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Chapter Seven 251
determined to hazard all in one single engagement.’ Apparently Sarsield wished to prolong the campaign over winter, but St. Ruth would not counsel this advice and resolved to meet the enemy in a pitched battle. Ginkle began his assault on St.Ruth’s position on 12 July, but so successfully and stubbornly were the attacks repulsed by the Irish, that their commander at length decided to assume the ofensive. Once again, however, fortune favoured the Wil- liamites, and at this critical juncture, with victory all but won, St. Ruth rose in his stirrups to order the inal cavalry charge that would rout the enemy, but at that very moment he was struck by a cannon ball.
This is how a local Aughrm historian described the events surrounding St.Ruth’s unfor- tunate demise:
“St. Ruth watched the advance from the position above, and exclaimed ‘Pity to see such brave fellows throw away their lives in this way.’ He sent word to Sarsield to send up 400 horse but stay on with the remainder, and await further orders. On the arrival of the body of cavalry St. Ruth placed himself at their head. He was in great heart and stated he would drive the English to the gates of Dublin. As he charged down the hill and veering towards one of his gunners to convey an order, a burst of chain shot got him, and his headless body rolled from the saddle. ”
It should be added here that St. Ruth’s demise may seem like fate, but if so, local tradi- tion has it otherwise. It is told in the lore that a couple of days prior to the great battle a peddler named Mullin arrived at the Irish Camp. According to the tale, Mullin sold laces and so great was the need for his wares that he was able to spend long enough within the conines of the camp, which in turn enabled him to gather the information he desired to convey to the enemy. The most pertinent piece of information gathered and passed on by Mullin suggested that in the battle which was to come, St. Ruth would be riding a particular grey charger, as this was one of his favourite mounts. In the battle which ensued and during the fatal charge, a Williamite gunner picked out St.Ruth as he sped across the ield. The tradition further tells that the irst shot ired missed its intended target after which a young ensign named Trench took the gun in hand and ired. The gunner remarked to Trench “his hat is knocked of Sir.” “Yes,” said Trench, “but you will ind his head in it too.” The cavalry in their dash were halted with no responsible oicer to lead them. St. Ruth’s body covered with a trooper’s cloak was carried to the rear and an attempt was made to conceal his fate, but the true facts quickly leaked out. The result was, his regiment of Blue Guards (French