posted 07-28-2000 02:28 AM
Between 1310 and 1320 King Dermod III hired Golloglas mercenaries to take back West Muskerry. Among these Galloglas (meaning foreign warriors - they came mostly from the Scottish Hebrides) were the MacSweeneys, a sept of MacCarthy. Some traditions suggest that the MacSweeneys actually arrived earlier, invited by King Cormac V to assist in the war against the Anglo-Normans (1262).
It's also known that the MacSweeney arrived in Ireland through the marriage of Domhnall Óg O'Donnell with a MacSweeney of Castle Sween and MacDonnel of the Isles.
Whichever date is preferred, what is certain is that in reward for their mercenary services, the Golloglas received grants of land upon which several castles were built and garrisonned. One such castle was Ballea; others included Ballycarbery, Blarney, Carrignamuck, Castleinchy, Castlelough, Castlemore, Cloghroe, Carrigadrohid, Drishane, Dromaneen, Gorticlough, Kanturk, Kilbrittain, Kilbonane, Kilcoe, Kilmeedy, Macroom, Mashanaglas, Togher, Pallis and Castleshort.
Obviously, these events indicate that Bellea Castle is late 13th or early 14th century rather than the 10th century you suggest. Of course, there may have been a pre-existing castle structure on the site, but I have seen no evidence to support this speculation (that's not to say there isn't any!).
As a side issue, some time ago I'd heard a rumour that Ballea Castle was being purchased by Liam Gallagher of the pop group Oasis (whether this went ahead following the reported split with Patsy Kensit, I've no idea).
Levan