Unknown Soldiers - possible combatants from Battle of Aughrim in 1691

Skeletons unearthed in Co. Galway believed to be combatants from Battle of Aughrim in 1691

A Cache of skeletons unearthed in a small Co Galway village could prove to be the first recorded victims of the 1691 Battle of Aughrim,

Thirty-two skeletons have been excavated in building work at the Glebe National School near Aughrim, and another 12 are believed to be in the area.

The discovery has sparked interest from Orange Order officials keen to preserve evidence of the battle, which was a decisive event in the Williamite wars.

The school, which only has 12 pupils, lies in the grounds of a Church of Ireland rectory and was also the location for a mediaeval burial site.

Archaeologist Michael Tierney, who was commissioned by the school to excavate the area during work to extend the premises, said the remains were laid east-west, according to Christian tradition, suggesting it was a formal burial.

However, one of the bodies was found to have been decapitated and another was cleaved in two.

"We have yet to confirm this but we believe these may have been battle victims — and, if so, the first recorded from the battle in 1691 between the forces of King James II and King William III which claimed 6,000 lives," he said.

"We knew we were within the battlefield site so there was always a chance we would find remains relating to the battle.

"However, where we were digging was also close to an Augustinian Abbey which dates to around the 12th century."

It is thought the bodies date to the battle because of the shallow layer of earth they were found in, the Irish News reported.

The archaeologists on the site felt they had been flung into a shallow hole either in a hurry or as a mark of disrespect.

Some of the bones are being tested to determine what dates can be confirmed. Their work will be finished in two months' time, with the findings published this summer.

Robert Cooke, chairman of the school's board of governors, said the children were excited by the find although the new extension has been held up by 18 months.

The Orange Order said it was interested to hear of the finds and asked that the site be treated with care.

"We would like the site treated with respect and in the appropriate manner," a spokeman said.

"The Battle of Aughrim is an important part of the history of Ireland and, on a more general point, we would like to see the battlefield site developed along the same lines as the Battle of the Boyne site near Drogheda.

"Some €30m was invested by the Irish government into the redevelopment of the Battle of the Boyne site, due to open to the public next spring." 3rd January 2008 Belfast Telegraph