Legendary 1798 heroine remembered

Betsy Gray, the legendary heroine of the 1798 uprising, was remembered through the launch of the Ulster-Scots Agency's new historical leaflet - 'Betsy Gray - Heroine of the 1798 Uprising - Myth or Fact'.

  It is the latest in a series of Great Ulster-Scots leaflets published by the Ulster-Scots Agency, which explore the many interesting and diverse personalities and events that have shaped Ulster-Scots history over the generations.  It was launched in association with Down and Banbridge District Councils and Ards Borough Council.

  Betsy Gray is the first woman to be featured and remains a topic of great historical debate and the subject of nostalgic songs and poems.

Betsy Gray, depicted by Ursula Kelleher, visits her reputed birthplace at Six Roads Ends, Gransha Road, Newtownards along with Ards Mayor, Cllr Hamilton Gregory and the Ulster-Scots Agency's director of culture, George Holmes.

The leaflet recounts that, on June 13, 1798, Betsy Gray, a 20-year-old Presbyterian girl, mounted on a white horse, dressed in green and brandishing a sword, led the Hearts of Down in the Battle of Ballynahinch. Although she was killed in the aftermath of the battle, the iconic image of her as a strong and brave woman lives on.

  The leaflet, which was written and researched by Catriona Holmes, also examines the debate surrounding Betsy's origins. One school of thought is that she came from Tullyniskey on the outskirts of Waringsford village in the Banbridge district. However, others argue that she was in fact born in Gransha, near the Six Roads Ends, outside Newtownards.

  Whatever the truth, this reputedly beautiful young woman was brutally killed by men as a result of her taking part in the battle of Ballynahinch, alongside her brother George and lover Willie Boal.

  Her bravery and story has inspired many songs and poems.However, it was the famous book by W. G. Lyttle, 'Betsy Gray or the Hearts of Down', which ensured her immortality.

  George Patton, chief executive of The Ulster-Scots Agency, confirms: "Catriona has done a fantastic job in objectively outlining the current myths about Betsy
Gray.

  "Despite great historical interest, we might never know the reaL facts of her life, her involvement in the uprising, and how exactly she died. But it still does not detract from her colourful and important place in local Ulster-Scots history."

  "The Agency will be making this leaflet freely available to tourism and heritage centres throughout Northern Ireland."

  Copies are also available from the Agency's website or by contacting the Agency directly on 028 9023 1113.