The British Army and Irish loyalists sought to defeat the rebel forces of the United Irishmen in County Wexford.

By 19 June the threat of the United Irish rebellion spreading outside county Wexford had been largely contained and Crown forces were positioned to move against rebel held territory.

Moore's force was to link up and combine with the isolated garrison holding Duncannon before moving deeper into County Wexford, but after waiting several hours with no sign of their arrival, Moore decided to press ahead to the village of Taghmon alone.

Moore despatched a force of riflemen from the 60th Regiment to hold the bridge until artillery could be brought up in support.

Moore had to personally rally his fleeing troops to hold the line and led them in a successful counter-attack.