Connell Ferrall facts for kids

Sir Connell Ferrall was an important Irish soldier who lived in the 1600s. He is best known for his part in a big conflict called the War of the Two Kings.

Who Was Sir Connell Ferrall?

Connell Ferrall was a Roman Catholic from a place called Tirlickin in County Longford, Ireland. He belonged to a well-known family, the Farrell clan.

Early Life and Exile

After a difficult time in Ireland known as the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, many Irish people, including Connell, had to leave their homes and go to other countries in Europe. This is called going into "exile."

A Soldier in Europe

Connell Ferrall first joined the French Army. He even led a group of soldiers who were also from Longford, Ireland. However, things changed when a special agreement called the Treaty of Brussels was made in 1656. This treaty was between Charles II, who would later become King of England, and the King of Spain.

Because of this treaty, Connell Ferrall and his troops switched sides. They left the French Army and helped the Spanish. They even gave control of a fortress town in Flanders called Saint-Ghislain to the Spanish. King Charles II was very grateful for their help. He made Connell Ferrall a knight, along with Connell's cousin, Lisagh O'Farrell.

Serving King Charles II

When King Charles II returned to power in England (a time known as the Restoration), he suggested that Connell Ferrall should be given land in Ireland. However, the Irish Parliament did not agree to this.

Later, Sir Connell Ferrall served as a soldier in King Charles's army at a place called English Tangier. Many other Irish soldiers were also part of this group.

Supporting King James II

In the 1680s, Sir Connell Ferrall was a strong supporter of the Catholic King James II. People who supported King James were called Jacobites. Sir Connell was part of the Irish Army during this time.

He was in charge of a group of soldiers, called a regiment, which was based in Boyle, County Roscommon. Sir Connell led his troops to try and stop a Protestant army, led by Lord Kingston, from leaving Sligo and reaching Ballyshannon. But Connell's forces were pushed back near Bundoran.

It is believed that Sir Connell Ferrall was killed in 1689 during a famous event called the Siege of Derry.