The 225th commemoration of Ballinamuck
The 225th Commemoration of 'The Battle of Ballinamuck' takes place in County Longford this weekend.
The event starts on Thursday September 7 and runs until Sunday September 10, and commemorates the last major engagement of the 1798 rebellion 225 years on.
The interest and excitement, both locally and nationally in the plans for this weekend’s events, has been tremendous, with funding provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media through the Decade of Centenaries Programme, Longford County Council and Longford Tourism.
Following a traditional mass to remember all of those who died during the Battle of Ballinamuck at St Patrick’s Church, the festivities kick off on Thursday evening with traditional music in the 98 Bar and a fantastic fireworks display from Kiltycreevagh and Shanmullagh Hills, which will be seen from all around the area. Live music from Brid Shaughnessy and Johnny Bray.
Saturday will see the main event of the weekend taking place with the Battle of Ballinamuck Re-enactment getting underway around 12.30pm following the arrival of troops via Humbert’s March of the 8km distance from Keeldra to Ballinamuck. Take some time to view the Living History Campsite where troops camped the night before the battle 225 years ago, enjoy the pageantry of armed uniformed personnel arriving with carts and on horseback and take part in modern history at the unveiling of the plaque in memory of General Humbert.
The historical and theatrical Paddy Cullivan Show dramatizes the story of the French hero with his one man show. ‘The Year of the French’ will be staged in the 98 Hall on Saturday, while ‘Wolfe Tone’ will be staged on Sunday. Musical entertainment on the Saturday night comes courtesy of The Highstool Prophets and Rhythm & Sticks in the 98 Memorial Hall.
Sunday is Family Fun Day which includes a variety of events taking place right across the village, with something for everyone to enjoy. Activities include the recreation of the famous historical football match between Ballinamuck Kickers and the Mullahoran Dreadnoughts which was first played in 1898. Visitors can also still view the Living Campsite; peruse Country Fair Stalls along the streets; check out Kiddies Corner with a pet farm at Dillon’s Bar; get competitive in the family boules competition at The Garden of Remembrance; and sample traditional food from pig on a spit as well as traditional Irish and Ukrainian fare. Local rivalries will re-emerge with the Tug of War Tournament; and while traditional skills and crafts will also be on display with the Mobile Forge; spinning, weaving and much much more. Live music from Cronin, Mick Flavin and Nite Fever.
All event timings are subject to change with final confirmation available on www.battleofballinamuck.ie.