Richard Tyrrell facts for kids
Richard Tyrrell (around 1545 – around 1632) was an important Anglo-Irish leader. He came from a Norman family and became a commander for the Irish forces during the Irish Nine Years War.
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Who Was Richard Tyrrell?
Richard Tyrrell was likely born in Spain in 1545. His father was Phillip Tyrrell, and his mother was Spanish. He became the Lord of Fartullagh, a special area in Westmeath, Ireland. The Tyrrell family had been in charge of this area, which included the village of Tyrrellspass, for a very long time, since the days of King Henry II.
Richard Tyrrell first served in the English army in Ireland. However, he faced some unfair accusations in 1565. Because of this, he decided to join the Irish side and fight for their cause.
The Nine Years War and Tyrrell's Role
The Nine Years War started in 1594. Richard Tyrrell quickly became a key commander for the Irish rebel forces in Leinster. He served under Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, a powerful Irish leader.
The Battle of Tyrrellspass
In 1597, the English forces launched a new plan to attack Ulster. One group of about 1,000 English soldiers, led by Robert Barnewall, was ambushed by Richard Tyrrell. Tyrrell had only about 300 men, along with his fellow commander Piers Lacy. This surprise attack happened at Tyrrellspass. The English forces suffered a huge defeat, with very few survivors. After this important victory, Tyrrell was made the Colonel General of O'Neill's forces in Munster.
Later Life and Peace
In 1600, Lord Mountjoy was sent to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth I. His job was to stop the rebellion. He tried to trap Tyrrell at his base, known as "Tyrrell’s Island." However, Tyrrell managed to escape and joined O'Neill in Ulster.
Later, the Irish rebels moved south to meet a Spanish army that had landed in Kinsale, County Cork. But in 1601, the combined rebel and Spanish forces were defeated by the English army. After this loss, O'Neill went back to Ulster. Richard Tyrrell decided to make peace with George Carew, an English leader. After this, Tyrrell retired to Cavan.
Richard Tyrrell is also known for building the castle in Tyrrellspass, which still stands today.
