USKEANE

USKEANE, a parish, in the barony of LOWER ORMOND, county of TIPPERARY, and province of MUNSTER, 2 miles (E. by N.) from Burris-o'-kane, on the road to Roscrea and Parsonstown; containing 1459 inhabitants. This parish comprises 6026 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act: the land is principally under tillage, the soil light but productive, and there is a large proportion of bog.

The principal seats are Sopwell Hall, the residence of F. Trench, Esq., a very handsome house situated in an extensive and finely planted demesne; Castle Shepherd, of W. Shepherd, Esq.; Uskeane House, of R. Hall, Esq.; and Cooreavan, also the property of R. Hall, Esq. It is a vicarage, in the diocese of Killaloe, forming part of the union of Ballingarry; the rectory is impropriate in Marmaduke Thompson, Esq.

The tithes amount to £266. 2. 6., of which £162. 5. is payable to the impropriator and £103. 17. 6. to the vicar. About 150 children are taught in a school at Sopwell under the National Board, which is aided by Lord Charleville and Mr. Trench; and there is a private school, in which are about 15 children. On the demesne of Sopwell Hall are the ruins of an ancient castle, formerly occupied by the Sadleir family; they consist chiefly of a very massive and lofty tower, forming an interesting and picturesque object in the landscape.