Ovidstown
The most serious engagement fought by the rebel army
under William Aylmer, took place at Ovidstown on Tuesday the 19th
June. Lieutenant Colonel Irwin, commander of the Trim Garrison, had
marched from that town the previous night to engage the rebels at
the head of around 400 men.
Realising that a significant military force was descending upon them,
William Aylmer and John Doorly quickly arranged their army of around
4,000 men, at the foot of Wiley’s Hill. Some of the rebels lined
the hedges on both sides of the road and fired on Irwin’s advance
guard. These were soon cleared by the infantry, but due to the unevenness
of the ground the enclosed areas on it, the cavalry and the 2 field
pieces could not detach for some time.
Aylmer ordered his pikemen to attack the cannon positions,
but they sought refuge behind a quick-set hedge. The cannon was turned
upon them and the grape-shot, according to Doorly, cut the quick-set
hedge "as if lopped off by a clipping shears." The men began
to leave the cover of the ditch only to be cut down. Some of Aylmers
musketmen almost captured the cannon position killing some of the
troops, but they were routed by the cavalry. The main body of rebel
gunsmen (about 200) stood fast but their situation was hopeless.
The battle turned into a rout as the cavalry charged
down the fleeing rebels, many of whom escaped into the bogs nearby.
More than 200 rebels were killed while the troops lost 2 officers,
2 sergeants and 20 privates. The reality of their precarious position
was all too apparent. Aylmer and his officers began to seriously think
in terms of a negotiated surrender.
Published by Kildare
County Council Written by Mario Corrigan.
