Dr Pádraig Lenihan, NUIG acted as the historical expert to guide the making of The Battle of Benburb Film, providing the details of the battle and the script for the voiceover. Dr Lenihan was unable to attend the event personally so provided a recorded introduction before the film was shown to the audience at the launch.
He explained how proud he was to be associated with the making of the film, the authenticity and the power of the project. He emphasised the importance of making people aware of a battle in which 3000 were killed in one evening in June 1646. It is part of a struggle between native and newcomer, settler and native.
The legacy of this and following wars is not to forget the past but deal and engage honestly and respectfully with the past. The Benburb event is important because it ensured the survival of the Confederate Catholics. Owen Roe O’Neil the winner at Benburb is an important story but so is the story of Monroe and paying due respect to both traditions.
