Roddy McCorley facts for kids
Roddy McCorley (who died on February 28, 1800) was an Irish nationalist from Duneane, County Antrim, Ireland. A nationalist is someone who strongly supports their country's independence. McCorley is remembered for his connection to the Irish Rebellion of 1798, a major uprising against British rule.
His story became well-known after a poem by Ethna Carbery was published in 1902. This poem linked him to events around the Battle of Antrim during the rebellion. People believed he was a member of the United Irishmen, a group that wanted Ireland to be a free and independent country.
Early Life and the 1798 Rebellion
Roddy McCorley grew up near Toome in County Antrim. His father worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour. Before the 1798 rebellion, McCorley's family faced a difficult time. His father was accused of a crime, and some believe these charges were unfair and politically motivated. After this, his family lost their home.
It's not fully clear how involved McCorley was with the groups fighting for independence. The Society of United Irishmen was mostly made up of Protestants, while the Defenders were mainly Catholics. There isn't much official record of what McCorley did during the 1798 rebellion itself.
The poem by Ethna Carbery, written a century after the rebellion, suggests he was a leader of the United Irishmen at the Battle of Antrim. However, there are no records from that time that prove he was a leader or even took part in the rebellion.
Joining Archer's Gang and Capture
After the 1798 rebellion ended, Roddy McCorley joined a group of outlaws known as Archer's Gang. This gang was led by Thomas Archer and included former rebels. Some members of the gang had once been British soldiers who switched sides during the conflict. Because they had changed sides, they were considered traitors and could not receive the same forgiveness offered to other rebels.
This meant Archer's Gang was always on the run, trying to avoid being caught. This group was accused of attacking people who supported the British government and of committing other crimes. It is believed that McCorley was eventually captured while he was hiding. He was reportedly betrayed by someone who informed the authorities about his location.
Trial and Final Days
After his arrest, Roddy McCorley was put on trial by a military court in Ballymena. This happened on February 20, 1800. He was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged near the Bridge of Toome. This bridge was important because rebels had partly destroyed it in 1798. They did this to stop British soldiers from crossing the River Bann and bringing more troops.
McCorley's execution took place on February 28, 1800. His body was then buried under the gallows, which was a structure used for hangings. This spot was on the main road between Antrim and Derry. A letter published in the Belfast Newsletter a few days after his death described the event. It also mentioned him as Roger McCorley, which might have been his real first name.
Interestingly, one of his descendants, Roger McCorley, later became an officer in the Irish Republican Army. This was during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921), many years after Roddy McCorley's time.
