Continued Decay of The Enfeebled Colony and Renewed Vigour of Irish
The attacks of the Irish and the secession of many of the ” Sean-Ghaill” had already loosened the English grip upon the country. Within sight of Dublin, the lands around Tallaght were secured only by paying ” black rent ” to O’Toole ; a similar subsidy was paid to O’Hanlon, who threatened to shut the mountain passes beyond Dundalk which kept up communication with the remaining fortresses on the north-east coast; Mac Murrough was still paid for his protection of the Leinster roads.
Beyond the Shannon both ” mere Irish ” and “English rebels ” were equally independent, and even on the eastern side of that river the descendants of Hugh De Lacy’s followers who lay beyond the line of lakes had also renounced allegiance.
Despite frequent laws against ” absenteeism,” many of the settlers continued to leave the country.
It was this enfeebled colony that the ” Statute of Kilkenny ” was intended to save from absorption. But the bitter hatred displayed by that act towards their race and national institutions was fully appreciated by the Irish.
They knew that it indicated their final extinction, and they saw that it had been passed under the auspices of a son of the King of England.
Naturally, it stimulated them to more vigorous efforts, and expedited the process of recovery. O’Farrell expelled the last settlers from Anghaile, and took complete possession of it; Aodh, King of Connacht (son of Felim of Athenry) raided Meath in 1362 and his successor, Rory, attacked the same district in 1382.
In the south Brian O’Brien, King of Thomond,defeated and slew the Earl of Desmond at Adare, and sacked Limerick (1370). Art Mac Murrough, King of Laighin, retook possession of his ancient territories on the west of the Slaney and threatened the passes of the Barrow.
