L.C.
Hundreds of books by learned scholars have been written about the history of Ireland. It is a complex and tragic history; one which resounds of barbarity, slavery, oppression, starvation, and death. But under it all, survives the honor and pride of a people too strong to defeat, too determined to lose, and too foolish to give up. Through defeat after defeat, we see the Irish people cling to each other and their faith; hold fast to their families and beliefs; move forward to the destiny which awaited them as a free people.
To understand the events of the spring of 1798, it is necessary to have some knowledge of what had gone before. In this article, this writer will not attempt to give a history of Ireland, but rather, a brief account of the events which lead up to the rebellion which is still spoken of with pride, sung about in pubs and concerts, and acted out in festivals, especially in Wexford, which took the lead in the rebellion of 1798.
For more than 100 years, beginning in 1691, during the time of penal laws, Catholic Ireland was systematically repressed. The Irish people were being deprived of their political and social rights and were living in extreme poverty. Catholics were not allowed to educate their children, practice their faith, speak their language, play their music, own land, bear arms, hold public office, own horses,
serve in the army, or vote. The Irish Catholics were reduced to living in mud hovels subsisting entirely on potatoes, milk, and the occasional herring, for they could not even hunt or fish on pain of death from the land owners. They worked harder and lived in much worse degradation than the poorest of the poor anywhere in the world at the time.
Secret societies had begun to form in Ireland as early as the 1760s which had their
own agendas and which became governments of a sort unto themselves, their 'rules' enforced through violence, mostly against landlords and the crown. In 1776 the American Revolution began with its successful guerrilla tactics, and in 1789, the French. The French Revolution impacted Ireland profoundly. It seemed to parallel what was needed in Ireland: the peasant class rising up to topple the government, do away with religious discrimination, abolish enslavement and separatism!
In 1791 The United Irishmen was founded, which peacefully advocated ProtestantCatholic cooperation to push for Parliamentary reform and Catholic emancipation. It was hoped that they could achieve what had never been done before: to replace the foreign government with a democratic government of the Irish people. This secret society was plotting a rebellion and was enlisting the help of the French.
In Wexford, leaders began to emerge; leaders with intelligence, authority, leaders of both religious factions in the county: Catholic and Protestant. This coming together struck fear in the hearts of the government. The United Irishmen began to grow in size and become even more active. Out of fear, the government began a campaign to disarm the populace. The North Cork Militia were sent to enforce the disarmament order and they declared martial law. Torture, flogging, and burnings ensued.
In May, the National Directory of the United Irishmen is arrested in Dublin. In Leinster, Anthony Perry, of the Leinster United Irishmen, is arrested and tortured and gives up the names of the leaders central to the uprising; they are arrested. Throughout the month of May, hundreds of insurgents are lined up and shot, even more are hanged.
"At Boolevogue, as the sun was setting, o'er the bright May meadows of Shelmalier."
Several Catholic priests, Fr. John Murphy, Fr. Mogue Kearns, Fr. Michael Murphy join in the leadership of the coming insurrection. Fr. John Murphy tells his people, "It is better to die like fighting men than to be shot down like dogs in the ditches."
Fr. John Murphy, from County Wexford, was a curate at Boolavogue beginning in 1785. Fr. Kearns, from Kiltealy, had been in France fighting for the French during his student days. Now that he was in his own country, he couldn't lose that need to defend the downtrodden, most especially in his home county! Fr. Michael Murphy had been educated in France, but had kept out of politics there and at home until his church was ransacked, then threw himself into the fight, as well.
"'Twas at the Harrow, the boys of Wexford showed Bookey's regiment how men could fight!"
"For Father Murphy, from County Wexford, sweeps o'er the land like a mighty wave."
May 29 and 30: Enniscorthy, perhaps the finest victory to come to the rebels. They stampede cattle through town and rush in behind them. After an incredibly tough battle, the town belongs to the insurgents. Next day they take Wexford Town with no blood spilled. The people of Wexford are a dreaded risen band, they will not easily be put down. For three weeks, the United men hold Wexford Town: the newly created "Wexford Republic." This was not an ignorant mob; this is a dedicated group with talented leaders, who are able to take their victories through courage and guerrilla tactics.
June 1, 5, and 9: Bunclody, New Ross, and Arklow. Three hard fought battles ensue for these strategic locations. The guerrilla warfare practiced, plus the strategies of their leadership make these battles far closer than they have the right to expect, given their lack of weaponry and military experience. The United men fight with strength of purpose and fearlessness. Nevertheless, they are doomed to failure. They are forced back to Vinegar Hill. Father Michael Murphy is killed in the battle of Arklow.
"At Vinegar Hill, o'er the pleasant Slaney, our heroes vainly stood back to back."
"While the yeos at Tullow took Father Murphy and burned his body upon the rack."
June 26: Father Murphy's insurgents are defeated at Kilcumney Hill, County Carlow. He is arrested and put to death July 2, 1798. Meanwhile, Father Kearns has been captured; he is executed July 12, 1798.
The insurgents were gradually scattered to the four winds as battle after battle was lost. They showed incredible stamina as they fought on, but victory was not to be. Reprisals were harsh and fast. Executions and deporting to Botany Bay were meted out by the hundreds. So many rebels were sent to Botany Bay that a large Wexford community developed there.
In the end, the rising resulted in homelessness and mass starvations, hopelessness and failure, death and degradation. 100,000 people had risen in revolt. In four short months 30,000 people died; peasants armed with pitch forks and pikes, defenseless women and children, patriots all. This rising is thought by many to be the most violent and tragic event in Irish history.
"For the cause that called you, may call tomorrow in another fight, for the GREEN again!"
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May 26, Fr. John leads his band against the local yeomanry out on a house burning raid near Boolavogue. The small band of United Irishmen kill Captain Bookey and the powder keg in Wexford is lit by Murphy's match. Information is sent from the Harrow: the long awaited rising has begun!
May 27, Fr. John Murphy moves to Oulart Hill, as was pre-arranged. He is met by other leaders and about 500 United Irishmen. An onslaught of his pikemen overpower the North Corks sent to rout the rebels. Victory at Oulart Hill for the insurgents!
June 21: Here at Vinegar Hill, their leadership is not quite as confident. They know they must fight this battle. But they have 20,000 people, mostly noncombatants; British General Lake has 20,000 troops. The rebels pitch a courageous battle, but are outclassed by the fearsome General. It is pouring rain, the tactics so successful in previous battles would do no good here. The insurgents fight gallantly, but in the end break ranks and retreat. Hundreds of women, children, and wounded are slaughtered and buried in a mass grave at the foot of the hill. Fr. Kearns is wounded in this battle and is carried away and hidden.
Father Murphy and his band march toward Kilkenny. They experience a degree of success against troops at Goresbridge, and they take Castlecomer, in County Kilkenny, as well as Hackettstown, County Carlow.
1798 Battlemap
1798 Ireland
