James McManus

James McManus

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James McManus, my great great grandfather, was born shortly after the Battle of Ballinamuck, which took place on the borders of Counties Longford and Leitrim in 1798, when the French Army under General Humbert and the Irish Rebels were brutally defeated by an English Army of 29,000 men under Lord Cornwallis and General Lake

The McManus clan of Kilronan

The McManus clan of Kilronan had joined the French army and the Irish rebels as they made their way to cross the Shannon at Ballintra.

Kilronan to Granrad

Kilronan to Granrad

On the way the Kilronan rebels realised that if they continued to Granard they would miss the traditional faction fight at Lasair (St. Lassair - Patron Day) on Lady Day, which took place each year between the McManus and the Gaffney families.

1798 Map of Connaught

1798 Map of Connaught

They judged that family honour came before the national cause and so they came back and fought at Lasair and escaped the slaughter of the Irish at Ballinamuck.

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