The O’Connors of Offaly were for nearly two centuries the most heroic, and therefore the most dangerous, of the “Irish enemies.”  Maurice O’Connor Faly and his brother, Calvagh, were the heads of the sept.  The latter had obtained the soubriquet of “the Great Rebel,” from his earnest efforts to free his country.  He had defeated the English in a battle, in which Meiller de Exeter and several others were slain; he had taken the Castle of Kildare; therefore, as he could not be taken himself by fair means, treachery was employed.

The chiefs of Offaly were invited to dinner on Trinity Sunday, A.D. 1315, by Sir Pierce MacFeorais (Peter Bermingham).  As they rose up from table they were cruelly massacred, one by one, with twenty-four of their followers.  This black deed took place at Bermingham’s own Castle of Carbury,[344] county Kildare.  Bermingham was arraigned before King Edward, but no justice was ever obtained for this foul murder.

In the year 1308, Piers Gaveston, the unworthy favourite of Edward II., was appointed Viceroy.  The English barons had long been disgusted by his insolence, and jealous of his influence.  He was banished to France—­or rather a decree to that effect was issued—­but Ireland was substituted, for it was considered a banishment to be sent to that country.  Gaveston, with his usual love of display, was attended by a magnificent suite, and commenced his Viceroyalty in high state.  He was accompanied by his wife, Marguerite, who was closely connected with the royal family.

The Templars had been suppressed and plundered by royal command; but though this evil deed was accomplished without much trouble, there were Irish clans whose suppression was not so easily effected.  The O’Tooles and O’Briens, styled by the Anglo-Normans “les Ototheyles et les Obrynnes,” stood their ground so well, that they had put the late Viceroy to flight this very year, and promised some active employment for his successor.

Edward appears to have had apprehensions as to the kind of reception his favourite was likely to receive from the powerful Earl of Ulster; he therefore wrote him a special letter, requesting his aid and counsel for the Viceroy.  But De Burgo knew his own power too well; and instead of complying with the royal request, he marched off to Drogheda, and then to Trim, where he employed himself in giving sumptuous entertainments, and conferring the honour of knighthood on his adherents.  The favourite was recalled to England at the end of a year.  Edward had conducted him to Bristol, on his way to Ireland; he now went to meet him at Chester, on his return.  Three years later he paid the forfeit of his head for all these condescensions.