As part of the bicentenniel celebrations of the Irish Rebellion, Ulster TV in conjunction with Clanvisions recently broadcast a series of 'on the spot' reports during the news about the events leading up to the Battle of Ballynahinch, and the subsequent trial and execution of Henry Monro, the rebel leader who was born in Lisburn. The 23rd Foot Royal Welsh Fusiliers (UK) were asked to advise on British military matters and ended up travelling to Ireland to take part in the filming, with Allan Jones taking the part of Colonel Chetwynd-Stapylton.

The filming took place at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. Co . Tyrone, a museum dedicated to telling the history of the Irish who emigrated to America during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The museum is split into two halves - one portraying typical houses in Ulster during the period, and the other portraying houses in America. Both halves include a street of the period with houses and shops, which is where most of the filming took place. Filming also took place at Belfast Castle, Cave Hill Belfast

As there are very few 18th century re-enactors in Ireland, the part of the Militia were played by American Civil War re-enactors. and Dark Ages and Medieval re-enactors became rebels for the weekend. They came from all parts of Ireland including Dublin, Derry, Sligo, and Down.

Given that we only had a weekend in which to teach drill, the end result ended up being a curious hybrid of British 18th century and American Civil War drill, but it looked good on camera! The guns were also a mixture of flintlocks and percussion cap but there was so much smoke from the smoke machine that no-one could tell which was which. And at least the Enfields fired on cue!

Filming took place over two days, and the first day was spent drilling and marching in order to get the Militia to work as a unit. This went fine, but I think that the tune 'Lilibulero' will haunt everyone who took part, as it seemed to be the only one that the drummer would play!

It did produce one sticky moment when Allan Jones, who was playing a Militia officer, found himself walking through the car park in his uniform whistling the tune, oblivious to the looks he was getting.

The second day was taken up with street fighting scenes, which even impressed the camera crew with their realism! In fact it was so realistic that the fighting didn't always stop when the director shouted 'cut'!

At one point during takes, when the crew were waiting for the rebels to return, a group of 'nannas' (old ladies) appeared, and the Militia almost arrested them as rebels in disguise! A member of the camera crew told me that filming had never been so much fun as everyone really threw themselves into it. All in all it was a great two days and we were happy to have made history as the first redcoats to pass through the doors of the Ulster American Folk Park.

Thanks to Patrick Fitzsymons. Rachel 0' Rourke and all at Clanvisions, and Cameron Robinson and all the re-enactors who took part.

Clanvisions are Ireland's only Living History agency, specialising in all aspects of historical productions for film and tv, and live events. For details contact them at 1 Sullivan Place, Holywood, County Down BT 18 9JF Northern Ireland.

The 23rd Foot

The 23rd Foot (UK) was created in 1987 to recreate the Royal Welsh Fusiliers during 1777. In 1995, in Napoleonic uniform, it took part in the battle reenactment at Waterloo, and last year played a major part in the Bicentenary celebrations of the last mainland invasion at Fishguard For further details contact the Regiment's commanding officer Allan Jones, 7 Arcadia Way, Trevethin, Pontypool, Gwent NP4 8DX. Telephone: (01490) 750479 email light.bob@virgin.net

Visit the 23rd Foot (UK) website at http://www.freespace virgin.net/23/index.htm