A 7th-century village has been recreated in Drogheda this weekend as part of a programme of events culminating in the re-enactment of the Saxon attack on the town during the Battle of Magh Breagh in 684. The battle will involve as many as 200 members of the Society of Irish Re-enactors including members of the Drogheda society, Tuatha na Boinne.
"Most people did not know of this battle when we suggested it but all the battles are important and are part of our history. We hope this will become an annual event with a different battle each year. We hope to be able to re-enact the Battle of the Boyne in the year 2000. That will cost a lot of money because gunpowder, cannons and uniforms are expensive," said Dara Mac Gabhann, spokeswoman for Tuatha na Boinne.
The re-enactments and activities of re-enactment groups have proved popular with young people. "Our group began with three people with an idea to educate children in a better way, by showing them authentic clothing rather than books or pictures. We had a table in the shopping centre recently and kids came up and wanted to hold the swords. We are feeding the curiosity of the children," she said.
As part of the festival weekend a "living history village" with displays of 7th-century skills including cooking, weaving, boat-making and candle-making has been built in the grounds of the O Raghallaigh's GAA grounds, North road, Drogheda. There will also be displays of fighting skills and weaponry around Drogheda throughout this afternoon.
Tomorrow there will be a parade of Saxons and Irish warrior guards through the town to the battle site at the GAA grounds. The parade leaves the Market Square at 2.30 p.m. and concludes at 3.30 p.m. when the battle re-enactment starts. It tells of Ecgfirth, one of the sons of the Saxon King Oswin of Northumberland. He sent his army to Ireland In 684 to try and kill his half-brother Aldfirth, thereby securing his throne in Northumbria.
Despite resistance from Finneachta, then King of Tara, the Irish lost and the Saxons returned home taking women and children as hostages. The following year Irish and Scottish warriors joined forces and defeated Ecgfirth's army in a battle during which Ecgfirth was killed. His half-brother returned home, rebuilt his kingdom in Northumberland and negotiations saw all the hostages released.
The role of the half-brothers will be played by two brothers, Mr Frank and Mr Malachy Godfrey, who are members of Drogheda Corporation. To see which brother survives, you will have to visit the re-enactment tomorrow afternoon.