The Nine Years War 1593-1603- A Review

Dr James O'Neill gives us the first part of his series on the Nine Years War in Ireland. Published by Helion it runs to 151 pages excluding covers. It is well written and hugely informative. As it should be, Dr O'Neill is the foremost authority on the War.

Let’s walk through what we get.

It begins with War in Fermanagh and the West where we are introduced to Hugh O’Neill, Baron of Dungannon. He, a contender for the title of the O’Neill, was intended as an English Agent in efforts to extend London’s control of the Northern Gaels. He, subsequently Earl of Tyrone and the O’Neill, thought otherwise as history records.

In this phase the nominal Irish Leader was Hugh Maguire Lord of Fermanagh. He was Father in Law to Hugh O’Neill. In fact the Irish were already confederated.  Maguire was working to a wider plan.  The forces of the Irish and English are described and the nature of the fighting. The Irish were involved in a military transition. Gallowglass and Scots Mercenaries once the mainstay of Irish Armies sacrificed were sacrificed to preserve the emergent Irish modern army.

When the English met that army it proved a shock. They had not seen the like. Its recruitment, training and equipment are fully described. We are given detailed accounts of the actions at Tulsk, Erne Ford, Enniskillen, Carrickfergus and the Ford of Biscuits. 

If you want to know why the English musketeers did so well at Erne Ford and Enniskillen its here. How the Irish caliver men at Tulsk checked the feared English cavalry that’s here too.

We meet the commanders of both sides and are treated to an extensive quotes and illustrations from contemporary documents. Dr O’Neill is a master of his subject and though I have studied this period well there was, for me, new learning here.

The second part of the book deals with Tyrone’s War in Ulster. We get a detailed analysis of the forces involved. Importantly, we see clearly the new Irish Army. Pen portraits of English and Irish commanders increase or understanding of the dynamics of the conflict. Highlights include extensive treatments of the battles of Clontibret, Carrickfergus and of course The Yellow Ford.

The quality of maps of the battles, including their development are very good. Increasing the readers comprehension of how the actions were fought. Pleasingly, Seán O Brógain supplies the following illustrations: Irish Shot, English Horse, English Musketeer, Irish Horse, Irish Swordsman, Captain Thomas Williams, Hugh O’Neill and Sir Henry Bagenal.

Above, English Captain Tom Lee dressed as a Kern. He appears in Dr O'Neill's book. Note how the Irish soldiers costume simplified as the new Irish Army took the field. 

The above is the briefest of reviews of this excellent work. As you would hope there are 6 pages of sources facilitating further research. 

Helion tend to be a mixed bag but this is a splendid book. Recommended.