Search on for pikemen to take part in Longford 1798 rebellion re-enactment in Ballinamuck

Organisers behind an eagerly awaited commemoration of the 225th anniversary of The Battle of Ballinamuck are on the hunt for volunteers to take part in what has been described as a “once in a lifetime” event.

Committee members want 150 soldiers or pikemen to take part in the official re-enactment of what was the last major engagement of the 1798 Rebellion.

The occasion is expected to take centre stage over the course of a four day action packed commemoration weekend from September 7-10.

Committee Chairman Mark Cunningham said the re-enactment represents a unique opportunity for anyone interested in taking part with volunteers being promised a great day out while donning period costume.

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“The preparations on this began around three months ago and it has been very positively received,” he said.

A proud Ballinamuck man himself, the local chartered engineer said the commemoration already had a string of activities included in its itinerary for all ages to enjoy.

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“It’s a very family oriented commemoration,” he added. “These events only come around every 25 years and this is a chance to remember all those that died in 1798.”

In a further boost, organisers have managed to secure the attendance of the French Ambassador Vincent Guérend who is expected to be in the north Longford village on the Friday and Saturday of the festival, the latter of which will take in the re-enactment of the infamous battle.

Aside from being the last engagement of the 1798 Rebellion of the United Irishmen in Ireland which took place on 8 September 1798, the battle marked the defeat of the main force of the French incursion with some 500 Irish rebels and French troops believed to be buried in a mass grave at the top of Shanmullagh Hill in Ballinamuck.

The Commemoration of the 225th Anniversary weekend is going to be the biggest event of its kind in the midlands this year and according to Mark the spectacle is one which promises to be a gathering like no other.

“We are expecting a number of visitors from our twinning town in Essert to travel over along with large numbers from right across Longford and the midlands,” he said.

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“It’s a weekend to mark in your diary and one that’s not to be missed.

More details about the full programme of activities and entertainment will be announced over the coming weeks, but visitors can expect an action-packed weekend of tributes, re-enactments, living history displays and big name entertainment with something on offer for all of the family.