Mick Clifford: Little-known rents law could finally see Carrickmacross get past colonial hangover

The McBride brothers Jim (centre) and Colm who won their right to buyout the fee-simple interest in their hotel the Shirley Arms Hotel in Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan. Picture: Pat Byrne

Some years ago, Philip Shirley, who descended from a family well favoured by Queen Elizabeth I, was seen riding his mount down the main street in Carrigmacross, Co Monaghan. 

Shirley’s family were gifted south Monaghan by the queen back in the 16th century, when it was the royal prerogative to hand out land in the colonies to favoured earls.