The ruins of Castleleaffy Castle stand guard over Roscahill inlet near Westport. The remaining walls bear the scars of war, but the gracefully arched interior of the quarters can be clearly seen. In the 16th century, sons of powerful Irish clan chieftains were fostered out to be educated and trained in the arts of leadership and war. The heirs were entrusted to only the most highly regarded allies. Granuaile sent her son Tibbott to be fostered at Roscahill by Edmund Mac Tibbott, a sub-chieftain of her husband Richard Burke. Burke lived in the barony of Burrishoole near where Helen and Ernie O’Malley later moved and farmed.
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