Clonakilty, in West Cork, came alive as it recently commemorated the 225th anniversary of the Battle of the Big Cross. A weeklong programme jam-packed with poignant ceremonies, historical reenactments and musical performances paid homage to the fallen rebels of the 1798 Rebellion.
In a historic commemoration of the Battle of the Big Cross, a weeklong series of events organized by Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage unfolded to mark a significant chapter of West Cork history.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
In Clonakilty and the surrounding areas, from 19 June to 25 June 2023, the legacy of the 1798 Rebellion found renewed life as local communities united in reverence and pride to honour the sacrifices made at the Battle of the Big Cross in Shannonvale, near Clonakilty, on 19 June 1798.
This was the only major engagement by United Irishmen against Crown forces in Munster in 1798; though there were other clashes in Munster, none matched the scale or magnitude of losses experienced in the Clonakilty area.
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1798 commemorative events
The commemorative programme featured daily assemblies at various locations associated with the United Irishmen. These gatherings not only served as a platform for imparting historical information but also involved the active participation of descendants of those who fought in 1798.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
The Tadhg an Asna statue
The events commenced on Monday, 19 June, with Clonakilty Mayor Chris Hinchy leading the way with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tadhg an Asna statue in the heart of Clonakilty town. Tadhg Ó Donnabháin Asna (“Tadhg an Asna”) was the local leader of the United Irishmen.
Gerard O’Driscoll, trumpeter, then led the assembled crowd in “Amhrán na bhFiann”.
Old Market House
Following the battle, which claimed the lives of an estimated 100 local United Irishmen, a disturbing spectacle unfolded when the Crown forces dumped the bodies of the slain men outside the market house and town hall, on McCurtain Hill in Clonakilty, leaving them there to rot for over a week. This grisly display served as a message to intimidate sympathizers of the rebel cause.
As a chilling reminder of the tragedy that transpired that day, a wreath was laid at the Old Market House by Eileen O’Regan, a relative of the fallen Ó Donnabháin Dheal and Ó Donnabháin “Copeen” brothers.
Desmond’s forge
As the week progressed, each day witnessed another poignant ceremony. Tuesday saw a touching tribute to Desmond, the blacksmith, who produced some of the croppy pikes used in the battle. Anne Cahalane and John Desmond, descendants of the blacksmith, jointly laid a wreath at the site of his forge in Ballymacowen.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Tadhg an Asna’s homeplace
Also on Tuesday, Kevin Finn, the oldest surviving member of the Darrara 1798 Bicentenary Committee, paid his respects to the local United Irishmen leader, laying a wreath at Tadhg an Asna’s homestead in Lackanalooha townland.
The evening concluded with a film presentation on the Battle of the Big Cross at the nearby Michael Collins Centre in Castleview. There, Michael Scully proudly displayed the blunderbuss gun used by his great-great-grandfather in the battle.
Shannonvale and the Big Cross
Shannonvale took centre stage on Wednesday, 21 June. A march was led by Tiernán Ó Conaill – another relation of the O’Donovan “Copeen” brothers – proudly carrying the national flag, with piper Michael Heaney setting the pace. They were followed by about 25 pike-wielding “croppies”, as well as many more flag-wavers of all ages.
Having made their way from Phair’s pub to the nearby Big Cross monument, Johnny Phair and Stiofán Ó Conaill, yet another relative of the O’Donovan “Copeen” brothers, jointly laid a wreath. A gathering followed at Phair’s pub, where 1798 tales were shared.
Santry’s forge
On Thursday, 22 June, Denny Santry paid homage to his ancestor, Jim Santry, a blacksmith and United Irishman. At The Pike Bar in Lisavaird, near the site of the forge, Denny laid a wreath to honour his forefather’s legacy and acknowledge the contributions of skilled blacksmiths like Jim, who forged the very weapons that would shape history.
Croppy Park
In a poignant moment on Friday, 23 June, the young Eoin Harte, with deep reverence, placed a wreath in Clonakilty’s Croppy Park. On this spot, the British authorities had thrown the decomposing bodies of the United Irishmen into a “crab hole”.
The evening continued with an oíche cheoil at An Teach Beag bar, where echoes of 1798 reverberated through soulful renditions of songs from the past.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
In 1998, a song contest was held to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of the Big Cross. The winning ballad “Eleanor”, which honoured Tadhg an Asna’s beloved fiancée, was composed and sung by Tim O’Riordan, who would later form the band “Natural Gas”, best known for their hit single “The Langer”.
The song contest culminated in the release of a cassette tape featuring the talented contestants. Fast forward 25 years, and this special collection has been relaunched on Spotify and as a CD for a new generation to enjoy.
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The relaunch event in An Teach Beag made for a nostalgic reunion of those who wrote and performed the stirring compositions a quarter of a century ago.
Tadhg an Asna’s grave
As the week of remembrance drew to a close, Ballintemple medieval church site near Ring village became the setting for an emotional tribute on Sunday, 25 June. Piper Michael Heaney once again took the lead, guiding a procession to Tadhg an Asna’s final resting place in the graveyard.
Timmy Anglin, a descendant of O’Donovan Asna, carried the tricolour with reverence, while his brother, Tony Anglin, laid a wreath upon their ancestor’s grave.
A minute’s silence was then observed to remember the committee members and volunteers who organized the 200th-anniversary events in 1998 but had since passed away or could not attend.
The weeklong commemoration concluded with a social gathering at Kitty Barry’s pub in Ring.
Commemorative journal
Plans by Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage are underway to republish the 1998 journal – Clonakilty District 1798 Comóradh: Battle of the Big Cross commemorative journal – originally launched following the bicentenary events. This updated edition will be enhanced with additional historical information, as well as a detailed account and photographs capturing the recent commemorations.
The local heritage group has extended an appeal to the public, urging those with information, photographs or memories of past commemorations to reach out. By contributing to this revised volume, you can play a vital role in enriching our understanding of the Battle of the Big Cross and its enduring legacy. You can make contact by emailing DuchasClonHeritagePRO
@gmail.com or by connecting through the dedicated Facebook page.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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One Response
I read with great interest, your account of the commemoration of the Big Cross. I believe that I too am a descendant of Tadgh an Asna and would very much like to speak with Tony and Tim Anglin.
Keith Cymru (Wales)