The road built to trap the rebel who was a thorn in the side of British rule in Ireland

Michael Dwyer died in Sydney after a life featuring redcoats, banishment, a tavern, a debtor's prison — and one of Ireland's first purpose-built roads

Lough Bray, Military Road. Picture: John G O'Dwyer

Their situation seemed hopeless. Surrounded, in a cottage beneath Kaedeen Mountain, County Wicklow, the prospects of escape appeared bleak. Earlier, Michael Dwyer — a veteran of the 1798 Rebellion and thorn in the side for British rule in Ireland — had taken shelter here in the winter of 1799. Becoming aware of his presence, the British authorities sent 100 redcoats to surround the cottage.

The roof was soon ablaze and a gunfight ensued, during which a companion of Dwyer named McAllister was seriously wounded. Deciding he could not escape, McAllister resolved to sacrifice himself. Flinging open the cottage door, he was immediately gunned down. Dwyer used the ensuing lull, while the soldiers reloaded their muskets, to dash for freedom.