ON THE 22nd. AUGUST 1798
THREE FRENCH FRIGATES, UNDER THE COMMAND OF GENERAL JOSEPH AMABLE HUMBERT, DROPPED
ANCHOR OFF KILCUMMIN BEACH IN KILLALA BAY. THIS EVENT LED TO A SHORT-LIVED, BUT GLORIOUS
EPISODE IN IRISH HISTORY AND THE FIGHT FOR FREEDOM.
The three ships flying the
British flag were sighted off Kilcummin Head at the entrance to Killala Bay. General
Humbert, who had sailed from La Roachelle in France on the 6th August had
finally reached Ireland with aid. A local fisherman named Loughney guided the ships
into the sheltered harbour of Kilcummin where General Humbert ordered the French flag to
be hoisted. After disembarking with the help of local fishermen,
General Humbert's Aide-de-camp, Fr. Henry O'Kane, dressed in the French uniform led the
advance guard of Humbert's battalions into the town of Killala.
