NOTED campaigner for civil liberties, Monsignor Raymond Murray, a native of South Armagh, has stated that the Slieve Gullion region was �the last place in Ireland to submit to British rule".

Stating that �its rugged terrain and mountain fastness have been a refuge of freedom-fighters, both civil and religious, down the centuries,� he was obviously referring to the exploits of Cuchulainn, the Clan O�Neill, legendary outlaw Redmond O�Hanlon, the men of 1798 and the War of Independence.

�Whatever were the exploits of the Fourth Northern Division, during the War of Independence, were little talked about.�

And Mgr. Murray went on to say: �The presence of British troops during the recent Troubles has made a difference. They represented a law and order that was not welcome, - that was seen in the general context of the oppression of Catholics in the Six Counties.

�When the IRA went on the offensive, after the Falls Road curfew in Belfast, the border roads were cratered, and the war spread to South Armagh, - its hills and valleys became ideal for ambushes. This region has always been border territory, simply because it is a high region, blocking the way, North and South. The O�Neills and O�Hanlons guarded the Pass for generations.�

He added: �South Armagh has seen its share of suffering and deprivation in the past. The savagery of the yeomanry and the landlords gave rise to resistance movements. But nobody thought that assassination gangs would invade this territory, and that such anguish and suffering would have come to this region.�

Ironically, a similar perspective on the Slieve Gullion region has come from Toby Harnden, author of the controversial book, `Bandit Country,` in which he wrote: �It�s proximity to the border, the absence of a Protestant community, its undulating terrain, and the powerful sense of rebellion throughout its history, made it an ideal background for the IRA.

�Hostility towards authority stretches back to the Middle Ages. So modern republicanism is simply the latest manifestation of its independence, and refusal to submit to the Queen�s Writ, or any other rule beyond its hinterland.�

The region around Forkhill was in ferment during the period leading up to the 1798 Rebellion. Sectarian tensions had erupted following the death of landlord, Richard Jackson, as Catholic tenants were replaced by Protestants, when their leases expired, unless they changed their religion. The parish priest of Forkhill, Fr Cullen, who resided at Carrickasticken, was badly beaten on Christmas morning in 1794. A chalice was destroyed and vestments slashed.

When a school principal, Mr Knowles, was replaced by Alexander Barclay, an incensed group went to Barclay�s home after nightfall, gained entry, cut a piece off his tongue, along with all the fingers of his right hand. Mrs Barclay was so badly beaten that she died a few days later at Daisyhill Hospital in Newry.

Protestants in the area demanded that a military barracks be provided, claiming that guns were being imported through Newry, for use by the Catholic force known as the Defenders. A barracks was erected in the townland of Shean; and the Forkhill Yeomanry was formed, under the command of Colonel James Ogle. The notorious General Lake, Military Commander of Ireland during the 1798 Rebellion, spent some time there.

In 1795, a branch of the United Irishmen was established at Forkhill, following a meeting at the home of �dissenter,� John Small Balmer, a popular linen draper. Gatherings also took place at Market Stone, in the townland of Quilly. A national leader, Jemmy Hope, instructed local people in the ideals of the United Irishmen.

Meanwhile, the military authorities were describing the region as being �in a very ugly, dangerous situation, with continuous unrest.� In 1795, a letter from General Lake referred to �a rebel force in the act of assembly on a mountain called Slieve Gullion, under the command of Shaun O�Neill, well-known for his seditious activities.

�We had a beacon lit in order to give an alarm signal to troopers of the Killeavy Yeomanry. When we arrived at the scene, there was no sign of the rebels, but Slieve Gullion was ablaze; also much horn-blowing. A large force from Newry and Dundalk converged on the area, but on arrival at the summit, there were no men and only a few pikes.�

Contemporary ballads referred to pikes, manufactured by a local blacksmith, being hidden in caves. But reports stated: �The traitors have been very busy. Some men were arrested and scourged to death, because they would not tell on their comrades. One informer was set upon by neighbours, and burned to death in his home at Tullydonnell.�

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