<-- A rumpled professor of indeterminate age, who resembles the child of Walter Matthau and Columbo. Walks up to the chalk board in a lecture hall in the National University in Dublin. He pulls a seemingly disordered pile of notes from his briefcase, and shuffles them on the table in front of him.-->
"Hello, I am Proffessor Deaghaidh, and welcome to Ireland 1492-1792. We have an awful lot to cover this semester, but I think you will find it fascinating- and if you don't, you'd better fake it, because I do (nervous laughter from the students)."
"I'd like to start today with some background to help you understand the situation in Ireland right before the time period we'll be covering, which starts in 1492. And before anyone asks, yes, this will be on the test."
"Ireland was not at all well in the year 1492. As she had been for centuries, she was divided into the territories of squabbling clans, who's constant skirmishes prevented any real organization or government. And, as had happened many times before, she had been battered down by a foreign invader. This time it was the English."
"Dublin and Meath -"the Pale" as they were known- were directly under the rule of English nobles, though truly, I think you may forgive me for saying that that is a contradiction in terms (some laughter at the good-natured ribbing, and groans from English students). The rest of Ireland paid heavy tribute to the English crown, keeping her people in poverty."
"The leaders of the various clans were in no position to bargain for better terms, either. There was only one proper fort in the whole of the island, that of Dublin, firmly held in the grip of the English. The English also had an army stationed in Dublin-10000 men, with the most modern equipment and heavy cannons- just in case the Irish should give them trouble."
"But 1492 was also a year of hope, as the New Year saw the dawn of new leadership in Ireland. Years of secret negotiations, fortuitous marriages, and unspoken agreements had forged a block of Clan Chieftains who were committed to working together to free their homeland- No matter how long it takes."
"These Clan Chieftans met in Leinster to form the first Council of Clan Chiefs. There was little organization, no rules of procedure, and constant squabbling over petty details. In other words, it was a microcosm of Ireland as a whole, where clan blood fueds and vendettas helped create an athmosphere of near-total anarchy."
"The Council started a plan on using the Brehons, and their centuries-old traditonal role as arbitors and judges, to settle some of these fueds. It was an uphill battle that would last for years before stability was truely gained. But their efforts attracted the attention of the King of England, Henry VII. Either not knowing, or not caring about their rebellious tendencies, Henry recognized the authority of the Council over Irish internal affairs. Make sure you write that down, it'll be important later."
"Well, that takes us about up to where we need to be for next time. Now, if you'd please pick up a copy of the sylabus on your way out, I'll see you then."
"Hello, I am Proffessor Deaghaidh, and welcome to Ireland 1492-1792. We have an awful lot to cover this semester, but I think you will find it fascinating- and if you don't, you'd better fake it, because I do (nervous laughter from the students)."
"I'd like to start today with some background to help you understand the situation in Ireland right before the time period we'll be covering, which starts in 1492. And before anyone asks, yes, this will be on the test."
"Ireland was not at all well in the year 1492. As she had been for centuries, she was divided into the territories of squabbling clans, who's constant skirmishes prevented any real organization or government. And, as had happened many times before, she had been battered down by a foreign invader. This time it was the English."
"Dublin and Meath -"the Pale" as they were known- were directly under the rule of English nobles, though truly, I think you may forgive me for saying that that is a contradiction in terms (some laughter at the good-natured ribbing, and groans from English students). The rest of Ireland paid heavy tribute to the English crown, keeping her people in poverty."
"The leaders of the various clans were in no position to bargain for better terms, either. There was only one proper fort in the whole of the island, that of Dublin, firmly held in the grip of the English. The English also had an army stationed in Dublin-10000 men, with the most modern equipment and heavy cannons- just in case the Irish should give them trouble."
"But 1492 was also a year of hope, as the New Year saw the dawn of new leadership in Ireland. Years of secret negotiations, fortuitous marriages, and unspoken agreements had forged a block of Clan Chieftains who were committed to working together to free their homeland- No matter how long it takes."
"These Clan Chieftans met in Leinster to form the first Council of Clan Chiefs. There was little organization, no rules of procedure, and constant squabbling over petty details. In other words, it was a microcosm of Ireland as a whole, where clan blood fueds and vendettas helped create an athmosphere of near-total anarchy."
"The Council started a plan on using the Brehons, and their centuries-old traditonal role as arbitors and judges, to settle some of these fueds. It was an uphill battle that would last for years before stability was truely gained. But their efforts attracted the attention of the King of England, Henry VII. Either not knowing, or not caring about their rebellious tendencies, Henry recognized the authority of the Council over Irish internal affairs. Make sure you write that down, it'll be important later."
"Well, that takes us about up to where we need to be for next time. Now, if you'd please pick up a copy of the sylabus on your way out, I'll see you then."
Ill be back quick because this sounds like a great class, im ready to learn
