An Irish Rebel
Re-enactment of the 1798 Battle of Castlebar as part of the 'Mayo Day' celebrations over the May bank holiday. The Battle of Castlebar occurred on 27 August 1798 near the town of Castlebar, County Mayo, during the Irish Rebellion of that year. A combined force of 2,000 French troops and Irish rebels routed a force of 6,000 British militia in what would later become known as the "Castlebar Races" or "Races of Castlebar". Following the victory, thousands of volunteers flocked to join the French who also sent a request to France for reinforcements and formally declared a Republic of Connacht.