An Anglo-Norman poet commemorated this event in verse, and celebrates the fame of Rose, a lady who contributed largely to the undertaking, both by her presence and her liberal donations.  He informs us first of the reason for this undertaking.  It was those two troublesome knights, “sire Morice e sire Wauter,” who would not permit the world to be at peace.  He assures us that the citizens of New Ross were most anxious for peace, because they were merchants, and had an extensive trade, which was quite true; but he adds that they were determined to defend their rights if attacked, which was also true.

The poet also compliments the ladies, and thinks that the man would be happy who could have his choice of them.  He also informs us they were to build a “Ladies’ Gate,” where there should be a prison in which all who gave offence to the fair sex should be confined at their pleasure.  Of a surety, New Ross must have been the paradise of ladies in those days.  We have not ascertained whether its fair citizens retain the same potent sway in the present century.

Felim O’Connor died in 1265.  The Four Masters give his obituary thus:  “Felim, son of Cathal Crovderg O’Connor, the defender and supporter of his own province, and of his friends on every side, the expeller and plunderer of his foes; a man full of hospitality, prowess, and renown; the exalter of the clerical orders and men of science; a worthy materies [sic] of a King of Ireland for his nobility, personal shape, heroism, wisdom, clemency, and truth; died, after the victory of unction and penance, in the monastery of the Dominican friars at Roscommon, which he had himself granted to God and that Order.”

He was succeeded by his son, Hugh, “who committed his regal depredation in Offaly.”  It appears to have been considered a customary thing for a new sovereign to signalize himself, as soon as possible, by some display of this description.  He succeeded so well in this same depredation, that the Lord Justice was alarmed, and came to assist De Burgo.  The latter proposed a conference at Carrick-on-Shannon; but Hugh O’Connor suspected treachery, and contrived to get the Earl’s brother, William Oge, into his hands before the conference commenced.  The Earl “passed the night in sadness and sorrow.”  At daybreak a fierce conflict ensued.  Turlough O’Brien, who was coming to assist the Connacians, was met on his way, and slain in single combat by De Burgo.  But his death was fearfully avenged; great numbers of the English were slain, and immense spoils were taken from them.  De Burgo died the following year, in Galway Castle, after a short illness, A.D. 1271.

[Illustration:  CURTAIN CAVE, TIPPERARY.]

[Illustration:  BERMINGHAM TOWER, DUBLIN CASTLE]

FOOTNOTES: 

[328] Life.—­Annals, vol. iii. p. 189.

[329] Christ.—­Annals, vol. iii. p. 281.