Carraig na bhFear is nestled eight miles outside of Cork City with a count of 500 households. It is steeped with local history. The name of our village has many myths and legends attached to it, Carraig na bhFear was once called "Carrigveare''.
Carraig na bhFear was known as the "Rock of the tall slender men," however nobody is sure of exactly where the rock of Carraig na bhFear is! Most fingers point towards a large rock outside the remains of the MacCarthy castle which from a distance resembles soldiers standing to attention, guarding the old MacCarthy domain.
Others say the name comes from the three men that mined in the quarry in Carraig na bhFear.
Another version is that when the road was being built many years ago, the rock with the faces of three men was blasted to facilitate the building of the new road. Presently the road sweeping around in front of Alice Murphy's house.
Another theory is that it was a boulder at which the men and boys of Carraig na bhFear joined together dancing, telling jokes and reciting poetry. Only God knows where all the women were at the time! And so the name Carraig an bhFear was given to our locality.
Most of the people in the Republic of Ireland are descended from the Celts The Celts came from the region Known as Gaul, or France. With their swords of honour, they soon dominated these early people. They developed an exact code of laws and honoured their poets as much as their kings.
The Celts created a kind of writing called Ogham . Groups of short lines which stood for letters were cut into the corners . You read the stone from bottom to top. - It was used only for such short items as writing on a tombstone. There are many still standing in our locality
There are ringforts still standing in Dunbolg from Celtic times. There is substantial evidence to prove that the Celts lived in Carraig na bhFear, such as standing stones in Kileagh cross and ringforts in Lyrenamon (Michael Horgan's farm) and Ballyvorisheen.
The MacCarthys were the Princes of Munster until the coming of the Normans in 1167-1172.
The clan was split into three powerful sects:
1) The "MacCarthy Mor", with a stronghold in Pallice, Co. Kerry.
2) The "MacCarthy Reagh" Lords of Carbery ruling West Cork with their chief castle in Kilbrittan.
3) The "MacCarthys of Muskerry" with their castle at Blarney.
The MacCarthys held a :firm grip on their lands in Cork and Kerry for hundreds of years. They fought with the English against the mighty Fitzgeralds in the Desmond Wars of the 1570s.
To "Diarmaid mac Taidhgs'' son and heir. "Cormac Og", the Celts left lands at Cloghroe, Carraig na bhFear and all surrounding districts in 1583.
The MacCarthys of Carraig na bhFear were known as the MacCarthy Spainneach because they were educated in Spain.
They were good landlords. They always held the respect of the local people, even when they became Protestants during Penal Times in order to hold onto their lands. The Spainneach MacCarthys had managed to retain their property and in 1718 they changed their name to "MAC Carties" to comfirm their new religion. The little abandoned church across the road from the main gates of' "Colaiste an Chroi Naofa'' in Carraig na bhFear, as it is today is a relic of the time when the MacCarthys became Protestants in order to protect their property.
Where the Sacred Heart College stands today was once part of a million acre estate owned by the MacCarthy clan until the War of Independence in 1916.
The MacCarthys were capable of great savagery. The MacCarthy "hanging tree'' on a little stretch of lawn in front of the castle in Kilbrittan can still be visited today. Ihe MacCarthys decorated this tree with their enemies or victims in full sight of the family living quarters. As with so many Irish tribes and clans, the MacCarthys were driven by inter-family feuding, with brother attacking brother and uncle killing nephew and spates of marriages and re-marriages knitting the whole web together.
From Carraig na bhFear came the "O'Longain'' tribes and "Tadhg O'Donnchadha", better known perhaps as Torna, poet and translator of poets, who was educated at the North Monastery and became Professor of Irish at UCC from 1916 to 1949. His brother Eamonn was lecturer in Irish at IJCC also. A subsept of the MacCarthys of Blarney who had settled in Carraig na bhFear stayed on there, on land still owned by the Earl of Clancarty. What remains of the castle now is merely an irregular stump, much of it having been taken down to ensure the safety of the schoolboys in Carraig na bhFear. It stands adjacent to the much later, manorial house.
The wood 1ands wlhich once sheltered the MacCarthys acres have been cut down, although a number remain to soften the landscape around the college itself where the community farms 200 acres. The old castle was built by "Donal", son of`"Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy", sometime in the late 16th century.
The elaborate house. which was built shortly afterwards, was particularly fine, almost in the style of a french chateau, with lancet style windows, turrets and dormers. The last MacCarthy here was know locally as "Master Robert". He was a man of small stature and still to be seen are the low settings of door knobs and latches within the house. Upon his death in 1922, the estate passed to his two nieces who sold it to Mr. John Sheedy in 1924.
