The author author Hagen Seehase, who also works for Militär Aktuell and his co-authors Dave Swift and Maximilian Buck take a look at the Galloglas warrior caste, almost unknown in continental Europe, who shaped Ireland’s military history from the 13th to the 16th centuries.
Galloglass is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic “gallóglach” and means “foreign servant” or “warrior”. These “foreign warriors” are described today as tall and extraordinarily strong, cruel and without compassion – but above all as death-defying. According to legend, Galloglas preferred to die on the battlefield rather than surrender. They ended battles as victors – or not at all. This was another reason why they were notorious and feared by enemies and their counterparts on the battlefield. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXXo8vOxjYc However, their reputation was also – and above all – enhanced by their mercenary nature. At times, several dozen armies of warriors originally from the west coast of Scotland were at the service of Irish petty kings and lords throughout the country. And eventually even the English Lord Deputy of Ireland made use of their skills.
Seehase, Swift and Buck give in their book “The Galloglas – Ireland’s Foreign Warriors” (Zeughaus Verlag, 2022, ISBN: 978-3-96360-054-8) provide a detailed and richly illustrated overview of the history of the Galloglas. They provide detailed information on the origins, clothing, armor, recruitment and weapons of the warriors – with a particular focus on the impressive Sparth axes and the two-handed swords so typical of the Galloglas. The trio of authors also describe the Galloglas’ self-image, place the rise and fall of the fighters in a historical context and take a detailed look at historical events such as the Nine Years War, the Scottish invasion in the 14th century. The Battle of Knockdoe in 1504 and the Battle of the Curlews 95 years later – the Galloglas’ last major battles – also play an important role.
