The Life Of Cornelius Grogan and the 1798Rebellion in Wexford
- Background
Cornelius Grogan was a reluctant rebel in the eyes of many in Ireland and especially in Wexford. John Grogan became sole owner of Johnstown Castle in 1692 but then died in 1720. John Grogan's grandson Cornelius Grogan inherited this estate from his father in 1768. Cornelius was the eldest of five boys in his family.
Grogan was reputed to be the wealthiest man in Wexford at that time earning ten thousand pounds per annum for his estate
Grogan was at least sixty in 1798 according to the book "Reluctant Rebel" Two reliable local sources say he was born in 1738
Grogan was a popular well-respected Land Lord. He lived a gentleman's life and was well known for his hospitality. I found out that he had a love for fine food and socialising which in the end led to his suffering of gout. He was High Sheriff of County Wexford and represented Enniscorthy in the Irish Parliament from1783 to 1790
Appearance
Cornelius Grogan wore shoulder length white hair, dark or sallow skinned, short stature. At the time of the rebellion in 1798 he was not in good health. He was over weight and suffering from gout caused from the food and his "king like" life-style. He was confined to bed several times a year because of this. He rarely walked but travelled by carriage or horseback and only on rare occasions did he live in the year of the rebellion
- Before The Rebellion
April 1796 Martial laws were proclaimed in Wexford and the North Cork Militia arrived here-Government sponsored terror increased e.g. Hangings, Floggings ect.
The countryside was getting ready for Insurrection
Everyone was expecting an Insurrection sooner rather than later.
The United Irishmen was a secret organisation and it had two wings, 1Civilian 2Militiary
The pikes for the United Irishmen were manufactured at a forge in Murrintown Village by the local blacksmith named Walshe, and there were plenty more around doing the...