Mogue Kearns facts for kids
Father Mogue Kearns (Irish: Mo Aodh Óg Ó Céirín), sometimes called Moses Kearns, was an Irish Roman Catholic priest. He was also a member of the United Irishmen, a group who wanted to change how Ireland was ruled. He was executed by the British on July 12, 1798, after leading about 2,000 rebel troops in County Wexford.
Life Story of Mogue Kearns
Mogue Kearns was born in Kiltealy, near the Blackstairs Mountains. His family were farmers. There was a story in 1798 that Kearns had been a student in Paris during the French Revolution. This was a time of big political and social change in France. The story said he was almost hanged by a crowd, but he was saved by a doctor.
After he became a priest, he worked as a curate (a priest who helps the main priest) in Balyna. This area was on the border of Kildare and Meath. He was soon dismissed by the Bishop. This was because he was involved with the Defenders. This was a secret group of tenant farmers. They were joining forces with the United Irishmen.
When he left Kildare, Father Kearns moved to Enniscorthy. He joined the rebels (also called insurgents) right away. He played an important part in the first battle of Enniscorthy on May 28.
Leading Rebel Forces
From the rebel camp at Vinegar Hill, Father Kearns led about 2,000 rebels. They were not well-armed. They marched north to attack the British soldiers (the garrison) in Bunclody. On the morning of June 1, they stopped outside the town.
Father Kearns decided to attack directly. He did not follow advice to cut off the soldiers' escape route. The British soldiers at first retreated. However, they soon met more soldiers and attacked back. The rebel forces lost many people and had to go back to Enniscorthy.
After getting better from his injuries, Father Kearns joined many other rebels in Killoughram Woods. In early July, Colonel Anthony Perry and Father Kearns led a group from Wexford into Meath. This group of about 4,000 rebels was defeated in the Battle of Clonard on July 11.
Capture and Execution
Father Kearns was captured by the militia (a group of armed citizens). A young woman reportedly helped him escape. But he was soon captured again with Perry on July 21. Father Kearns was then tried and executed outside Edenderry.
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