Plague of Mohill


In 6th century Ireland, the population of Mohill barony was devastated by the Justinian plague, an early phenomenon of the . The Mohill plague occurred following the Extreme weather events of 535–536 and death of Manchán of Mohill.

Evidence

Evidence for the Justinian plague in Mohill barony is revealed by the names of three contiguous townlands south west of Mohill town—Tamlaght More, Tamlaght Beg, and Tamlaghtavally—all surrounding the former monastery of Mohill. Because Tamlaght is a pagan name, all three townland names are ancient and pre-Christian in origin. Recognition that the word tamlacht signifies a plague burial site is widespread, but most communities are unaware of their ancient ancestors' experiences. Knowledge of the plague at Mohill emerged after 1975, when a local school teacher named Gaffney, wrote his account:
Hanley also identifies Mohill barony with the Justinian plague. He noted nearly all 41 Tamlachta sites in the northern half of Ireland are associated with water - with the exception of Mohill. However, Mohill is connected to waterways — the nearby Lough Rinn feeds the Rinn river, itself a tributary of the Shannon river. Hanley believed the bordering Airgíalla kingdom was uniquely hard hit by pandemic.
Dooley believes another epidemic in A.D. 550, christened the croin Chonaill , or the buidhe Chonaill , suggests a fairly widespread outbreak focused on the Shannon area.

Causes

A sudden climate change in the decade after 538 can be observed from dendrochonology studies of Irish trees, and the arrival of the bubonic plague in Ireland c. A.D. 544, seems to correlate with the westward trajectory of the Justinianic plague, which had reached Gaul by A.D. 543.
The Four Masters states: "543 AD, an extraordinary universal plague through the world, which swept away the noblest third part of the human race", and the Annals of Ulster christened the pandemic "bléfed". It is estimated 25–50 million, or 40% of European population, died over two centuries as the plague returned periodically up until the 8th century.

Heritage

Haley observed how

The presence and death of a christian missionary during these events at Mohill is recorded. The conversion to Christianity and subsequent veneration of Manchan of Mohill as saint by the local populace is notable. This parish is named "Mohill-Manchan" to this day.
Hanly reported a great surge in ringfort-building after the plague of 545 AD, as the populace on the boundary of devastated regions, Airgíalla and Mohill, sought security from mysterious and widespread death, riving, cattle-raids, enslavement, and worse. These forts were entrenchments the Irish built about their houses. Numerous remains of these forts are visible around ancient barony of Mohill.

Citations

Primary sources

Secondary sources