 With a strong history of loyalty to the Catholic cause, Nicholas Purcell was commissioned Captain on 12 February 1686 in the army enrolled by Lord Tyrconnell to uphold the cause of King James II.In May 1686 he was admitted as a member to the King's Privy Council of Ireland, he was 35.It was at this time in 1686 that King James II confirmed the title of Baron of Loughmoe to Colonel Nicholas.