Anthony Perry - March On Ulster

March On Ulster

The attack on Clonard was a disastrous failure and a severe blow to the surviving rebel army. Many Kildare rebels returned to their homes, Meath men were discouraged from joining by the defeat and much of their existing stocks of ammunition were wasted in the futile attack. A desperate decision was taken to hook up with the rebels in Ulster and the surviving column of no more than 1,000 men was constantly harried by pursuing Government troops until forced to stand and fight at Knightstown near the river Slane where they were scattered and defeated.

Some rebel units managed to reform and the decision was made to head back to Wexford but the surviving column was intercepted and met final defeat on the evening of the same day at Ballyboghill, Co. Dublin. Perry probably lost contact with the main rebel force before the final battle and fled towards the west in the company of Fr. Mogue Kearns and others. They reached Edenderry in County Offaly before being captured by the military and were both summarily hanged on July 12. He and Kearns were buried together in the cemetery of Monasteries where a large Celtic cross now marks their grave.