In recent years, Dr. Ciaran Parker, a learned and prominent historian who lives in Cavan Town, completed a transcription of a manuscript compiled by Dr. John Edward O’Reilly of Annagh in the 1840s. From this we know that this branch of the O'Reillys belonged to the ancient Clonmahon sept of the O'Reillys.
The following excerpt from this manuscript is of interest.
"From the same stock is the present J.E. O'Reilly Esqr. of Anna near Belturbet (the author). His father, the late Hugh O'Reilly Esqr. of Anna, was for seventeen generations on both sides of the house an O'Reilly. In 1793 he was chosen delegate by the Catholicks of Cavan and enjoyed a similar honour in 1815. His mother was in right of her maternal Grandfather Edward de Gernan Senior of the parish of Gernanstown in the county of Louth. In 1784 his Brother Doctor Edmond O'Reilly dedicated his inaugural dissertation at Leydon to Alexander Count O'Reilly which bears honourable testimony to the house of O'Reilly".
The following excerpt from this manuscript is of interest.
"From the same stock is the present J.E. O'Reilly Esqr. of Anna near Belturbet (the author). His father, the late Hugh O'Reilly Esqr. of Anna, was for seventeen generations on both sides of the house an O'Reilly. In 1793 he was chosen delegate by the Catholicks of Cavan and enjoyed a similar honour in 1815. His mother was in right of her maternal Grandfather Edward de Gernan Senior of the parish of Gernanstown in the county of Louth. In 1784 his Brother Doctor Edmond O'Reilly dedicated his inaugural dissertation at Leydon to Alexander Count O'Reilly which bears honourable testimony to the house of O'Reilly".
I am also greatly indebted to an article in “Breifne 1986” by Fr. Hugh O'Reilly C.S.Sp on the O’Reilly family of Annagh from which I have taken almost all of the following information.
Dr. O'Reilly, of Annagh, studied both in Edinburgh and Dublin and qualified in Trinity College as an MD in 1827, was active politically and was a close friend of The Liberator Daniel O'Connell. Annagh House, had been purchased by his family in 1795 and renovated in 1830/31. It was in 1828 that Dr. Edward O’Reilly became the owner of this house and several estates previously owned by his brother, Walter. Apparently Walter, who was a barrister by profession, in addition to inheriting serious debt from his father amassed several additional debts of his own. These became unmanageable for him and he transferred all his properties to his brother, Dr. Edward, together with their mortgages. He then emigrated to France where he died, it is thought, in the year 1838 in the city of Rouen. Dr. Edward established the “Butlersbridge and Urney Dispensary” in a room in the village rented from a Robert Wallace from at least 1844 to 1847 where he acted as the medical attendant.
The Anglo Celt in February 1846 ( http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1848/FEB.html) carried the following report.
"CAVAN ASSIZES
These assizes commenced on yesterday. Richd. FOX, Esq., High Sheriff, entered the Record Court at 12 o'clock, and proceeded to swear in the following Grand Jury:--
T.L. CLEMENTS, Esq., Foreman Right Hon. Earl of Bective
Hon. H.C. BUTLER, Lanesboro Lodge
Henry T CLEMENTS, Ashfield
James HAMILTON, Castlehamilton
Wm. RATHBORNE, Kilcogy
Abraham BRUSH, Drumbar Lodge
John E. VERNON, Bingfield
Wm. A. MOORE, Arranmore Lodge
Michael PHILLIPS, Glenview
Robert CLIFFORD, Carne Cottage
John THOMPSON, Prospect
Joseph DICKSON, Bailieborough
John GUMLEY, Belturbet
Wm. TATLOW, Lismore
John BAKER, Ashgrove
Joseph DICKSON, jun., Drummully, Esqrs.
After the Grand Jury were sworn, John Edward O'REILLY, of Anna, Esq., rose and addressed the High Sheriff as follows:- Mr. Sheriff, I wish to know why my name has been omitted from the Grand Jury panel of this county? The reason, I believe, is because I am a Roman Catholic. I can conceive no other; inasmuch as for the last twenty years I have been a resident and freeholder of this county, and at all times coperated(sic) with the Earl of Farnham and others in maintaining the public peace. I stated these particulars to you, Mr. FOX, at our interview.
