Battle of Macroom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Macroom |
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| Part of the Cromwellian Conquest of Ireland | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Irish Confederation |
 Commonwealth of England |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| David Roche |
Roger Boyle |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 4,000 foot 300 horse |
1,500 horse | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Several hundred killed | Low | ||||||
The Battle of Macroom was a small but important fight that happened on May 10, 1650. It took place near a town called Macroom in County Cork, southern Ireland. This battle was part of a bigger conflict known as the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. In this fight, an English army, led by Roger Boyle (also known as Lord Broghill), won against an Irish army led by David Roche.
Why Did the Battle of Macroom Happen?
Before the battle, Roger Boyle had helped the English Parliamentarians take control of Cork. The soldiers in Cork, who were English Royalists, decided to switch sides and join the Parliamentarians. This was a huge help to Oliver Cromwell, who was leading the English campaign in Ireland. It meant Cromwell's forces now controlled most of the Munster region and its important port towns.
After this, the Irish and Royalist troops in the area moved back to western County Kerry. This part of Ireland is very strong naturally, with lots of mountains and remote areas.
What Happened During the Battle?
David Roche, an Irish officer, decided to launch an attack from Kerry in May 1650. He had about 1,400 men. His goal was to help the city of Clonmel, which was under attack by English forces.
Oliver Cromwell sent Roger Boyle to stop Roche's army. Boyle had 1,500 foot soldiers and 500 cavalry (soldiers on horseback). When Roche realized that Boyle's army was chasing him, he decided to turn back.
But Boyle didn't let the Irish force get away. He followed them quickly with only his cavalry. He caught up with them at Macroom on May 10. The English cavalry surprised the Irish soldiers with a sudden charge. The Irish didn't even have time to get ready for battle. They were quickly defeated and scattered.
Several hundred Irish soldiers were killed in the fight. The English army, on the other hand, had very few losses. Roche's army broke apart and retreated back towards the mountains of Kerry.
What Happened After the Battle?
The day after the battle, Boyle's forces surrounded and captured Carrigadrohid castle. They had taken a prisoner named Boetius MacEgan, who was a Catholic Bishop. The English warned the castle's defenders that they would kill the Bishop if they didn't surrender.
However, Bishop MacEgan bravely told the people inside the castle not to give up. Because he refused, he was killed by the English in front of the castle walls. Even after this, the castle's defenders surrendered shortly afterward. They were allowed to leave the castle safely without being harmed.
