Clare - Creagh, Pierce 1753 *********************************************** Ireland Genealogy Projects Archives Clare Index Copyright ************************************************ File contributed by: Declan Barron newparkhouse.ennis@eircom.net January 15, 2012, 1:18 pm Creagh, Pierce 1753 Magazine of Magazines 1753 (Limerick Edition) October 1753 Death At Ennis, Pierce Creagh, the Elder, Esq., He was a Gentleman of Learning, Wit and good understanding and a most polite Education. He was descended, by father and mother, from families of considerable note in this Part of the Kingdom, and he had, in this county, a plentiful Estate, which he may be truly said to have enjoyed, for he did so in a most hospitable manner. He was looked upon as a Roman Catholic, and, on account of his personal Qualifications, the Largeness of his Estate, and the Connections he had, he was ranked amoung the principal persons of that persuasion in the Province of Munster, however he always maintained a good Correspondence, and a strict Friendship with Protestants, amoung whom he had many Relations. He lived to a pretty advanced age, and for some years past had been afflicted with Weakness in his Body and Limbs, but none in his Understanding, which was kept sound and vigorous by a chearful mind. He refused, in his illness, to permit a Popish Priest to officiate to him, and when one was brought to him, contrary to his inclination, he soon dismissed him, solemnly declaring he never believed what they taught, or ever was of their opinion, and he entreated his friends that he might not have the trouble of seeing any more of them. He lived some days after, and having sent for the Reverend Mr. Watson, the minister of the Parish, to come to him, he declared that he was a true Protestant and was never otherwise, and he continued in the same sentiments to the hour of his death. No person could be more steady than he was. He dyed with the utmost Abhorrence of Popery, and regard for the Protestant Religion. Thus ended the life of a Gentleman who was much esteemed by all who knew him, and the chief reason that can be assigned for his not declaring himself a Protestant sooner, was, what he freely gave to some of his intimate acquaintances, that he did not like to be called a convert, since it is as he used to say, impolitically, become a name of reproach, even amoung many Protestants.