View of Athlone Barracks, as it is today. In 1819 John Burke had the protection of the Athlone army, after he was kidnapped by the Ribbon-men
In 1819 Emily’s grandfather, John Burke was kidnapped by the Ribbon-men and taken to a secret location, where he was forced to pledge allegiance to them. He refused, to his peril as Emily’s father recounts the incident to a court in 1855…
“In the year 1819 the Ribbonmen brought him to their appointed place of meeting and wanted him to swear to be loyal to them. He said no “I have taken the oath of allegiance to be faithful to my King and country, you are rebels and I cannot be faithful both to you and my king”. We will shoot you said they. His reply; “I will die here an honest man for my king and county.” He saw a rush at him with a screwed bayonet, which he received in his chest. The would inflicted was severe having torn the flesh out the breast, the bayonet entering between the chest and the rib. He was taken for dead and brought home. He bade them defiance, wrote to the Lord Lieutenant, and for ten days would not yield. In the meantime a military party was sent from Athlone for his relief.”
John Burke survived and lived on for another two decades. This refusal to go against their principles even in the face of death would follow through to his son, William John and to his grand daughter Emily, even though she would be taking be the other side to the Crown.