Gallowglass

[4] (The OED notes that while the modern Irish plural galloglagh appears to be "etymologically correct", it is recorded later than English gallowglasses.)

The greatest force of the battell consisteth in them, chosinge rather to dye then to yeelde, so that when yt cometh to handy blowes they are quickly slayne or win the feilde".

The importation of gallowglasses into Ireland was a major factor in containing the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century, as their ranks stiffened the resistance of the Irish lordships.

Throughout the Middle Ages in Ireland, gallowglass troops were maintained by Gaelic Irish and Hiberno-Norman lords alike.

In return for military service, gallowglass contingents were given land and settled in Irish lordships, where they were entitled to receive supplies from the local population.

Along with two young men as support and friends on top to assist or fight this could easily have numbered over 5,000 current and future gallowglasses coming into the area.

During the First Desmond Rebellion, Lord President of Munster Sir William Drury ordered the execution of 700 captured gallowglasses.

[citation needed] Despite the increased use of firearms in Irish warfare, gallowglasses remained an important part of Hugh Ó Neill's forces in the Nine Years' War.

After the combined Irish defeat at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, recruitment of gallowglasses waned, although Scottish Highland mercenaries continued to come to Ireland until the 1640s (notably Alasdair Mac Colla).

[citation needed] Images of gallowglasses fighting as mercenaries in European mainland armies were sketched by Dürer in 1521 and later by French and Dutch artists.

Fifteenth-century sculpted figures of Gallowglass [ 2 ] as depicted upon the apparent effigy of Feidhlimidh Ó Conchobhair , King of Connacht [ 3 ] and father of Áed na nGall , victor of the Battle of Connacht .
A Medieval Hebridean warrior
Gallowglass gravestone from Cloncha Church, Ireland, circa 15–16th century. Note the hurling stick and ball.
Irish gallowglass and kern . Drawing by Albrecht Dürer , 1521. This is now thought to have been derived from a 1518 written account by Laurent Vital, rather than a drawing from life.