Redmond O'Hanlon (outlaw) facts for kids
Redmond O'Hanlon (Irish: Réamonn Ó hAnluain), born around 1640, was a famous Irish outlaw from the 17th century. He was known as a "rapparee," which was a term for an Irish person who had lost their land and became an outlaw, often fighting against English rule.
Many historians compare Redmond O'Hanlon to legendary figures like Robin Hood from England and Rob Roy MacGregor from Scotland. He was seen as a hero by many Irish people, much like a chieftain who protected his clan.
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Family History
Redmond O'Hanlon came from a once-powerful Irish family, the O'Hanlons. They used to be important leaders, or "Lords," of a large area called Airgíalla and lived in Tandragee Castle.
However, things changed for his family over time. During the Nine Years' War (1594–1603), Redmond's ancestor, Sir Oghie O'Hanlon, sided with Queen Elizabeth I of England against other Irish leaders. After the war, Sir Oghie was allowed to keep his family's lands. But this changed when his son joined a rebellion in 1608.
Because of this, the O'Hanlon family lost most of their land. Much of it was given to English settlers as part of the Plantation of Ulster. The O'Hanlons tried to get their lands back during the Irish Rebellion of 1641, but they were not successful. Even more land was taken from them after the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in the 1650s. The family was forced to move to a different part of Ireland called Connaught.
Early Life and Becoming an Outlaw
Not much is known about Redmond O'Hanlon's early life. Records from the time say he was born near Poyntzpass in County Armagh around 1640. He was lucky to go to an English school, where he learned to speak English very well. He also spoke Irish and French, which helped him later in life. People said he was a very polite and skilled gentleman, and he was good at pretending to be different people, like a King's officer or a merchant.
One story says that Redmond had to leave Ireland after being involved in a fight where someone was killed. He might have gone to France and joined the army there, which could explain his skills.
He likely returned to Ireland around 1660 when King Charles II became king again. Many Irish landowners, including the O'Hanlons, hoped the new king would give them their lands back. But this did not happen. Because his family's lands were not returned, Redmond O'Hanlon decided to become an outlaw. He went to live in the hills around Slieve Gullion. He probably felt it was his duty as a family leader to fight for justice.
Life as an Outlaw
Redmond O'Hanlon is often compared to Robin Hood, but he was more like Rob Roy MacGregor. He ran a system of "protection" for landlords and merchants in counties Armagh, Tyrone, and Down.
Here's how his "Watch" system worked:
- Protection for a Fee: Landlords and merchants would pay O'Hanlon an annual fee.
- Stolen Goods: If cattle or horses were stolen from those under his protection, O'Hanlon would get them back. If he couldn't, he would pay for them.
- Safe Passage: Travelers and merchants who paid him would get a special pass. If highwaymen tried to rob them, showing the pass would usually make them leave the traveler alone.
- Supporting His Clan: The money O'Hanlon received, which some called "black rent," was used to pay his many spies and to feed his family and followers.
O'Hanlon was known for keeping his word. If someone robbed a traveler with his pass or stole from those under his Watch, they had to return the stolen goods and pay a fine. If they did it a third time, they were killed.
The government in Dublin Castle saw O'Hanlon as a criminal. In 1674, they offered a reward for his capture, dead or alive, and increased it in 1676.
A pamphlet from 1681 described him as a disciplined leader. It said he didn't rob for himself but to help his spies and followers. He was careful about where he slept each night, and he ate simply, often just milk and water, while his followers enjoyed good food. He preferred to spread his money among his network of helpers rather than keep it hidden.
Assassination
On April 25, 1681, Redmond O'Hanlon was shot and killed by a man named Art MacCall O'Hanlon near Hilltown, County Down. Many stories say he was killed while he was sleeping.
Art MacCall O'Hanlon received a full pardon and 100 pounds from the government for killing Redmond.
Burial and Family
According to local stories, Redmond O'Hanlon's remains were later moved and buried in the O'Hanlon family plot at Conwal Parish Church cemetery in Letterkenny, County Donegal. His grave is marked by a flat stone with the O'Hanlon family crest.
The gravestone also mentions his five sons and other family members, including his daughter Cath.
Folklore
Redmond O'Hanlon became very popular in stories and legends. People loved tales about how he outsmarted the English gentry and soldiers. Even today, in County Armagh, there are ghost stories about seeing Redmond O'Hanlon riding his horse.