This castle was the last in Ireland to surrender from Cromwell and apart from that interruption, the Spainnaeach, MacCarthys were in Carraig na bhFear from 1589 to 1924.
The MacCarthys manor was later sold again in 1950 and was acquired by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart as a boarding school for young men training for the missions as priests.
The college has since evolved into a day secondary school and is coeducational with 13 years. It has close ties to the local community and created employment, supported local sport and been part of the cultural life of the parish. It had a vibrant poultry industry and dairy farm, and local people use college facilities for everything from meetings to swimming.
The Sacred Heart College at Caraig na bhFear was opened in 1950 in the house which was the last home of the great MacCarthy family in Munster.
Oct.18 1882 - Born Edward De Valera in New York.
April 1885 -Emigrates to Ireland with his uncle.
Sept 1898-Enters Blackrock College University in Dublin. April 1916- Easter Rebellion.
June 1951 - Elected Taoiseach.
Aug . 29, 1975 - Dies in Dublin .
Eamon De Valera came to Carraig na bhFear in l962, for the official opening of the Faithe na bhFili. It was one of the greatest days in the history of Carraig na bhFear. There was a guard of honour under the command of Commandant James A. Mac Mahon. Carol Mac Mahon and Ann Kent, who where in sixth class at the time read the proclamation of the Easter Rising ( the 50th anniversary). John and Nell Noonan danced for the president. Crowds came from far and near for this famous day .
On September 16th 1962 one of the greatest occasions in Carraig na bhFear took place "Cuirt na bhFili.'' Eamon DeValera, the president of Ireland at the time, opened the monument, which stands in the village today.
Upon this monument were a set of plaques with the names of the 13 poets engraved into them. Unfortunately those plaques were torn off and so many of the poets have been forgotten. We have attempted to compile the names and some information about all these poets.
On September 16th 1962 one of the greatest occasions in Carraig na bhFear took place "Cuirt na bhFili.'' Eamon DeValera, the president of Ireland at the time, opened the monument, which stands in the village today.
Upon this monument were a set of plaques with the names of the 13 poets engraved into them. Unfortunately those plaques were torn off and so many of the poets have been forgotten. We have attempted to compile the names and some information about all these poets below.
Mícheal Óg O' Longaín
(1766 - 1837)
He was born on 1st of August 1766 in the parish of Dun Bolg. His mother died when he was 8 1/2 years and his father had died when he was 4 years. He went back to school at 18 learning Arithmetic and Latin and went studying again at the age of 21. He spent over 50 years as a scribe, has written 70 manuscripts from his own hand and about 60 others.
He began writing at the age of 19 with a song for the White Boys (1785). Thoughts of marriage was in his head in 1792 but of emigration in 1795. In 1800 he married. He spent 5 years teaching Irish in Cork City.
In this poem he bade farewell to someone dear to him, composed on May 17th 1837 the very day of his death.
"My hundred blessings and farewell to you, above all others now, Since I am not destined to see you at home, death is here, But by the helps of the Heavenly Father who brought dry land from the sea, I will shortly be that in comfort we'll in heaven meet".
Mícheal Ó Longaín
(1720 - 1770)
Around 1740 he left his home at Baile Dhonnchu and travelled 70 miles to Carraig na bhFear. He settled at Beal Atha Maghair. This believed to be the original Gleann Maghar. He described himself as " a wanderer from Gleann an Ridire ". In 1756 he was working as a scribe in Bandon. In 1761 he was composing poetry at Cuil Meine in the Courcy country. Aindrias Mac Craith described him as:
"A man sagacious, peace-loving noble, A poet of gentlest repute, Magnificent, affable and duly charming"
He got married in around 1764. He died four years after Micheal Óg was born.
Athair Tadhg Ó Mhurchu.
(C.-1971)
Athar Tadhg O Mhurchu was Parish Priest in Carraig na bhFear for over a dozen years and he assisted in the building Of the Church Of the Immaculate Conception in the village and the school " Scoil an Athar Tadhg" which obviously, was named after him.
He changed the name of our locality from Carraigneveare to what it is today Carraig na bhFear, the men of the rock.
A special prayer was said for him at the opening of the church which he laboured so zealously to see opened and worshiped in. He had such an effect in the Carraig na bhFear area for about twelve years.
Athar Tadgh O' Mhurchu died in December 1971.
Fr Conchur Mar Cairteaín
(1658-1739)
He was ordained in 1684 by Bishop Creagh . He composed verses in Latin, English ,and Irish. He composed the inscription for 2 head stones for the family tomb in Tempall Loiscthe in 1710*.
He translated Latin into an Irish catechism with the help of many other priests.
He also taught Sean na Raithineach.
Beneath this soil I sleep,
The savant of the Cairteanaigh
I who pursued wisdom and the arts,
And excelled among the schools.