The High Sheriff-- When I left out your name, Mr. O'REILLY, I ws not aware of your religious belief.
Mr. O'REILLY-- The fact of my being a Roman Catholic could not be unknown to you, as I had several transactions with yourself in the lifetime of John James, late Earl of Farnham, and from those of the jury, but I most unhesitatingly assert that you have upon this panel many men my inferiors in recommended by my sham friends; but I solemny protest against it.
The High Sheriff denied that he omitted Mr. O'REILLY'S name, because of his being Romain Catholic; but declined stating anything further.
Mr. O'REILLY then left the court....."
Dr. O'Reilly died on 3rd September 1848 of English cholera when, with his wife, he returned to Chester for his mother-in-law's funeral. He had been married for just eighteen months to "an amiable English lady of great fortune" according to the Anglo Celt in September 1848. Dr. O'Reilly was buried in his wife's family vault (the Chamberlaine vault) at the Priory, Birkenhead. He was survived by two sisters and his wife Janetta.
Some names are peculiarly interwoven with the history of Ireland, and of these not one more noble, pure, or illustrious than that of O'REILLY. This ancient, and once powerful family derives its descent from Heremon, son of Milesius, through Con of the Hundred Battles, monarch of Ireland in the second century, and the heads of which were princes of this county, formerly called East Brefny. The O'REILLYs were stripped of the greatest part of the large possessions of their clan, A.D. 1607, by means of one of those pretended rebellions which it was then the fashion to encourage, in order that the wretched instruments might be robbed of their properties. From that time to the present, the O'REILLYs, like others of Milesian origin, have been only titular nobles.
During the wars of James and William, several members of this house particularly distinguished themselves. Philip Oge O'REILLY and Hugh O'REILLY, or REILLY, Esqrs., represented the borough of Cavan in the Irish Parliament of 1689, and Philip and John O'REILLY, or REILLY, Esqrs., the county. Colonel Edmund Buidhe O'REILLY prevented General Gincle's passage of the Shannon at Lanesborough, and made him retreat with considerable loss. The Colonel commanded under the Duke of Berwich at the battle of Tullagh-Mangain hill (now the "Gallows-hill") just above the town of Cavan, fought on 13th of February 1690, with the English, led by Colonel Wolseley. The Irish were defeated in that engagement by means of the superior artillery of the English, but did not retire until they covered the field with dead. A great many more O'REILLYs, or REILLYs, were in King James's army--vis. Colonel John O'REILLY, Major and Captain REILLY (both of whom were killed in the battle of Cavan), and Father Edmund REILLY, who was one of the royal chaplains. After the treaty of Limerick, Col. Edmund Buidhe O'REILLY retired to France, where he died. From him the subject of this notice, John Edward O'REILLY, Esq., was believed descended.
Dr. O'REILLY, whose decease we now deplore, studied in both Dublin and Edinburgh, drawing his degree of bachelor of medicine from the former university. He was the possessor of a hereditary estate of considerable value. Annagh, near Belturbet, was the seat of his residence. About eighteen months ago he married an amiable English lady of great fortune, with whom he lived happily up to the time of his death. Shortly after his marriage, he with his mother-in-law's decease, a fortnight ago, brought him to England. The excitement attendant upon that painful event probably shortened his own life. He leaves no children, brothers, or sisters, and is therefore the last direct descendant of his old and honourable house.
Through life the Doctor was distinguished for his charity and munificence, and his passionate attachment to the royal house of Stuart. The poor of his immediate neighbourhood have particular reason to revere his memory; he was ever their friend and benefactor. For his kindness to us we shall always feel gratefully indebted. The Anglo-Celt had no truer friend and better patron than Doctor O'REILLY. He maintained its interests at a critical time, when foul tongues were spitting out their slander. With the blood of princes in his veins and the charity of a christian in his heart, he has sunk into an early tomb, deeply, sincerely, and most deservedly lamented.
It would appear from the following death and funeral notices that the Chamberlain family was a family of some influence and were held in great respect in their hometown of Chester.
