The
next battle of the war would be fought on the side of Kilcommodan
Hill, near the village of Aughrim. The Irish army consisted of
around 14,000 men, 2,500 horse and about 3,500 dragoons. On 11
July, Ginckel reached the hills opposite Kilcommodan with a larger
and better-equipped force than the Irish. Mackay took command
of the division that was to force the Pass of Aughrim. Ginckel
was to direct the movement on the Pass of Urrachee, and the Duke
of Wortemberg would attack the center.
The
Williamites were repelled at the bogs, but Ginkel was able to
break through the Pass. St. Ruth ordered Sarsfield to send half
his troops to the advance, but to remain with the other half.
St. Ruth's ego and unwillingness to share victory with another
man may have cost him the battle of Aughrim for when Sarsfield's
detachment arrived, St. Ruth put himself at the head of the advance
only to lose his own head to the fire of a Williamite cannon.
Losing
their commander sent the Irish forces into disarray, and St. Ruth
was not one to explain his strategy or plans to any of his officers.
Three hours after the death of the French general, there was not
a man of the Irish army left on the field. Sarsfield kept his
head both physically and strategically, and was able to organize
the successful retreat of the Irish to Limerick.
Ten
days after Aughrim, Galway surrendered to Ginkel. Ginkel re-crossed
the Shannon at Banagher and proceeded to Limerick, where the main
body of his army arrived on 25 August, just a few weeks after
Tyrconnell died of natural causes.
Ginkel's
artillery arrived on the 26 August, but due to the condition of
the ground it was four days before a battery could be put in place.
William wanted the war ended and he empowered Ginckel to give
favorable terms. A pardon was offered to all, and the Catholic
gentry would be restored to their estates. The offer was opposed
and rejected by Sarsfield.
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