⸺ A PRINCE OF TYRONE. Pp. 363. (Blackwood). 1897.
The amours of Seaghan O’Neill. Seems worthless from an historical point of view. O’Neill appears as little better than a villain of melodrama.
FERGUSON, R. Menzies, D.D. Author of Rambles in the Far North, &c.
⸺ THE OCHIL FAIRY TALES. Pp. 157. (Nutt). 3s. 6d. Illustr. 1913.
Most of the Tales related in this Book are founded on local tradition: they are the echoes of that Celtic folk-lore which is fast dying out. The western spurs of the Ochill hills and the country lying between the Allan Water and the River Forth form the scenes of the curious cantrips of the Wee Folk, once so firmly believed in by the people of a former generation. The purpose of the Author is to preserve some of those curious tales which are still floating in the popular mind. In another generation it will be too late.—(Publ.).
FERGUSON, Sir Samuel. Born Belfast, 1810. Son of John Ferguson, of Collen House, Co. Antrim. Educated Academical Institution, Belfast, and T.C.D. Was first deputy keeper of the public records in Ireland. Was a noted antiquarian, but is best known as one of the best of our Irish poets. Most of his poetry deals with the heroic period of early Ireland. Died 1886. See Sir Samuel Ferguson in the Ireland of his Day, by Lady Ferguson. Besides the Hibernian Nights, Sir Samuel wrote also a very amusing if not very reverent sketch, “Father Tom and the Pope,” which had the unique distinction of being reprinted in Blackwood’s Magazine, 1910.
⸺ HIBERNIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS. Three Vols. Pp. 146 and 184 and 278. (Sealy, Bryers). 1s. each, paper; 2s. cloth. [1887]. Still in print.
Written by the Author in early youth. Supposed to be told in 1592 by Turlough O’Hagan, O’Neill’s bard, to Hugh Roe O’Donnell and his companions imprisoned in Dublin Castle. They are almost entirely fictitious, but give many details of locality and of the contemporary manners, customs, and modes of fighting. There is an historical introduction. Contents: “Children of Usnach,” “The Capture of Killeshin,” “Corby MacGillmore,” “An Adventure of Seaghan O’Neill’s,” and the “Rebellion of Silken Thomas.” Popular in style and treatment.
⸺ THE “RETURN OF CLANEBOY.” Pp. 43-98.
Relates how Aodh Duidhe O’Néill regained (c. 1333) his territory of Claneboy in Antrim on the death of William de Burgh, Earl of Ulster. The story is rather an ordinary one—fighting and intrigues. There is some description of men and manners and of County Antrim scenery.