Capt. Terence Dunne of Brittas

 

Capt. Terence Dunne of Brittas

Acrylic painting by Kevin Akers

Terence Dunne of Brittas, a Captain in Moore’s Infantry, who, after escaping capture at Ballymore, where ten of his fellow officers were taken prisoners by Ginkell, met his fate on the Battlefield of Aughrim. Captain Dunne was wounded, and fell from his horse, which galloped back to Ballinakill. The wounded man was carried by the O’Gormans as far as Killoughy, where he expired. He was buried at Killeigh.

During the Jacobite Wars in 1691, the only battle fought was in Tinnahinch. Eight hundred soldiers from King James’ army were sent in May to capture Mountmellick which was under the control of William of Orange. The Jacobean soldiers set up base at Brittas as the Dunnes of Brittas were supporters of King James.

As a result of their activities on behalf of James II, many of the O’Dunnes were outlawed, a price set on their head and their lands confiscated. Margaret, wife of Captain Terence Dunne who was killed at Aughrim, applied to the Commission of Forfeited Estates on behalf of herself and her four sons. She had her husband’s estate restored. www.dunnesofbrittas.com