Battle of Ballinamuck 'one of the defining moments in our history and inspired a greater destiny'

The Battle of Ballinamuck was described as  'one of the defining moments in our history and inspired a greater destiny' by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, as she officially opened the Commemoration Weekend to mark the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Ballinamuck.

Chairperson of the Commemoration committee Mark Cunningham welcomed Minister Humphreys and he made a special presentation to her.

Here is the full text of the Minister's key note address: 

"It is my great honour to join you this evening to mark the 225th anniversary of a battle that decided the fate of Ireland in the short term, but inspired a greater destiny in the years ahead. 

"Over the course of this weekend, this community – in the heart of Rural Ireland - will play host to a unique set of events and activities to commemorate one of the defining moments in our history.

"It’s a great honour to be joined here by the French Ambassador Mr. Vincent Guérand, who has been a true friend to Ireland for many years.

"We join together today to remember a battle that epitomises the shared story between our two countries, one of friendship and a common idealism.  

"Ballinamuck is the beating heart connecting our nations’ stories.

Down Memory Lane | Watch as history comes alive in Longford during 1998 reenactment of the Battle of Ballinamuck

"It was here in Longford that a brave group of rebels – Catholics, Protestants and Dissenters – supported by gallant allies from France – took on a vastly superior army to fight for their dream of an independent Irish Republic. 

"That dream ended in defeat on the blood-drenched fields and bogs of Ballinamuck, but it was a dream that never died.  

"It was reignited five years later by Robert Emmet, by the Young Irelanders 50 years later, by the Fenians in 1867, and by the men and women who led the successful campaign for independence in 1916 and during the War of Independence.

"It was a dream that still guides us today in the 21st century.

"Stories of what happened here at Ballinamuck were told and retold over the past 225 years and became embedded in the history and folklore of communities and parishes across the county. 

"At the age of 95, Patrick Gill of Edenmore was able to remember stories his grandmother – a Cassidy from Fardromin – had told him about how she had brought food to the starving French while carrying a two-year old baby on her back. 

All eyes on north Longford as historic four day festival to mark 225th anniversary of Battle of Ballinamuck gets underway

There’s a lot to be said for community spirit and few places, if any, do it better than Ballinamuck.

"There were also stories of loyalist Protestants who, despite their political beliefs, concealed escaping rebels to save them from the slaughter afterwards. 

"In the 20th century, Kate Kelly from nearby Townagh inspired countless listeners with her stories of the battle that had been passed down from generation to generation. 

"The Year of the French has never been forgotten in Longford, and nor should it. 

"At Ballinamuck, we stand at the site of a battle which sent shockwaves through the country and which had an impact on so many lives, not just those who fought here.

"As we know, the 1798 Rebellion was inspired by revolutions in America and France and the idea that liberty could be for all.

"The core belief that regardless of birth or religion we could all be equal citizens in our own country. 

Longford community pulls out all the stops ahead of major Ballinamuck Commemoration event

Fun-filled and fascinating line up of four days of events and entertainment for the whole family

"Twenty-five years ago, we commemorated the bi-centenary of the rebellion at a time when there was renewed hope about the future of this island, following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and its ratification by overwhelming majorities both north and south. 

"The message was one of peace and reconciliation and the dream of a brighter future.  Wolfe Tone’s vision finally being realised.

"Commemorations are never easy things to get right.  They often reveal as much about our country today, and our priorities, as they do about the events we are remembering.

"I had the privilege of being the Minister responsible for commemorating the Decade of Centenaries in the run up to the centenary of the 1916 Rising.

Longford and Cavan GAA players set to battle it out during Ballinamuck 225th Commemoration

"I made it my mission to ensure that we commemorated these crucial events in a truthful, respectful and inclusive way.  

"Truthful about what really happened. Respectful of the different traditions on this island.

"And inclusive of every community who wished to be involved.

"I believe the Decade of Centenaries has seen us engage with our past, and the creation of our State, in a very healthy way. 

"We have all become more aware of the complexity of our past, as well as being inspired to live up to the ideals of earlier men and women who drive us to do more.

"In these next few weeks, we are closing the Decade of Centenaries with a commemoration of our entry into the League of Nations as we finally took our place among the nations of the world.

"I believe we have demonstrated that we are able to handle the complexities of our past.

"We are able to honour the sacrifices of those who died for freedom, while respecting those who had a different vision.  

"And we can do so in a way that demonstrates our commitment to a true republicanism, one that seeks to unite and not divide, to inspire and not to incite. 

"In recent commemorations of 1798, one part of the story received less attention.

"If we are to have a meaningful engagement with our history we must also be honest about the uncomfortable and messy parts of our past as well.  

"The men and women of 1798 were motivated by ideals of freedom and equality, but when violence erupted in the summer of 1798 there were terrible sectarian atrocities on both sides that must be acknowledged. 

"The burning of prisoners at Scullabogue and the murder of loyalists at Wexford Bridge were atrocities which betrayed the noble ideals and have no place in a genuine Irish Republic.  

"Theobald Wolfe Tone’s brother Matthew fought here at Ballinamuck, and was afterwards captured, tried and hanged. 

"At his own trial a few months later, Wolfe Tone admitted that some things had be done in the name of freedom which he lamented, but that his guiding principle was to raise Irish people to the rank of citizen and establish the independence of his country.

"Today in another part of the world, a nation is fighting for its life against a brutal invader and aggressor. 

"Ireland is not a military combatant, but we are a gallant ally of Ukraine in this conflict.  

"We support its people and their dream of freedom.

"We welcome those fleeing oppression and we pledge to stand by the same principles of freedom and equality that united Irishmen and women 225 years ago.  

"I want to pay tribute to the organisers of these commemorations for your fantastic work and efforts.

"For a small community like Ballinamuck, you sum up all that is good and vibrant about rural life.

"This week, too, you will showcase the very best of both Irish and French culture and heritage – all under the encompassing theme of the Battle of Ballinamuck.

"From GAA to French Boules, from a Wolfe Tone Céilí to a Farandole.

"And from Irish Food-stalls to French Markets.

"These commemorations are a reminder for us all of the strength of the bond that exists between our two nations.

"Finally, I had the opportunity a short time ago to turn the sod on Phase 2 of the North Longford Rebel Trail which connects Monaduff to Ballinamuck.

"That particular project received €500,000 under my Department’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

"That trail, when complete, really will provide a unique tourism attraction in North Longford, linking sites such as Granard Motte, the Rose cottage in Ballinalee, Clonfin Memorial and of course the 1798 Heritage Centre here in Ballinamuck.

"So I very much look forward to coming back here to Ballinamuck when the works are complete and the trail is ready to be officially opened.

"So thank you once again for your kind invitation to be here with you today.

"I want to particularly thank Mark Cunningham, Siobhán Mulligan, Nuala McLoughlin, Dawn Gorman, Ciarán Lennon and all the organisers.

"Merci beaucoup mes amis.

"Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir, a chairdre."

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