The Land League, formally known as the Irish National Land League, was established in 1879 to address the grievances of Irish tenant farmers against oppressive landlordism. In Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, the local branch was part of this broader movement, which sought the “Three Fs”: fair rent, fixity of tenure, and free sale of tenant holdings. Michael Davitt, a key founder, and Charles Stewart Parnell, the League’s president, galvanized support through mass mobilization and advocacy for land reform, often clashing with British authorities.
Grok3 AI: James Comyn, as secretary of the Ballyvaughan branch, played a pivotal role locally. A tenant farmer himself, he organized meetings, coordinated tenant resistance, and represented local grievances. The Ballyvaughan branch was active in the early 1880s, a period marked by agrarian agitation, boycotts, and rent strikes. The League’s activities in the area aligned with national efforts, including the “Land War,” where tenants resisted evictions and demanded reforms. Local actions often involved public demonstrations and support for evicted tenants, with Comyn likely facilitating communication with the League’s central leadership.
————————
The Clare Champion and other regional sources note Ballyvaughan’s involvement in the League’s campaigns, particularly during 1880–1882, when tensions peaked. The branch faced challenges like government suppression, including arrests under the Coercion Acts, but persisted in advocating for tenant rights. The League’s influence in Ballyvaughan contributed to the eventual passage of land reform laws, such as the Land Acts of 1881 and later, which began addressing tenant demands.
For deeper insights, you could explore:
- The Dictionary of Irish Biography for more on James Comyn’s role.
- Local Clare archives or newspapers like the Clare Champion for specific Ballyvaughan events.
- The National Library of Ireland’s Land League papers for primary documents.
- Posts on X mentioning Ballyvaughan or the Land League for community perspectives (I can search these if needed).
Anything specific about Ballyvaughan’s branch or figures like Comyn you’d like me to dig into further?
Michael Davitt’s background
Irish Land Acts impact
Source:
Source: via Google: Some O’Loghlen families in Burren,
County Clare, Ireland before 1799
Michael O’Loghlen; Rosemary Gilligan; Edward O’Loghlen
“I have had a good deal less success with the O’Laughlin side” … Jim O’Brien, 2005.
“Workin’ on mysteries without any clues” … Bob Seger, 1976
On the one hand, possibly, Colman l’Abbe’s executor Thomas Comyn was also a relative by marriage,
cf a letter dated 17 March 1913, written to the second Sir Michael O’Loghlen by Michael Comyn.
According to Michael Comyn’s letter, “… James Comyn, who was born in 1731, and who died at
Clareville in 1805. His mother was an O’Loghlen, and his wife was also an O’Loghlen. I believe that his Mother’s name was Margaret O’Loghlen, and that his wife was Mary O’Loghlen, daughter of Bryan O’Loghlen of Loughrask”.
Letters (in full) handwritten by Michael Comyn and by A M Stapleton (died 1919) during the year
1913, to Sir Michael O’Loghlen (1866-1934) then of Drumconora, Ennis.
(Letterhead embossed with the emblem of the Munster Bar)
11 Waterloo Place
Dublin
17 March 1913.
Dear Sir Michael,
I would be glad if you could let me know whether you have any papers relating to the O’Loghlens of
Clareville or Loughrask, Ballyvaughan. O’Loghlen Prince of Burren lived at Clareville and I believe he regarded your forefathers as his immediate kinsmen. It occurs to me that they may have preserved his papers.
My reason for making the inquiry is that I am seeking to register the pedigree of my forefather James Comyn (born in 1731) who died at Clareville in 1805.
His mother was an O’Loghlen and his wife was also an O’Loghlen. I believe his mother’s name was Margaret O’Loghlen and that his wife was Mary daughter of Bryan O’Loghlen of Loughrask. He was the only son of Michael Comyn MD, who subsequently emigrated to France and received a Patent of Nobility from Louis XV.
I can prove all the other facts in the pedigree except as to the two O’Loghlens. My only hope of
identifying those two is by means of family papers, as the parish registers have been accidentally
destroyed.
If you could give me any help in this matter, I would be very much obliged
Michael Comyn
Note: We mention Michael Comyn’s letter in section 17 of our previous paper, and in section 26 of
this Supplement. Michael Comyn (1871-1952) was born in Clareville, Ballyvaughan. From 1900, he
practised as a barrister at the Munster Bar. By 1917, he was appointed one of the King’s Counsel,
and later a Judge.
Letters from A M Stapleton 1913
Vernon House
Clontarf
March 28th, ‘13
My dear Sir Michael,
I received your letter & enclosures.
I would gladly give you any information I could about the family.
