Richard O'Farrell (Irish Confederate) facts for kids

Richard O'Farrell was an important Irish soldier in the 1600s. He is best known for fighting in the Irish Confederate Wars from 1642 to 1651. He became a very high-ranking officer, reaching the level of Lieutenant General.

Early Military Days

Many Irish officers, like Richard O'Farrell, served in armies in other countries during this time. O'Farrell joined the Spanish Army. He became an officer in an Irish regiment. He learned a lot about fighting and leading soldiers while serving under a very experienced commander named Owen Roe O'Neill.

The Irish Rebellion

In 1641, a big rebellion started in Ireland. It was led by Irish Catholics from the north, like Sir Phelim O'Neill. Even though they said they were still loyal to King Charles I, fighting broke out across the country. Many parts of Ireland, especially in Ulster and Connaught, were taken over. However, an attempt to capture Dublin failed.

Richard O'Farrell was one of many Irish officers who came back home to join the rebels. These Irish forces set up their own government in a city called Kilkenny.

Fighting in Ireland

O'Farrell arrived in Wexford with Rosa O'Neill and Henry Roe O'Neill, who were the wife and daughter of his old commander, Owen Roe O'Neill. O'Farrell was made a Colonel and given command of a regiment from County Longford. His soldiers soon joined the main army of Owen Roe O'Neill, known as the Ulster Army.

In 1646, O'Farrell led his regiment when O'Neill's army won a big victory at the Battle of Benburb. Later, during the Siege of Dublin in 1649, O'Farrell tried to bring supplies to the soldiers defending Dundalk. However, his troops were defeated by soldiers led by Lord Inchiquin.

Defending Waterford

General O'Farrell was called to defend the city of Waterford when it was under attack. Oliver Cromwell, a famous English commander, arrived at Waterford on November 24, 1649. He had cut off the city from the east and north.

However, Waterford could still get help from the west. About 3,000 Irish soldiers from the Ulster Army, led by General Richard O'Farrell, entered the city over a week. O'Farrell was very skilled in siege warfare, which he had learned from his time in the Spanish army. Cromwell faced a very smart and experienced commander in O'Farrell. Cromwell could not take the city. He had to stop the siege on December 2 and move his army away for the winter.

Later Years

When Owen Roe O'Neill died in 1649, Richard O'Farrell was considered to take his place as the leader of the Ulster Army, but he was not chosen. The next year, he fought in the Battle of Scarrifholis. This battle was a big defeat for the Irish army. Many officers were captured or killed, but O'Farrell managed to escape. He found safety in Charlemont with Sir Phelim O'Neill.

In 1652, O'Farrell gave up to the English forces. After being held prisoner for a while, he was allowed to leave Ireland and go to Spain. He rejoined the Spanish Army and fought against France. Later, he tried to get a command in another army in Vienna, but he was not successful.