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The History and Heritage of County Kildare, Ireland

1798 Rebellion in County Kildare

May 1st - 23rd

Early May
The Triangles appeared in Athy. Suspected United Irishmen were brutally flogged particularly blacksmiths, carpenters and publicans. The system of free quarters was extended through Kilcock, Celbridge and North Kildare.

Thursday May 10th
Captain Beevor arrived in Ballymore-Eustace with soldiers of the 9th Dragoons, the Tyrone, Antrim and Armagh Militias, at freequarters.

Friday May 11th
£1,000 was offered for the arrest of Lord Edward Fitzgerald.

Wednesday May 16th
General Sir Ralph Dundas reported to the Castle that - "The Head of the Hydra is cut off - and the County of Kildare will, for a long time, enjoy profound peace and quiet".

Friday May 18th
The militant faction of the United Irish Directory proposed a concerted attack on Dublin. The Kildaremen would march in three columns - the northern column to join with the Meath men at Kilcock, the southern column to join with the Wicklow forces and the centre column to march to the aid of the Dublin men. The plan was adopted and the date for the rising was set for Wednesday 23rd May.

Saturday May 19th
Lord Edward Fitzgerald was arrested and wounded in the house of Murphy the feather merchant in the Liberties.

Sunday May 20th
Captain Swayne and the City of Cork Militia, who continued actively at freequarters, arrived in Prosperous.

Wednesday May 23rd
Men began to gather at prearranged sites in support of the rising. The Mail Coach destined for Munster was attacked and destroyed near Naas. This was the planned signal for the rebellion.

Published by Kildare County Council Written by Mario Corrigan .