O'Neill himself, after an abortive attempt to entrap Sidney at Dundalk, made a sudden attack on that town in July; but his men were beaten back, 'and eighteen heads were left behind to grin hideously over the gates.' He then returned to Armagh and burned the cathedral to the ground, to prevent its being again occupied by an English garrison.

He next sent a swift messenger to Desmond, calling for a rising in Munster.

'Now was the time or never' to set upon the enemies of Ireland.

If Desmond failed, or turned against his country, God would avenge it on him.

But Desmond's reply was an offer to the deputy 'to go against the rebel with all his power.