The last direct heir of the “Prince of Burren” was Peter O’Loghlen, who was always called the “Prince
of Burren”. Though the title remained, the territories had been confiscated. He lived near Ballyvaughan, and was married to a lady closely connected with the family of the late
Austin Butler of Ballyline. He died I think in the year 1823, leaving no children.
My grandfather Malachy O’Loghlen & his son Denis when very young and the O’Loghlens of Port
were constant visitors at his house. After his death different members of the family claimed the title, but none succeeded, as the family records were all lost in the continual fighting with the English Garrison.
I cannot reply to Mr Comyn’s queries but I would refer him to Dr O’Loghlen Maguire, who is
grandson to Charles O’Loghlen of Newtown Ballyvaughan who was a near relation of the Prince of Burren on his mother’s side being also an O’Loghlen, but that did not entitle him to the title.
I often heard my uncle Denis speak of him.
As to the ?Beach letter, it is an erratic effusion. You could send a line to say that the lady she
enquires about was not a member of your family.
I look forward to the pleasure of meeting you soon perhaps in the country in Summer. I shall be so
glad to see the representative of the family again.
With best wishes & love for Lucy
Yrs very sincerely
A M Stapleton
The unknown daughters mentioned by Michael Comyn, see Appendix 3.
Jane and Elizabeth O’Loghlen, sisters of Peter O’Loghlen d. 1823.
Baptisms and Deaths, Co. Galway.
Margaret O’Loughlin (Betham Genealogical Abstract, 1728: name found in a Will, Diocese of Tuam,
perhaps a beneficiary).
Note: Possibly, she might be the mother of James Comyn (1731-1805), cf section 26.
Crossle Genealogical Abstracts
Registry of Deeds: 1739
Lands Index, county Clare 1739-1810.
Search for deeds involving Comyn.
Includes two transactions involving an unnamed O’Loghlen on an unspecified date:
Number 196: Knockanahane; Comyn to O’Loghlen. 604-345-415226.
Number 255: Rynelagh; Comyn to O’Loghlen. 604-345-415226.
*Thomas Comyn of Galway, of whom more in a moment.
Thomas Comyn is not mentioned. On the one hand, possibly, Colman l’Abbe’s executor Thomas Comyn was also a relative by marriage, cf a letter dated 17 March 1913, written to the second Sir Michael O’Loghlen by Michael Comyn. According to Michael Comyn’s letter, “… James Comyn, who was born in 1731, and who died at Clareville in 1805. His mother was an O’Loghlen, and his wife was also an O’Loghlen. I believe that his Mother’s name was Margaret O’Loghlen, and that his wife was Mary O’Loghlen, daughter of Bryan O’Loghlen of Loughrask”.
In passing, Clareville also is located in the townland of Loughrask.
Possibly, Mary Comyn (nee O’Loghlen) might be Mrs Mary Anne Comyn, shown in 1791 in the
lengthy list of subscribers to the book written by Pat O’Kelly, Killarney a descriptive poem (Dublin,
1791). The list includes four O’Loghlens of Clare, all literate.
In 1913, A M (Anna) Stapleton was unable to identify these O’Loghlen females who married into the Comyn family. Similarly, we haven’t identified them, at least not beyond the possibility mentioned in section 17 of our previous paper. Indeed, as the more astute reader may have noticed, centuries of
written history neglect to record O’Loghlen daughters. Colman l’Abbe’s 1777 wills amount to an
exception, and perhaps the earliest.
On the other hand, Colman l’Abbe may simply have named Thomas Comyn as his executor for
personal reasons. Colman l’Abbe may for example have trained in France with Dr Michael Comyn, a medical practitioner and (possibly) father or a close relation of Thomas Comyn.
====================================
Personal meanderings by Michelle Clarke.
