At this stage Defenders had assembled from Armagh, Newtownhamilton, Ballygawley and the wild hills of Pomery (in Tyrone), as well as from the counties of Louth, Monaghan and Cavan. Through the vigilance of the father of Sir William Verner, crowds of them were stopped at the passage of the Blackwater. They contrived, however, to get forward by other routes. Their numbers were greatly superior to the Protestants who, they declared, they would drive out of the country.

Blacker's men advanced over the old Cranagill road, which brought them to the rear of the Diamond Hill just in the nick of time. The Protestants on the hill were making a vigorous defence. Whilst the adversaries were pressing forward, they were suddenly met by Blacker's volunteers, who appearing like an avenging Nemesis on the crest of the hill. The conflict was short, sharp and decisive. Two terrific volleys swept through their densely-packed ranks, dozens fell killed and wounded, and then through the Diamond. They attempted to make another stand, but a further charge decided the day, and discomfited, they did not wait for any more fighting.

Before the arrival of the military from Charlemont, with Mr. Atkinson, the Battle of the Diamond was fought and won in Ruddock's Grange. Nor did this end the troubles of the routed party. At different points they were intercepted by the Yeomanry and the Troops marching from Charlemont, and before sunset no fewer than forty-eight of them paid the penalty with their lives.

It is significant that two of the dead John Coey and Peter McCann, who lived in the neighbourhood were dressed in the clothing of Protestants whose houses had been plundered. Some of the bodies were not found until the fields of grain were reaped at harvest-time.

"Captain" Quigley then threw down his arms and badges of rank to lighten his flight to his father's house near Castle Raw. So closely were the Defenders pursued that, in their hurried retreat, they left in the hands of the victors plunder of the viler sort old guns, rusty bayonets fixed on poles, pikes, spades, scythes, reaping hooks, tattered green uniforms, ragged pieces of antiquity in the shape of coats, brogues, wooden crosses, crucifixes, with several white and green flags, which did not do much credit to the artist, one of which however, deserves mention. It was "Captain" Quigley's rallying standard.

[Quigley did not take a very active part in the fight (Captain McGarry from Whitecross, who was killed, being the commander) but had a large blunderbuss, and when he fired it, placed his back against the ditch. The blunderbuss afterwards came into the possession of Sir Wm. Verner.]

The standard was a white ground with a green shamrock border, and on it was painted the Virgin Mary, presiding as a goddess, with a bunch of beads in her hand, and underneath the following inscription : "Deliver us from these heretic dogs and then we shall be free".

The relic was in the hands of the Widow of the last Master of No 76. Lisavague, who captured it on the field; and though a little "worse for wear" it is regarded with much veneration and pride by the brethren of that locality.

The number of Defenders would have been greater had it not been for Mr James Verner, who with his son (afterwards Sir Wm. Verner) and servants, stopped many of them at the Blackwater. As they approached Maghery, they were fired at from the County Tyrone side. They captured some prisoners who were unable to reach the river in time to cross over in the boats. So sure were the rebels that the confiscation of all Protestant property would take place that Michael Kelly, commonly called General Kelly, made a will, by which he left Captain Blacker's estate to relations in case he should be killed in the conflict.