Shane Bernagh facts for kids

Shane Bernagh Donnelly was a famous Irish rapparee (which is like a highwayman or an outlaw) who lived in the 17th century. He was active in the areas of Cappagh and Altmore in County Tyrone, Ireland. Shane Bernagh used the mountains as a hiding spot and a place to watch for carriages. From there, he would launch bold hold-ups on coaches traveling on the main road between Dublin and Derry.

Local stories say that Shane Bernagh helped poor people with the money he took from his robberies. He mostly targeted wealthy people who were part of the Protestant Ascendancy, a group that held a lot of power and land at the time. To try and stop him, a special building called a barracks was built in the Altmore area. However, it didn't do much to stop him. Because of this, Shane Bernagh has become a local hero, much like the legendary Robin Hood, who was known for taking from the rich and giving to the poor.

Who Was Shane Bernagh Donnelly?

Shane Bernagh Donnelly lived in the 1600s, a time when Ireland was very different. He became known as a rapparee, which was a type of outlaw or bandit. These individuals often lived outside the law, sometimes because of political reasons or simply to survive. Shane Bernagh chose the mountains of County Tyrone as his base. These mountains gave him a perfect view to plan his next moves.

Life as a Rapparee

Shane Bernagh's main activity was stopping carriages on the busy road between Dublin and Derry. These carriages often carried wealthy travelers or goods. He would then take their valuables. What made him special was the belief that he shared his stolen wealth with the local people who were struggling. This made him very popular among the poor.

The people he targeted were mainly from the Protestant Ascendancy. This group was made up of wealthy landowners and powerful figures who had a lot of control in Ireland during that period. Shane Bernagh's actions were seen by many as a way to challenge their power and help those who had less.

The Legend of Shane Bernagh

Because he was seen as someone who helped the poor, Shane Bernagh Donnelly became a legendary figure. People started comparing him to Robin Hood, a famous English folk hero. The stories about Shane Bernagh grew over time, making him more than just an outlaw. He became a symbol of resistance and hope for many local people.

Attempts to Capture Him

The authorities, especially the Dublin Castle administration (the government in Ireland at the time), wanted to stop Shane Bernagh. They even built a barracks in Altmore. A barracks is like a military base or a police station. The idea was to have soldiers or police closer to his area of activity to catch him. However, these efforts were not very successful for a long time. Shane Bernagh was good at hiding and evading capture.

His Capture and Legacy

Eventually, Shane Bernagh Donnelly was captured. He was executed by the Dublin Castle administration. After his death, his body was thrown into a lake at the top of Slieve Beagh. This mountain is special because it touches three counties: Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Monaghan. Even after his death, his story continued to live on.

Shane Bernagh's legend was further cemented by famous writers. Local scholar George Sigerson wrote about him in his song called The Mountains of Pomeroy. The Irish poet John Montague also wrote about him in his poem A Lost Tradition. These works helped keep his memory alive for future generations.

Places Named After Shane Bernagh

There are several places in County Tyrone that are named after Shane Bernagh Donnelly, showing how important he is to local history.

Shane Bernagh's Chair

On the edge of Cappagh and Altmore, there is a small rocky area known as Shane Bernagh's Chair. It's called this because the rocks are shaped like a chair. This spot became famous because it's believed that Shane Bernagh used it as a hiding place. From here, he could watch for his next targets or plan his escapes. It was a perfect lookout point in the rugged mountain area.

Bernish Glen

Another place named after him is Bernish Glen. A glen is a narrow valley. Local stories say that Shane Bernagh once made an incredible jump across this glen on horseback. He was trying to escape from the Crown forces, who were the government soldiers chasing him. This daring act added to his reputation as a clever and brave outlaw.

A Poetic Tribute

John Montague's poem A Lost Tradition includes a powerful verse about Shane Bernagh. It talks about a place where the rapparee saw his brother die. The poem describes how the setting sun stained the colors of the landscape crimson, reflecting the sadness of the moment. This shows how deeply Shane Bernagh's story is woven into the landscape and the feelings of the people in the area.

The heathery gap where the Rapparee, Shane Bernagh, saw his brother die. On a summer's day the dying sun stained its colours to crimson. So breaks the heart, Brish mó Cree.