A new book seeks to highlight the significant impact made on Ireland by British military commanders
Peter Murtagh: If anything happens – a fall, a sprain or a break – no one would know where to find me
In contrast, when Dublin Castle was largely ignorant of rebel plans, as in 1803 and to a lesser extent in 1916, the commander could not adequately prepare for counter-insurgency measures. Wolseley’s perspective was not shared by other non-Irish commanders like the Scottish-born Lieutenant-General Ralph Abercromby, who showed a remarkable empathy with the plight of the predominantly Catholic lower orders and criticised the attitude of the mainly Protestant ruling class. After leaving Ireland in 1798, Abercromby attributed Irish misfortunes to ‘the illiberal, the unjust, and the unwise conduct of England’ and ‘the wretched system of English domination’.
An equally serious crisis emerged in the spring of 1798 when Lieutenant General Abercromby, appalled at the widespread outrages being committed by the military upon the civilian population, publicly condemned the discipline of his own army, declaring that it was in ‘a state of licentiousness which must render it formidable to everyone but the enemy’. The subsequent outrage provoked among Irish loyalists provoked Abercromby’s resignation from the command on the eve of the 1798 rebellion.
The commanders also played a prominent role in the Royal Hibernian Military School in the Phoenix Park, and the Drummond Institute, which respectively provided educational opportunities for the orphan sons and daughters of British soldiers. Unlike the Royal Hospital and the Hibernian school, the Drummond Institute temporarily survived the British withdrawal, and continued an uneasy existence in the new Ireland that emerged post-independence.
However, as the 19th century unfolded, the tension between economics and nationalism became more pronounced. A gradual shift in attitude towards the commander during the period clearly emerges from the research. There were occasional assassination plots against the commander. Two men were hanged in November 1797 because of their involvement in an unsuccessful plot to murder General Carhampton.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gaelic Games weekend previews: All-Ireland champions Kilcoo have edge on Glen in Ulster finalFootball season concludes with women’s club finals in Croke Park for the first time
Read more »
Sarsfields come out on top against St Vincent's to reach All-Ireland finalSiobhán McGrath’s 46th-minute penalty was the vital score that allowed the reigning title holders to set up a showdown with Loughgiel Shamrocks next week.
Read more »
Longford Slashers power to historic All-Ireland intermediate success at Croke ParkGrace Shannon struck a brace of goals to proper her side to glory against Mullinahone.
Read more »
Status Orange ice warning issued for IrelandA Status Orange low temperature and ice warning has been issued for Ireland by Met Éireann, with the forecaster saying that temperatures will fall below -5C in many areas.
Read more »