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In the days when there was a price on a Priest's head, some
of the deposed Irish were also prey of bounty-hunters. Some
rode as Raparees, and made sporadic attacks on the homes of
the Planters. One of these was Sir Cahir O'Doherty:
"Sandy Ramsey, a Scots Planter settled in Kilmacrennan.
Sandy's enclosure was attacked, in his absence, by Sir Cahir
O'Doherty, his cattle driven off and his home burned.
Sandy knew that the Lord Deputy had offered 500 marks as
a reward for Sir Cahir's severed head. Sandy lay in wait,
for several days, by the Rock of Doon, with his flintlock.
At last, he got his revenge. Sir Cahir came his way, a ball
passed through his head, and he fell, lifeless to the ground.
His followers, thinking they had run into an ambush, scattered.
The Scotsman severed his head from the body and wrapping it
in his plaid, set out for Dublin. He took shelter for the
night, from a Terence Gallagher, who had a cabin by the Ford
at Castlefin.
The Scotsman slept soundly. Terence, waking early, saw the
blood oozing from the 'pillow' under Sandy's head. He eased
it out and recognising the features of Sir Cahir, who was
well known, he took off for Dublin to claim the reward.
He was well on his way, when the heavy-headed Scot awoke
and discovered the theft.
From - "Historic Fords of the Finn"
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The Wild Raparee Priest
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On the bleak hill of Gadra, where the winds howl
He creeps to his hiding place among the wild fowl.
No cry greets his advent, their comrade is he,
And they dream of no harm from the wild Raparee.
But who be those horsemen so late in the storm?
And what seems that glare, tis the king's uniform.
God grant that awake and not sleeping he be,
They are on the track of the wild Raparee.
Tis morn, and the horsemen return from the heath.
But the sword of the foremost is not in it's sheath.
Ah no, on it's bright point, all glory to see
Is the head of the outlaw, the wild Raparee.
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James McLaughlin
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| Written of a priest
who sought safety on the high lands overlooking the Finn
Valley |
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