An appeal for information on one Patrick Cullen who is buried in Old Kilcullen Graveyard has been made by Gerry O'Donoghue, who has
conducted talks at the site of the Battle of Old Kilcullen on 24 May since 2015,
writes Brian Byrne.
Tomorrow, Thursday, is the 220th anniversary of the battle in 1798, which was arguably one of the most fierce events in that particular rebellion.
"Patrick Cullen is interred in a grave quite close to the round tower," Gerry says. "He, according to the inscription, 'departed this life on May 24 1798, aged 24'. His death on the day of the battle may be just a coincidence, but one could be forgiven for speculating that he was perhaps a combatant on the day. If so, was he a rebel or a yeoman? Was he an innocent bystander? Was he executed for carrying arms? Did he die of wounds inflicted when the countryside was being dragooned by Captain Erskine in the preceding days?"
Gerry believes that Patrick's burial in the cemetery and the subsequent erection of a gravestone which still survives, would suggest that he was a man who came from a background of some wealth and standing.
"Flowers will be placed on his grave again this year on the 24th of May, and some information on the circumstances of his death would be really appreciated."
Kilcullen Diary Policy on Photographs.
