Ulick Nally

Ulick Nally, parish priest, fl. 1680 - 1697.

Background

A mass rock, the like Fr. Nally would have used during Irish Penal Times when conducting mass in secret from authorities

Due to the impact of the Penal Laws on late seventeenth century Ireland, Catholic priests found celebrating the mass could be hung and severe penalties, up to the death penalty, could be imposed upon those who supported priests. However, O'Conor of Sylane, Tuam, received a letter from a Catholic bishop recommending "a poor way-worn man in the gear of a servant" for a position in his house. Recognizing that the 'servant' was actually a priest, O'Conor engaged him on the spot as a servant, taking care that there should be witnesses of the hiring for his own security. By these means Fr. Nally became one of the few priests who successfully attended to the spiritual needs of his flock, without been arrested.

The base of stone cross upon the mass-rock reads "UN P.P. H O'CONOR 1680.".

References

• Another Corofin Bishop from Sylane: Dr. Thomas O'Connor, Bishop of Achonry, by Liam Ó Mainnín and Seán Ó Cuinneagáin, in Sylane National School 150th Anniversary, ed. John Lardner, Margaret Murray, Phil Moran, Tuam, 2002.