Redmond Burke, Baron Leitrim facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Redmond Burke Baron Leitrim
Redmond de Búrca
Arms of de Burgh/Burke of Clanricarde: Or, a cross gules in the first quarter a lion rampant sable
Nationality	Irish
Parent(s)	John na Seamar Burke
Relatives	William Burke (brother) John Óge Burke (brother) Tomás Burke (brother)

Redmond Burke, also known as Baron Leitrim, was an Irish nobleman and soldier. He lived in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He served as a soldier in Spain. Later, he returned to Ireland and fought in the Nine Years' War.

Redmond Burke's Family Background

Redmond Burke was part of the powerful Burke family. They lived in an area called Clanricarde, which is now in County Galway, Ireland. Redmond was the oldest of five brothers. All of them left Ireland in the late 1580s to become soldiers for Spain.

However, they returned to Ireland in time to join the Nine Years' War. Their father was John na Seamar Burke, who passed away in 1583. Their uncle was Ulick Burke, 3rd Earl of Clanricarde. Redmond was called Baron or Lord Leitrim, a title he inherited from his father.

Adventures in the Year 1600

Historical records, like the Annals of the Four Masters, tell us about Redmond Burke. In the year 1600, Redmond was a well-known and respected gentleman in Ireland. He and his brothers, John Oge, William, and Thomas, spent the summer, autumn, and winter in areas called Ormond and Ely.

They had many soldiers with them. Their forces were so large that they raided and took over nearby lands. They captured several castles in Ely and Ormond. Some of these castles included Suidhe-an-roin, Bel-atha-Dun-Gair, Cuil-O'nDubhain, and Port-a-Tolchain.

Events of 1601: Battles and Escapes

The Annals of the Four Masters also describe many events involving Redmond and his brothers in 1601.

Surprise Attack on the Burke Camp

In January 1601, Redmond's group was camped in a place called Ikerrin. Spies from the Butler family found them. The Butlers decided to attack the Burke camp at dawn.

A big surprise attack happened. The Butlers caught the Burkes off guard. Many of Redmond's soldiers were killed in their tents.

Escape and New Alliances

During this attack, a leader named O'Shaughnessy was killed. John Oge, Redmond's brother, was captured and taken to Kilkenny. Redmond Burke and his brother William managed to escape with some of their men.

They went to Ely, but did not stay long. Then they traveled to Ulster, in the north of Ireland. They left their castles in East Munster with only a few guards.

Redmond's Return to Clanricarde

When Redmond arrived in Ulster, he met with Irish leaders like O'Neill and O'Donnell. He decided to hire more soldiers. His plan was to march back into Clanricarde.

In early spring, Redmond led his new army. They traveled through different counties and across rivers. He captured the local lord of Clann-Conway, Mac David. Redmond then moved into another area called Tuath-an-Chalaidh.

Conflict with the Earl of Clanricarde

The Earl of Clanricarde, Redmond's uncle, heard about his return. The Earl gathered his own troops to stop Redmond. But Redmond was clever. On March 13th, he snuck past the Earl's guards without being noticed.

Redmond reached Kinel-Feichin, in the south of Clanricarde. His soldiers raided towns and took valuable goods. He then set up camp in the woods. He spent several days plundering and building up his defenses.

The Earl of Clanricarde arrived with his army and camped nearby. For several days, small fights broke out between the two sides. Then, Teige O'Rourke arrived with more soldiers to help Redmond. With these new allies, Redmond's forces were stronger. The Earl had to retreat. Redmond's group chased him and continued to raid and burn the land.

More Raids and Losses

Redmond's group then moved towards Thomond. They camped near Loch-Cutra. Here, a young nobleman named Teige O'Brien joined them. He joined without asking his father or the Earl of Clanricarde, who were his relatives.

Teige O'Brien asked to lead a raid into Thomond. Redmond agreed, and some of his gentlemen and soldiers went with Teige. Among them were William, Redmond's brother, and Walter Burke. They raided towns and took spoils.

However, on their way back, they were attacked by the forces of the Earl of Thomond. Many of Redmond's men were killed. Walter Burke was also killed. Teige O'Brien was shot and wounded. He had to return to camp and get medical help.

End of the Campaign

Many of the Queen's soldiers came to help the Earl of Clanricarde. The Earl's son also arrived with foreign soldiers. The Deputy Governor of Connaught and forces from Galway joined them too.

When Redmond and his brothers heard about this large army, they moved back into the mountains. They stayed in their old hiding places in Kinel-Feichin. The Earl's sons, including the Baron of Dunkellin and Sir Thomas Burke, pursued them with a large army. The Earl himself was sick and could not join.

Teige O'Brien, who was still wounded, was offered protection by the Queen's forces. He left Redmond's camp and went to the Earl's castle. However, he died soon after.

The two armies faced each other for weeks. Eventually, Redmond's group ran out of food. They left the area and raided O'Madden's territory before crossing the River Suck. The Earl's sons continued to chase them, and more fighting occurred. Finally, Redmond and his brothers went to Tirconnell to join O'Donnell. The Earl's sons returned home.

Redmond at the Battle of Kinsale

Redmond Burke and his brother William were important leaders who fought alongside Red Hugh O'Donnell at the Battle of Kinsale. After the battle, it was decided that O'Donnell, Redmond Burke, and Captain Hugh Mus would travel to Spain. Their mission was to tell the King of Spain about the difficulties and problems the Irish were facing.

Before leaving, these leaders left some of their allies in Munster. These allies, including Captain Tyrrell and Redmond's other brothers, were tasked with continuing to raid the area while the leaders were away in Spain.