The following is an account from a local newspaper, The Corkman, of the special event that was organised by the Castlemagner Historical Society to commemorate the Battle of Knocknanuss on 17 August 1997. Shane Scanlon wrote the article.
A FAMOUS piece of North Cork history was recalled at the weekend when a special ceremony was held in Castlemagner to commemorate Munster’s biggest ever battle.
The fields of Knocknanuss might now be a picture of calm and serenity but 350 years ago, they were the location of one of Ireland’s bloodiest battles. The Battle of Knocknanuss saw some fierce fighting between the Parliamentary forces under Lord Inchiquin and the Confederate forces of Lord Theobald Taaffe – claiming the lives of 3,500 soldiers during November 1647.
Three and half centuries later, people from home and abroad gathered at the site to celebrate peace and reconciliation. Douglas Kerr represented the British Ambassador, Veronica Sutherland, at the commemoration while there was a large gathering of community and army representatives, as well as historians.
The current Lord Inchiquin stated in a special message to the event that Knocknanuss was of great importance. He said it was fitting that it should be remembered as it reminded everyone of the futility of violence.
“It is right to commemorate this action, if only to make present generations aware of the futility of this sort of slaughter on our soil, and to perhaps make us more determined than ever to finally bring peace to our shores,” he stated.
Lord Inchiquin congratulated the organisers led by chairperson, Hugh Bourke, secretary, Geoffrey O’Donoghue, and treasurer John O’Connell. A painting of Sir Alasdair McColla Ciotach McDonnell by Kanturk born artist, Vincent Crotty, was unveiled at the local community centre where a painting of St Brigid’s Holy Well, Castlemagner, was also on view.
The battle lines at Knocknanuss, drawn up by Cork County Council, were also on display at the community centre.
