DONEGAL GENERATIONS

The River Finn

In 1876, Bella Brooks, a servant girl in Donaghmore Parish (Cavan Upper Townland), was seduced by a farmer’s son and became pregnant. When the lad found out about the pregnancy, he gave her chloroform and with the help of his father’s servant, managed to throw Bella into the River Finn. Her lifeless body was found the next day floating on the river. The police responded and the doctor and coroner examined the body. The locals believed that the doctor and coroner were bribed to conceal critical details of her death. It is not clear who, but either the doctor or the coroner met his death a year later.

Donnchadh MacCongaile, master of Tievebrack National School (in Donaghmore) in the 1930s documented a poem by Francy the Fiddler (Francis Kelly) about the murder. It was included in the Irish Folklore Commission’s project to preserve old stories of the past. The poem is shown below. A longer version can be found in Tony Gallinagh’s book, “A Long Journey in a Short Time.” (Browneprinters Ltd., Letterkenny)

The Murder of Bella Brooks

You tender-hearted Christians, I hope you will draw near,

I claim your kind attention, and I won’t detain you long.

It’s all about a foul murder that took place some years ago.

And how the crime was perpetrated I mean to let you know.

It was about three miles from Castlefin in the County Donegal,

There lived a farmer’s daughter, handsome, young and tall.

She had received some visits from another farmer’s son,

But he was sly and cunning too and soon her favour won.

He took her to his father’s home, a while there for to keep,

One night he gave her chloroform which caused her for to sleep.

And when he got her sleeping, he went to his servant man.

They hurried off to execute their wild and wicked plan.

But to continue some wicked deed, this fair maid to destroy

To steal her out alone at night between him and his servant boy.

They dragged her to the water’s edge and cruelly threw her in.

Next morning her lifeless body was discovered in the Finn

And the people were all shocked to hear that Bella Brooks was drowned.

The doctor, – he was sent for, to drag her to the shore

But human aid was useless her life to restore.

The police, – they were sent for and the news soon spread around

The coroner met to cruel end, and the people do me tell,

One night he got his neck broke, when off his gig to fell

If her parents had been living she would have got fair play

They would have had this man arrested, by whom she was beguiled

And have him tried and punished

For the murder of their child.

Tom Gallen on Drumboe Footbridge.

The first footbridge over the Finn from Ballybofey to Drumboe was erected in 1942 by the McMenamin brothers, James and Paddy. The brothers owned land on both side of the river. Prior to the bridge, the brothers used a row-boat to cross the river. The first bridge was built of shoddy material (because of the war) and collapsed within a year after it was built. Paddy McMenamin with his friend Joe Blee attempted to repair it, but both fell into the river while trying to fix it. The bridge was finally placed back in service in 1944 but was mainly used by the McMenamins on their daily milking runs. Public use of the bridge was discouraged. A locked gate was placed on the Ballybofey side. Chain link sides to the bridge were added around 1946. Later, the McMenamins gave in to requests by locals to use the bridge. In 1970, James’s son Charlie donated the strip of land linking the bridge to Drumboe Woods.

The bridge was closed after being damaged by a huge flood in 1984. It returned to service after the Donegal County Council agreed to repair and strengthen the bridge. It is now a convenient way to access Drumboe Woods from Glenfin Road on the Ballybofey side of the Finn.

Information about the Drumboe footbridge was obtained from the book, “A Long Journey In A Short Time” by Tony Gallinagh (Browneprinters Ltd , Letterkenny)

Aerial view of Monellan Estate today.

Monellan Castle was an impressive building located just south of Crossroads in Donaghmore (Killygordon) Parish, County Donegal.  The castle, which was the manor house of the Delap family, was a 35 room dwelling with part of it underground to be used as a place of safety if required. The castle and its grounds were in full glory from the late 1700s until its demolition in the 1930s – on orders given to the Irish Land Commission from the new Irish government. It was the largest building in the Finn Valley at the time, set in beautiful surroundings second to none in the area.

It is believed that the Monellan estate was granted to a Colonel in the British army for “services rendered to the Crowne.” The Delaps became owners in the late 1700s.

Monellan Castle was built by expert stonemasons from the localities of Meenreagh, Lismullaghduff and Killygordon, with Scottish supervisors looking after the work and took almost three years to complete. It also had a large number of outhouses for the use of the land stewards, servants, maids and coachmen. These buildings extended from a spot known locally as McGlynn’s Bridge, and included Monellan Burn Pass, Edenoughill and Casey’s Brae, and included byres, stables and other buildings for domestic uses. Surrounding the main house were beautiful flower gardens, tennis courts and a bowling green. The approach to the castle must have been beautiful to behold, done out with rhododendron hedges, especially when the hedges were in bloom.

The house, gardens, private grounds, arable land and small parts of the forest were protected by a high wall, extending three miles around most of the estate. Most of this wall remains today and is the only lasting sign of this once fine estate. No wall was required for the part of the estate adjoining the townland of Ballinaman, as a large tributary of the River Finn, known locally as Monellan Burn, served as protection.