Every year without fail, we never faltered but visit Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare and we would never miss out on the visit to the graveyard at Bishop’s Quarter, the burial place of our family and antecents. My cousin JJ (Sir James Peter Comyn, son of James Comyn) had some land and a post office in Ballyvaughan. The land was near Loughrask, where Bernie Comyn lived, with his lovely wife, Doreen. As the saying goes in Ireland, they married late in life so there were children. Bernie had a brother and a sister, Bernie, Ambrose and I think Elizabeth, who married a doctor called Parsons. My mum and her sister, the children of Michael Comyn KC, claimed that we were in no way related to Bernie but it always seemed a little strange. I cannot forge a link but here is Bernie, Ambrose, Elizabeth’s family line. What is interesting is Doreen, Bernie’s wife told me that their father was connected to the Kelly’s of Porte and she had a painting of this woman – Susan Mary Kelly. The name Jeremiah Kelly Comyn is consistent with the family in Porte Ruan, Co. Clare
Brief Life History of Susan Mary
When Susan Mary Kelly was born on 9 May 1862, in Dysert, County Clare, Ireland, her father, Jeremiah Brew Kelly, was 45 and her mother, Bridget Scanlan, was 41. She married James Patrick Comyn on 22 January 1883, in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 3 daughters. She lived in Drumcreehy, County Clare, Ireland for about 10 years. She died on 3 May 1922, in Ballyvaghan, Drumcreehy, Co. Clare
Brief Life History of James Patrick
When James Patrick Comyn was born on 18 October 1855, in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland, his father, Patrick Comyn, was 26 and his mother, Bridget Hickey, was 26. He married Susan Mary Kelly on 22 January 1883, in Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 3 daughters. He lived in Drumcreehy, County Clare, Ireland for about 10 years. He died on 24 May 1918, at the age of 62, and was buried
Family Time Line
James Patrick Comyn 1855–1918
Susan Mary Kelly 1862–1922
Marriage: 22 January 1883
Jeremiah Kelly Comyn 1883–1945
Florence Mary Comyn 1885–1887
Arthur Patrick Comyn 1887–Deceased
Florance Mary Comyn 1887–Deceased
Alfred Francis Comyn 1888–Deceased
Michael Joseph Comyn 1889–Deceased
Francis Henry Comyn 1890–Deceased
Elizabeth Lilly Comyn 1892–Deceased
Frederick Comyn 1898–1898
Alfred Francis Comyn
Birth 2 Jun 1888
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland: Death 22 Feb 1961 (aged 72)
Worsley, Metropolitan Borough of Salford, Greater Manchester, EnglandBurial
St Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery
Wardley, Metropolitan Borough of Salford, Greater Manchester, England Add to Map Memorial ID248801321 · View Source
Elizabeth Mary Magdelene Mooney Comyn
Birth 20 Jul 1888
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Death: 24 May 1930 (aged 41)
Ennis, County Clare, Ireland Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Memorial ID261519373 · View Source
=====================
A Tale of Adversity and Survival:
Manuscripts Touching Gragans Castle
Edward O’Loghlen and Michael O’Loghlen, QC
The changed system of land distribution may be viewed
through two lists of surnames, for the years 1641 and
1659 provided by Frost (1893) which help to illustrate
the changed landscape. New surnames which arrived
in north Clare during the 1650s included Comyn, Dillon,
Martyn, Nugent and Sarsfield. Members of the Comyn,
Nugent and Sarsfield families would intermarry with
various O’Loghlens in later centuries, while Colonel
Cary Dillon was transplanted from Roscommon to the
townland of Lisnanard and George Martyn was required
to move from Galway city to the townland of Gragans.
Both Dillon and Martyn were classed as ‘innocent
Papists’. A contrasting story is shown by The Irish
Genealogist (1972) which lists three Burren O’Loghlins
======================
Clare Journal,Thursday 26 February 1863: Presentation of an Address.
The following Address was presented by the Ballyvaughan Chapel Committee, to the Reverend Francis Forde, C.C., on the eve of his leaving for Australia, to collect funds for the completion of their new Church, now in (the) process of erection.
Reverend Dear Sir, – We the undersigned members of the Ballyvaughan Chapel Committee, beg to tender you our warmest thanks for the generous resolution you have taken, of braving the dangers of the sea, and visiting Australia, to collect funds for the completion of our Church and the liquidation of the debts already incurred. This determination on your part, is a proof of your zeal for the house of God, and your love of its beauty. It is also proof of your regard for us, for which we feel deeply indebted.
The poverty of our district, and the ruinous effects of two successive storms, rendered it morally impossible for us, of ourselves, to bring our handsome structure to completion, and we were on the verge of despair, when you, Reverend Dear Sir, kindly and opportunely came to the rescue. Your heroic zeal and charity challenge our esteem and undying gratitude, and will, we hope, earn for yourself the blessing of the Almighty.
We earnestly and anxiously recommend you to our Irish friends in Australia. We anticipate the happiest result from your mission. The Irish are proverbial for their charity in whatever clime they are to be found. They will not, we are confident, suffer you to appeal to them in vain.
We can assure our Australian friends, their contributions will go towards completing a church, which, when finished will be an ornament to the country, and a proud monument of your zeal, and that of our parish priest, and parishioners. You are making great sacrifices, tearing yourself for a while, from home and friends, and risking the dangers of a long voyage, to enable us to raise a fitting temple to the Almighty. Be assured, Reverend Dear Sir, you bear with you our best wishes and regards. We pray that Almighty God may have you in his safe keeping during your absence, that He may crown your efforts with success, and restore you to us safely, in good health and spirits.