Fare thee well, unclean earth.
All the glory of the world is nothingness save the love of God.
Eamon Ó Donnchu
(1876-1958)
Eamon was 2yrs. younger than Torna (his brother), he got his early education at Glaise Bhui National School. He spent some time as a monitor in the same school before going to St. Patrick's Training College in 1895. He taught in Cork City from 1897-1904. He was aprincipal of Clogheen N.S. in 1905, when he was made part time Lecturer in Modern Irish at Queen's College Cork. When Eamon retired in 1946 he had completed a term of 40yrs. at the National University. His love for Irish began at an early age as he was born and reared 2 miles north of Carraig na bhFear where they all spoke Irish fluently. However the people ceased to speak the native language because there was no Irish in the N.S. But his enthusiasm for it did not lessen. But every evening Eamon and Torna visited a man named Sean O' Daighneain to be taught this Irish language. Old Donall O' Ceallaigh and his father-in-law know to all as "Gran" were wonderful storytellers and Eamon collected many a tale from them.
About 1895 Eamon's father began to teach Irish each night, all young people attend these classes. Eamon himself ran classes like these for teachers at University College (1922-1929). He wrote a great deal of poetry under the penname "Eamon a Chnuic". Some of his books were
"Mionchaint Scoile", "Ceachta Mioneolais", "Graimear na Gaeilge",
"Uimhriocht Arda na hUimhriochta'', "Gluais Mhatamaitice" and
"Ceimseata Scoile". He founded and edited "Earna", the journal of the Celtic School (1924-19271. All students he taught found him a gentle, humorous, kindly man who had a soft word for everyone but especially for the weak student.
He died on 11-March-1953 and is buried with his ancestors in Temple Geal.
Ríbeard Breathnach
( 1740- 1810)
He deserves our remembrance on 2 scores. It was to him it fell to lament Sean - na Raithineach on his death in 1762. It was also he who preserved for Michea Og's family manuscripts left to Micheal when his parents died. Perhaps, it was he who helped Micheal Og who on his death saluted him as:
"Protector of the unfortunate the fatherless orphan, and many others too. "
In one of Ribeards manuscripts we find this touching personal entry:
"The day on which Siobhán, daughter of Ribeard, died at Baile Breac was the 23rd of August 1773 and her age at that time was 7 years and 1 1/2 months. "
There's not much more known about him.
Sean Ó Mhurchu na Raithineach
(1700-1762)
Sean was regulary referred to as "Gentle Brother of Ó Murchu of Leinster". Sean Mac Diarmada Mic Donaill was his full name.
His forbears came from Bandon. The branch of the family which he came from was known as, Sean O Murchu na Raithineach. Some time in the 17th Century his grand father Donall came to Carraig na bhFear.
Sean was born in the 1700's a quarter of a mile North of the village along the road and a short distance to the East.
His first poem was composed at the early age of 19.
It is a lament for his only brother Donall who died on June 11th 1719.
He liked to research into ancient manuscripts and devoted special attention to music.
He got married in 1725 and had 6 daughters and 1 son.
Liam Duna died in 1724, was succceded by Liam Rua Mac Coitir from Castlelyons as head of the Count of Poets he died in 1738. Sean succeeded him unti1 his death.
He died in September 1762, inscripted on his tombstone in Whitechurch is, written by an unknown poet,
A man generous and kind and an accomplished poet, Scion of the old Irish cIan of O Murchu he took a firm stand against the foreigner, In the land of his forefathers the Islands of Saints.
A note book, which contained 145 poems and 230 pages, was found in America in 1938. Poems were written between 1719 to 1740.
In l954 Torna published this notebook. These poems and stories were about the people and their times for 43 years.
Liam Mac Curtain An Duna
(1668- 1724)
Liam at 22 years was an officer in the army of the Mc Carthys. At Beal Atha Salainn the Six Mile Water) a few miles from his native home, Liam led the men of his district in an ambush on a group of Williamite soldiers on April 29th 1691. Liam died in November in 1724, his son, Donall, received all his books .
Through riches and wealth I have none, I have squandered and lost them too soon, I cherish the friendship of one, Who is constant, kind-hearted and true.
This opening verse of one of his poems, gives us a good idea of the evil days that had upon him, and how he had come down in the world.
