Sometime after 8 am, the morning of the 24th May, the Suffolk Fencibles
marched out of the town leaving nine of their men to secure the baggage.
Lt. Eadie and 23 of the Tyrone Militia marched with their baggage to join
their company at Calverstown. An attempted ambush was thwarted and a party
of rebels routed in the wood near Narraghmore.
Around 3 pm rebels appeared on the bridge but were turned back by Dr. Johnson.
A little later some 300 rebels, led by Malachi Delaney on a white horse, occupied
the town. Some of the Suffolks left to protect the baggage were killed. Richard
Yeates, a young yeomanry lieutenant, was captured and killed as the rebels
fortified Ballitore.
The Quaker community was unharmed. The rebels began to consider their position
and Abraham Shackleton mediated with Colonel Campbell in Athy, to allow them
to surrender in return for written protections. Campbell lost patience as the
rebels delayed and marched his troops out of Athy around mid-night on Saturday
26th May.
Around 3 am, Sunday 27th May, intelligence reached the town that the troops
were approaching and the rebels fled. The retribution of the soldiers was severe.
Suspects were shot and hanged, even Dr. Johnson. Having made an example of
the town, the troops returned to Athy.
Published by Kildare County Council , Written by Mario Corrigan .