Ned Hickey - A Hero of Two Revolutions Read online

ANDY HICKEY

  Agreed, Ned. Freedom first, land-rights later. Good luck to you, and remember this - the burst will come on the day the Dublin coach fails to arrive at Carlow.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - SITTINGROOM, PHILADELPHIA, 1826 – DAY

  Ned Hickey gets up from his desk, paces the floor in agitation, looks without seeing out the window.

  NARRATOR (VO)

  Living through it then, it seemed like a chaotic jumble of unverified reports, rumors, incidents. We could not make sense of it all. The absence of good information bred panic in some and unreasonable hope in many others. The arrests of virtually all the leaders of the United Irishmen in Dublin elated a few and depressed the many. For me, it only confirmed what I had feared, that the movement was riddled with spies and informers. General FitzHenry, yes, my old nemesis, had been given charge of all military and civil operations in Kilkenny and Carlow and had granted free rein to the Tory gentlemen and their armed militia to discover and exterminate rebels where and how they saw fit. Their tortures were the tried and true - floggings, half-hangings to slow death and a new variation of cruelty, the pitch-capping of suspects with a mixture of gunpowder and pitch in their hair. Few withheld information with a torch to their heads.

  (montage of shots depicting the torture)

  The country was ravaged all round but, in Sir Philip's estate, apart from hit-and-run raids, we kept the yeomen at bay. Finally came the news that his trusted friend, Sir Edward Crosby, had been arrested on trumped-up charges, taken to Carlow and hanged on the same day. It was now clear that no liberal, however noble, was safe. Moderation was not an option. I prevailed on him over all objections to take his wife and children and leave the county but before he went I took pains to write a lengthy letter which he took with him under an agreement that he would open it only in the event of my death. I detailed an escort to go with them and they got away safely. At that point, I moved Betsy and her mother into the big house at Ballintemple for their safety for I knew her brothers were all sworn United Irishmen and in danger. In fact, they were picked up the very next day in Tullow and taken to the barracks at Carlow. On the same day the mail-coach failed to arrive. The signal was out. Andy sent me word that they were marching on Carlow that very evening. I didn't join them. I wrestled with my conscience, with my reason and experience, and I didn't join them. And even though it was the right and reasonable decision, it has tortured me ever since. Later on that eventful day, I sat and imagined how it would work out and I knew then what I could contribute.

  CUT TO:

  EXT. - COLLEGE GATE, CARLOW - NIGHT

  Ned and his men enter the College grounds via back streets. There is a sudden eruption of gun and cannon fire on nearby Tullow Street. The rebels are crowded into a narrow street with shot pouring into them from every house and escape routes barred front and rear. The shouting of rebel slogans dies away and turns to panic. The night sky is lit up by the guns. Ned opens the locked gates of the college with tools brought for the purpose and sends his men out into College Lane to overcome the Yeomen set to guard it and holds it while rebels escape down the lane and through the gates. They hold the only outlet until no more rebels appear, then close the gates behind them and run for their lives. The gunfire is now sporadic. Women and children wail above the sound of crackling fires as the cabins on the outskirts of the town are burned to the ground. The burst is finished.

  FADE OUT

  EXT. - ROADWAY - DAY

  Ned is driving his exhausted men, encouraging and helping them in their retreat from Carlow. They come across a group by the roadside. One of the group recognizes Ned and takes him by the arm to where a wounded man is lying. It is Andy, mortally wounded. Ned bends over him.

  NED HICKEY

  Andy, what can I do for you? We'll make up a stretcher and take you home. You'll be grand.

  ANDY HICKEY

  No, Ned. It's the end of the road for me. But you came with us at the last. I knew you would.

  NED HICKEY

  Yes, Andy. I was there.

  ANDY HICKEY

  Tell Betsy how sorry I am about her brothers.

  NED HICKEY

  What do you mean, Andy. Sure they only went in to Tullow to deliver a few horses to the soldiers.

  ANDY HICKEY

  (haltingly) They were accused of being United Irishmen, taken to Carlow and flogged near to death, with not a word out of them to incriminate any of us. Then they hanged and beheaded them, one after the other. Tom waited 'til last to keep up the courage of the younger ones.

  NED HICKEY

  It's too much .... Too many good men.

  Andy coughs up a gout of blood, smiles grotesquely. Ned holds him until his life ebbs away.

  NED HICKEY

  (to his men) We will not leave him here to be mangled by the yeomen and the dogs. We'll bury him on Ballon Hill.

  They make up a stretcher from two ash saplings and two coats, place Andy upon it and set out for home.