Torna Ó Donnchu
(1874-1949)
The year Tadhg (torna) was born, in Carraig na bhFear Irish was still being extensively spoken by both young and old, from this he also acquired his love of learning and poetry. When he took up work in Dublin as a National School teacher he began to study Old Irish, Celtic Languages and French and German in order to gain a scholarship in the Irish language. His aim was to provide the people of Ireland with as much of the older literature as he possibly could. Torna was above all else a Gaelic Leaguer. He was an important scholar, and it's mostly as a scholar that he shall be remembered. He was appointed Pro. Of Irish in University College, Gork, in 1916, and from then until his retirement in 1944, scores of students received a first class training from him in Irish scholar. He was a poet as well as a scholar, the last, one may say, of the Blarney School of poets. One might say that his whole work is based on one hand, on "pietas" to his ancestors, and on the other hand, on a steadfast faith in the future of the nation The substance of Torna's scholarly work was based on what he heard around him as a child and on the desire to preserve his people's poetry and especially the poetry of his own district. In Dublin, 1892-1916, after his daily work, he would spend his time teaching Gaelic League classes. He introduced modern language teaching methods as far back as 1897 and Craobh an Cheitinnigh in 1901. He was an editor of "Banba'' and "Gaelic Journal". He knew many famous people ranging from George Moore to Patrick Pearse. Moore wrote short stories in English and then translated them to Irish, and it was Torna who carried out this intention. When Patrick Pearse wanted help to compile his little anthology "an tAithriseoir" Torna helped him. He was a refined man, very gentle, very simple. His culture knowledge was wide-ranging. He knew a good deal of Irish music and dancing. He translated scores of poems from German, French, Welsh, English and Breton. He composed scores of original poems in Irish. It was impossible for anyone who met him not to feel affection for him. But there is no need to have met him to appreciate his distinction of mind. These are the traits which will signify for coming generations the nobility of Torna and the spirituality that was in him. He died in October 1949 and lies buried in Reilg Bharra.
Bishop Sean Ó Bríaín
(1701-1769)
On Jan. 10th 1748 Sean Mac Thomais O' Briain was appointed Bishop of Cloyne and Ross. Previously he had been working as a priest in Carraig na bhFear. He was born in 1701 at Beal Ath an Mhadaidh in the Cill Dairbhre district in north east Cork. He was ordained in France and perhaps spent some further time them before returning to Ireland. Scenes of Southern France occasionally were mentioned in his writings. He probably began his labours as a priest in Ireland in 1734. Fr. O' Briain was around Carraig na bhFear in 1745 and stayed in the "Big House" (Mc Carthys). He is remembered as a fine natured man with a sense of humour through his sermons. And he got on with the people of Carraig na bhFear very well. When his horse died the parishioners bought him another one. This act won the people a seven versed poem by Fr. O' Briain which begins:
"A people like to my people no priest has,
A goodpeople, jolly, comfortable and prosperous,
A people free from ahuslishness and unsociability- loyal and human,
Readily did they neatly place a steed beneath my weary body. ''
He published an Irish - Eng. Dictionary published in Paris (1768). He also wrote a short book in simple language on Irish history supplying all dates. Fr. O' Briain wasn't a finished scholar in either linguistic training or history. It is said that he went abroad returned, and went abroad again later. He spent the last 3 years of his life in France. He died in Lyon in 1769 and he was honourably interred in a famous church.
This is the record of his bunal in 1769.
The most reverend and most illustrious Sean O' Briain "bishop of the United diocesses of Cloyne and Ross in Ireland died on the 13th of March, aged 68 and was interred on the l5th of this month by me, the -undersigned administrator in the tomb beside the parish altar of this church, in the presence of Fr Ó Hea and Henry Schouler, priests of the congregation of the Mission of the Lyon house, and of the other unsigned.
Conchúr Ó Buachalla
(c-1840)
Conchúr O Buachalla cannot be denied a place among the poets of Carraig na bhFear. His poems of praise to the parish was published in 1912. He wasn't a native of (Carraig na bhFear, but rather of Boule Garbhain, south ofCork City. Conchir is said to have been a journeyman carpenter, he also spent a great part of his life with the O Donuchu family of Tuairin Aine in the Parish. No other verses of his have survived except 7 in all. All these are about Carraig na bhFear its scenery and its sport. The praise in its conventional (everyday) manner of the 18 and 19 century but is also warm and sincere. That one song will keep Conchir O Buachalla name alive as long as there are people with a love for the language in which he composed it and for the spot, which won his praise.
Fr Íosaf Mac Cairteain
(1696- 1752)
In Dun Bolg, a tomb stone stands above his remains, engraved on it we find:
"Here lyeth the body of the Rev. Joseph Curtain, Parish Priest of Dunbolg who departed this life the 20th day of Jan. 1752 in ye 56th year of his age. "
He came to Carraig na bhFear as a curate in 1724 . we know nothing of him before he came to Carraig na bhFear. Fr. Iosaf died at a early age of 56. He suffered from some affliction of the neck, which tradition has attributed to the attacks of the Evil One . It is said that one night when the priest was on a sick call from Laghar, Satan attacked him on the road. The priest over came him but in the height of the struggle, the saintly man's neck was so badly twisted that he could never hold his head straight but was ever more turned sideways over one shoulder . Torna gave no credence to the legend but ascribed the malady to a cerebral haemorrhage/stroke.
