ROCKETT PIRATE: HERO OR VILLAIN??







1625/1645 County Waterford, Ireland: A fortified residence, called Rocketts Castle, was erected by the Rockett family and stood on the site of Mayfield and caused that place to be originally called Rocketts Castle. Rocketts Castle was taken over by Earl of Ormond, his actions under King Charles I, destroyed and took possession of property of Catholics' who did not submit to the King. PIRATE ROCKETT crossed with this faction and warred the best he could against such treatment and later began to pirate English ships and distributed the booty among the suppressed people.

Based on part records and part legend, "Rockett the Pirate" captured an English ship and used her to prey on English ships only. The booty was divided among the town folks, thus the title "a noted pirate with virtue." This motly crew became such a thorn in the King's side, a bounty was placed on their heads and finally all were captured and first drawn and quartered. Rockett was then hanged and beheaded, and his head was placed on a spike and taken to the city gate of Waterford with a placard reading "Beware, do not offend your King."

"Crann A Riocoidig" means Rocketts Tree. This particular portion of Yellow Road was so called from a famous old blossoming gorse tree which grew there and was occasionally used as a gallows. Rockett paid the penalty for his crimes (or virtues) thereon.




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