A major historical event in the midlands is being commemorated in Longford this weekend.
The Battle of Ballinamuck was one of the most significant confrontations of the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland.
The 225th anniversary is being marked later today with a re-enactment of the famous clash.
Hundreds of volunteers will part in the reenactment of the Battle of Ballinamuck, when United Irishmen and their French allies faced off against British forces.
Members of reenactment historical groups from around the country will be playing French soldiers, pikemen and English forces.
Hundreds of spectators are expected to watch them march towards the scene of the battle on Kiltycreevagh Hill, 8 September, 1798.
The Battle of Ballinamuck was a significant event in this north Longford village and in Irish history.
A small French army, joined by local Irish volunteers, had landed at Killala Bay in Mayo, and fought its way eastward, gaining more rebels from Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim.
However, they were met at Ballinamuck by vastly superior British forces.
The French, led by General Humbert, had 800 regular soldiers and about 1000 Irish volunteers, while the British commanded a force up to 20 times larger.
Caught with his forces strung out on the road, Humbert regrouped, but was soon outflanked and forced to surrender.
The day ended in a massacre of the Irish rebels, effectively ending the rebellion.
The military battle lasted half a day, after which the French surrendered and were taken into custody, while many of the Irish fighters were killed on the spot or while fleeing.
It is believed around 500 Irish rebels and French troops are buried in a mass grave at the top of Shanmullagh Hill.
Mark Cunningham, chairperson of the local commemoration committee, said that this was one of the last pitch battles before the end of the 1798 Rebellion.
"The English won, the French were given pardon and the pikemen were slaughtered. It's believed there were around 500 lives lost," he said.
The rebellion was a turning point in Irish history and contributed to the 1800 Act of Union that saw the end of the parliament of Ireland.
The village of Ballinamuck has a peace garden which commemorates the rebellion and aims to promote peace in Ireland.
