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.

Above : O’Neills Family Logo

Effects of the Invasion.—The failure of the Bruce invasion did not check the recovery of the Irish, which had already begun. On the contrary, the recovery became more pronounced and the clans stronger. The devastation of war, famine, and pestilence had brought the whole island to ruin, and in this were involved the two races and all classes. But the settlers, being less deeply rooted in the soil, were more affected, and they gave way. The Crown of England had proved itself powerless, and unable to give that external aid which alone could have supported them in the country. Their leaders were at deadly feud. So, indeed, were the Irish families, also, but the native clans retained their natural strength, and the foreign element yielded before them. Many of the settlers returned to England ; many others became absorbed in, or were subdued by, the Irish clans. The century after the invasion witnessed the steady advance of the Irish in all parts of the country.

Above : Picture Of Sir John Talbot, The Lord Deputy