Philip Roche facts for kids

Philip Roche was an Irish Roman Catholic priest. He became a leader in the Irish Rebellion of 1798 in County Wexford. Sadly, he was later executed for his role in the rebellion.

Philip Roche's Story

Early Life and Joining the Rebellion

Philip Roche was a priest from the parish of Poulpeasty in County Wexford. He had also served in Gorey. In June 1798, a big rebellion started in Ireland. Father Roche joined the rebels who were gathered near Corrigrua Hill. These rebels were led by another priest, Father John Murphy.

Father Roche joined them just before a major fight called the battle of Tubberneering. He shared important information that helped the rebels prepare. This information helped them surprise and stop an attack from British forces. His bravery during this battle made him well-known among the rebels.

Leading Rebel Forces

A few days after Tubberneering, the rebels chose Father Roche to be their new commander. He took charge of the rebel camp near Slyeeve-Keelter, close to New Ross.

Later, Father Roche moved his camp to Lacken Hill. On June 19, his camp was surprised, and he had to move his forces back to Three Rocks, near Wexford.

The next day, he met a group of British soldiers led by Sir John Moore. This happened at a place called Goffsbridge, or Foulkes Mill, near Horetown church. Father Roche was very clever in how he arranged his rebel forces. After a tough fight that lasted four hours, his forces had to retreat. But they did so in an organized way, which showed his skill as a leader.

Final Days and Legacy

After a big battle at Vinegar Hill and the surrender of Wexford town, Father Roche saw that fighting more was pointless. He decided to give up. He went to Wexford alone and without weapons.

When he entered the town, he was captured and treated very harshly. He was put on trial by a military court. On June 25, 1798, Father Roche was executed on Wexford bridge. Several other rebel leaders, including Matthew Keogh, were also executed that day.

Learn More

• Battle of New Ross (1798)
• Battle of Foulksmills
• Wexford Rebellion
• Bagenal Harvey, John Henry Colclough, Cornelius Grogan, Matthew Keogh, John Kelly of Killanne - Other rebel leaders executed on Wexford bridge in June 1798.