The Freemasons in Ireland were perceived as sectarian whatever the merits of it.  In many instances the members were engaged in charitable activities.  On the Continent the Freemasons were often associated with Radical Politics.  Here it seems to be the custom that local military officers were in the lodge when their regiment was garrisoned there.

The local Landowners are represented, a number of Methodists, Hadden, Swanton, Levis.

Concert, April 1863 at The Mardyke, Skibbereen, West Cork, in Aid of Masonic Female Orphan Asylum with Patrons Named.

The Worlds Only Female Freemason: In Pious Memory of THE HONOURABLE ELIZABETH ALDWORTH wife of Richard Aldworth, of Newmarket Court, Co. Cork, Esq. Daughter of Arthur First Viscount Doneraile, Her Remains Lie Close To This Spot (St. Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork), Born 1685 Died 1775. Initiated into Freemasonry in Lodge No. 44 at Doneraile Court, In This County A.D. 1712.