ARRIVAL IN IRELAND

The story goes (as recorded by Geraldis Cambrensis in the late 12th century) "Raymond Le Gros (Strongbow second in command) made an incursion into the district of Ophelan (Offaly) and carrying immense booty, obtained means of being fresh mounted and equipped. From thence they marched to Lismore and having plundered the City and Province, conveyed their spoils by the coast road to Waterford. With these they freighted some small vessels, which had lately arrived from Wexford, and some others which they found in the port of Waterford.

While, However, they were waiting for a fair wind, thirty two ships fully armed (from the Danish fleet) sailed out of Cork, distant about 16 miles westward for the purpose of attacking them, under the leadership of Gilbert Mac Turger (son of the king of Denmark).

Mac Turger was slain by the brave young soldier of great prowess, Philip Walsh (descendant of the famous King of Wales, King David and Nephew of Strongbow".