Archaeologists have found the site of a 13th century battle between the local Irish and invading Normans in Eyre Square.
The remains of up to 42 people were found on the site just outside the Eyre Shopping Centre and archaeologists believe the remains may date from a time when the English invaded the area almost 800 years ago.
Bill Quinn of the Moore Group told The Star this week, “We found 42 skeletons, six from just outside the Eyre Square Shopping Centre who were dead as a result of head trauma.
“That they were buried outside the city walls suggests they were locals.”
Many of the bodies showed injuries that may have been caused by bludgeoning, while one was stabbed in the back, and others had their heads smashed in my poleaxes.
“Injuries could have been caused by poleaxes or war-hammers, common weapons at the time,” Mr Quinn said.
Mr Quinn added that at that time Richard De Burca was granted a lordship in Galway, which angered the local chieftains, the O’Connors and O’Flahertys.
They may have started ambushing the lord’s forces.
“We don’t know if the bodies are of the defender or foe. Most were males between the ages of 20 and 30, one female was buried,” Mr Quinn said.
