Corskeagh Tree — Corskeagh (roscommon By.)

Marked on the 1837 and 1914 editions of the OS 6-inch map, and described as 'Corskeagh Tree' in gothic lettering on both, which is thought locally to mean 'odd or singular bush'. It is situated on a S-facing slope of Mullaghcreigha Hill. This is a hollow ash tree (circumference of bole 4.6m) which was thought to have been planted in the early 17th century to mark the site of an ancient mound (OS Name Books). It is known locally as the Hanging Tree because of a strong horizontal branch which is c. 2m over the ground. Locally it is said that a priest, thought to have been a Fr. Kelly, returning from saying Mass at Mullagherrigha Church (RO023-118----), c. 1.1 km to the NW, to Kilmore, c. 1km to the SE, was captured here and hung from the low branch. It is recorded that Bernard O’Kelly OP, a lay-brother of the Dominican Order from Roscommon, was hung in 1653 (Gillooly 2019). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revised upload: 18 April 2018 Amended: 7 October, 2019