In 1689 the Catholic Carney was appointed Governor of newly captured Coleraine. Following the failed Siege of Derry, Jacobite forces began evacuating north-western Ulster as the reinforced Protestant forces advanced. When he received intelligence of the approach of General Percy Kirke and some Enniskillen troops, both of whom had acquired a ferocious reputation, Carney abandoned Coleraine and headed southwards to Jacobite-held Charlemont. His position might have become increasingly dangerous had he remained as Marshal Schomberg's expeditionary force landed and captured Carrickfergus and other settlements along the County Antrim coastline.