Ath Soluis or the Ford of Light near Kilcommon in Co. Tipperary.

By Derek Ryan

"There is a bridge in Foilmahonmore called Ái Solas, or the "Ford of the Light". In olden times there was no bridge there & there used be a watch fire there to help travellers to cross the stream in safety at night time. It is a historic place, as it was that way Patrick Sarsfield came, when on his way to Ballyneety. Sarsfield & his men, led by the famous Galloping O'Hogan, left Limerick & from that on to the valley of Glean Cúlú & Foildubh and Kilcommon. When they reached At Solius, they turned the shoes on there horses so as to deceive their enemies. They they continued on their journey thro' Foilmahonmore, Croughmarka, Glengar and on by Carnahalla. On their way there was a stream on the side of the road where some of the officers stood to give drinks to their horses. One of the men said to the other, "I'll sell the "pass" or something to that effect. That minute the other officer, fearing he would spy on the others loaded his gun and shot him dead. After that they continued on their journey to capture the siege-train at Ballyneety."

Faill Uí Chléirigh · The Schools' Collection | dúchas.ie

For more on Sarsfield's Ride - see the the Storymap I created of this amazing historic story.

Sarsfields Ride

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The Tipperary Antiquarian

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