 On 13 November 1579, he and his followers sacked the town of Youghal, massacring its English garrison, hanging the English officials there, looting the town and abusing the civilian population.Desmond's force then blockaded the city of Cork before withdrawing westwards into the mountains of Kerry.MacCarthy Mor, meanwhile, chief of the MacCarthys, announced his joining of the rebellion by sacking Kinsale.