Battle of Belahoe
Encyclopedia
The Battle of Belahoe was fought in 1539 between the O'Neills
and O'Donnells
against English forces, in which the O'Neills and O'Donnells were defeated.
A raid was undertaken into Meath
by the O'Neill's, led by Conn Ó Neill, Earl of Tyrone and the O'Donnells, led by Manus O'Donnell
. As a result Lord Deputy of Ireland
, Leonard Grey
mustered all the English in Ireland, the forces of the great towns of Meath and all the fleets in the adjacent harbours to oppose them. The O'Neill's and O'Donnells were returning with treasure and spoils when the English forces overtook them at the Ford of Belahoe, a ford near the old bridge of Belahoe, four and a half miles south of Carrickmacross
, on the boundary of Meath and Monaghan
.
The forces of the O'Neill's and O'Donnells were quickly overwhelmed and suffered 400 casualties before fleeing in disarray and leaving their treasure and spoil in the hands of the Lord Deputy of Ireland.
O'Neill dynasty
The O'Neill dynasty is a group of families that have held prominent positions and titles throughout European history. The O'Neills take their name from Niall Glúndub, an early 10th century High King of Ireland from the Cenél nEógain...
and O'Donnells
O'Donnell dynasty
O'Donnell , which is derived from the forename Domhnaill were an ancient and powerful Irish family, kings, princes, and lords of Tír Chonaill in early times, and the chief allies and sometimes...
against English forces, in which the O'Neills and O'Donnells were defeated.
A raid was undertaken into Meath
County Meath
County Meath is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county...
by the O'Neill's, led by Conn Ó Neill, Earl of Tyrone and the O'Donnells, led by Manus O'Donnell
Manus O'Donnell
Manus Ó Domhnaill, anglicized Manus O'Donnell , was an Irish clan leader, son of Hugh Dubh O'Donnell. He was an important member of the O'Donnell dynasty based in County Donegal.-Early life:...
. As a result Lord Deputy of Ireland
Lord Deputy of Ireland
The Lord Deputy was the King's representative and head of the Irish executive under English rule, during the Lordship of Ireland and later the Kingdom of Ireland...
, Leonard Grey
Leonard Grey, 1st Viscount Grane
Leonard Grey, 1st Viscount Grane , known as Lord Leonard Grey prior to 1536, served as Lord Deputy of Ireland from 1536 to 1540....
mustered all the English in Ireland, the forces of the great towns of Meath and all the fleets in the adjacent harbours to oppose them. The O'Neill's and O'Donnells were returning with treasure and spoils when the English forces overtook them at the Ford of Belahoe, a ford near the old bridge of Belahoe, four and a half miles south of Carrickmacross
Carrickmacross
Carrickmacross or Carrickmacros is a town in County Monaghan, Ireland. The town and environs had a population of 4,387 according to the 2006 census, making it the second largest town in the county. The town won the prestigious European Entente Florale Silver Medal Award. It is a market town which...
, on the boundary of Meath and Monaghan
County Monaghan
County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county...
.
The forces of the O'Neill's and O'Donnells were quickly overwhelmed and suffered 400 casualties before fleeing in disarray and leaving their treasure and spoil in the hands of the Lord Deputy of Ireland.