Attack on Borris,
Doonane and Hacketstown
May 25th, 1798
On the same night as the attempt was made to take Carlow town, attacks
were made on Borris and Hacketstown, apparently part of the concerted
march on strategic bases organized by Heydon. Apparently Mr. Walter
Kavanagh was prepared for trouble, as his yeomen had spent the earlier
part of the day rounding up disaffected blacksmiths, which activity had
occasioned ‘a general spirit of commotion, in the neighbourhood.’ It is
thought the insurgents had in mind to plunder his house for weapons
knowing that a great number had been surrendered in that area.
Sir Charles Asgill gives the number of rebels involved in the attack as about 300. He
states that the contest lasted about three quarters of an hour and then
rebels fled. He states that Mr. Kavanagh estimated from the quantity of
blood that could be traced everywhere that numbers must have been wounded
and carried off by their friends.’ Many pikes and other weapons were
found. Mr. Kavanagh’s personal influence has much to do with the failure
of this attack on Borris as many of his yeomanry are Catholic but remained
loyal.
On 25 May the colliers at Doonane also attempted a minor attack on
the garrison there. Sir Charles Asgill notes that they had not yet risen
in any considerable numbers but from information he has received they are
nerving themselves for a grand attack on this town (of Kilkenny).
Hacketstown was also subjected to attack on the night of 25 May. Who
the leaders were is not clear but Rev. James McGhee gives this account:
‘In consequence of an information received this morning that a large
body of rebels were marching to attack this town, Lieut. Gardiner and the
men under his command and a party of - yeomanry commanded by Captain Hardy
went out to meet them. Having reconnoitred their force, which amounted to
about three or four thousand, they took up post on the hill under the
Church and when the rebels came tolerable near, the officers made a fent,
and retreated into the barracks. The rebels seeing this came on with a
great shout imagining the day to be their own. In a few minutes Captain
Hardy came up with about thirty of his troops and instantly charged them.
On which the rebels retreated and general pursuit took place, and so
complete was the rout that above 300 of the miscreants now lie dead on the
field of battle.
May 31 1798
Further Incursions in the County
It is reported that ‘the rebels’ still continue in force in the
counties of Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare, Carlow, Meath and King’s County; It
is difficult to bring them to a decisive action.’ The rebels mentioned as
‘still In force’ are deemed to be the Wexford Insurgents on the
Carlow/Wexford border who no doubt Include some Carlow men who managed to
make their escape and have no alternative but to Join force with the
successful Wexford insurgents. A rebel victory at Newtownbarry, situated
on the western bank of the Slaney finks the insurgents with the movement
In county Wicklow and has left county Carlow wide open to attack. The
village of Borris is thought to be particularly vulnerable.
ANDREW FARRELL
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