Rebels sought for battle with redcoats

Organisers of a famed 18th century Irish battle are seeking potential pikemen and pikewomen for a planned reenactment.

Crowds of over 5,000 are expected to take to the “battlefield” next month to see a mixture of redcoats and rebels in the second annual re-enactment of the Battle of Vinegar Hill.

Professional re-enactors from Ireland and Britain are already planning their assault on the rebel positions while the rebel forces themselves are growing all the time, as aspiring insurgents are invited to take part.

The sign-up process is still open to members of the public who want to join the rebel ranks.

A rebel encampment will take over the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy on Saturday, Aug 3, with rebel commanders now on the lookout for talented young pikemen and pikewomen to train before the fight.

A blacksmith will be on hand to shoe horses and make pikes, swords and other weapons for the battle while demonstrating age-old skills.

Those without a rebellious streak can also join the ranks of the redcoats and plans are afoot to commandeer Enniscorthy Castle and demonstrate punishments such as floggings.

The redcoats will be revealing their battle plans to their fellow generals and the public the day before the battle.

Highpoint of the day will be a skirmish between the rebels and redcoats at 1pm at Duffry Gate to Market Square which will recreate the insurgents’ initial capture of Enniscorthy town in 1798.

Both forces will amass their strength at the Fair Green on Sunday, Aug 4, and parade through the town on their way to Vinegar Hill for a 2pm battle.

Visitors can watch the two armies fight amid gunfire and explosions, pike charges and cannon fire on the notorious battleground overlooking Enniscorthy.

The crown forces will also include cavalry and three cannons to launch their assault on the hill.

Manager of the 1798 centre, Jacqui Hynes, said: “We are very much looking forward to re-creating history here on Vinegar Hill Battlefield.

“Last year we had over 5,000 visitors, and we are expecting a bigger number this year, as there has been a huge level of interest.

* Anyone wanting to sign up can contact 053 9237596.