Michael Reynolds (United Irishmen) facts for kids

Michael Reynolds (born around 1771, died 1798) was an important leader of the United Irishmen rebels from Kildare. He led them during a big fight called the Battle of Naas.

Early Life and Joining the United Irishmen

Michael Reynolds was a farmer from a place called Johnstown, near Naas in County Kildare. People said he was very strong and active. He was also known for being a great horse rider.

Before 1798, Michael Reynolds joined a secret group called the United Irishmen. This group wanted to end British rule in Ireland. Their goal was to create an independent and democratic country.

The Rebellion Begins

In March 1798, many leaders of the United Irishmen met in Dublin. They were arrested during this meeting. This caused big problems for the group. Many other leaders were already in prison or out of the country.

One of the arrested leaders was George Cummins, who was in charge of the group in Kildare. Michael Reynolds was chosen to take his place. Some people thought there was a traitor among them. Michael Reynolds believed a distant relative, Thomas Reynolds, was the traitor. The group agreed with Michael, but they did not let him punish Thomas.

The big uprising finally started in May at Ballymore-Eustace.

The Battle of Naas

On May 22, 1798, a reward was offered for the capture of remaining United Irish leaders, including Michael Reynolds.

The Battle of Naas was one of the first major fights of the rebellion. On the night of May 23, Michael Reynolds led over 1000 rebels to attack Naas. Naas was the strongest British army base in County Kildare. The British forces there had about 250 soldiers, plus some local fighters. The British also had cannons, which were a big advantage.

The rebels attacked from three sides around 2:30 a.m. They surprised the British soldiers. The British were pushed back to a barricade near the jail in the town center. The rebels tried to attack the barricade, but the British used their cannons. They fired at the rebels from close range. The rebels were stuck between buildings and could not move easily. British cavalry then attacked the confused rebels.

The rebels began to retreat. Most of their losses happened during this retreat. About 135 rebels were killed, while the British lost about 25 soldiers.

Michael Reynolds managed to escape. He joined up with other rebels in the Wicklow Mountains. Later in May, he was part of a group of seven men. This group tried to free Lord Edward from Newgate Prison in Dublin.

The Battle of Hacketstown

Hacketstown was a small village in County Wicklow. It had an important bridge over the River Deneen. The British Army controlled this bridge. On June 25, the United Irishmen tried to cross the bridge. They lost 12 men to the British defenses.

Another rebel leader, Anthony Perry, gathered a large force of rebels. They managed to get to the other side of the river with few losses. The bridge became crowded with men. British troops were firing at the rebels from both sides of the river. Michael Reynolds bravely led his followers under the bridge and across the river.

The British soldiers were pushed back to their barracks. The rebels then surrounded the barracks. Reynolds again led a group of men from Kildare. They tried to climb the barracks walls using ladders. While climbing, Reynolds was shot in the stomach. He was badly wounded and died a few days later.