Thomas Cloney

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Thomas Cloney (1773 - 1850) was a Co. Wexford leader in the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

He was the only son of Denis Cloney, of Moneyhore, Co. Wexford, Ireland. His mother was Mary Kavanagh (d. 1782), of Ballybeg, Co. Carlow. They were Catholics. He had at least three sisters.

He fought at the Battle of Three Rocks, Battle of New Ross, Battle of Foulksmills (or Goff’s Bridge) and led the attack on Borris House. He was often subsequently referred to as 'General' Cloney because of this. New Ross was one of the bloodiest battles in Irish history.

He was the author of a book on the Rebellion - a slightly abbreviated form of its title is:

"A personal narrative of those transactions in the County Wexford, in which the author was engaged during the awful period of 1798".

It was published in Dublin by James McMullen, 1832. It contains an Appendix which includes a report of Cloney's trial by Court Martial that began 5 July 1799. He had wished to publish his book earlier but was advised against it by his attorney.

After a period of imprisonment after the Rebellion, Cloney went to live at Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, where his home was named 'Whitehall'. He never married.

Cloney died at Graiguenamanagh on 20 February 1850, and is buried in St Mullin's Cemetery, County Carlow, where a large tombstone marks his final resting place, overlooking the Barrow River.

[edit] References

  • Edward Hay, "History of the Insurrection of the County of Wexford, A. D. 1798" (Dublin, 1803).
  • Thomas Cloney, "A personal narrative of those transactions in the County Wexford, in which the author was engaged during the awful period of 1798" (Dublin: James McMullen, 1832).
  • Stephen Gwynn (ed.), "Memoirs of Miles Byrne - edited by his Widow", 2 vols. (Dublin & London, 1907). [See: Myles Byrne]
  • K. Whelan (ed) & W. Nolan (assoc. ed.), "Wexford: History and Society" (Dublin: Geography Publications, 1987).
  • John Joyce, "General Thomas Cloney: A Wexford Rebel of 1798" (Dublin: Geography Publications, 1988).