The Delaps gave employment to many local men and women. For the then wage of sixpence per week, each worker could take home with them on Saturday night, some milk, potatoes, vegetables and even flowers if a special celebration was in order. Up to twenty women would be employed at the castle each Monday, wash-day, to wash the bedclothes, linen, and tablecloths. All had to be steeped in tubs on the previous Saturday for washing on Monday. On completion of the washing, all the garments had to be put through a hand-operated roller-wringer and dried outdoors. Those walking on the Monellan-Glen road would see the long line of clothes laid out on the neatly trimmed rhododendron bushes.

The Irish Land Commission ordered the destruction of Monellan Castle in the 1930s. The Land Commission was created in 1881 as a rent fixing commission by the Irish Land Act 1881 for Ireland. Later the commission developed into a tenant-purchasing commission and assisted in the transfer of land from landlord to tenant. It’s easy to say now that the destruction of the estate was a mistake but many local people benefited at the time. Some of the small farmers who had bad housing conditions were particularly lucky as the Land Commission built them new and better houses. Most of the stones from the castle were used to build roads on Cronlaughey and Meenlaught in early 1945. Most of the bogland divided at the time has been cut out and is no longer workable.

The aerial photo shows just how much and how little the area has changed since the original buildings were demolished. It’s probable that the presence of the estate wall has helped preserve the outline of what is now forestry.

The Delap Family

The Delaps came into possession of Monellan after Robert Delap of Ramelton married Mary Anne Bogle, the only child of James Bogle who owned the estate. They married in 1776. Robert inherited the estate following James Bogle’s death. Robert and Mary Anne had three children, Samuel Francis Delap (b. 1777), James Bogle Delap (b.1779), and William Drummond Delap.

Following Robert’s death in 1782, Samuel obtained ownership of Monellan and started the building of the “Big House.” James moved to Surrey, England and became a Colonel in the King’s 1st Regiment of Dragoon Guards. William moved to Monsterboyce in Co. Louth.

Sam Delap married Susan Bennett in 1800 and had sons Robert (b. 1802) and John and two daughters. Both sons eventually became clergymen. Sam’s son Robert was the last of the Delaps to own the estate prior to the Land Commission taking ownership. Robert was a trained barrister and a student with Daniel O’ Connell. Soon after qualifying he changed from the practice of law to become a clergyman. Having completed his studies, he returned to Monellan Estate as Rev. Delap and became first Minister of St Anne’s Church of Ireland, which he was responsible for building.

Rev. Robert Delap married Isabella Galbraith in 1834. Isabella died in 1870.

Rev. Delap is buried in the grounds of St. Anne’s Church and his father Sam is buried in one of the aisles. He was buried standing up with a stone slab over the coffin. The slab had to be repaired several times due to subsidence as the coffin rotted away. Rev. Delap’s daughters lived at the estate for over 20 years after his death but eventually left when the estate was sold. They were buried as requested “in the grounds” with their dogs buried beside them. There are a number of graves close in the grounds of Monellan but only one of them is marked as a friend of one of the daughters, but it is pretty certain that this is the final resting place of Rev. Delap’s daughters.

Getting To Monellan

From the N15 Ballybofey to Lifford road, turn off at Killygordon for Crossroads. At the crossroads go straight on for Castlederg. Just past Donegal Creameries take the left turn over the old stone bridge. After approx. 400m, turn right up a tarred road. This looks like a private lane but leads past some houses to the forest gate and the old entrance to the former estate.

The land is now owned and maintained by Coillte who operate an Open Forest Policy. This policy prohibits the use of vehicles and bicycles on forestry land. However, the gate is usually open to allow access to the grave site and parking is limited outside the gate.

Thanks to Chris Irwin of Crossroads for collecting the information about the Delap family which I used in preparing this document.

Old map of the Monellan estate showing location of the castle/manor house.

Rev. Robert Delap

Farm in Meenreagh

During the Penal Times in Ireland (17^th and 18^th century), Catholic priests were banned from the country. Still, priests managed to sneak into parishes to celebrate Mass at secret locations such as at Mass rocks. It was the job of certain parishioners to act as “scouts” to ensure that the priests entered and exited the parishes safely without being captured by soldiers or priest hunters. One such scout was the legendary “Supple” Matthew Gallen of Donaghmore Parish (Killygordon) in County Donegal. This brief story of Matthew Gallen was written in 1934 by Reverend Walter Hegarty C.C. of the parish in his weekly column on the history of Donaghmore in the Derry Journal. It goes as follows:

SUPPLE MATTHEW GALLEN

Rev. Walter Hegarty, C.C.

Derry Journal – April 6, 1934

…This leads us to the story of Supple Matthew Gallen, which I got from Jas. MacLaughlin of Tievbreac, who got it from John Mongan of Ballymongan. This John was the last great storyteller of that district. He was a basketmaker by trade, and, like the old tradesmen, liked to stay a week or two at every house he visited, and the neighbours gathered in to hear his tales.

