Miler Magrath facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Miler Magrath
Archbishop of Cashel
Native name	Irish: Maolmhuire Mag Raith
Appointed	3 February 1571
Reign ended	14 November 1622
Predecessor	James MacCawell
Successor	Malcolm Hamilton
Orders
Consecration	4 November 1565 by Francesco Cardinal Pisani (Roman Catholic)
Personal details
Born	circa 1523
Died	14 November 1622(1622-11-14) (aged 98–99)
Nationality	Irish
Denomination	Roman Catholic / Anglican
Spouse	(1) Amy O'Meara (2) name unknown
Children	five sons and four daughters
Previous post	Bishop of Down and Connor (1565–1580)

Miler Magrath (also known as Miler McGrath or Myler McGrath), born around 1523, was an important Irish church leader. He came from a family of historians in County Fermanagh, Ireland. Miler first joined the Franciscan Order and became a Roman Catholic priest.

The Vatican made him the Bishop of Down and Connor. However, Miler later changed his religion and joined the Anglican Church of England. He then became the Protestant Archbishop of Cashel. Many historians, both Protestant and Catholic, have different opinions about Miler Magrath because of his actions during the Reformation. He was also a member of the Parliament of Ireland.

Early Life and Becoming a Bishop

Miler Magrath was likely born near Termon Magrath Castle, close to Pettigo. This area was part of Fermanagh during his lifetime. He became a Franciscan priest and spent some time in Rome.

In October 1565, Miler was chosen to be the Roman Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor. At that time, his relative, Shane O'Neill, controlled the church lands there. Miler visited Shane O'Neill in 1566.

In 1567, Miler met with the English leader in Ireland, Sir Henry Sidney. He agreed to follow the new Protestant faith and accept his church position from the English Crown. In 1569, a Protestant bishop was appointed for Down and Connor. However, Miler kept his Catholic bishop role for a while. Rome finally removed him from his Catholic position in 1580. This means he held both Catholic and Protestant church roles for nine years!

Serving as an Anglican Bishop

In 1570, the English Crown appointed Miler Magrath as the Protestant Bishop of Clogher. He then traveled to England. In February 1571, he was made Archbishop of Cashel and Bishop of Emly.

In the same year, Miler put some Franciscan priests in prison in Cashel. A rebel leader, James Fitzmaurice Fitzgerald, got very angry. He threatened to burn everything connected to Archbishop Magrath if the priests were not released. The priests were quickly set free.

In 1575, Miler was attacked and badly hurt while traveling to Dublin. This happened during a time of much conflict in Ireland.

Helping the English Government

Until 1583, Miler Magrath stayed in his area, helping the English government. But he also secretly worked with the Catholic rebels. In 1582, he went to England with letters saying he could give important information about the rebels.

He complained that his church area, Cashel, was not worth much money. So, he was also given the role of Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. He held this position for several years. Even though he was loyal to the English, Miler never arrested the new Catholic Archbishop of Cashel, Dr. Kearney, who lived nearby.

However, Miler did arrest the Catholic Bishop of Emly, Maurice MacBrien, in 1584. Bishop MacBrien later died in prison. Miler continued to try and gain favor with the English authorities.

Nine Years War and Challenges

In 1591, Miler visited England without permission. Serious accusations were made against him. During this visit, he tried to convince a captured Irish prince, Brian O'Rourke, to become Protestant. But the prince refused before his execution.

During the Nine Years War in 1596, Miler Magrath tried to make peace between the English and Irish chiefs. He offered them control of Ulster, but the offer was rejected.

In 1599, Miler was captured by Con, the son of Hugh O'Neill. The Earl of Tyrone ordered Miler's release, calling him a "friend and ally." Miler promised to return to Catholicism, saying he needed to take care of his children first. He was released after agreeing to pay money and having a relative act as a guarantee.

In 1600, Miler went to London and convinced Robert Cecil that he was loyal. He was given a pension. He claimed to be poor because of the war. However, Cecil later complained that Miler was neglecting the Anglican Church in Ireland.

Later Years and Legacy

Under King James I, Miler Magrath was criticized for holding many church positions. He had four bishoprics and seventy other church roles. In 1607, he resigned from being Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. He was later forced to accept the roles of Killala and Achonry, which were not worth much.

In 1608, a group of people found that Miler had said his relative, Hugh O'Neill, had a better claim to the Irish crown than King James I. Even though this was a very serious statement, he was not punished.

Miler Magrath moved to Ulster and had another bishop, William Knight, help him in Cashel. But Knight soon left after behaving badly in public. It was believed that the church lands and money of Cashel were completely wasted. The English leader, Arthur Chichester, thought Miler was difficult but did not act against him because of Miler's influence among the Irish people.

Even in 1612, some Catholic leaders still hoped Miler would return to the Catholic Church. Miler's last known public appearance was in 1613. He died ten years later, in 1622, at around 100 years old. He had been a bishop for 52 years.

Miler Magrath's Impact

Miler Magrath is still a debated figure in Irish history. Protestants often blame him for financial problems that hurt the Reformation in Ireland. Catholics saw him as a priest who left his faith and worked with a monarchy that was against Catholics.

Despite the difficult times he lived through, Miler was very good at surviving. The fact that even his critics at court did not punish him, even when they thought he was helping Catholics, shows how powerful and influential he was. His ability to work with both sides shows how complicated those times were.

Miler married a Roman Catholic woman named Áine Ni Meara. They had five sons and four daughters. After her death, Miler remarried.