Historical notes
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historical notes on Aglish Parish from Irish Tourist Association survey, 1945
It was common in the survey for the surveyor to enclose extra pages dealing with certain topics if the prescribed form did not allow sufficient space. These topics were usually of a historical nature. In the Aglish survey, the additional pages covered two main subjects: a general history of Castlebar and an account of the French invasion.
The history of Castlebar traces the development of the town from the building of the castle by de Barry, which gave the town its name. The castle subsequently passed to the de Burgo family and eventually to the Bingham family, the Earls of Lucan. In addition there are notes on bullet marks on various buildings in the town from the French invasion of 1798 and a description of the French Hill monument accompanied by a sketch. There is a brief mention of the founding of the Land League.
There are almost five pages dedicated to an account of the French invasion, also known as “The Year of the French” , which was the most momentous event in the history of Castlebar. The account begins with General Humbert’s approach to Castlebar, the ensuing battles, the “Races of Castlebar”, the proclamation of John Moore as first President of the Republic of Connaught fighting at French Hill and then on to the final defeat at Ballinamuck, County Longford.
To read the account of the French Invasion please click on the following link:
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Curiosities, customs, patterns