Carnew executions facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carnew executions |
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| Location | Carnew, County Wicklow |
| Date | 25 May 1798 |
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Attack type
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Firing squad |
| Deaths | 28 |
| Perpetrator | Irish Yeomanry |
The Carnew executions refer to a sad event where 28 prisoners were killed by soldiers in Carnew, County Wicklow, Ireland. These prisoners were thought to be part of a group called the Society of United Irishmen. The soldiers, known as yeomanry troops, were stationed at Carnew Castle. This happened on May 25, 1798.
What Happened in Carnew?
This event is known as the Carnew executions. It involved the killing of 28 people. These people were prisoners. They were suspected of being members of the Society of United Irishmen. Soldiers from the local army, called yeomanry troops, carried out these killings. The event took place in Carnew, a town in County Wicklow, Ireland. It happened on May 25, 1798.
Why Did It Happen?
The Society of United Irishmen was a group that wanted big changes in Ireland. They wanted Catholic emancipation, which meant fairer rights for Catholic people. They also wanted parliamentary reform, so more people could have a say in how the country was run. When their peaceful efforts didn't work, they started a rebellion against British rule in Ireland.
This rebellion began in May 1798. The main fighting outside of Ulster happened in County Wicklow and County Wexford. These areas are south of County Dublin. The government, known as the Dublin Castle administration, quickly responded. Most of the rebellion was stopped within a year.
The Day of the Executions
By the morning of May 25, 1798, news had reached the soldiers in Carnew. They heard that the rebellion had started in nearby County Kildare. They also heard about battles where soldiers had lost, like at Ballymore-Eustace, Naas, and Prosperous.
Because of this news, the soldiers in Carnew decided to act. They gathered the people they suspected of being rebels. These suspects were being held in Carnew Castle. The soldiers marched them to a local handball alley. There, the soldiers shot the prisoners. This was done as a warning to everyone living in the area.
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