We are, Reverend Dear Sir, Gratefully and affectionately yours,
Patrick J. Ryder, P.P., V.F., Chairman.
A. Hanrahan, C.C., Secretary.
Gregory Martyn, J.P., Gragans Castle.
Edmond Hogan, M.D.
Fergus Curtin, P.L.G.
Michael Macnamara,
John Kerin, P.L.G.
James Comyn, P.L.G.
Patrick Kerin, P.L.G.
Committee Rooms, Ballyvaughan, February 25th, 1863.
28th April 2025
Ex Grok3
James Comyn, who was born in 1731, and who died at Clareville in 1805. His mother was an O’Loghlen, and his wife was also an O’Loghlen. I believe that his Mother’s name was Margaret O’Loghlen, and that his wife was Mary O’Loghlen, daughter of Bryan O’Loghlen of Loughrask”.
Your information about James Comyn (1731–1805) aligns with historical records of the Comyn family from County Clare, Ireland, though some details require clarification or confirmation due to limited primary sources. Here’s a concise summary based on available data and your provided details:
- James Comyn was born in 1731 and died in 1805 at Clareville, County Clare. He was associated with the Comyn family, a prominent gentry family in the region.
- Mother: You mention his mother was Margaret O’Loghlen. This is plausible, as the O’Loghlen family was influential in County Clare, and intermarriages with the Comyns were common. However, no definitive record confirms her name as Margaret O’Loghlen, but your information is consistent with naming patterns and family alliances of the time.
- Wife: You state his wife was Mary O’Loghlen, daughter of Bryan O’Loghlen of Loughrask. This is also plausible, as the O’Loghlen family held lands in Loughrask, and Bryan was a known name among them. Marriage records from the period are sparse, but such a union would reflect the frequent intermarriages between these families to consolidate local influence.
The Comyns and O’Loghlens were Catholic gentry families who navigated the Penal Laws era, maintaining their status through strategic marriages and land management. James Comyn’s life spanned significant changes in Ireland, including the gradual relaxation of anti-Catholic laws.
Limitations: Without access to specific genealogical records (e.g., parish registers, wills, or Burke’s Landed Gentry entries), I cannot independently verify Margaret or Mary O’Loghlen’s identities. If you have access to family papers, deeds, or church records from County Clare, they could confirm these details. Alternatively, I can search for additional clues on the web or X posts if you’d like, though 18th-century Irish records are often incomplete.
If you want me to dig deeper or focus on a specific aspect (e.g., the O’Loghlen family of Loughrask or Clareville’s history), let me know!
_______________
The Clare Journal, Mon 19 May 1862:
Distress in Ballyvaughan. At a meeting, held in Ballyvaughan, on Sunday the 11th, for the purpose of devising measures to relieve the wants of the poor in that neighbourhood, on the motion of the Very Rev. Mr. Ryder, seconded by the Rev. A. Hanrahan, the chair was taken by the Rev. Hugh Brady Huleatt, who briefly returned thanks and expressed his conviction that a vast amount of misery prevailed in the district.
The following resolutions were adopted.
1st. That, owing to the poverty of the district, and the total want of employment, we see, with pain and regret, the greatest destitution glaring our poor people in the faces; to which, if relief be not promptly afforded many must fall victims.
2nd. That a committee be appointed for this laudable purpose; that subscriptions be solicited from the wealthy and charitable, especially from those gentlemen having landed property in the neighbourhood.
3rd. That the Secretary be directed to write to Mr. Pierce Creagh, Dublin, respectfully requesting of him to advocate our cause with the Mansion House Committee, and wherever else he thinks his efforts would be successful.
4th. That Messrs. Michae Macnamara and Fergus Curtin be appointed treasurers, and that the Rev. A. Hanrahan do act as Secretary.
5th. That a copy of the above resolutions be sent for publication to the Dublin Freeman and to the Clare Journal.Hugh Brady Huleatt, Chairman.
A. Hanrahan, Secretary.
The following constitute the committee:
Rev Mr Huleatt,
Very Rev Mr Ryder,
Rev A Hanrahan,
Rev F Forde,
E Hogan, Esq, MD,
John Martyn, Esq,
Fergus Curtin,
Michael Macnamara,
Pat Comyn,
Pat Kerin,
James Comyn,
Henry McDonough,
Pat Kerin.
