Second Battle of Athenry

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Second Battle of Athenry
Part of the Irish Bruce Wars 1315-1318
Date August 10, 1316
Location Athenry near Galway, Ireland
Result Irish are decimated leading to the height of Norman rule in the area.
Belligerents
Kings of Connacht, Thomond, Brefine, Moylurg, Hy-Many, and others Earls of Ulster and Lords of Connaught
Commanders
Felim mac Aedh Ua Conchobair, Donough O'Brien, Malgary O'Rourke, Art O'Hara, Brian O'Dowda Richard Óg de Burgh, Piers de Bermingham, and others
Strength
unknown unknown
Casualties and losses
1,100+ unknown

The Second Battle of Athenry took place in Ireland on 10 August 1316 and was one of the most decisive battles of the Bruce Wars. The collective number of both armies are unknown, and can only be estimated; while it is doubtful that the numbers were any higher than seven thousand (and even this figure should be treated with caution) the list of participants on the Irish side alone indicates that an overall figure of at least three to four thousand were involved.

[edit] Outcome

Richard de Bermingham and William de Burgh commanded an Anglo-Norman force to victory. The battle was a devastating defeat for the O'Connors and O'Kelly's, who were in alliance with the Scotsman Edward Bruce. Among those killed were chief Felim O'Connor and Teig O'Kelly King of Uí Maine.[1]

As a result, the English secured their power in the west of Ireland. Galway city became their powerbase and the victorious de Burgos were deemed Lords of the region. It would not be until forty years later that the chieftain William Boy O'Kelly recaptured much of the land and restored O'Kelly castles throughout Roscommon.[2]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ British History. A Dictionary of British History. 2001, 2004 by Oxford University Press. Retrieved Mar. 12, 2008.
  2. ^ [1] Battle of Athenry atO'Kelly.net. 2007. Retrieved Mar. 12, 2008.