The Nine Years War was one of the most traumatic in the history of
Ireland. Backed by Philip II of Spain, Tyrone outclassed the forces of
the English Crown, achieving a string of stunning victories and bringing
the power of Elizabeth I in Ireland to the brink of collapse. Lord
Mountjoy reformed the demoralized English army and rolled back the
advances achieved by Tyrone. Mountjoy's success was crowned by his
shattering defeat of Tyrone and his Spanish allies at Kinsale in 1601,
which ultimately led to the earl's submission in 1603, though not before
famine, misery and atrocity took their toll on the people of Ireland. .