Pikeman Statues

Judgement Day

FensterDJ - pretty dreadful and not worthy of a photograph - even one that can be easily deleted. Thanks for posting.

Fiacre8

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2295807530011144738wtaOeL

this is one in Clon

arnhem44

TADHG AN ASNA,Clonakilty

The statue in the centre of this square commemorates the illfated rising of Tadhg O'Donovan Asna and his followers against the British forces near Shannonvale in 1798. It was unveiled by Monsignor O'Leary P.P. on November 26th 1905, the pedestal having been completed for some time before this, when it was decided, during the centenary celebrations of 1898 to erect a statue to commemorate the rising. The 6ft. 3 ins. figure cost £80 which included its placing and the inscriptions.
The rising itself took place on Tuesday 19th June 1798 close to Shannonvale 2 miles north of Clonakilty. The main road to Bandon at that time was through this place, leaving Clonakilty via Barrack Hill. This rising was the only engagement in Munster during the rising of 1798, the major one taking place in Co. Wexford. There was much unrest in Ireland at that time due to the actions of the Yeomanry and Militia who were riding roughshod over the people. The United Irishmen had been founded in Belfast in 1791 with the intention of overthrowing British rule in Ireland and establishing a republic on the lines of those in America and France. By 1797 there were United Irishmen cells in most areas.
The Westmeath Militia were at this time quartered in West Cork with a large contingent in Clonakilty. The lower ranks were very disaffected and a plot was underway to join with the local United Irishmen in a general uprising. The plot was discovered by the authorities and orders arrived, late in the evening of June 18th 1798 that they were to leave for Bandon the following morning at 6 o'clock and were to be replaced by the Caithness Legion.
Word spread quickly through the countryside and before daybreak hundreds of men were converging on Shannonvale to await the arrival of the Westmeath. On the arrival of the Militia the rebels swept down on them from a hill. One account describes the rebel leader being shot dead by a Sergeant Cummins who was himself shot from the rear ranks of his own regiment.
The day was saved for the British due to the timely arrival of the Caithness Legion on their way to Clonakilty. At least one hundred of the rebels were slain and their bodies and that of their leader Tadhg An Asna O'Donovan, were dragged by the local Yeomanry to the Market House at Barrack Street, where they were left for several days until they were eventually taken to the strand at Faxbridge and thrown into the crab hole. Their relations afterwards saw to their burial. There followed court martials and a number of soldiers were sentenced to death and others transported.
Accounts differ as to the number of casualties but one thing is certain, that, had the rebels overcome the Westmeath Militia before the arrival of the Caithness Legion and captured their armament of at least 200 muskets and two sixpounders, it would have presented the British with a formidable problem. Also, the threat of a French landing was always on the horizon.
The Sovereign and chief magistrate, the Rev. Horatio Townsend addressed the Roman Catholic congregation at their Chapel in Old Chapel Lane the following Sunday 24th June, as follows:
"Deluded, but still, dear countrymen I wish to refer to the events of last Tuesday - the day on which so many of you rushed down upon the Westmeath Militia with the vain hope of finding support in their dissaffection. Surely you are not foolish enough to think that society could exist without Landlords and Magistrates. Be persuaded that it is quite out of the sphere of country farmers and tradesmen to set up as politicians, reformers and lawmakers. Reflect with remorse on the sanguinary designs for which you forged so many abominable pikes. Yield up to justice your leaders and the scandal you have brought on your country will in time be wiped away."
One wonders was this address translated to the Irish language for those people whose first tongue it was, otherwise this eloquent condemnation was probably lost to them. (Another remonstrance was read to the people from their Bishop Dr. Coppinger.)
Two years before this in 1796, after the illfated French landing at Bantry Bay the people saw the French prisoners marching through Clonakilty and Shannonvale on their way to Cork gaol

Judgement Day

Very interesting post. I didn't know that there was any rebel activity in Munster during 1798 and I see from a Google search that this was the only serious incident. There was a very interesting horse tramway to the mills at Shannonvale and that is the only thing that I ever associated with the 'peaceful' spot.

arnhem44

If you look closely at the photo on Fiacre8 post,you'll notice that there is damage to the arm holding the Axe/Pike,this was done by what was thought at the time by a stag party,the axe went missing for some time and the hand has remained damaged ever since,typical stupidity on a night out.As far as I know this was the only battle/skirmish to take place in Munster.As for the mill,that's still there falling into disrepair nice and peacefully.

a better photo here
http://www.failteromhat.com/tadhg.htm