The Rebellion of 1641 (1641 – 1642)
Above: The Leading Spirit
This great rebellion was brought about by the measures taken to extirpate the Catholic religion; by the plantations of Chichester and Stratford; and by the non-confirmation of the graces, which made the people despair of redress. There were complaints from every side about religious hardships. As to the. plantations, no one could tell where they might stop; and there was a widespread fear that the people of the whole country might be cleared off to make place for new settlers. Besides all this, those who had been dispossessed longed for the first opportunity to fall on the settlers and regain their homes and farms.
Some of the Irish gentry held meetings to force a redress of these hardships by insurrection. The leading spirit was Roger or Rory O’Moore, of Eeix, a man of unblemished character; and among the others were Sir Phelim O’Xeill of the family of Tyrone and his brother Turlough, lord Maguire of Fermanagh and his brother Rory, Magennis, O’Reilly, and some of the MacMahons.
They hoped for help from abroad; for many of their banished kindred had by this time risen to positions of great influence in France, Spain, and the Netherlands. And they sent for Owen Roe O’Neill, a soldier who had greatly distinguished himself in the service of Spain, nephew of the great Hugh O’Neill., earl of Tyrone, inviting him home to lead the insurgent army. He replied urging an immediate rising and holding out hopes of French help from Cardinal Richelieu.
The 23rd of October 1641 was the day fixed on for a simultaneous rising. Dublin Castle with its large store of arms, and many of the fortresses and garrisons all over the country were to be seized, and the arms taken. Instructions were given to make the gentry prisoners, but to kill no one except in open conflict; and in general to have as little bloodshed as possible. The Ulster settlers from Scotland, being regarded as kinsmen, were not to be molested.
On the evening of the 22nd of October, when the preparations had been completed in Dublin, a man named Owen O’Connolly, to whom MacMahon had confided the secret, went straight to Sir William Parsons one of lords justices, and told him of the plot. Parsons at first, gave no heed to the story, for he perceived that O’Connolly was half drunk. But on consultation with his colleague, Sir John Borlase, they arrested Maguire and MacMahon on the morning of the 23rd : these were subsequently tried in London and hanged. Rory O’Moore and some others then in Dublin escaped. Instant measures were taken to put the city in a state of defence.
But. though Dublin was saved, the rising broke out on the 23rd all through the north. Sir Phelim O’Neill, by a treacherous stratagem, obtained possession of Charlemont fort. The rebels gained possession of Newry, Dungannon, Castleblayney, and many smaller stations. Sir Phelim exhibited a forged com- mission, giving him authority, which he alleged he had received from king Charles, to which was attached the great seal he had found in one of the castles.
