Historical Entertainer Paddy Cullivan brings you the incredible story of ‘the Year of the French’, when 1000 French troops landed in Co. Mayo in August 1798, rekindling a rebellion thought crushed a month earlier. Led by the brave, charismatic General Humbert - this force (along with the United Irishmen) defeated the British at ‘The Races of Castlebar’, created ‘The Republic of Connacht’ and installed John Moore as Ireland’s first President.
An audio-visual spectacular featuring hundreds of images, shocking new research and wonderful songs, we follow the rebel army’s amazing odyssey into the heart of Ireland on their way to the capital. Surrounded at Ballinamuck, their sad defeat is nevertheless one of the most exciting episodes in Irish history. In the aftermath, Humbert had a colourful life and eventually exacted his revenge on the British halfway across the world. But John Moore was less fortunate. Moore’s captivity, death and rediscovery is a truly fascinating murder-mystery up there with Wolfe Tone and Michael Collins.
With as many twists and turns as their iconic march, ‘Year of the French’ is a fascinating rollercoaster ride that will change your perceptions of Irish history forever…
REVIEWS
Huge hits online, Paddy has brought this mind-blowing solo shows to the stage – here are just some of the reviews…
★★★★★
‘Really interesting and superbly well-researched show Paddy. I had to watch it twice, there was so much information’ – Liam Halligan (Daily Telegraph)
★★★★★
‘Paddy that was a really fascinating dissemination of primary source material with a devastating conclusion. In the words of the cub “mind blown!”’ - Patricia McBride (The Irish News)
★★★★★
‘‘Old Ireland will be free from the centre to the sea
And hurrah for liberty’ says the Sean Bhean Bhocht - A brilliant show tonight courtesy of Paddy Cullivan’ - Mary Lou McDonald (An Uachtaráin Sinn Fein)
