Coolkenno History

Here is an application for assistance from Captain Revell of Ardoyne, who commanded the Coolkenno Yeomanry after the 1798 Rebellion. He is applying for assistance from the Royal Kilmainham Army Hospital to Sergeant David Halfpenny of Coolkenno who appears to have suffered much in local disturbances, quite possibly the 1798 Rebellion itself, where the Coolkenna Corps was very much harassed at the Battle of Ballyrahan. It is dated to September 1802 and details the 35 years old Halfpenny's physical appearance and his service record. Having joined in March 1797, Halfpenny's injuries qualified him some relief from military and policing duties, which may in turn have also affected his domestic life and indeed his carpentry trade. Some of his family were also murdered in a sectarian attack at the Lakeen, near Shillelagh by the triumphant rebels after Ballyrahan. (Picture from findmypast.ie and courtesy to National Archives, London