during the nine years' war hugh ruadh o'donnell, in league with other chieftains, attacked the county of galway in 1596 and, after burning athenry, marched to the town of galway. there they asked for provisions but were refused, retaliating by setting fire to outlying houses on the edge of the town. o'donnell's forces were then driven off by cannon fire and an armed sally by the defenders and retreated to mayo.