1659 and 1660, Duncannon was the only town to remain openly loyal to Edmund Ludlow after forces loyal to General George Monck took control of Dublin and other towns. In the Williamite war in Ireland (1689–1691) James II, after his defeat at the battle of the Boyne, embarked at Duncannon for Kinsale and then to exile in France. Later his son in law and enemy William of Orange, marched on its cobblestones as the town and fort surrendered to his army without resistance. The fort at Duncannon was one of the few places in county Wexford that did not fall to the rebels during the 1798 rebellion though a force sent out from the fort to defend Wexford town was defeated at the battle of Three Rocks. The fort and town then became a sanctuary for fleeing loyalists and troops in south Wexford and was also used as a prison and place of execution for suspected rebels. Duncannon's strategic importance continued to be recognised throughout the 19th century. Napoleon sought and got intelligence on its strength and weakness, in preparation for a possible invasion of Ireland. Duncannon fort was used by the FCA (Irish army reserve) as a barracks and training facility until recent years. Transport Bus Éireann route 370 links Duncannon to New Ross, Waterford and Wellingtonbridge. There are several buses daily except Sundays. The nearest railway station is Waterford railway station which is located 22km away in Waterford travelling via the Ballyhack - Passage East ferry. Sports The local Gaelic Athletic Association club team is called St James' G.A.A club, and plays in the Wexford Senior Football Championship and the Wexford Intermediate Hurling Championship. The club won the Wexford Senior Football Championship in 2015, having been promoted from the Intermediate rank the previous year. The hurling team have won several county titles having begun at Junior D level in 2009. In recent years Matthew O'Hanlon has captained the Wexford Senior Hurling team to win the Leinster SHC final in 2019 and village native Graeme Molloy has also captained the Wexford senior football side prior to his retirement. Brendan Doyle was also a pivotal member of the panel during the 2000s and early 2010s. The local soccer team is Duncannon United who play in the Wexford League. Local Business and Services Duncannon is currently host to three pubs, two cafes and a local shop is due to be finished