Above : Painting Of Oliver Cromwell

During the winter months, the Munster garrisons planted by Ormond one after another revolted, and deserted the King’s cause for that of the Parliament. Cork had begun in October, and Youghal, Kinsale, Mallow, Bandon, Cappoquin, Baltimore, Castlehaven, Fethard, Cashel, Cahif and others followed. By the Spring there only remained to the King, outside of Ulster, Waterford, Limerick, Clonmel, Athlone, Galway and Kilkenny.

In the north also, the Parliamentary arms and negotiations were gaining success ; Dundalk had surrendered to Cromwell himself soon after the fall of Drogheda. Colonel Venables obtained the submission of Carlingford, Newry, Lisburn, and Belfast. Later, other garrisons yielded. Carrickfergus, however, and a few other places held out. George Munroe was driven out of Down and Antrim by Sir Charles Coote. In March (1650) Kilkenny yielded on conditions, and Cromwell prepared for what he hoped and expected would be the final campaign of the war, his next objective being Clonmel.

Meanwhile, Lord Broghill had gained some successes over Inchiquin in Co. Limerick. He now turned south, and at Macroom (Co. Cork) defeated David Roche, slaughtering a large proportion of his little army (April 10th). Amongst the prisoners captured was Boetius Egan, Bishop of Ross. The Castle of Carrigadrohid still held out, and Broghill ordered the Bishop to address the garrison, and exhort them to surrender, promising him that, if he succeeded in inducing them to do this, his own life should be spared.

Above: Castle of Carrigadrohid

The Bishop, being led up to within speaking distance, did indeed address the soldiers, but it was to encourage them to hold out, and to stand firmly by the cause of their country and their faith. Such heroism failed to touch the savage Broghill. The Bishop, after being tortured by the soldiers, was hanged from a tree by the reins of his own horse.