Twenty -eight years previously he had came to the parish and now Sean na Raithineach wrote a sincere and touching lament for him.
"Beneath this sod, alas, now lies,
This saintly poet and scholar wise,
Brave yet gentle, kind and good,
Joseph Mac Cairteain of noble blood.
Donncha Ó Floínn
(1760-1830)
For the last 30yrs. of his life he lived in Shandon Street. He was born in Baile na Gcloch, Carraig na bhFear. His family came from Baile na Chrocaigh in Cork City. He had a great knowledge of Latin and French and he had an interest in French affairs. He received part of his education in France, perhaps as a clerical student. In 1954 one of his decents gave Bishop Lucey a manuscript prayer book on which Donncha had spent 27yrs working on it. He finished in 1827, 3yrs. before he died. It was called " Spiritual Gift ", or "The way to heaven". He had an interest in Archaeology and Manuscripts or in the general welfare in Irish. Inscripted on his grave written by one of the O Dreada family. It was written in Irish. Translated it read:
Memorial of Donnchadh O' Floinn I.H.S.
In this shalt thou conquer.
Every christian who reads my gravestone, And meditates on my condition, His prayer I implore for God 's sake,
That my soul may be free from every fault, Though my corrupt body be rigid, And my aged bones be underyour edge, stone,
My senses scattered and my hands be helpess, And my skull being tossed among stones.
Instead of my brains are maggots and beetles,
Triumphantly waging conflict,
Rallying forces side by side,
To see which of them shall capture the fort,
I beseech your prayer and the prayer of everyone,
In
Early Christian Times, the Irish Church was dominated by scattered rural
churches from 6th century onwards. These were surrounded by large
circular enclosures. The buildings inside these were often built of wood.
Evidence of these early churches are to be found at Killeagh Cross in
Ballinabortagh.
The word Killeagh means grey church and also there is an unbaptised burial ground there. O’ Donoghue visited the church site in 1914 and he said that the church was used as a chapel more than three generations ago. No visible traces are to be seen today, however a Bullaun stone has survived.
Bullaun stones are man-made hollows cut into rocks or small portable stones. There exact function is not clear but many believe they are similar to holy wells. In the midlands, these stones are known as cursing stones. It is said that if you turn a round stone in the hollow of the bullaun three times you can curse an enemy. The Bullaun stone at Killeagh can still be seen.
Visiting holy wells is as old, if not older than Irish Christianity. Many are known to give cures and are associated with Our Lady. There is at least two in Carraig Na bhFear. One is at Tobairin Muire ( The Virgin's little Well) and the other is at Laharn. This one is known as Sundays Well. Legend has it that the owners mother-in –Law was cured of her walking disability there.
It was in the 17th century the parishes of Carraig na bhFear and Gleann Meaghair were united. We know that Fr Conchur Mac Cairtean who was ordained in 1684 was in charge of two parishes, as well as Rath Cuanna (Rathcooney). His successor was Iosaf Mac Cairtemn. The Union was undoubtedly caused by the shortage of clergy. Carraig na bhFear district was a parish in its own name, but the parish was then called Dun Bolg- an ancient name, probably connected with the Fir Bolg who inhabited parts of South Munster in early times . The name Dun Bolg must be older than the church which in turn was built in 1291 A. D. It may have been a Norman stucture, as we know that there was a small Norman town in Dun Bolg at this period.
The old vilIage was where Castle Manor is today, it was called Chapel Hill, the chapel was on the South side of the stream. Most of the poor peoples houses where built of mud, which is why there are no foundations to be found today . The people made everything themselves, but they did have blacksmiths, nailers and many more. There was a blacksmith named Dooley who made Micheal Og Q' Longain to write a poem for him. This is the last verse:
Between the devil and DOOIEY,
There are not many letters,
If the devil swept Dooley,
Carraig na bhFear would be better!
The modern parish of Carraig na bhFear does not entirely coincide with the old parish. The civil parish of Dun Bolg contains the following townlands; Baile Breac, Baile na gCloch, Baile na bPortach ,Laghair, Baile Mhuirisin, Gorm Lui, Gorgt na Lathai, Bothar Ard, Glaise Bui, Drom Bui, Carraig na bhFear, Baile Huiste, Cnoc na Cathrach.
There is no trace of the chapel formerly at Chapel Hill.
