Cromwell’s final military endeavour in Ireland was the capture of Clonmel in
April-May 1650. It was at this time that he felt he could leave the New Model Army could be left to Ireton. The fall of Clonmel meant that it would now be impossible for
Catholic forces in Connaught to send supplies to other urban hubs on the island.18
Clonmel at this time was a better fortress than Drogheda or Wexford but it would be vulnerable to the forces of 17th century artillery. The fall of Clonmel was already inevitable when Cromwell arrived on April 27. Since February, the town had been under siege. Despite this Hugh Dubh O’Neil, the town’s commander refused surrender.19
However, things changed very quickly. On May 17, Cromwell’s forces began their bombardment of the town. However, the bombardment of the town, despite leaving …show more content…
Dr. George
Bate’s account tells us,
‘Fearing…. that they would fall as sacrifices, under the bloody hands of Cromwell, packing up bag and baggage, about midnight they desert the town and secure themselves by flight’20
This was the final humiliation that Cromwell wanted to inflict. This was not the collapse of the Irish forces; however, it was the beginning of the end and from this moment forth, an Irish victory was not only unlikely but an Irish defeat was inevitable.
Cromwell’s forces had completed their task. They humiliated the Irish population into submission and forced the population of Ireland to surrender to English
April-May 1650. It was at this time that he felt he could leave the New Model Army could be left to Ireton. The fall of Clonmel meant that it would now be impossible for
Catholic forces in Connaught to send supplies to other urban hubs on the island.18
Clonmel at this time was a better fortress than Drogheda or Wexford but it would be vulnerable to the forces of 17th century artillery. The fall of Clonmel was already inevitable when Cromwell arrived on April 27. Since February, the town had been under siege. Despite this Hugh Dubh O’Neil, the town’s commander refused surrender.19
However, things changed very quickly. On May 17, Cromwell’s forces began their bombardment of the town. However, the bombardment of the town, despite leaving …show more content…
Dr. George
Bate’s account tells us,
‘Fearing…. that they would fall as sacrifices, under the bloody hands of Cromwell, packing up bag and baggage, about midnight they desert the town and secure themselves by flight’20
This was the final humiliation that Cromwell wanted to inflict. This was not the collapse of the Irish forces; however, it was the beginning of the end and from this moment forth, an Irish victory was not only unlikely but an Irish defeat was inevitable.
Cromwell’s forces had completed their task. They humiliated the Irish population into submission and forced the population of Ireland to surrender to English