Although the force was small, the remote location ensured an unopposed landing away from the tens of thousands of British soldiers concentrated in the east in Leinster, engaged in mopping-up operations against remaining pockets of insurgents there.

The build-up of the British forces at Castlebar had reached 6,000 militia soldiers with dozens of artillery pieces and huge caches of supplies by dawn of 27 August.

However, locals advised the French of an alternative route to Castlebar through the wilds along the west of Lough Conn, which the British thought impassable for a modern army with attendant artillery train.

This route was successfully taken and when Lake's scouts spotted the approaching enemy, the surprised British had to hurriedly change the deployment of their entire force to face the threat from this unanticipated direction.

James Cuff would go on to join with the British forces at the battle of Castlebar, giving rearguard defence allowing many troops to escape capture by the French.

[4] The British units began to waver before the French reached their lines and eventually turned in panic and fled the battlefield, abandoning the gunners and artillery.

[citation needed] A unit of cavalry and British regular infantry attempted to stand and stem the tide of panic but were quickly overwhelmed.

In the headlong flight of thousands of British soldiers, large quantities of guns and equipment were abandoned, among which was General Lake's personal luggage.

[citation needed] Following the victory, thousands of volunteers flocked to join the militia who also sent a request to France for reinforcements and formally declared a Republic of Connacht.