Lot 316
Limerick Militia Medal for Collooney 1798
Auction: 11 February 2015 at 10:00 GMT
Description
silver, unmarked, with crown in laurel wreath and inscribed, the reverse with The Corporation and Citizens of Limerick and building facade
Dimensions
Diameter: 39mm
Footnote
The Battle of Collooney refers to a battle that occurred on 5 September during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 when a combined force of French troops and Irish rebels defeated a force of British troops outside of Collooney near Sligo Town. It is also known as the Battle of Carricknagat. The subsequent battle, on the afternoon of 5 September, lasted about an hour and a half, where some 50 people were killed or wounded on each side and one hundred of Vereker's men surrendered.
At the meeting on 8 October 1798 the Limerick City Council resolved: "That the steady, loyal and gallant conduct of our fellow citizens the Limerick City Regiment of Militia who so intrepidly engaged and successfully opposed the progress of the whole French and rebel army at Collooney, merits our sincerest thanks and warmest applause, a conduct which has not only covered them as a regiment which eternal honours but has also adds an additional lustre on their native city. It is further resolved that a sum of 50 guineas be paid by our Chamberlain towards raising a fund to purchase a suitable piece of plate for the Officers' Mess and proper medals for such of the non-commissioned officers and privates of the regiment as were engaged in action that day".