Henry O'Keane facts for kids

Henry O'Keane (born February 3, 1763 – died July 6, 1817) was an Irish catholic priest who also became an officer in the French army. He is remembered for his role in the 1798 Irish Rebellion.

Henry O'Keane: Priest and Soldier

Early Life and Education

Henry O'Keane was born in Kilcummin, Killala, County Mayo, Ireland. His family was not wealthy; his father worked as a cowherd. Even so, Henry received a good education.

He learned Latin at a special secret school called a hedge school. These schools were common in Ireland when formal education was limited for Catholics. He later became a priest for the diocese of Killala.

Studies in France

O'Keane then traveled to France to continue his studies. He attended the Irish College in Nantes, where he studied philosophy and theology. These subjects helped him understand deep ideas about life and religion.

He decided to stay in France. When the French Revolution began, he was working as a curé, which is a type of parish priest, near a town. In 1791, he took an oath to support the new French government. Around this time, he also joined the French army.

Role in the 1798 Irish Rebellion

Henry O'Keane became a captain in the 65th regiment of the French army. He worked closely with General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert. In 1798, General Humbert led a French force that landed in Killala, Ireland, to support the Irish Rebellion.

O'Keane was very helpful because he could speak both Irish and French fluently. This made him a great "liaison," meaning he helped the French and Irish communicate and work together.

Protecting People During the Rebellion

During the rebellion, O'Keane was known for his kind actions. Bishop Joseph Stock, a Church of Ireland leader, praised him. The Bishop said that O'Keane always spoke with "mildness and liberality." He also worked hard to protect people who were loyal to the British government.

After the Rebellion's Defeat

After General Humbert left Killala for Castlebar, O'Keane stayed behind in Ballina. The French and Irish forces were eventually defeated at the Battle of Ballinamuck.

Even after this defeat, O'Keane and another leader, Peter Barrett, tried to attack Castlebar on September 12. This attack was not successful. On September 22, they fought a British force near Ballina. The French and Irish then went back to Killala. After a tough fight on September 23, their forces either scattered or gave up.

Trial and Banishment

Henry O'Keane surrendered to the British. He was put on trial in Castlebar for "high treason." This meant he was accused of betraying his country, as he was considered a British subject. He was found guilty and sentenced to be sent away from the country. Bishop Stock spoke in his favor during the trial.

O'Keane returned to France after being sent away. He continued to serve in the French army, fighting in places like Germany and Portugal. He was one of the first people to receive the Legion d'Honneur, a very important award in France, in 1807.

After the old French royal family, the Bourbons, returned to power, O'Keane retired from the army. He passed away in 1817 in the town of Auxerre, France.