In Humbert's Footsteps - Re-Enactment Events August 2013

Turlough: 28th June - 29th September - French Military Exhibition

The National Museum of Ireland in association the French Embassy in Ireland and the In Humberts Footsteps Gathering Committee is delighted to present "1689 - 2012, The Irish France: Three Centuries of military relations", an exhibition produced by the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum, Paris). Covering the period 1689 to 2012, including the Irish regiments which fought for France in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it features material on the Wild Geese, who served their adopted country.

This exhibition is in the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

More info: http://www.ambafrance-ie.org/Exhibition-1689-2012-The-Irish

Killala: Friday, August 16 - Living History Event (Noon-6pm + Cultural Evening)
French Re-enactors will set up a typical 18th century French military camp inPics-Opti Killala town. Complete with all the accoutrements used by General Humbert's soldiers in 1798, including tents, cooking-fires and weapons; this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the public to experience what life was like for a French soldier of Humbert's Army in 1798. All are welcome.

Kilcummin: Saturday, August 17 - Symbolic Re-Enactment of French Landing (Starts at Noon)
Symbolic re-enactment of the French military landing at Kilcummin in 1798. The arrival and coming ashore of the French will be accompanied by the presence of vessels from the Irish, French, and British navies.

Killala: Saturday, August 17-The Battle of Killala (Starts at 4pm; Evening Events from 6pm)
Make sure to be in Killala for the dramatic re-enactment of the ‘First Battle of Killala.' Watch enthralled as heavily armed redcoats, blue-clad French soldiers, fierce Irish "pikemen" and assorted cavalry, march and gallop their way through the smoke and noise of cannons, muskets, swords and pikes, as the battle to take Killala is fought on the streets of this historic town. The landing of Humbert's French force in 1798 was communicated throughout the country in the form of a password, the password was in Irish and read: ‘Tá do Charaid ag Chill Alaidh' which translates as ‘Your Friends are at Killala.' Despite time and tide that historic sentiment still rings true, so why not meet up with old friends and make some new ones in Killala, August 2013, at the Gathering that is ‘In Humbert's Footsteps.'

Lahardane: Sunday, August 18-Symbolic Dedication Ceremony (11 am)
Following in Humbert's footsteps, on their way to Castlebar, the French Re-enactors will stop in Lahardane for a symbolic visit and formal dedication ceremony to all the men and women of ‘98.

Castlebar: Sunday, August 18 - "The Races of Castlebar." (Noon-5pm; Concert from 7pm)
In August 1798, General Humbert and his Franco-Irish Army arrived at Castlebar having come from Lahardane by the ‘Windy Gap.'

In the battle which followed, the battle now remembered in song and story as "The Races of Castlebar," Humbert's small, largely un-trained force, defeated a much larger and much better equipped British Army under the command of General Lake.

The main theatres of action were Staball Hill, the subsequent ‘Defence of the Bridge,' the engagement on Main Street, and at Christ Church. Despite the British flight from Castlebar, one of the French Officers, Captain Jean-Louis Jobit later reported that the town proved to be "a tough nut to crack for a little army like ours."

Mark this event in your diary, then walk with friends, family, and loved ones, "In Humbert's Footsteps" as you experience the amazing re-enactment of the historical events of 1798.

Come along and see the redcoats being chased down Staball Hill, watch the cannon guns boom and bellow from the bridge, be a witness to the action on Main Street and the decisive engagement at Christ Church.

Then, join with the dignitaries at a dedication and remembrance ceremony for those from all sides who participated in the Rebellion of 1798.

Plus

• First public screening of the mini-TV series The Year of the French. Meet some of the cast members.
• Enjoy wonderful commemorative banquets in both Killala and Castlebar;
• International Poetry, Prose, Short-story and Music Competitions;
• Concerts;
• International Football Tournaments;
• Twinnings;
• Live radio and T.V. Broadcasts
• and much, much more!