When the Gallens were driven out of their ancient homeland across the Finn, they came to live in Meenreagh on the Mourne water, and there Matthew was born. His people were active, but he surpassed them all, so that in early manhood he won the title of Supple Matthew. In those days, brave men were needed to guard the priest, Matthew set him himself as the priest’s runner. He would hang about the headquarters of the priest-hunters and find out if they were possessed of the information where Mass was to be said. If they headed out in the proper direction, by taking nearcuts he could outpace their horses and give warning to the Mass hearers. If the pursuers were rather close at hand, he would assume the part of a priest, probably by a borrowed cloak, let himself be seen, move off slowly at first so that his enemies might take up the trail and then with windings and turnings ever faster and faster, he outwitted them all. One such run was told to me by Patrick Crampsie, a feat probably of Matthew’s, which began at the Carran, went up and across the hill, then down again and over the Finn.

There came a close Sunday morning. Mass was to be very far away, near a holy well, but word had reached the persecutors and they made out. Matthew knew how little chance he had of being there in time, but with superhuman effort, he accomplished the feat, shouting a warning and threw himself down on a stone ditch. The laity scattered and as the priest turned to go, he saw Matthew lying. He went over to warn him that, as a marked man, he had better be moving, touched him on the shoulder and found he was dead.

“Minshe Finn” in the Ballintra area is the place it is said that his earthly life ended. If anyone can give any information about this hero of Meenreagh, I should like details. I wished to get the story written up by one of our well-known writers, but it was held up by expecting further news. Meanwhile, Jas. MacLaughlin has been seeking a fresh source, an informant whose profession takes him round a little after the style of John Mongan.

Assaranca Waterfall

Assaranca (Eas a Ranca in Irish) Waterfall is located to the west of Ardara (Co. Donegal) on the way to the Maghera Caves.

Glengesh Pass

The Glengesh Pass is a scenic section of the road between Glencolmcille and Ardara in County Donegal. Glengesh means “Glen of the Swans” in Irish. The high pass through Glengesh and Mulmosog mountains is at 900 feet.

Glengesh Pass

Glengesh Pass

Slieve League Cliffs

Located on the western coast of County Donegal, the Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) cliffs are the highest sea cliffs in Europe, a 1998 feet (609 m.) drop to the Atlantic Ocean. They are almost 3 times the drop of the famous Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.

The sights at the various viewing points are spectacular, and hiking and guided walks are available. The adventurous can take a walk to the highest point of the cliffs on a path called One Man’s Pass. A more gentle route is also available. This highlight of Donegal is not to be missed.

Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League Cliffs

Fanad Head Lighthouse

The Fanad Peninsula separates Lough Swilly from Mulroy Bay on the northern coast of County Donegal. A striking feature of the peninsula is the lighthouse that marks the western entrance to Lough Swilly from the sea.

This Fanad head lighthouse was proposed after the tragic shipwreck of the HMS Saldanha on the rocks in 1812. All hands were lost in the shipwreck. The only survivor was the ship’s parrot who was found with a silver collar inscribed with the ship’s name.

The lighthouse was finished in 1817 and first lit on St. Patrick’s Day. It shone a red light 14 miles out to sea and a white light toward Lough Swilly. The lighthouse was converted to electric operation in 1975 and was automated in 1983.

Fanad Head Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, and in it’s dramatic setting, is one of the highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Fanad Head

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Fanad Head

Fanad Head

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Gun salvaged from the wreck of the SS Laurentic and displayed in Downings

The SS Laurentic was a ship sunk during World War I in Lough Swilly. It was originally built as an ocean liner for the White Star line for passage between Liverpool and Quebec City. At the start of World War I, it was used as an armed merchant ship for transferring troops to Europe from Canada.

Under Captain Reginald Norton, it left Liverpool for Halifax on January 23,1917 with 479 passengers, mostly naval personnel, and 43 tons of gold ingots to purchase munitions from Canada and the United States. The ship made a stop at the Naval Base in Buncrana to allow four ill passengers to disembark. It then moved toward Fanad Head to pick up a destroyer escort to accompany it to Canada.

A blizzard at nightfall made visibility poor, and on January 25, the ship struck two mines in Lough Swilly and sunk within an hour. Those who made it to lifeboats rowed toward Fanad Lighthouse (http://tomgallen.com/2016/11/fanad-head-lighthouse/  ) in the freezing cold.  Of the 475 on board the ship, only 121 survived. Most of those in the lifeboats froze to death and bodies washed ashore for weeks after.

All but about 22 gold ingots were eventually recovered. One of the ship’s guns was recovered in 2007 and displayed in the village of Downings on the Rosguill Peninsula in County Donegal.

My niece, Jeannie Marie, visited County Donegal recently with her brother, her brother’s wife, and a friend. County Donegal was the homeland of her grandparents. Jeannie produced this video which includes many of her photographs. Jeannie has a website in which her paintings and photographs are displayed. The website is: at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/jeanne-allerton.html?tab=artwork.  Prints, and other merchandise made from her images (including several of Ireland), can be purchased at this website.