Ladders at Sligo
Archived: 19 October 2026
Abstract
During 1501, Ireland’s political life remained intensely regional despite Gerald FitzGerald, eighth earl of Kildare, serving as lord deputy. In Oriel, rival Mac Mahon branches fought, displacing opponents and causing significant deaths, while Maguire forces suffered heavily at Slieve Beagh. Rival O’Conor kinsmen captured Sligo castle by ladders, killing leading combatants. Churchman John Maguire and poet Donnell O’Higgin were commemorated for learning and hospitality. Edmund Burke was seized returning from pilgrimage to Spain and held for ransom. Finally, Turlough O’Brien of Thomond burned parts of Limerick and the Maigue plain, demonstrating warfare’s continuing economic and human impact throughout the island.