Cork to Carraig na bhFear stage coach had many stops along the way, it entered Carraig na bhfear coming down Chapel Hill, across the river on the old bridge and entering Carraig na bhFear on the college road, turning left up the village and stopping at Fords Post Office which was then the Coach House. The Village itself was only on the right handside of the road, it was only later that the church and the boys (Coakleys) and Girls schools (Community Hall) were built on the left of the village. John Noonans house was the the old Garda Station and Doctors Surgery in 1852.
Far into the hills beyond Carraig na bhFear one mile from the source of the river which gives its name, is the two roomed Glashaboy National school.
Glashaboy National school was built in a bleak boggy wilderness and until recent times, was accessible only on foot over a narrow footbridge, now rendered obsolete by a wider bridge which can take vehicular traffic.
It was opened in 1872 two years before Tadha O Donncha one of the areas best know scholars was born . His brother Eamon and "Canon Din" ( later to become Parish Priest of Bandon ) were also taught there, as many young boys who went on to become scholars and writers.
Mrs Cait Mullane came to Glashaboy in 1943 to take up her first permanent teaching appointment. When she came, the school which once had four teachers and about twenty children enrolled, could support only herself . Six years later, she got an assistant but once more from 1968, Mrs Mullane remained on her own in Glashaboy. One time the children all came from houses within three mile radius of the school . Nowadays school buses will collect them from five miles around. The area around Carraig na bhFear produced twelve well known poets, people do not speak much Irish there now but some of the older people are still fluent.
This poem was written about the closure of Glashaboy.
To close down schools and colleges, Has lately been the vogue, But now I see the powers that be, Have just closed down Glenogue. A tale was told in days of old, Named "Woodman spare that tree ''
But now I see the powers that be, Have just closed down Glenogue. A tale was told in days of old, Named "Woodman spare that tree " With one foul stroke, Sturdy oak, Has been felled for al1 to see.
My heart grew sad when I did hear, They closed down Glaise Bui, Fond memories of that hallowed spot, Are ever dear to me, Of teachers wise and pupils bright, And dear friends that I knew.
The Canon Din and Eamon and Torna Donncha. Amongst those in that noble land, Was on tAthair Murchu, Headmaster Sean O'Regan and Mrs Cait Mullane, Their names in future will well remembered be, An honour to our parish and the pride of Glaise - Bui . "Mo Bhron", dear friends, two schools are gone, We'll keep their memory green Their glamorous past we won't forget. In Lyrenamon and Bweeing.
Glashaboy N. S. was amalgamated with Scoil An AtharTadhg in September 1974. There was little need for corporal punishment as children were always co-operative and well behaved . The children studied the basic subjects - English, Irish, Religion, Maths History and Geography. The girls did knitting and sewing. The only teaching aids were the blackboard and chalk .
This Church was given its name "The Church of The Immaculate Conception" . It had no name until the 80th year of its existence! It was built around 1810-1820. The Church is situated next to local shop "Coakleys" in the village. Like many other churches around 1810-1820 it had a gallery, altar rails and apart from two or three stain glass windows the church was almost completely in darkness. May 21st 1972 is a memorable day in the life of Carraig na bhFear, with its newly re-constructed Church of the Immaculate Conception was blessed and opened for worship with evening Mass.
The village church had served its congregation well for over a century and a half. It was a relic of Catholic Emancipation days and a reminder of the times when Caraig na bhFear was a "breach-Ghealtacht". an area deeply versed in Gaelic poetry and lore. A new 1ighting scheme was designed and new light fittings provided in the form of a continuous frieze on both sides of the church to give an uninterrupted view of the ceiling. A complete oil fired central heating system was installed throughout the church. A feature of the re-design is the relocation of the sacristy door in a recess which in former days accommodated a Calvary and is now utilised as a confessional box recess, and the entrance from the sacristy to the church now allows the celebrant to proceed through the congregation from the sanctuary. Another feature is the demolition of the old front walls and railings between the church and the adjoining cemetery, giving a more open effect to the public.
The existing Oak altar was dismantled, treated and reconstructed to form a high altar facing the congregation and the high backed section with motifs preached by Rev. Donal Linehan. During the work of rebuilding the community of Carraig na bhFear had been fortunate to have almost at it's door step the Sacred Heart Fathers College, Colaiste an Chraoi Naofa, with its beautifu1 college Oratory. This was placed at the disposa1 of the parishioners for Sunday Mass and they were grateful indeed for this facility. The The work carried out for the new church included a New roof, gutters, rain water drains, including new cantillered concrete barges, external roughcast dash and smooth pIaster panels under and over windows, complete internal plaster, new concrete floor with vinyl rubber tiling, new wood block santuary floor, windows to the southern elevation were increased to five from three also a new window was provided in the sanctuary to the northern side.
Windows
The existing windows were relocated on either side of the sanctuary and new stained glass windows provided to the nave. As the church is dedicated to Our Lady. an existing window depicting her was a re-positioned to the front gable, over looking the public road and flood lighting provided behind to give a dramatic effect after dark.