  FADE OUT

  EXT. - KILKENNY STREET, BY THE CASTLE - NIGHT

  Three men ride through the evening on tiring horses. They are dressed in military style and wave dispatches in the faces of any guards that attempt to stop them along the road and ride on. They enter the city of Kilkenny and dismount in an alley near the castle.

  NED HICKEY

  Well done, boys. Now you wait. There's one way in and out of this place that every soldier knows that ever served here. Give me until the rising of the moon and if I'm not back you must return to Ballintemple and tell Betsy. She will know what to do.

  Ned leaves his horse and makes his way on foot. In a hidden corner of the walls there are hand and footholds carved out by generations of soldiers thirsty for the solace of beer or women. Ned climbs up and over.

  CUT TO:

  INT. - KILKENNY CASTLE, INTERIOR - NIGHT

  Ned, in his British uniform, makes his way by boldness and stealth through the castle to the door of the Commander's apartment. There is a light visible under the door. He knocks firmly and officiously and waits with papers in hand as if they were dispatches for delivery. General FitzHenry, in his dressing gown, opens the door. Ned holds out the papers in one hand and producing a pistol in the other, pushes into the room, closes and bars the door. The general is speechless. Ned draws a second pistol and takes control.

  FITZHENRY

  Who the devil are you and what do you want? By God, you'll hang for this, soldier.

  NED HICKEY

  Is your eyesight failing you, FitzHenry? Look again and remember the green at Tullow.

  FITZHENRY

  Ned, Ned Hickey, isn't it? Why man, you were of service to me in that cursed American prison. Why would you turn a gun against me now?

  NED HICKEY

  I need payment, FitzHenry.

  FITZHENRY

  You shall have it. I see you're still a private soldier. We can't have that. I can order your promotion, to sergeant? officer training? Anything you want, I can arrange.

  NED HICKEY

  I'm glad to hear your offer and I'll take you up on it. What I need is a letter which reinstates Sir Philip Butler as military and civil master of his estates and secures his safety against all enemies. That's not much to ask, is it?

  FITZHENRY

  The man is a traitor to his class and country, just like that criminal Sir Edward Crosby. He will be hanged for it as Crosby was. And what has he to do with you, soldier?

  NED HICKEY

  These pistols are the only explanation you need. Now, sit down at your desk and consider your situation. I know precisely what you did to bring about the defeat of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown. I was part of the team that persuaded you to treachery, though you needed little persuasion. This letter is a copy of my statement of the full details including the names of those who can corroborate the facts, people like Colonel Pearce and even Thomas Jefferson on the American side. Several other copies have been written and signed. They are in the hands of people
who will publish them if you do not do as I tell you or if I do not return from this place. You have one minute to decide.

  FitzHenry is an intelligent man, single-minded in defence of his own interests. He sits in silence for only a moment, then takes up a quill and starts to write. Ned watches as FitzHenry signs the order, shakes sand over it to dry it. Ned motions him to push it across the desk where Ned reads it.

  NED HICKEY

  You were always a good letter-writer. That will do. Now a letter of safe conduct for private soldier Ned Hickey to get me home.

  FitzHenry complies, writes the safe-conduct, throws it across the desk.

  FITZHENRY

  You will pay for this outrage, Hickey.

  NED HICKEY

  Forget it, General. There are many copies of my account in many places. You cannot move against me or my people because you can never know from where the evidence will emerge. Take advice, Fitzy, sit quietly at your desk here in Kilkenny and see that no one contravenes this order. If you are very lucky, you will come out of this with a general's pension and retire to enjoy it - far from here, I suggest.

  Ned puts away his pistols, challenging FitzHenry to raise the alarm, then walks quietly out the door.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - SITTINGROOM, PHILADELPHIA, 1826 - DAY

  Evening approaches. Ned is still sitting at his desk. A voice from the hallway outside.

  BETSY MAHER

  Edward, what on earth are you doing in there? We must be at City Hall within the hour.

  NED HICKEY

  It's alright, Elizabeth. I'll be with you soon. Just gather up the grandchildren. We wouldn't want them to miss the occasion.

  BETSY MAHER

  I've left out your best clothes and a dress shirt on the bed. Don't forget your medals and such, if you can find them.

  NED HICKEY

  Alright, Elizabeth. Don't fuss.

  NARRATOR (VO)

  It's near the end. When I got back to Ballon, I sent a courier to Sir Philip telling him he was needed there and it was safe to come home. Then I collapsed for a day and a night. When I woke, it was clear to me what I must do, so I packed a pistol and a rifle and set off for Wexford where the rebels were out in force.

