
The defence of the bridge is
one of the most gallant exploits in Irish history. Colonel Richard
Grace, who held the position for the Jacobites, was offered security in
his estates and military honours, if he surrendered, by the Duke of
Schomberg. At night, when the offer reached the Jacobite general, he was
in his quarters, playing the familiar Irish card game of spoil-five with
his officers. The six-of-hearts happened to be the "deckhead." Grace
took it from the pack and wrote on the back, "It ill becomes a gentleman
to betray his trust," and gave it to the Williamite messenger. The
"six-of-hearts" is still known as "The Grace's Card," especially in
Kilkenny, where the general's estates were.
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