As we are probably all now aware, the Brabazon Clan is not homogenous but rather a mosaic of smaller genetic groupings, sometimes explicable by descent via a Brabazon female line, sometimes due to the adoption of the Brabazon name for various known or unknown reasons. By casting the discussion network as wide as possible perhaps we can begin to shed more light on each of the sub-lineages of the Clan - worldwide brainstorming, so to speak!

The Earl and Countess of Meath remain the standard bearers of the Brabazon name, and I think we would all agree that we have an excellent family at the very heart of the Brabazon Clan. Across the spectrum of our Family we are a good microcosm of Irishness in all its cultural forms and our cohesiveness in diversity is perhaps the best testimony to the greatness of our ancestors. So start blogging and let's see where it goes!

Monday, July 7, 2014

1798 THE YEAR OF THE FRENCH - THE BIRTH OF MODERN IRISH POLITICS

By Michael Brabazon

The 1798 Rebellion in Ireland was one of the most defining events in the nation’s history, and Swinford, Co Mayo was within an important location of political and military activity.  The Brabazons of Swinford played a significant and colourful role.  William Brabazon was one of the Swinford United Irishmen – the Society which organised the uprising – and was part of an armed group that turned back some 200 British Dragoons who were trying to reach Castlebar, the county town of Mayo.  William along with his compatriots then journeyed to Castlebar themselves and took part in the famous battle between the British and French-Irish forces.  The French had landed at Kilalla on the north Mayo coast and proclaimed an Irish Republic.  The British lost the Battle but won the war - they regrouped, counter-attacked and finally defeated the French-led army.  After the Battle of Castlebar, the French commander General Humbert marched through Swinford and rested at Corley’s Hotel in the town’s centre, the meeting place and HQ of the local United Irishmen.  The soldiers were encamped on the Brabazon demesne and Sir Anthony Brabazon provided two steers and large wrought-iron gates to roast them on for what was in effect a mega BBQ.

After the defeat, the Irish rebels were tried in the courts but many got off.  In the Swinford jurisdiction Sir Anthony’s youngest brother Edward, who was a local lawyer, successfully defended many of the rebels.  The authority in Dublin wrote (in vain) to Sir Anthony, the J.P., instructing him to make Edward desist – they were obviously unaware of Brabazon intransigence (and family loyalties)!  

The pics are from a recent 1798 commemoration ceremony in Swinford in which a plaque was placed on the exterior of Corley’s Hotel.





Pictures courtesy MichaelMaye.com