Wexford Rebellion - Final Phase

Final Phase

The Wexford Rebels were finally defeated after General Lake launched several decisive offensive attacks to regain the county. As heavy rain poured on the county for the first time since the rebellion began, General Lake's men entered the county from five points: Duncannon, New Ross, Newtownbarry, Carnew and Arklow. By 20 June, the remaining rebels were pushed back to Vinegar Hill. When the rebels went to Wexford town for support, they found that Thomas Dixon, the man responsible for leading several rebel military groups, had taken about 90 suspected government loyalists to the Wexford bridge where he proceeded to hold hurried trials after which most of the prisoners were executed and thrown into the harbour. General Lake took Vinegar Hill on 21 June and eventually pushed all the way into Wexford town where the republic was dismantled and rebels fled. Many of the rebellions significant leaders both politically and on the battlefield were captured and executed. This included Father John Murphy who was hanged at Tullow, Matthew Keogh the rebel governor of Wexford Town, hanged on Wexford bridge on 25 June, and Bagenal Harvey the rebel commander-in-chief, Cornelius Grogan and John Henry Colclough who were hanged on Wexford bridge on 28 June 1798.