O'Neill, Sir Phelim

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O'Neill, Sir Phelim (c.1604–53). O'Neill was one of the commanders of the Irish rebels or Confederation. In 1641 he captured Charlemont castle on the Blackwater and was put in charge of the army of the Ulster rebels. He claimed to be acting on behalf of Charles I but had great difficulty in maintaining his position until assisted by the arrival of Owen Roe O'Neill, with whom he subsequently quarrelled. He continued to fight for the Confederation and took part in the victory at Benburb in 1646, but was forced to capitulate to parliamentary forces in 1650. He failed to make good his escape and was put on trial in 1653. Refusing to purchase a pardon by implicating Charles I, he was executed in Dublin as a traitor.

J. A. Cannon

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