Eoghan Rua Ó Néill (c.1580–1649), the famous Irish military leader, was the nephew of Hugh Ó Néill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone. Eoghan Rua left Ireland in 1605 to pursue a military career on the Continent.

When news of the 1641 rising reached the Continent, Eoghan made preparations to return home and fight, landing at Doe Castle in Donegal in July 1642, and remaining in Ireland until his death in Cavan in 1649.

The Hacklers present: Owen Roe ‘Outsider’, a one act play with narration and dramatisation based on historical texts including the actual letters of Eoghan Rua Ó Néill during his time in Ireland from 1642-1649. The performance will include a poem written for the event by Mark Lawlor and ‘Lament for Owen Roe’ a slow air played by the 2024 All Ireland Senior flute Champion Ellen O’Brien.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.