The total cost of reconstruction was surprisingly only 44,000 euro!orate
To commemorate the Jubilee year 2000, a stained glass window depicting the Nativity Scene was commissioned by the parishioners of Carraig na bhFear. On Christmas eve 1999 the window was officially unveiled at midnight mass by the youngest pupil at Scoil an Athar Tadhg (Áine Sheehan).
Carraig na bhFear Swimming Pool was built in l963. It was built by voluntary labour . Among the people who helped build the pool were John Walsh, Tom Carey, Pa Walsh, James A. Mac Mahon and An tAthair Tadhg . The pool was initially filled by gravity flow, the water coming down from a small dammed river , 150 metres up river, water was kept fresh by continuous flow through the pool. The pool was then 9 feet at the deep end and had a diving board. Interest in the pool diminished after a couple of years.
The pool was closed for a few years before it was reopened in 1984. The pool was continually improved over the years and was heated in 1996. Hot showers were installed in 1998, and in 1999 the entrance was changed for safety reasons . Some of the families that initially helped build the pool are still involved with the running of the pool. Some people have been swimming in the pool for 35 years.
The
Protestant Church of Carraig Na bhFear is situated adjacent to the main entrance
of Coláiste an Chroí Naofa. It is now derelict and slightly dilapidated, during
the Penal Times the MacCarthys built this church and converted their religion
from Catholic to Protestant to hold a firm grip on their many acres of land.
However, the MacCarthys never really converted their religion it was a cover-up.
They stayed loyal to their Catholic faith and religion. Only the residents
of Carraig Na bhFear knew that they were still Catholic. For this they were seen
as honourable landlords and everyone had a great respect for them.
The Lake In Sacred Heart College
The Lake of Carraig Na bhFear is situated on the former MacCarthy estate. This lake consists of two rivers, Glaise Buí and Cloch Na gCaise. This is known as the “Meeting of the Waters”. This tranquil setting is surrounded by trees in plentiful. The MacCarthys loved to be surrounded by the Shade and protection of the trees. Sadly, some of these magnificent specimens were cut down over the past few years. The lake is nestled cosily among the prominent trees below the ruins of the MacCarthy domain. To create this lake took a lot of time but it was well worth it because today it accommodates the aqua activities such as canoeing for the students and other school visiting the area.
Writing in the Sunday
Independent, 13 May 1973 journalist Des Moore called the undertaking at Carraig
na bhFear “The Do-It-Yourself job in the seventies of County Cork.” This is
probably the best summing up of the work done. One of Munster’s most
illustrious families, Na Cárthaigh, were once the Lords of Carraig Na bhFear.
The grounds where their house and castle stood are now the property of Coláiste
an Chroí Naofa. During the reign of the McCarthy’s the glen in front of the
Big House formed one of the most beautiful castle gardens in Ireland. With the
fall of the Lords of Carraig na bhFear neglect brought ruin to this once
carefully cultivated sheltered
area. 
It was in the academic
year 1971-1972 that Civics was introduced as a new subject into the post-primary
curriculum. Fifth year students of 1972-1973 were presented with the subject one
hour per week. When Shell-BP announced that they would sponsor a National
Conservation Project, organised by the Department of Lands, involving young
people from secondary and vocational schools, thoughts were directed to the
restoration of the lost beauty. It
was an tAthair Donnacha Mac Cárthaigh, the civics teacher, who made the
suggestion and detailed the work involved. The proposed was enthusiastically
welcomed by the fifth year students who much preferred open air to the
confinement of the classroom. Within a short time work was commenced. Old tree
trunks were removed, scrub, briars and weeds were rooted out, rubbish dumped by
man and element was cleared. Evening after evening the roar of the chain saw,
the crash of the axe and the hum of conversation echoed from the glen. The task
seemed enormous, as indeed it was, but enthusiam and consistency prevailed in
good weather and in bad, in early hours and in late and finally the finished
effort was there to behold.
Construction of the dam
was the formidable of all tasks undertaken. In a practical manner the workers
learned of the strength and erosive power of the water. At times they wondered
if seepage would ever be stopped as time and again their best efforts were
frustrated. It took in the region
of ten tons of cement and two hundred concrete blocks before the task was
accomplished. The cement was mixed near an Sean-Teach and taken to the glen by
tractor. On more than one occasion the evening’s work
was completed under the illumination of tractor headlights.
