Bayonets & Lace

A novel by Barry Redmond

The 1798 Irish rebellion had its roots in the French & American revolutions whereby both nations achieved independence. This inspired the formation of the United Irishmen in 1791, comprised of Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians and dissident Protestants. They aspired to liberate a culture living under an oppressive regime.  The culmination of their actions led to a fatal battle with the Crown forces in Wexford in the summer of 1798. In the cold light of current European history and union it is a difficult thing to imagine, not to mind empathise with the desperate struggles of those who lived at this time, centuries ago.

But that is exactly what Barry Redmond does in his thrilling historic novel ‘Bayonets & Lace’.   The novel is set around the year 1798 in Wexford when the United Irishmen took on the occupying Crown forces & Dublin Castle establishment.

Bayonets And Lace follows the story of two ‘star crossed lovers’ James de Lacey and Kitty Foldsworth. They both reside in Wexford in the last decade of the 18th century.  This romantic pair come from opposite sides of the social divide in Ireland at the time. James being a native Wexford rebel is from the wrong side of the tracks. Kitty is the daughter of the local landlord and member of the ascendancy class.  Since their love is taboo and their possible union forbidden, neither character fits comfortably into their 18^th century world. Because of this they simply defy being stereotyped.  Barry Redmond presents us with two morally complex characters, reaching out to us across the historic divide, relating to us the story of their impossibly challenging affair. The tension at heart of their relationship mirrors that of the national political theatre.  How will they survive this bloody time? Who will accept them?  Are they doomed to destroy each other?  Is their love selfish or does true love stand above all else that matters to us in society?

The author examines these questions with a quick and meticulous pen, asking as much of us as he gives.  Bayonets and Lace as well as being a rip roaring read is a critical look at what makes society tick, under extreme and stressful conditions. Kitty and James make their own stand in this sad but beautiful tale of love, great courage, tragedy and hope.

It is an exciting and engaging read that will leave the reader asking more about the origins of our own national identity and the nature of true love and why we all would go to the ends of the earth to find it. It is our hope and aim to share it with you on screen in a cinema near you at a not too distant date.

My name is Kieran O’ Connell and I am a friend and agent for  the author.  When he gave me this book to read I was initially floored by its scale.  I had no idea he had been working on a project of this size but I very quickly realised the integrity of this fine work and the energy and time Barry has invested in it.  My own background is in film and theatre. Professionally, I am currently employed by RTE as a lighting/ cameraman. As well as that busy role I am always working on another project for film or theatre.

It is because of this and my deep interest in Irish history that I have set on a course with Barry to have his novel developed for the big screen. We envision it as a period feature film or episodic television series, of which there are many fine examples these days, such as the excellent Outlander series on RTE 2. Due to ‘Bayonets & Lace’s’ deep connection with French and North American political history, we may through this production revive those historic associations again. We intend to fulfill this plan and in doing so create a more expansive production team in the west of Ireland that will facilitate contemporary and historic productions.

Kieran O’ Connell

Agent for Barry Redmond.

06-10-2023

Email: ciaranoconnaill@gmail.com

Bayonets & Lace Synopsis 

Bayonets & Lace is the true story of James and Kitty, set against the spectacular and tragic landscape of the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland.

Lady Catherine Foldsworth or Kitty, is an aristocratic heiress, revered on and off the hunting field, who sacrifices everything to be with her love James, a tenant on her fathers estate, who is secretly a rebel leader.

When Kitty’s mother dies at the hands of Insurgents, Kitty’s father, motivated by revenge, directs a campaign of terror and injustice against James and his fellow rebels; the consequences of which leave no victors.

Without question, it is a love story of epic proportions that defies all boundaries across the social, religous and political divide in 18th century Ireland.

James and Kitty, whose hearts were destined to unite forever on a journey that their fates commanded them to follow, knew no hesistation.

The story is a 500 page superbly gripping tale, that carries the reader on a wave of intensity.

The author, Mr. Barry Redmond, resides in Co. Mayo in one of Ireland’s oldest country houses. His house is the ancestral home of Sir Thomas Moore, who was beheaded by Henry VIII. His home, Clongee is now an Irish National Monument, due to its historical and cultural significance.

“There are some things in life we need to hear almost as if we owe it to our hearts.”

Bayonets & Lace

by Barry Redmond

Available on Amazon.com

 

Book Description

Published by Barry Redmond and Paragon Publishing.

Publication Date: March 28, 2014

Bayonets & Lace is the new, gripping novel by author Barry Redmond.  Bayonets & Lace is the true story of James and Kitty set against the spectacular and tragic landscape of the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland. Without question, it is a love story of epic proportions, that defied all boundaries across the social, religious and political divide. James and Kitty, whose hearts were destined to unite forever on a journey that Destiny commanded them to follow, knew no hesitation.

“Aye I know how you think Joe, and it is unlikely a union as bayonets and lace.”

Bayonets & Lace – The Story Synopsis 

Ireland. 1798.  A time of Love & Revolution.

Based on the novel, Bayonets & Lace by author Barry Redmond, and soon to be a period drama for the screen; Bayonets & Lace narrates the story of colonized Ireland, which is about to be engulfed in bloody revolution.  At the centre of this dreadful war are a pair of unlikely lovers from opposing side of this conflict.

The United Irishmen, a revolutionary militia is formed to repel the ruthless occupying forces, which have enslaved the native population.

Inspired to fight for the basic human rights of his own people, James de Lacey, a poor Catholic tenant, joins the United Irishmen as they prepare to wage war against their enemy.  He secretly runs arms for the militia and makes plans with the group for a summer of bloody battle.

His fate is turned on its head, when he falls in love with, Kitty Foldsworth, daughter of the enemy, whose father Charles Foldsworth, is a ruling class landlord, and a man of great wealth and power.  Kitty, who is used to a life of horse riding and high society balls, turns her own life upside down by falling for this common peasant.

Together James & Kitty must fight ignorance and hatred from all sides in their vision to create a better world where love trumps hatred and oppression.

I am very excited to announce that I have drafted the sequels to ‘Bayonets & Lace’.  soon to be published, the James de Lacey and Kitty Foldsworth story continues, as the century has turned and Ireland faces into its new reality after the turmoil of 1798. What will become of the survivors of this calamitous event?  Who will carry on the struggle in the 19th century?  The answers are not far, from the real and virtual bookshelves of your favourite historical novel outlet….

I am also working with my team, on developing my collected work for the big screen.  I am committed to seeing my historical fiction available to an international audience, on page and screen.