In Lcinster also the two important ” belts ” which connected Dublin with the south were in peril. From the slopes of the mountains the clans attacked both the road by the coast and that through the plains. The latter also was assailed on the other side by the clans of the midland ” island “, Lysaght O’Moore recapturing Dunamase and many other castles in 1329, and Conall O’Moore capturing others in 1346. The O’Connors recovered much of Ui Failghe from the Earl of Kildare, while O’Carroll saved all but the southern part of Eile from the Earl of Ormonde.

Meanwhile the ” little place,” as the Pale was now called, continued to shrink and decay. The unfortunate inhabitants were oppressed as much by the exactions of the lords as by the raids of the clans. ” Coyne and livery ” was still imposed upon them despite frequent laws against it, and the King’s own Deputy set the example.

In 1416, they petitioned the King to pity his ” poor lieges who are environed on all sideswith English rebels and Irish enemies.” Four years later they begged him to obtain the aid of the Pope on their behalf.

While the farmers were spoiled by ” coyne and livery ” the townspeople were impoverished by the anti-Irish enactments which • prohibited them from trading with the Irish. Many fled to England ; others affiliated themselves to neighbouring chiefs and lords. In 1422, Dunlavin, Trim, Collon and Dundalk indicate the borders of the Pale.

Above : Keating Family Logo