SOME ACCOUNT OF HIS PREDECESSORS, CON, SHANE AND TIRLOUGH. BY JOHN MITCHEL. "Cu mam croinic do ¿loin Neill.” "Come let us make a chronicle for the O'Neills." DUBLIN: PUBLISHED BY JAMES DUFFY, 10, WELLINGTON-QUAY. 1846. PREFACE. PERHAPS in no country, but only Ireland, would a plain narrative of wars and revolutions that are past and gone two centuries and a half ago, run any risk of being construed as an attempt to foster enmity between the descendants of two races that fought so long since for mastery in the land. Yet the writer of this short record of the life of the greatest Irish chieftain, is warned that such construction may, and by some assuredly will, be put upon the following story and the writer's manner of telling it. But as to the narrative itself, undoubtedly the only question ought to be is it true? And if so-is the truth to be told, or hidden? Is it not at all times, in all places, above all things, desirable to hear the truth instead of a lie? And for the way in which it is told the writer does indeed ac knowledge a strong sympathy with the primitive Irish race, proud and vehement, tender and |