Biltini Manor
The afore mentioned gift of 13 acres to Llanthony is a good introduction to Biltini (today Balreagh) and its relevance today. The manor was thirty miles west of Killeen. The exact date of the acquisition Charter is not known however it was witnessed by Roger, son of Geoffrey and Matilda, and Adam de Feypo, before his death in 1190/91 (ref. IR Cartul, llanthony 239-40).
The castle Geoffrey built here on the motte-and-bailey was part of a Norman administrative chain and was described as being the 'most spectacular'.
The motte, he threw up, commands a view streatching to an almost circular horizon. A scatter of stones and traces of fortifications at the base of the mound testify that a stone castle was built here. (--- Geoffrey's castle is still, after 800 years, in use. The motte, built on the highest point of the 400ft contour line, is being used today by the Ordinance Surveyors as a triangulation point.)
Just west of Balreach the townland is still called 'Geoffreystown' this, including the Charters also the presence of the motte and ruined church, is confirmation that Geoffrey de Cusack held Biltini Manor.
Read more about this topic: Cusack