Ref: http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1848/AUG.html
At her residence, Northgate-street House, Chester, Anne, relict of the late John CHAMBERLAINE, Esq., and mother of Mrs. O'REILLY, of Annagh, of this county. (Mr. CHAMBERLAINE was a man of the most exalted views; he was honored by a public procession into the city of Chester; and it was he who suggested to Selford that Liverpool was built on the wrong side of the Mersey.)
The Anglo Celt in February 1846 ( http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1848/FEB.html) carried the following report.
"CAVAN ASSIZES
These assizes commenced on yesterday. Richd. FOX, Esq., High Sheriff, entered the Record Court at 12 o'clock, and proceeded to swear in the following Grand Jury:--
T.L. CLEMENTS, Esq., Foreman Right Hon. Earl of Bective
Hon. H.C. BUTLER, Lanesboro Lodge
Henry T CLEMENTS, Ashfield
James HAMILTON, Castlehamilton
Wm. RATHBORNE, Kilcogy
Abraham BRUSH, Drumbar Lodge
John E. VERNON, Bingfield
Wm. A. MOORE, Arranmore Lodge
Michael PHILLIPS, Glenview
Robert CLIFFORD, Carne Cottage
John THOMPSON, Prospect
Joseph DICKSON, Bailieborough
John GUMLEY, Belturbet
Wm. TATLOW, Lismore
John BAKER, Ashgrove
Joseph DICKSON, jun., Drummully, Esqrs.
After the Grand Jury were sworn, John Edward O'REILLY, of Anna, Esq., rose and addressed the High Sheriff as follows:- Mr. Sheriff, I wish to know why my name has been omitted from the Grand Jury panel of this county? The reason, I believe, is because I am a Roman Catholic. I can conceive no other; inasmuch as for the last twenty years I have been a resident and freeholder of this county, and at all times coperated(sic) with the Earl of Farnham and others in maintaining the public peace. I stated these particulars to you, Mr. FOX, at our interview.
The High Sheriff-- When I left out your name, Mr. O'REILLY, I ws not aware of your religious belief.
Mr. O'REILLY-- The fact of my being a Roman Catholic could not be unknown to you, as I had several transactions with yourself in the lifetime of John James, late Earl of Farnham, and from those of the jury, but I most unhesitatingly assert that you have upon this panel many men my inferiors in recommended by my sham friends; but I solemny protest against it.
The High Sheriff denied that he omitted Mr. O'REILLY'S name, because of his being Romain Catholic; but declined stating anything further.
Mr. O'REILLY then left the court....."
******************
Dr. O'Reilly died on 3rd September 1848 of English cholera when, with his wife, he returned to Chester for his mother-in-law's funeral. He had been married for just eighteen months to "an amiable English lady of great fortune" according to the Anglo Celt in September 1848. Dr. O'Reilly was buried in his wife's family vault (the Chamberlaine vault) at the Priory, Birkenhead. He was survived by two sisters and his wife Janetta.
The following death notice refers to his families genealogy, their contribution nationally and locally and also to Dr. O'Reilly's acedemic and personal achievements.
On the 3d instant, at his residence, the North Gate-street House, Chester, of English cholera, John Edward O'REILLY, Esq., M. B., of Trinity College Dublin--the O'REILLY of Annagh Abbey, in the county of Cavan.
Some names are peculiarly interwoven with the history of Ireland, and of these not one more noble, pure, or illustrious than that of O'REILLY. This ancient, and once powerful family derives its descent from Heremon, son of Milesius, through Con of the Hundred Battles, monarch of Ireland in the second century, and the heads of which were princes of this county, formerly called East Brefny. The O'REILLYs were stripped of the greatest part of the large possessions of their clan, A.D. 1607, by means of one of those pretended rebellions which it was then the fashion to encourage, in order that the wretched instruments might be robbed of their properties. From that time to the present, the O'REILLYs, like others of Milesian origin, have been only titular nobles.
