Padraig Gearr Ó Mannin facts for kids

Padraig Gearr Ó Mannin was a brave Irish hero who lived around the year 1798. He was part of a group called the United Irishmen. These were people who wanted Ireland to be free from British rule. Ó Mannin took part in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, a big fight for independence in County Mayo.

A Time of Rebellion

Padraig Gearr Ó Mannin came from a place called Carnacregg, near Menlough. In August 1798, news spread that French soldiers, led by General Jean Humbert, had landed in Killala. They came to help the Irish rebels. The rebels even won a big battle at Battle of Castlebar.

Hearing this exciting news, many men from Menlough and nearby areas gathered. They marched towards County Mayo to join the fight. However, after just one day, they learned that the rebellion had failed. They had to turn back home. For many years after, people from County Mayo would tease those from Galway, asking, "Where were the Galwaymen in the fight at Ballina?"

A Brave Stand at Home

When Ó Mannin returned home, he tried to live a quiet life with his mother. But soon, a group of British soldiers passed through Menlough. They were on their way to another battle called the Battle of Ballinamuck. To avoid being arrested, Ó Mannin had to hide in his garden.

While he was hiding, two soldiers entered his house. They demanded food and drink from his mother. After they finished eating, one soldier saw some bacon hanging in the kitchen. He threatened Ó Mannin's mother.

Hearing his mother's screams, Padraig Gearr jumped over the garden fence. He grabbed his blackthorn stick and bravely fought both soldiers. He beat them until they fell to the ground. The soldiers eventually recovered and ran away.

A Challenge and Respect

A few days later, the same group of soldiers returned to Menlough. An officer stopped outside Ó Mannin's house and asked him to explain what happened.

The officer listened to Ó Mannin's story and accepted his explanation. But then, he said, "I will give you a sword, and you must fight the strongest man in my regiment in a one-on-one battle."

Ó Mannin, showing great courage, replied, "No, but pick any two men from your regiment with their swords, and I will fight them with my blackthorn stick. I will even fight your whole regiment, two at a time!"

The officer was very impressed by Ó Mannin's bravery. He told him, "You are a brave man. Here is some money; drink to my health."

Padraig Gearr Ó Mannin lived a long life. When he passed away, he was buried in Killascobe. Even in the 1940s, his family could point out his grave. For some reason, it was known as the grave of "Billy Ó Mannin," which might have been a nickname. Today, the family name is usually spelled Mannion.

See also

• Soghain
• Ó Mannin
• James MacHugo
• Neddy Lohan
• Thunderbolt Gibbons
• Captain Kitt
• Anthony Daly