An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March 2017 www.dfmagazine.ie 8 | KEEPING THE PAST ALIVE with The Military History Club REPoRT AND PHoToS by SGT WAYNE FITzGERALD T he 1798 Rebellion was the most widespread of all Irish rebellions, with 11 counties revolting against English rule in one of the bloodiest years in Irish history and thousands died on both sides. The United Irishmen, a revolutionary repub- lican group influenced by the American and French revolutions, were the main protagonists behind the uprising, which took place from May to September 1798. On August 6th 1798 General Humbert's 1,019-strong Army of Ireland arrived in Killala Bay from France on August 22nd. They quickly captured the town of Killala, with many Irish recruits flock- ing to join the newly formed Franco-Irish army. Large-scale battles then commenced in towns and villages across Ireland as people rose against the Crown. On February 12th 2017 An Cosantóir travelled to Bunratty Castle, Co Limerick, to see the Military History Club taking part in a 1798 re-enactment. The re-enactment group were dressed as soldiers of the 70th Demi Brigade, a unit commanded by General Humbert during the rebellion and which contained many Irish soldiers. This Napoleonic period re-enactment depicted an Irish ten- ant farmer being evicted by his English landowners. Members of the Lord Edward's Own re-enactment group, dressed as English soldiers, marched down a street of thatched roofed cottages to the farm, where, during a search of the property, they came across a member of the United Irishmen. As he was brought to a nearby field for execution French troops arrived on the scene. Musket vol- leys were fired at each other's lines and then through the smoke the troops met in hand-to-hand combat. The Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society did a fine job depicting the United Irishmen who also attacked the English lines from behind. Shouts of 'Erin go Bragh' (Ireland Forever) could be heard above the clash of steel as they charged forward wielding their long pikes at their English foes in support of their French allies. Many had gathered on a cold, dry morning to witness the enter- taining display by these enthusiastic groups, who received great applause from the onlookers. Con O'Sullivan of the Military History Club told us about the event: "Today's re-enactment was only put together about three weeks ago when we contacted the Lord Edward's Own and the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society, who we have worked with on other events around the country, and arranged rehearsals." On the question of achieving historical accuracy, Con said: "The great thing about studying history is finding out interesting facts and learning to read between the lines. You need to spend time researching; not just going with the first source you find, but cross referencing many others." Stephen Dunford told us that while the average cost of a Napoleonic-era uniform could be "between €2,000 and €3,000" it was a very rewarding hobby and he mentioned the group's "fantastic experience" of attending the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium in 2015, "one of the largest events in recent years." Stephen also told us: "Re-enactment events are still relevantly young in Ireland, and hopefully will get bigger and better." The group visits schools around the country to help educate students through re-enactment and storytelling. Stephen says: "It's a living history lesson using uniforms and weapons as visual aids." The members of the Military History Club have a passion for history, re-enacting many events from our Irish military heritage, including, Jadotville, the two World Wars, and the Napoleonic, Cromwellian and Jacobite wars. Their main aim is to preserve and display the historical uniforms, equipment, vehicles and weapons of the periods. They have been going for around 12 years and currently have 35 members, male and female. The group are always looking for new members, combatants and non-combatants. They are family friendly, with children welcome on event days. For more info on Club visit www.facebook.com/ themilitaryhistoryclub Many thanks to our hosts: Bunratty Castle & Folk Park - The acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle is the most com- plete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendour. www.shannonheritage.com/ bunrattyCastleAndFolkPark Members of the Military History Club

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