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On 30/03/1856 a Truce was signed in Paris effectively ending the Crimean War. Consequently there was no need to have local Militia Units in Ireland and the personnel were to be disbanded and returned to their previous lives. Initially these Militia's were formed to protect the homeland and also to act as manpower feeders to swell the ranks of the Military.

 

The outbreak of peace was the worst possible outcome for some Militiamen as it no longer provided that safety net that so many had relied on. This led in Nenagh to a unique set of events worthy of any Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta. Unfortunately there were fatalities on both sides involved as well as the collateral damage of bystanders. The incident caught the attention of the world press and the events were spoken of at length at Westminster.

 

One has to be conscious of the circumstances at the time. Ireland was recovering from a series of Famines which had devastated the country and left the majority of the countryside destitute. Those who had survived had the choice of emigration or eke out a living wherever possible. The Army and Militia provided one such choice. Those employed by the Militia would at least be clothed and fed and have a place to stay. The cessation of hostilities in Crimea would have a far reaching effect in Ireland. It is estimated that in 1854 the British Army comprised 30 - 35 per cent Irish with at least 30,000 Irish having served in the Crimea. 

 

With the disembodiment of the Militia, the men were being turned loose to fend for themselves. Unfortunately the Government, Civil Service and Army are unwieldy and slow at the best of times and mis-interpretation of directives, failure to read instructions and basic poor man-management led to the events in Nenagh. Add in officers who had purchased commissions whilst they bided their time waiting for an inheritance and you have a recipe for disaster. Clear instructions regarding issued clothing and bounty's had been issued but for whatever reason had failed in this case to be acted upon. One has also to look at the background and the climate that prevailed between armed Militia and Rank & File soldiers with various incidents recorded up and down the country of mutual animosity. 

 

 

I never knew nor heard of this episode of our history when growing up in Nenagh. Maybe I was absent that day at school. I've collected most of this from Newspaper reports and contemporary accounts and have tried to put the events in a readable timeline rather than inflict upon you a weighty and confusing tome. I don't profess to be a historian but I have tried to maintain an accuracy with the facts.

Hope you enjoy....