Galloglas: Hebridean and West Highland Mercenary Warrior Kindreds in Medieval Ireland

Name: Galloglas: Hebridean and West Highland Mercenary Warrior Kindreds in Medieval Ireland
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4.5 of 5 Stars: Genealogy - Galloglas: Hebridean and West Highland Mercenary Warrior Kindreds in Medieval Ireland

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Book Synopsis: Galloglas were mercenary warriors from the Hebrides and West Highlands who settled in Ireland in the later 13th century and achieved an extraordinary prominence on Irish battlefields throughout the three hundred years following. Fighting as heavy infantry - highly-disciplined, mail-armoured and wielding their characteristic weapon of the long-staved war-axe - they were the decisive military component in the Gaelic Irish resurgence of the 14th century and represented the cutting-edge of resistance to Tudor reconquest two hundred years later. Found first in the service of native Irish lords in Ulster and Connacht, they were later brought into Munster and Leinster by the gaelicised Anglo-Irish earls. By the 15th century they were established as Ireland's first professional warrior class and, like other professional classes in the Gaelic world, they were organized on the basis of kin-group.The names of hereditary commanders of galloglas entered in the Irish annals identify these mercenary warrior kindreds as the MacCabes, MacDonnels, MacDowells, MacRorys, MacSheehys and MacSweeneys, all of them families descended from the Gaelic-Norse aristocracy of Argyll and the Isles - and yet their story has been called "a forgotten chapter of West Highland history". This account of the galloglas is written from a decidedly Scottish perspective, tracing the origins of six kindreds and investigating the circumstances which brought about their relocation to Ireland. It goes on to examine the galloglas as warriors, pointing to their distinctly Norse character and proposing their battle-fury as "the last unmistakable echo of the Scandinavian impact on the Celtic west".

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Step into the fascinating world of Galloglas mercenaries with our compelling book, shedding light on the extraordinary prominence of these warrior kindreds in medieval Ireland. Discover the powerful legacy of these highly-disciplined, mail-armored soldiers wielding their long-staved war-axes on Irish battlefields. Uncover the crucial role they played in the Gaelic Irish resurgence and their resistance against Tudor reconquest. Dive into this forgotten chapter of West Highland history and unravel the intriguing origins of these noble warriors.

Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of the Galloglas, Ireland's first professional warrior class, organized around kin-groups and led by hereditary commanders like the MacCabes, MacDonnels, and MacSweeneys. Explore their distinctly Norse character, a unique blend of Gaelic-Norse aristocracy from Argyll and the Isles. This Scottish perspective sheds new light on the Galloglas story, tracing their relocation to Ireland and revealing their battle-fury as the final echo of the Scandinavian impact on the Celtic west.

Embark on a historical journey like never before with our meticulously researched book on the Galloglas, offering a fresh perspective on these enigmatic mercenary warrior kindreds. Gain valuable insights into their pivotal role in shaping Ireland's military landscape and their enduring legacy in the annals of Gaelic history. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into a compelling narrative that combines meticulous research with a passionate exploration of the Galloglas' warrior ethos.

Discover the riveting tale of the Galloglas and uncover the secrets of these legendary mercenaries. Order your copy today and delve into the rich history of these warrior kindreds. Get your book now!

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