Ireland 1798 The Battles

De: Arthur Kavanagh

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

The Rebellion of 1798 posed the gravest challenge to English Rule in Ireland since the mid-17th century Rebellion of 1641. Influenced by the ideals of the French Revolution, a group of determined individuals, predominantly from the Ruling Class in Ireland and Presbyterian backgrounds in the North, sought to emulate the French model. Figures such as Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Samuel Neilson, William Jackson, Wolfe Tone, Archibald Hamilton Rowan, with John and Henry Shears spearheaded this movement, establishing the Society of United Irishmen.
Scheduled to commence on May 23rd, the rebellion's outset was to be marked by the interception of all Mail Coaches leaving Dublin that day, although only one was halted. This incident served as the signal for rebellion in Kildare, Carlow, Wicklow, and Wexford, with thousands joining the cause in subsequent weeks, followed by Ulster and the Midlands, somewhat later. Over the ensuing six weeks, more than thirty battles were fought, with government forces, better equipped and trained, prevailing in most encounters. While casualties numbered in the thousands on both sides, the government forces sustained considerably fewer losses compared to the rebels.
The finale of the Rebellion happened months later when three French frigates sailed into Killala Bay in north County Mayo. Commanded by General Humbert, the force numbered over 1,000 men. The ships also carried a huge quantity of arms. While the French, augmented by local United Irishmen won facile victories at first they were comprehensively defeated at Ballinamuck. The battle of Ballinamuck was the last military action of 1798.