The Confederates, about 8,500 strong, were led by Garret Barry, an Irish veteran from the Spanish Army of Flanders.

The Royalist forces, about 2,400 strong, were commanded by Murrough O'Brien, 6th Baron of Inchiquin, an Irish Protestant.

Sir Phelim O'Neill launched the Rebellion in northern Ireland in October 1641,[2] exploiting the King's weakness at the eve of the English Civil War.

The three English regiments had been sent to Ireland in February or early March 1642 to reinforce the army of Sir William St Leger, president of Munster.

However, in the melee, Stephenson was shot dead by Inchiquin's brother (through the eye-piece of his helmet) and the Irish cavalry lost heart and fell back.

[15] Despite inferior numbers[20] the royalists defeated the insurgents under General Garret Barry in the ensuing Battle of Liscarroll.

The local Catholic gentry were decimated by the battle, for instance the Fitzgerald family of the House of Desmond had 18 of their members killed.