  FADE OUT

  EXT. - BARRACKS GATE, WEXFORD - DAY

  Ned walks through the streets of Wexford. There are green flags flying at every house. The people wear green ribbons on their hats and chests. There is great optimism and good cheer and remarkably good public order. Men and women are gathered at the gate of the army barracks, now empty of British soldiers. They are reading a Proclamation.

  NED HICKEY

  What is it then?

  WEXFORD WOMAN

  Sure, isn't it the Declaration of the Republic of Wexford. Isn't it the great day? Will you look at the names on it? Catholics and Protestants, noblemen and common. Sure 'tis America come to Ireland. I never thought I'd live to see the day.

  Ned moves back to the edge of the crowd. Watches in silence. Turns and absorbs the sights and sounds and feeling of the new republic. Then hoists his gun and walks through the gates to report to the governing Directory and offer his services.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - SITTINGROOM, PHILADELPHIA, 1826 - DAY

  NARRATOR (VO)

  After many battles in defence of the Republic it all came down to the siege of Arklow. Had we won it, the way would have opened to Dublin. Despite the confusion and loss of leadership in the city, they would have come out with us. But, it was not to be. We could not break through and, apart from the late skirmishes in Ulster, the revolution was already lost. I made my way back through the Wicklow mountains to Ballintemple.

  CUT TO:

  EXT. - GATELODGE, BALLINTEMPLE ESTATE - NIGHT

  Ned approaches the gate-lodge with care. A guard is in place by the door. Ned whistles. The guard recognizes the signal and beckons. Ned comes forward. They touch hands briefly and Ned knocks and enters the house.

  CUT TO:

  INT. - GATELODGE, KITCHEN - NIGHT

  NED HICKEY

  Betsy, It's only me, love. Are you alright?

  Betsy rushes into his arms and cries hysterically. Ned comforts her. A child starts to cry in the bedroom.

  BETSY MAHER '

  Tis little Molly. Sure she wakes up in the night crying out for her father. She knows he is dead but still cries. I'll go get her up.

  Betsy goes to the bedroom and returns quickly with the little girl in her arms. She sits by the fire, soothing the child until she falls asleep again.

  BETSY MAHER

  Ned, I thought I'd never see you again. I've been so frightened. Never in all my life have I been so lost. My mother died only a few days ago. She never recovered from the killing of her sons. Sure 'twould wring tears from a stone to see her setting the table for the three of them every day. Tom's wife, Mary, is with her own people. She will never be the same woman we used to know so I'm looking after the children. The world has come to an end, Ned, and I can't cope anymore. What are we to do?

  NED HICKEY

  There is only one place for us, Betsy, and I'm going now to get us there. Will you come away with me if I can arrange a ship to America?

  BETSY MAHER

  Anywhere, Ned, anywhere I can put my life together again and live without fear. But we have Tom's family to look after. I cannot leave them.

  NED HICKEY

  I cannot be seen to go up to the big house. It would put Sir Philip in danger. As soon as it's daylight, will you go up and make it your business to see him. Tell him I'm here and need to talk to him urgently.

  Betsy gives Ned some bread. They sit close by the little fire.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - GATE-LODGE, KITCHEN - DAY

  Ned is in the kitchen/living room. He is sharing breakfast with Tom Maher's children, two half-grown and young Molly. Betsy and Sir Philip enter.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  Ned, I am delighted to see you home but have no wish to know where you have been. Welcome back. I hope that we can put things together again now that all this upheaval has ended. Remember the great plans we had?

  NED HICKEY

  Indeed I do, Sir Philip, and I'll never cease to be grateful to you for all you did to protect me and mine. But you must know as well as I do, that Ireland will never be the same. Too much hatred, too much fear. So many of us have had this little taste of freedom and can never put it out of our minds again.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  So, what will you do, Ned?

  NED HICKEY

  We must leave. There is no recourse. You cannot protect us forever, Sir Philip, and I would not place that burden on you anyway. I'm taking Betsy and the children to America and I wonder if, as one last favor, you can find a way to get us there?

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  (thinking) You're right, of course, Ned. It is the only sensible course, but I will miss you, man. (pause) Remember I mentioned my brother, Pierce, to you? He lives in the Carolinas and has plantations and a shipping business. I had a letter from him that he was sending me a keg of Virginian tobacco which is to be landed on the open beach after they discharge the legitimate cargo at Waterford. I expect a message from Waterford daily to arrange the time and place. Why should they not take you back with them if I issue the request?

  NED HICKEY

  How are we to travel? with the children?

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  I'll have the carriage prepared and I will go with you to the coast. You have no chance of getting out by stealth. Boldness and good fortune are attributes I learned from you, Ned, so let us put them to the test again.

