Remembering 1798

Scoil Bhride pupils at Old Kilcullen in 2024. Insets: contemporary map and the monument commemorating the battle.

Tomorrow is the 227th anniversary of the Battle of Old Kilcullen, the main local encounter in the Rebellion of 1798, writes Brian Byrne. It was one of the early engagements in the rebellion that began on the 23rd of May that year.

The battle involved members of the United Irishmen and local military under the command of Lieutenant General Ralph Dundas, then based at Castlemartin. Although initially successful against Dundas's forces, the rebels were subsequently defeated at the Liffey in Kilcullen and after negotiations surrendered at Knockaulin.

Over recent years, children from Scoil Bhride have walked to Old Kilcullen on the anniversary of the battle. They will be doing so this morning because tomorrow is not a school day. Many dress up in costume representing rebels and the English redcoats.

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