J. F. Campbell Collection > Transactions of the Ossianic Society > Volume 4

corps of militia — one in each province, which Piiikerton Ijíus
ingeniously conjectured, may have been modelled on the
plan of the Eoman legions in Britain. According to the
Cath Fhinn-tragha, their stations were distributed along the
coasts, in the most elevated and inaccessible positions ; and
in distant view of each other — so as to communicate by
signals, the approach of an enemy, and thereby enable
them to come to the succour and relief of the fort invaded.
Thus, the forts of lorras Dun Domhnainn in Mayo, and of
Cahir Conrigh on Sliabh Mis, in Kerry, though the distance
cannot be less than 100 miles were made available ; and the
one at Eas Aedh Kuaidh mhic Badharn, (now Assaroe), near
Ballyshannon, in the county of Donegal, wherein was always
posted a strong detachment of the Ulster militia, was brought
in view of that of lorras Dun Domhnainn. These were the
coasts most exposed to the southern and northern invaders.
But besides this duty as " coast guards," these military
orders were charged with the preservation of "law and order"
in the interior of the country ; they were bound to send
certain detachments yearly to protect the persons of their
respective kings. Thus, the guards of Eoghan Mor, were
called teaghlach, or household troops. Connac Mac Airt,
whose reign shines so refulgent in Irish history, had for his
body-guards, one hundred and fifty of the principal knights
of the kingdom, besides one thousand household troops to
guard his palace. The guards of the kings of Munster,
or Death Mhogha, were the people of Ossory, whose coun-
try formed the extreme boundaries of that kingdom ; and
according to the Book of Rights, ascribed to St. Benignus,
we find the duty imposed on tl.is people, by the king of
AJunster was to wait on him constantly, with a certain num-
ber of armed troops. The guards of the king of Desmond,
or South Munster, were the Clanna Deaghaidh, as has been
already stated, and those of the kings of Thomond, or