What is recorded here

Kilfinny’s tall circular stone windmill stood at the south end of a limestone ridge until demolition reduced it to a low rubble mound around 1995. During the 1642 siege, ten mosceters fired from the mill to drive Confederate attackers away, while Lady Dowdall later used the loose blockade to send relief into Croom. The mill was not merely a grain processor but a weapons platform, a watchtower and a lifeline for a castle caught between armies.

At S end of summit of limestone ridge. According to local information tall circular stone-built tower demolished c. 1995. Now reduced to mound of rubble (c. 8m N-S; c. 6m E-W; H c. 1m). Similar windmill, c. 250m to NNW (LI030-043---), also demolished c. 1995. The 1654-56 Civil Survey of Limerick recorded that LT. Coll. William Piggott was the owner of Kilfinny which contained 'a castle [LI030-048----] an orchard and a mill seate [LI030-043/-45----]' (Simington 1938, 289). Westropp (1906-7, 221-2) recorded the Kilfinny windmill; 'Jan., 1642. The C[astle]. was besieged by the Confederates under Edy Lacy, of Bruree, who laid an ambuscade, but was driven off by ten "mosceters" on a windmill. Gen. Purcell next arrived, who took the mill and barns, whence he was driven, and the buildings were burned in a sally, 8th and 9th. Ric. Stephenson, the sheriff, next assailed the C[astle]. and was shot. An attempt was made to capture it by "sows," but they were pierced through. It was then so loosely blockaded that Lady Dowdall relieved Croom five times from it. The surrender of Limerick C[astle]. gave heavy guns to the Confederates, so that Purcell, with a great force, assailed Kilfinny. After three shots Lady Dowdall surrendered, and was brought off safely by Lord Inchiquin (Hist. Irish Confeds. ii., p. 69, Deps. 138, 376). 1655 Killfinie C[astle]. orchard, and mill seat held by Gerott FitzGarrold (C.S., p. 46)'. Compiled by: Denis Power Date of upload: 26 August 2011

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