_______________
Bishop’s Quarter burial records
Bishop’s Quarters Cemetery
Also known as Ballyvaughan Cemetery, Drumcreehy Church, St. Colman’s Abbey
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Thomas Comyn
Birth1839 Death12 Nov 1915 (aged 75–76)
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Memorial ID248801234 · View Source
James Comyn
BirthunknownDeathJan 1805 Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 81 Memorial ID169224677 · View Source
James Comyn
BirthunknownDeathMay 1929Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, IrelandAdd to MapPlotSection- Plot- 84Memorial ID169224675 · View Source
Sir James Gerrard Peter Comyn
Birth 8 Mar 1921
Stillorgan, County Dublin, IrelandDeath5 Jan 1997 (aged 75)
Navan, County Meath, Ireland Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 83 Memorial ID169224676 · View Source
James Patrick Comyn
Birth 1856
Death 24 May 1918 (aged 61–62)
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, IrelandBurial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 194 Memorial ID169224674 · View Source
Add PhotosRequest Photo
Michael Comyn
Birth 3 Jan 1871
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Death 6 Oct 1952 (aged 81)
Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, IrelandBurial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 84 Memorial ID169224683 · View Source
Susan Comyn (Johanna Frances)
Birth unknown
Death May 1914
Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 84 Memorial ID169224687 · View Source
Marcella Margaret Blake-Forster Comyn
Birth1894
Kilfenora, County Clare, IrelandDeath7 Jul 1961 (aged 66–67)
Dublin, County Dublin, IrelandBurial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, IrelandAdd to MapPlotSection- Plot- 82Memorial ID169224680 · View Source
Mary Ellen Teresa Comyn
Birth Jan 1877
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Death 23 Apr 1945 (aged 68)
Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 84 Memorial ID169224682 · View Source
Ellen Comyn
Birth unknown
DeathJan 1905
Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 84 Memorial ID169224673 · View Source
Elizabeth Marion “Lily” Comyn
Birth12 Jul 1875
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Death 25 Apr 1965 (aged 89)
Trim, County Meath, Ireland Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 82 Memorial ID169224679 · View Source
?????
Ellen McNamara Comyn
Birth1854
Death 27 Jan 1936 (aged 81–82)
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Memorial ID248801215 · View Source
Lady Anne Chaundler Comyn
Birth 22 Dec 1926 Death1 Mar 2018 (aged 91)
Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Memorial ID230283541 · View Source
COMYN Lady Anne died peacefully on 1st March 2018, aged 92. Anne Chaundler, born 22nd December 1926, married to become Lady Anne Comyn, loving wife and crucial support of the late Sir James Comyn, one of Her Majesty’s Judges of the Queen’s Bench Division. She is survived by a son and daughter, Rory and Kate. Her strength, gentleness and humour are sorely missed. Memorial mass and scattering of ashes will take place in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, Ireland, on 23rd June. Please contact funeral home for further details
Bernard Christopher “Bernie” Comyn
Birth5 Dec 1922
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Death 18 Dec 2013 (aged 91)
Galway, County Galway, Ireland Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Memorial ID230109746 · View Source
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The death has occurred of
Sophia (Doreen) Comyn
(née Davis – Kelly)
Loughrask, Ballyvaughan, Clare / Clontarf, Dublin
The death has occurred on December 24th 2023 of Sophia Doreen Comyn, née Davis-Kelly, Loughrask House, Ballyvaughan and formerly of Howth and Clontarf, Co. Dublin. Doreen was predeceased by her husband Bernard. Peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, in the loving care of Rosemount Nursing Home, Gort.
Sadly, missed by her extended family and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
Reposing at St John the Baptist Church, Ballyvaughan this Wednesday evening, December 27th, from 6 p.m. until 7.30 p.m. Requiem Mass on Thursday December 28th at 11 a.m., followed by interment in Bishop’s Quarter Cemetery.
Mass can be viewed on https://www.facebook.com/akmedialivestream
Ambrose John “Ambie” Comyn
Birth 21 Jun 1920
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Death22 Aug 2002 (aged 82)
Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA
Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 194 Memorial ID169224670 · View Source
Above are known to me:
Unknown
Bridget “Delia” Hogan Comyn
Birth 3 Apr 1885
Ennis, County Clare, Ireland
Death 27 Apr 1939 (aged 54)
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map Plot Section- Plot- 190 Memorial ID169224672 · View Source
Bridget Bermingham Comyn
Birth 3 Mar 1877
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Death13 Oct 1961 (aged 84)
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland
Burial
Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland Add to Map PlotSection- Plot- 72 Memorial ID169224671 · View Source
canisgallicus 