  NED HICKEY

  I'll be your coachman and it would not be unusual in these times to have one of your militiamen with me as guard.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  Betsy and the children can get some of the family's clothes and act like they are mine. I'll go with them inside the carriage and threaten anyone who might stop us on our w
ay.

  NED HICKEY

  Can you keep their mouths shut, Betsy? And act the lady?

  BETSY MAHER

  Sure the poor things hardly open their mouths these days anyway. (she manages a smile) And I'm always a lady.

  SIR PHILIP BUTLER

  Indeed you are, Betsy. Indeed you are. I'll get the carriage prepared, with a uniform for you, Ned, and clothes for Betsy and children. Then we can only wait for the message from Waterford. (pause) I've been here long enough. We must tell no one and you, Ned, should sleep out in the woods and not here. I'll take a wander with the gun from time to time and bring you some food. God be with us all.

  BETSY MAHER

  And with you, Sir Philip.

  Sir Philip leaves the gatehouse.

  NED HICKEY

  He was always a good man but he doesn't understand. He never will understand. (pause) I've got to pay my respects at Ballon Hill before we leave.

  BETSY MAHER

  Yes, I know, Ned. At least you have a proper grave to visit. My lovely brothers are with six hundred others in the Croppy Grave of Carlow.

  FADE OUT

  EXT. - BALLON GRAVEYARD - NIGHT

  Ned is kneeling in the moon-shadow of a tombstone close by an unmarked grave. He crosses himself and says a silent prayer.

  NED HICKEY

  Andy, you would have been so proud of us. We were free for three whole weeks in an Irish republic. The green flags waved over every building in the town of Wexford while an elected committee governed us well and truly without fear or favor - four Protestant and four Catholic. We tore down every emblem of the king of England. We listened to the mass, there in the public square. We spoke our own language and with pride. We walked the streets with our heads up and moved aside for no-one. When we gathered in an alehouse, we spoke our minds openly and not in the codes we learned over the bad years. We were what you saw always in your imagination and what I was blind to until others revealed it to me. I'm going away, Andy. I wanted to tell you that I understood you at last. Keep a place for me where-ever you are, Andy, for we have a lot to talk about yet.

  FADE OUT

  INT. - CITY HALL, PHILADELPHIA - NIGHT

  The Mayor of Philadelphia stands at the lectern of the Assembly Hall. Ned is seated on the podium above the audience. Ned is called. Then the mayor comes forward and puts a chain with a golden key around his neck, shakes his hand and leaves Ned at the lectern. He looks out quietly at the audience and smiles down to his family in the front row.

  NED HICKEY

  Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for the great honor you have bestowed on me tonight, the freedom of my beloved city, Philadelphia. (applause) I accept it gratefully on behalf of all those who suffered and died in the great and worthy cause. (applause) I thank my brave and lovely wife, Elizabeth, who sits here among us. Stand up, Elizabeth. Let them see you and all my family. (prolonged applause)

  (pause) I need to talk to you tonight, out of my simplicity or arrogance - you will decide - on the idea of freedom of which you have heard so much today. Many among you have thanked me personally for my part in bringing freedom to this great republic. I appreciate that. But I wonder at the blindness of some eminent persons who celebrate with us today and will return tomorrow to their plantations and estates which function only on the bondage of slaves. (silence) Is freedom divisible? Of course not. Freedom is universal or it is nothing but the plaything of politicians. There are families represented here who first achieved power and nobility on the backs of serfs like me in the old country from which I came. They continue to prosper on the backs of slaves in this new and shining republic. Before we next gather to celebrate freedom, we must grant it - as if it were ours to grant. This cancer must be removed from the body of America before it destroys us.

  (he holds the golden key)

  Thank you for this symbol of freedom which you have so kindly given me. And no, you cannot have it back! God bless us all.

  There is applause from some, boos and hisses from others, silence from the majority. Ned bows to the Mayor, walks quietly to the steps of the podium where Betsy meets him, kisses him and walks proudly beside him out of the hall.

  THE END

  FADE OUT

  Credits roll to an unaccompanied male voice singing the last verse of Boolavogue and on a background image of the line-drawing by Brocas - "This is the Head of a Traitor".

  FADE OUT

  John O’Neill has also written a novel, Children of the Cromlech:

  Three young Irish growing up the mid-20th century, victims of post-colonial poverty and religious autocracy, struggle to survive in the depths of degradation and despair…

  This was not the romantic Ireland of the poets and visionaries who sparked the revolution.

  From childhood to maturity, the three endured their private hells to find at last their own hard-won enlightenments.

  This is their story.

  See the blog for more details and links to buy the print or ebook: www.childrenofthecromlech.wordpress.com