1998 Clan O'Byrne Rally, Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow Commemorating the Rebellion of 1798
One hundred and thirty one events took place in Wicklow during 1998 commemorating the rising and the momentuos upheaval which took place in Leinster two hundred years ago. Through the country, approximately 30,000 people were killed in the course of the rebellion. Many were executed for their involvement and about 600 men were transported to the penal colony of New South Wales, Australia. Of that number at least 106 were Wicklow men ; more men were transported than from any other county. Amongst the rebels the Byrnes of Wicklow were leaders such as Billy Byrne of Ballymanus( Hanged ) , Hugh Vesty Byrne ( deported ) Miles Byrne of Monaseed ( escaped to France ) Clan O'Byrne joined in this commemoration with a rally in Woodenbridge which brought Byrne descendants from all over but particularly from Australia.