The Last Invasion of Ireland
Jean-Joseph Amable Humbert (1760-1823) Soldier, Statesman, Lothario and Reckless Gambler. On August 22nd., 1798 three French warships with over 1,100 officers and men onboard arrived without warning in Killala Bay and what followed was a truly remarkable episode in Irish history. Under the command of General Jean Joseph Humbert, the French invaders had taken control of North Mayo and had captured the county town, Castlebar, a mere five days later. In doing so, they routed an enemy force of over 6,000 experienced troops, giving rise to the expression, "The Races of Castlebar." Then, with all of Mayo south of Hollymount cleared of loyalist forces, Humbert inexplicably delayed a week in Castlebar giving the English an opportunity to regroup and to block his passage into the midlands. Evenso, he managed to get as far as Ballinamuck in County Longford before he was forced to surrender to an enemy force of 39,000 men.An account of a most remarkable event in Irish history based on contemporary newspaper reports, official state papers and the personal narratives of some of the principal individuals involved.