Hugely successful launch night for Ballinamuck commemoration weekend

Chairperson Mark Cunningham welcomed all present, including reenactors who travelled to the event from Meath, Kildare, Clare and Wexford, not forgetting the local pikemen and women who added character and atmosphere to this event.

A mixture of talents were witnessed from the opening theme tune written and sung by Paul Redmond himself, (From the musical The Promise 'Men of Erin'). The trad band The Howth Heads treated all to a great night's entertainment.

The Battle of Ballinamuck 225th Anniversary Commemoration runs from Thursday, September 7 to Sunday, September 10 next.

It promises to be a weekend of family fun, laughter and craic. There will be something for everyone whilst remembering the fallen of the Battle of Ballinamuck.

Thursday starts off the events with mass in St Patrick's church, remembering all who perished in the Battle of Ballinamuck, followed by traditional music in the 98 Bar, including fireworks from both Shanmullagh and Kiltycreevagh hills, the sites of where the skirmishes took place in 1798.

Friday will start with an impressive display of artwork from the local schools, there will be guided tours of the various historic sites, followed by the official opening and live music by Johnny Brady.

Saturday is the highlight of the weekend where the march from Keeldra to Ballinamuck, prior to the re- enactment will take place, (All welcome in 1798 costume) followed by the re-enactment itself.

The re-enactment will be a chance to witness what our ancestors went through in this historic battle. The Paddy Cullivan's show-The year of the French (Age restriction over 12's) followed by a night with live bands The High Stool Prophets & Rhythm & Sticks.

The weekends not over yet Sunday is a family based day with a huge amount packed into one day from things like a living history campsite, giant colouring board, dance workshops, games, historical GAA football match, tug of war tournament (Tug Of War Ireland official event), market stalls, live music and dance, and much much more!

Finishing off the night with live music from Cronin, Mick Flavin & Nite Fever!

The Battle of Ballinamuck was the last engagement of the 1798 Rebellion by the United Irishmen in Ireland.

It took place on September 8, 1798 and marked the defeat of the main force of the French incursion. Some 500 Irish rebels and French troops are believed to be buried in a mass grave at the top of Shanmullagh Hill in Ballinamuck.

September's event will commemorate this pivotal event in Irish history, respectfully remembering those who fought and died while also taking the opportunity to celebrate shared French and Irish culture and heritage.

All in Ballinamuck, the lovely quaint village in north Longford, have a great respect for the French since, so much so that they have been twinned with Essert in France since 1997.

Just recently several of its families in the village and surrounding area hosted both children and adults from Essert where much fun, laughter and craic was had.

For further information, or if you wish to donate to the running costs of the commemoration weekend please follow Battle of Ballinamuck on social media or check out www.battleofballinamuck.ie