Battle of Knockavoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Knockavoe |
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| Part of the Irish Clan Wars | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
.svg){kind=small} Kingdom of Tyrconnell |
 Kingdom of Tyrone |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Hugh Dubh O'Donnell Manus O'Donnell |
Conn Bacagh O'Neill | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | 900 killed | ||||||
The Battle of Knockavoe was a surprise attack that happened in 1522. It took place near Strabane in County Tyrone, Ireland. This battle was part of the ongoing conflicts between two powerful Irish families: the O'Donnells and the O'Neills.
The O'Donnells, led by Hugh Dubh O'Donnell and Manus O'Donnell, launched a secret night attack. They surprised the O'Neill forces, who were completely unprepared. The O'Neills and their allies were defeated in this sudden battle.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
The O'Neill's Plan
Conn Bacagh O'Neill wanted to control the O'Donnell lands. He gathered a very large army to invade Tyrconnell, the O'Donnell territory. His army included soldiers from different parts of Ireland. He also had English soldiers and Scottish-Irish fighters.
O'Neill's Invasion
Conn O'Neill's forces first attacked and captured Ballyshannon Castle. After that, they caused a lot of damage in Tyrconnell. They were trying to weaken the O'Donnells and force them to accept O'Neill's rule.
The Battle of Knockavoe
A Surprise Night Attack
Conn O'Neill's large army set up camp at Knockavoe, just outside Strabane. The O'Donnells, led by Hugh Dubh and Manus O'Donnell, decided to attack them by surprise. They moved quietly towards the camp in the dark of night.
The O'Donnell soldiers attacked before the O'Neill guards even knew what was happening. The two armies fought fiercely in the complete darkness. It was hard for soldiers to tell friends from enemies.
O'Neill's Defeat
After a long and difficult fight, the O'Neills were defeated. They were not ready for a night attack. About 900 of O'Neill's men were killed. The O'Donnells took control of the camp. They also captured a huge amount of valuable goods and supplies.
What the Old Records Say
Ancient Irish records, like The Annals of the Four Masters, describe the battle. They say that Manus O'Donnell first attacked O'Neill's home territory. This made O'Neill return to his own land.
The O'Donnells knew O'Neill's army was much bigger. They decided to attack at night, choosing to fight bravely rather than surrender. Even though O'Neill had guards, the O'Donnells rushed in quickly. The battle was very confusing in the dark.
Many important leaders and their soldiers died in the battle. This included Donnell Oge Mac Donnell and John Bissett. The O'Donnells captured horses, weapons, and food from O'Neill's defeated army. This battle was one of the bloodiest fights between the O'Donnells and O'Neills.
Place Names Explained
- Cnoc-Buidhbh is the old Gaelic name for Knockavoe. It means "Hill of Bove Derg."
- Loch Monann was a lake that later became part of Strabane Glen.
- Druim-Lighean is now known as Drumboy Hill. It is near Lifford on the Letterkenny Road.
After the Battle
Continued Conflict
The Battle of Knockavoe was very bloody. However, it did not end the fighting between the O'Donnells and O'Neills. Lord Kildare, who was related to Conn Bacagh O'Neill, tried to make peace. But his efforts did not work, and the war went on for many more years.
A New Family Rises
The battle had an important long-term effect on other families. The last leader of the Bissett family, who ruled the Glens of Antrim, was killed at Knockavoe. This weakened the Bissetts. The MacDonnells, who were growing stronger, took over their lands. This made the MacDonnells one of the most important families in Ulster.
See also
