Remarkable story of Caitlín Doyle recalled at plaque unveiling
THE brave and bold efforts of a Clohamon woman during the 1798 rebellion were recalled in the village recently as a plaque was unveiled in memory of Caitlín (Kathleen) Doyle.
In a tale so remarkable that it could’ve been the plot of some kind of Hollywood blockbuster, Caitlín’s story is one of fighting not only for freedom, but for revenge.
Cllr Johnny Mythen briefly outlined how the Clohamon woman had lost her home and family to the savage actions of Yeoman Captain Jocelyn. The Captain was said to have hanged Doyle’s father and brother and burnt her family home with her mother and siblings still inside.
Against such a horrific background, Caitlín decided to devote her life to fighting for Irish freedom and she joined the United Irishmen.
She fought in several battles, often dressing in men’s clothes, before eventually coming face to face with her tormentor Captain Jocelyn again at the Battle of Ross on June 5, 1798, where both of them lost their lives.
The local community felt it would be fitting to mark the contribution of this remarkable woman, 220 years ago. In attendance at the unveiling along with Cllr Mythen was the Enniscorthy Historical Re-enactment Society as well as several locals including Tommy Sinnott who did the honours and unveiled the plaque. It will now serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by the Clohamon woman for the cause of Irish freedom. The ceremony concluded with a powerful and poignant rendition of Boolavogue by Ger Sheehan.