One Saturday night, months after the work was begun, the sluice gates were closed, at a late hour, in the now completed dam. Slowly, very slowly, the level of water upstream began to rise and to spread out over the banks. Thick darkness had set in before everyone reluctantly directed their steps to the College and to bed. That night everyone tried to imagine what the next day would show-success or failure. Through the trees patches of silvery water gleamed and arrived at the edge of the clearing the students stopped in wonder as spread out in front of the them was a lake some two hundred yards long sparkling like a huge pane of glass. Coming clearly in the morning air was the roar of the water as it cascaded over the dam. What satisfaction on an ambition realised!
During
the Irish Civil War republicans and free-staters fought against one another.
During the war a republican by the name of Power was shot by the free-staters. A
cross was erected in Mileen in honour of this man. The Delaney brothers, who
were also republicans, were shot in Dublin Hill in Cork. The Republican Plot was
erected in honour of these slayed men.
During
these troubled times a man was seen acting suspiciously in Kent’s field of
Gormlee. The republicans thought he was a spy for the free- staters. They
decided to shoot him. He was buried exactly where he was shot. Suddenly a light
appeared over the area of the burial. Years later, it was decided that he would
be dug up and buried in Grenagh Cemetery. They opened the coffin to find his
body perfectly in tact. When he was removed the light disappeared. People
sometimes ponder and come to the conclusion that maybe he had been an innocent
man.
At the time of The Civil War, an IRA captain Bill Linehan of Mileen was commanded to assassinate an R.I.C. Lieutenant by the name of Tadgh Curtin at his residence also in Mileen. When Captain Linehan and his men arrived at his door, Mr. Curtin answered it holding a baby in his arms. Mr. Linehan ordered his men to refrain from firing. A week later, Mr. Curtin was shot while exiting a Dublin Church.
There were four castles in the area of note, one was at John Murphy's Ballyvorisheen, the stone from which was used in building the Catholic church in Carraig na bhFear. The second was at Michael Horgan's, Ballindura. The third was at Dun Bollogue in Murphy's field across from the cemetery and the fourth was in the grounds of the McCarthy's great house now Sacred Heart College. In the 1500's the McCarthys were given their lands by the Earl of desmond.
From time to time at Michael horgan's Ballindura there can still be found cannonballs from the result of a battle once fought there by Cromwell.
Legend has it that during the penal times a Horseman on the run from a group called the "White Boys" was seen to jump a hedge at Michael Horgan's onto the Glenville road. As the horseman landed he and his horse vanished into thin air. All that remains as proof is a single hoofprint imbedded in the rock.
by John Healy Corpus Christi 2000
Mass Rocks or "Carraig an Aifrinn" were often situated on high and sheltered ground, or on level and sheltered ground. The Mass Rock - Carraig an Aifrinn- at Glenville is in a gorge or deep hollow. The northern side is protected and concealed an upright mass of rock, while the southern side consists of a steep embankment. Before flowing past the Mass Rock, the river Bride is slightly curved to the southwest. First time visitors are surprised at the entrance from the bridge. They probably consider it narrow. In the penal times when Mass was celebrated, Carrig an Aifrinn, was almost concealed from view. This was to protect the priest and congregation from priest hunters and others of the same kind. Try to imagine what Carraig an Aifrinn looked like at that time. The old Bride Bridge was not built at that time and it was, probably, covered by trees on each bank. The entrance to the rock would be barely noticeable so as not to attract unwelcome visitors. The western side of the Bride near the rock would also be covered in from each bank Unlike many other Mass Rocks, Carraig an Aifrinn would be visible only from the air. People remark at the peacefiul atmosphere here almost cut away from the world, nothing but the rock and the river and the southern bank - all made by nature.
It is important to understand the risks to life of the priest and congregation at Carraig an Aifrinn. The rock "Carraig an Aifrinn" was in the parish of Dunbullogue, while across the river where the congregation stood was in the parish of Ardnageehy. At that time the priest was very careful not to be in possession of baptism details or registers or it would reveal them to the authorities. This is one of the reasons why there was never any account of how many Masses were celebrated at any Mass Rock.
Tradition states that there was another Mass Rock at nearby Coome. This may have been used to confuse the priest hunters. The Parish Priest of Dunbollogue, Peter Murrough, was Vicar General to the Bishop of Cork, Bishop John Baptist Sleyne. Both the Bishop and the priest were in Cork Gaol. Peter Murrough's capture gained £21 for the priest hunter. Under the "Banishment Act" of 1697 seventy-five priests were shipped from Cork. They could be sent anywhere so long as they were got out of the country. All priests had to be registered. The priests that celebrated mass at the Mass Rocks were mainly unregistered. Most of these were ordained in the Continent and celebrated Mass at Mass Rocks due to the scarcity of priests brought about by the policies of the Establishment at that time. They thought that by imprisoning bishops priest could not be ordained. Against that background nobody was anxious to publish the times of Masses. Despite all this our ancestors went to Mass at the MassRocks. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten.