The Elizabethan State papers, relating to Ireland during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, cover the months from March to October 1600, a time of grave difficulties for the English Government. Efforts had been made to establish control over Ireland through a central authority, but the Queen’s representative in Ireland, the young Earl of Essex, was an unfortunate choice. He was believed to be mainly responsible for the spread of O’Neill’s power throughout the North due to his incompetence or possible treacherous complicity.

Lord Montjoy, Essex’s successor, arrived in Dublin only to find himself in control of just a few miles around the city and dealing with disorganized government forces. Queen Elizabeth’s parsimony further complicated matters, with her order to reduce the strength of forces by 2,000 men. Meanwhile, the Earl of Tyrone controlled all of Ulster and could march through much of Munster and Leinster, while his ally O’Donnell controlled all of Connaught. The corporate towns’ authority was also disregarded.

Taking Limerick as an example, tensions between civic and military powers led to the city siding with the enemy and sending supplies into their camp. The mayor and townsmen boasted gruesome acts like playing football with the head of the constable of Limerick Castle. A conflict arising from a game called “fox to hole” between soldiers and townsmen demonstrates the volatile nature of the situation during that time.

Limerick, a city with a rich history, was a hotbed of political tension during the time of the Elizabethan State papers. The strained relations between the local authorities and the English government added to the city’s instability. In a time when Ireland was divided by the power struggle between the English forces and local Irish leaders, cities like Limerick played a pivotal role in shaping the course of events.

The divided allegiances amongst Limerick’s citizens led to ongoing skirmishes between the opposing sides, both within the city and the surrounding regions. The story of the severed head of the constable of Limerick Castle, as well as other tales of hostility, paint a vivid picture of the chaotic, conflict-ridden environment of the time. Despite its difficult past, Limerick’s resilience has allowed it to grow and prosper, becoming an important hub of culture, arts, and education in modern Ireland. The city’s ancient roots, entwined with its turbulent history, contribute to the dynamic character Limerick holds today, serving as both a reminder of its complex past and a testament to its enduring spirit.

Weekly Irish Times – Saturday 18 April 1903