School: Clochar na Trócaire, Maghcromtha (roll number 10047)
- Location:
- Macroom, Co. Cork
- Teacher: Na Siúracha
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0342, Page 158
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- (continued from previous page)Dermot arose cautiously from his resting-place and moved silently in the singer's direction, who was none more other than aleprachann that had failed him on several occasions previously. This time, however he stole on the singing sprite, and captured him. The fairy, having had to reluctantly, yield to his fate, was then promised his freedom, on condition that he would transform his captor into a tall, handsome young man. The lerprachaun gladly agreed to the proposal, and immediately Dermot, felt himself growing both handsome and great. Without delay, he proceeded to the house of the beautiful and much-sought-for Chieftain's daughter, where the handsome young stranger was greeted with a great welcome, and feasted with joy, and his proposal accepted by the fair Una McCarthy.The lonely rock where Dermot was resting when he heard the fairy song was chosen by Una as the site of their future dwelling, and when the joy bells had rung and the bridal was ended, the happy pair repaired to their romantic home, now the ruined Castle of Carrigadrohid.
A fierce contest for possession of the Castle took place in the year 1659 between the soldiers of Cromwell and the adherents of the Stuarts. But the castle is especially associated with one of the noblest instances of heroic self-sacrifice recorded in the annals of Ireland's struggle for freedom. The Bishop of Ross, having been defeated and made prisoner at Macroom Castle, was promised pardon if he would persuade the Carrigadrohid garrison to surrender. The prelate consented, and was marched to the stronghold, under the protection of a flag of truce, but instead of asking the garrison to surrender, he exorted them to hold out, saying that his life was nothing in comparison with the cause they had sworn to uphold. He was then hanged in view of the garrison, who exasperated by the spectacle, bravely resisted the forces of Broghill, who later secured(continues on next page)