During the wars of James and William, several members of this house particularly distinguished themselves. Philip Oge O'REILLY and Hugh O'REILLY, or REILLY, Esqrs., represented the borough of Cavan in the Irish Parliament of 1689, and Philip and John O'REILLY, or REILLY, Esqrs., the county. Colonel Edmund Buidhe O'REILLY prevented General Gincle's passage of the Shannon at Lanesborough, and made him retreat with considerable loss. The Colonel commanded under the Duke of Berwich at the battle of Tullagh-Mangain hill (now the "Gallows-hill") just above the town of Cavan, fought on 13th of February 1690, with the English, led by Colonel Wolseley. The Irish were defeated in that engagement by means of the superior artillery of the English, but did not retire until they covered the field with dead. A great many more O'REILLYs, or REILLYs, were in King James's army--vis. Colonel John O'REILLY, Major and Captain REILLY (both of whom were killed in the battle of Cavan), and Father Edmund REILLY, who was one of the royal chaplains. After the treaty of Limerick, Col. Edmund Buidhe O'REILLY retired to France, where he died. From him the subject of this notice, John Edward O'REILLY, Esq., was believed descended.
Dr. O'REILLY, whose decease we now deplore, studied in both Dublin and Edinburgh, drawing his degree of bachelor of medicine from the former university. He was the possessor of a hereditary estate of considerable value. Annagh, near Belturbet, was the seat of his residence. About eighteen months ago he married an amiable English lady of great fortune, with whom he lived happily up to the time of his death. Shortly after his marriage, he with his mother-in-law's decease, a fortnight ago, brought him to England. The excitement attendant upon that painful event probably shortened his own life. He leaves no children, brothers, or sisters, and is therefore the last direct descendant of his old and honourable house.
Through life the Doctor was distinguished for his charity and munificence, and his passionate attachment to the royal house of Stuart. The poor of his immediate neighbourhood have particular reason to revere his memory; he was ever their friend and benefactor. For his kindness to us we shall always feel gratefully indebted. The Anglo-Celt had no truer friend and better patron than Doctor O'REILLY. He maintained its interests at a critical time, when foul tongues were spitting out their slander. With the blood of princes in his veins and the charity of a christian in his heart, he has sunk into an early tomb, deeply, sincerely, and most deservedly lamented.
It would appear from the following death and funeral notices that the Chamberlain family was a family of some influence and were held in great respect in their hometown of Chester.
Ref: http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1848/AUG.html
At her residence, Northgate-street House, Chester, Anne, relict of the late John CHAMBERLAINE, Esq., and mother of Mrs. O'REILLY, of Annagh, of this county. (Mr. CHAMBERLAINE was a man of the most exalted views; he was honored by a public procession into the city of Chester; and it was he who suggested to Selford that Liverpool was built on the wrong side of the Mersey.)
August 26, 1848
INTERMENT OF MRS. CHAMBERLAINE--On Tuesday last, the mortal remains of Mrs. CHAMBERLAINE, mother of George John CHAMBERLAINE, Esq., of the Dee House, and of Mrs. O'REILLY, of Annagh, were deposited in the family vault, at Birkenhead, of which town her husband had been the real founder. As Mr. CHAMBERLAINE, during a life prolonged, to his 80th year, had ever been a true Mason, several of the most distinguished of "The Brethern" in the "Old City" of Chester, assisted in depositing the loved partner of his life with the body of her husband. The Rev. Dr. KNOX efficiently went through the service for the dead, according to the Anglican rite, in the most impressive manner.
In London, in the year 1849, his widow, Janetta, married a Capt. John O’Reilly, believed to have originated from Longford. They returned to live in Annagh where Capt. O’Reilly died in 1859. There entire estate was put up for sale by public auction on Jan 19th 1854, apparently to satisfy the demands of their creditors.
Ref: http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1854/JAN.html
January 19, 1854
| Janetta Martha O'REILLY, | ) | PURSUANT to the final decree in |
| Plaintiff: | ) | this cause, bearing date the 22nd day |
| Constantine Joseph SMITH, | ) | of January, 1852, I will, on THURSDAY, |
| and others, | ) | the 20th Day of APRIL, 1854, at my |
| Defendants | ) | Chambers, Inns-Quay, Dublin, at the |
| house of One o'clock in the afternoon, |
SET UP and SELL by PUBLIC AUCTION, to the highest and best bidder, ALL THAT AND THOSE the LANDS OF ANNAGH, otherwise ANNA and KILNALECK, DROMANYBEG, otherwise DRUMANYBEG, DROMHEELY and CORCANIDOS, otherwise CORKENADOES, all in the barony of Loghtee, North Kildallen, otherwise Kildallen, in the Barony of Tullyhunco, and the Castle of Cavan Tenement, situate in the Town of Cavan, all of the County of Cavan, in the pleadings in this cause mentioned, or a competent part thereof, for the purposes in said decree mentioned.
