A compelling piece by Ronan McGreevy recently caught my eye. Titled “Spanish city honours Irish chieftain Red Hugh O’Donnell with a mock funeral fit for a king” (September 14th), this article offered a riveting dive into the past and brought to light the unshakeable historical bond between Spain and Ireland, predominantly cemented in the 16th century.
After the Battle of Kinsale in January 1602, which resulted in a staggering defeat for the Spanish and Irish, Red Hugh O’Donnell found himself in Spain in the company of the remaining Spanish force. His mission was to convince King Philip II to deploy an additional fleet to Ireland. This was a desperate plea for assistance in the ongoing fight against Tudor’s onslaught on Irish land, which was nearing its end.
Red Hugh was housed within the confines of Simancas Castle, courtesy of King Philip II. The castle, now functioning as the Spanish national archives, is situated a mere 15km away from Valladolid. During Red Hugh’s time, the city held the coveted positions of Spain’s capital and throne of Spanish monarchy.
Throughout the concluding nine months of his life on Spanish soil, Red Hugh would likely have made frequent trips to Valladolid, attempting to secure military assistance from Philip II and subsequently, his successor, Philip III. However, these attempts were fruitless. Upon his passing, he was granted a state funeral in Valladolid, a crystal-clear demonstration of the King of Spain’s acknowledgement of his rank and significance.
The city of Valladolid has a valid right to remember and honour him. In what can only be described as a beautiful gesture, the residents of the city do so in huge numbers every year.
Despite this, I have issue with the Irish Ambassador to Spain’s branding of Red Hugh as “a refugee fleeing unrest in his country”. This is a mischaracterisation. Red Hugh, alongside Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, resisted the Elizabethan invasion of Ireland in the late 16th century as co-leaders of the uprising.
He was not in pursuit of asylum in Spain, instead he was looking for military support from a traditional ally who was also battling against a mutual adversary. Kind regards,
Joe Costello,
Dublin 7.