School: An Corr Dubh (roll number 14339)

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1. Clever Horse Helps Hero - Myles the Slasher

   

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   Myles "The Slasher" fought in The Cromwellian wars of 1641-49. he defended the historic bridge of Finea against Monroe. He held the bridge against great odds, about twenty to one, until the arrival of Castlehaven. Then it is stated Myles was slain. But an historian formerly of this parish, who claims to be a descendant of the family to which Myles belonged, a Mr O'Reilly retired teacher tells us that Myles cleaned the battlements on horseback and swam the river to a place of safety. He then fought at Ballyconnell in 1642 and cut his way through the British soldiers but left his horse behind. The following day he went back to the British lines dressed as a beggar where he heard that several soldiers had failed to ride a horse that was captured from the rebels. the beggar stated that he could ride any horse; after some consultations they agreed to let Myles ride. When Myles got on his favourite steed he whispered into the horse's ear. The horse made a dash and took Myles far beyond the British lines.
   Later Myles went to Flanders to solicit help for the Irish cause. On his way he called at a monastery where a monk asked Myles if he would grant him a favour. Myles listened

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. place-space-environment
      1. local lore, place-lore (~10,595)

   Language

   English

   Informant

   Patrick Kenny

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   56

   Address

   Miltron Glebe, Co. Leitrim