Dated this 16th day of January, 1854
EDWARD LITTON
EDWARD LITTON
The Lands of Annagh and Kilnaleck in the barony of Loghtee, are held in fee under a grant from the Ecclesiastical Commissioner, at the yearly rent of 30l.16s. 1d. They are beautifully situated on the margin of Annagh Lake and comprise a comfortable residence, some choice land, and a valuable turbary with ornamental plantations, the public road from Belterbet to Cavan passes the gate, those lands contain together 293 acres, 2 roods, and 20 perches statute measure, including 53 acres, 2 roods, and 33 perches of water, with a beautiful island therein.
The lands of Dromanybeg and Corcanadoes, situate in the same Barony, and Kildallen, in the Barony of Tullyhunco, are part of the See Islands of Kilmore, and held under John Copeland JONES, Esquire, with "toties quoties" clauses of renewal. subject to small yearly head rents and a quarter's rent and a moidere every five years on the renewal of the respective leases, which have been all renewed in July last.
The tenement in Cavan, yielding an annual rent of 18l. 9s. 2d., is in the occupation of Mr. Edward KENNEDY, and is held in fee.
For rentals and further particulars apply to Messrs SEYMOUR and WEBB, solicitors for the plaintiff, 4, Kildare-street
The family however retained Annagh House and Demense containing 45 acres approx. Despite this, in 1855 the house was advertised for letting.
T O B E L E T,ANNAGH HOUSE AND DEMESNE, CONGTAINING ABOUT Forty Acres of Excellent Ground in Prime Condition.
Annagh House is situate in a good Fishing and Shooting Country, on a leading road, from Cavan to Belturbet, within five miles of the former and two of the latter town, and is beautifully situate in respect both of Wood and Water Scenery.
Application on the Premises, or to Mr. THOMAS REILLY, Butlersbridge.
Possession can be given immediately, and the stock and crops may be had at a valuation.
In June 1861 Mrs Janetta O'Reilly had to deal with another difficulty as outlined in the following extract.
Ref: http://www.irelandoldnews.com/Cavan/1861/JUN.html
The Executors of the late Captain O'REILLY, of Annagh, v. Mrs. O"REILLY
Mr. Knipe stated the case for the plaintiffs. It was an action brought by Dr. BRADY, M.P., for the county of Leitrim, and Mrs. Thomas O'REILLY, executors of the late Captain O"REILLY, of Annagh, to compel the widow of Captain O'REILLY to deliver up to them certain articles--viz, a gold watch, a silver watch, a diamond pin, a brooch, and two rings. The case might be a painful one to Mrs. O'REILLY, but the plaintiffs, as the executors of her late husband, were compelled, on the part of the legatees, to bring the action.
Mr. John Armstrong appeared for Mrs. O'Reilly, and the allegation for the defence was that the articles claimed by plaintiff, or at least some of them, were the property of defendant, the gold watch being a gift presented to her by her late husband before her marriage with him, and that one of the rings was her wedding ring.
Miss Lucy FITZPATRIK (sic), niece to Captain O'Reilly, who claimed the articles as gifts from her late uncle; Mr. Thomas O'Reilly, one of the executors, and the defendant were examined. His Worship...directed the jury (three gentlemen previously sworn) to find a verdict for the plaintiffs...The jury having returned this verdict.
His Worship said he would give a decree for £5 against the defendant, to be turned into a dismiss without costs, if she gave up the articles claimed. Mr. Armstrong engaged that his client would give up the articles.
Janetta continued to live in Annagh until her death in the mid 1880's. Her daughter, also named Janetta, married Timothy O’Kelly, the family coachman and their last surviving son, Joseph O’Kelly, died in 1961. Joseph who is buried in Clonosey graveyard had 3 other sisters, Martha and Millie and another. One of his sisters was married to a man called Mr. Bell from Co. Louth whose son Jack played with Butlersbridge whilst on holidays in the area and played regulary on the Co. Louth football team.The property is now owned by Vincent Bartley.