'Battle of Tullamore' remembered

The bicentenary of the "Battle of Tullamore", a skirmish between German and Irish soldiers serving in the British forces, was recalled at an exhibition at the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre.

Over 600 members of the Kings German Legion were stationed in Tullamore, and their success with the local women led to their being the objects of envy from their Irish counterparts.

This culminated in an incident on July 22, 1806, in which one Irish soldier and two Germans died, while 18 Irish and 24 Germans were wounded.

The exhibition was arranged by Ms. Anne Marie Studdart, who acknowledged the help of Dorothee Hermann-Bibby, Ita Gavin, Dudley Stewart and John Keatney.

The attendance included the Chairman of Tullmaore Town Council, Councillor Tommy McKeigue.
The Battle of Tullamore was fought at Kilbeggan Bridge. Irish Militiamen and soldiers of the King German Legion were placed together and sent to Ireland to serve the garrison troops.
The unit of the Light Battalions numbering 600 men was stationed in Tullamore with one squadron of the 1st Hussars of Legion.

It came to good and heavy blows between the two sides, when the German soldiers were luckier to win the hearts of the lovely ladies of Tullamore. Two German soldiers died after the violent fight from their injuries. They are buried at Kilcruttin Graveyard (Town Park now). The tombstone was lately restored by the Sennheister Company.

A temporary exhibition on the 200 year old story was launched in the Tullamore DEW Heritage Centre. Ms Studdert opened the temporary exhibition for the visitors that came along.

Her sincere thanks are extended to the Offaly Historical and Archeological Society and to Mr Dudley Stewart; for supporting the temporary exhibition of The Battle of Tullamore.

Everybody who left in artefact for the temporary exhibition SALTS Ireland Ltd is asked to collect the items in the Tullamore DEW Heritage Centre. Thank you for your support.

For the exact details of the battle of Tullamore visit the Tullamore DEW Heritage Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore, 057 9325015.

Courtesy of Declan McSweeney and The Offaly Express
22 February 2006