KING OF INNISHMURRAY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2708, 20 April 1909, Page 7

KING OF INNISHMURRAY.

ST. MOLAISF AND ST. COLOMIS- -

Michael Maters, th n "king" of In,nishmurra.\, a stormbcatcn island about nine miles oft the coa,st of Sligo, has died at his residence there, and his funeral was carried out with all the accompaniments of ancient Celtic ceremonial, the body receiving a fimil resting-place in the ancient monastic establishment of .St. Molaise and St. Colombkillc.

This event recalls quaint survival of the old Irish clan system. The late " king"' was actually ruler of the island, his eighty subjects accepting his word as law. lie always acted with impartiality and justice, and his decisions were inner questioned. He was "king" for more than thirty-live years, having succeeded his mother as ruler, and ho in turn handed his authority over to his son Michael. The islanders, many of whom have never been to the mainland, make their living by fishing, ;i nd their life is arduous. There are no police on the island, all matters being settled by the "king," there are no priests, and the people are never called upon to pay taxes. The island is full of interest to the antiquary. The " castle " inhabited by the late "king" is situated near the landing stage and close to the ruins of an ancient town. The wall of the town varies in, height from fourteen to eighteen feet, and it is broad enough to drive u cart around its top.

The interior of the enclosure presents a remarkable appearance, for there may he seen churches, cells, houses shaped like beehives, tombs, altars, a wishing stone, and crosses. Within the old wall are three churches, and tradition has it that the monastery was the joint work of St. Molaire and St. Columbkille during the latter half of the sixth century.—Dublin Letter.