The authorities in Ireland were aware of the plans and the rebels were forced to act without French help in May 1798. The rebellion was a failure. The beautiful plantations belonging to Mr. Charles Stewart, near Baileborough have been almost destroyed the rebels were cutting poles to make pike handles. Night after night they have been cut down and not a creature in that country dare step forward to prevent them. The improvements of Mr. John Young, Mr. Cosby, Mr. Cormack etc. are all destroyed.
Every morning brings forward news of depredation committed the night before.
Government forces conducted numerous raids for arms during the summer of 1798 and by August, with the rebellion over in most of Ireland, it must have seemed to the loyalist population of Baileborough that the danger had passed. Co. Mayo and the United Irishmen of Cavan and Monaghan made their move. On Monday August 27th they gathered on a hill north of Baileborough. The hill has since been known as Rebel Hill. Dundalk Co. Louth heading west to meet the French forces in Mayo.