Peru volcano key to historic Irish battle
SCIENTISTS have discovered an important battle in Irish history was influenced by a volcanic blast in Peru.
In 1601 the Gaelic armies of Hugh O’neill and Hugh O’donnell helped Spanish allies besieged by English forces in Kinsale.
The eventual Irish defeat ended the Gaelic order.
Scientists examining ice sheets in Greenland from more than 400 years ago. found it contained huge sulphate which meant the air was thick with dust blocking out the sun’s rays.
This has now been traced back to a massive volcanic eruption in Peru.
Climate historian Dr Francis Ludlow told DNA Calillte on TG4: “Very incidental weather can contribute to history.”