In one of the first engagements of the 1798 rebellion, a force of over 1,000 rebels attacked Naas, the strongest Crown garrison in county Kildare, following the successful mobilisation of United Irishmen, Defenders and rebels throughout county Kildare on the night of 23rd May. 1798 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Naas (Irish: Nás na Rí/An Nás) is the county town of County Kildare, Ireland. ... The Society of the United Irishmen was a political organisation in eighteenth century Ireland that sought independence from Great Britain. ...

The garrison was in theory, supplemented by a number of yeomen, but was reduced by desertions to the rebels. When the attack was launched at around 2 a.m it came from three directions and achieved initial surprise forcing much of the garrison to reform at the military barracks. The rebel thrusts of attack were then held off by the military until artillery was brought to bear on the rebels by the demolition of several buildings. As soon as the rebels began to waver, Cavalry were sent in and the bulk of the rebel casualties, about 135, were inflicted at this stage for the loss of about 25 of the military. Yeoman is an antiquated term for farmers, tradesmen and other members of the early English middle class. ... Historically, artillery refers to any engine used for the discharge of projectiles during war. ... An army unit consisting of mounted soldiers is commonly known as cavalry. ...