Nostalgia
The Year of the French is Here
15, Aug 2013 - 08:47

In Humbert's Footsteps is an historical re-enactment of the opening events of French General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert's military campaign in Mayo, in August, 1798, the year since known as Bliain na bhFrancach -‘The Year of the French".

It will commence with a spectacular re-enactment of the French landing at Kilcummin, before moving on to Killala, where the battle to take Killala ‘The First Battle of Killala,' will be re-created and re-enacted on the streets of this historic North Mayo town. The following day, Sunday 18 August, the eponymous ‘Races of Castlebar‘- Rásaí Chaisleán an Bharraigh, will be re-created on the heights and along the streets of Mayo's county town. Professional military re-enactors from France (Le Garde Chauvin) and Ireland (Lord Edwards's Own), amongst others, are coming to meticulously recreate the momentous events of August 1798.

This colourful and noisy spectacle will be a family friendly event, entertainingly and accurately brought to life over the entire weekend in Kilcummin, Killala and Castlebar. Coinciding with the re-enactment , there will be many local events taking place in Kilcummin, Killala, and Castlebar, including ‘living history events' where the public will be given an opportunity to experience at first- hand, what life was like for soldiers in both the French and British armies' during the 18th Century. Other events will include a victory banquet (Killala Aug 17th, Castlebar Aug 18th), concerts, sporting events, etc., and a showing of the TV mini-series ‘The Year of the French' in Killala-the first screening since it was first broadcast on RTE almost 30 years ago.

Events take place Friday 16th August to Sunday 18th August 2013.