 St. Ruth took up his position on the eastern slopes of Kilcommodon Hill on 8 July.It was a good position, protected by a belt of bog along the whole front, behind which he placed his infantry.His right flank was anchored at Tristaum bridge at Urraghry Pass, and guarded by cavalry regiments of the Duke of Tyrconnell, Earl of Abercorn, and Colonel Edward Prendergast.