified house than a castle and indeed it was since Dromaneen had only recently been completed and had never seen conflict.

  Emily watched with Richard at her side. They looked on anxiously as Tibbot and the three appeared to be setting up positions for an ambush in the lane leading to the castle. They had assumed Donovan was inside the castle, however, they were sure that as a slave, he would be leaving at some stage to perform chores, carry in supplies or carry waste out of the building. There was a river along one side with the only track to it going over a small wooden bridge, so their position was well chosen.

  Suddenly, in the misty rain, a cart emerged out of the gateway of the walled yard through the shadows of the trees and slowly made its way towards the bridge. There was a young boy driving and another figure sat on the back, though they could not get a clear look at the man. The cart pulled to a standstill and both of them climbed off. The boy tied the horse to the bridge loosely and they pulled off water barrels from the back of the cart.

  ‘Where the water is clear and fresh, this is the best place to fill them up,’ said the young boy.

  ‘If it is muddy, then we need to go upstream and use a smaller stream. It takes longer to fill, because the water is not so deep and you need to use a ladle. While you fill the barrel, do not take your eyes away from the filling hole. Once I looked away while dreaming of a bonnie girl, I had not noticed that a large frog liked the hole, decided to look inside and jumped in. The next day, my mother, who could not see well, was washing her face with it when it wriggled free; it landed on her breast. I nearly lost my neck for that.’

  The tall man laughed out loud. He was obviously new to the chore and probably a newcomer to the castle. Tibbot watched on closely to see the man’s complexion. It was a cold damp morning and he was covered with a cape. With the sound of the river and also their distance to them, Tibbot was unable to hear the conversation clearly.