Flight of the Earls - 09/09/2007

The definitive television account of one of the most important episodes in Irish history. The sudden departure of the Gaelic leaders in September 1607 signified the success of England’s conquest of Ireland and the end of Gaelic rule, and cleared the way for the Plantation of Ulster. It is a story of war, political intrigue, passion and greed which still has repercussions today. Presented by Antaine O' Donnaile, the first programme of three looks at the violent events which led to the Flight, in particular the Battle of the Yellow Ford in Armagh in 1598, which almost ended English rule and which made the Irish leaders the toast of Catholic Europe.