ROINN COSANTA. BUREAU OF MILITARY HISTORY, 1913
Transcription
ROINN COSANTA. BUREAU OF MILITARY HISTORY, 1913
ROINN BUREAU OF COSANTA. MILITARY BY STATEMENT DOCUMENT NO. 1913-21. HISTORY, WITNESS. W.S. 1692. Witness JOHN FEEHAN, LEENANE, CO. GALWAY. Identity DIVISIONAL QUARTERMASTER, WESTERN DIVISION. 4th Subject. Activities and Brigade of West Flying Connemara Column, Brigade, 1917-1921. Conditions, if any, Stipulated by Witness. NIL. File No S.3000. Form B.S.M.2 STATEMENT BY JOHN FEEHAN, Co. Leenane, In held as can I Co. o'clock it Shortly that I afterwards, the English at Mr. continued Tarmey that time and Companies, under fight At Sammon, this us in to a crate we had and shotgun company, plentiful September, was it of the I and the and to glass and I never for This left late as the Willie which rifles, crate McBride. a carpenter. forget and same. I us three The revolvers. John 1921. the field and Westport Tans Workhouse, the have almost, in 1st appointed late the ammunition time. was two we opened 1915. instructions secured will late ground, as drill night. to the company, Old in Kilmeena for was working of three 1915, same Black instructor the of after an ex-sergeant arranged supervision was up to between Clifden, Volunteers. out carry far came our anxiety found the had shotguns two a 16 bore rifles in the Alliance) end of and 1915 all I the joined old men the the were in A.O.H. the (Irish- parish to where Newport, enough. About American to Dublin the with fit I Irish Wednesday instructions time the with every it and our his the when at held with Q/M the appointed covered a workshop, pleasure rifles was the who was Sammon went late October manoeuvres Kilmeena meeting a sham battle manoeuvres These the As Bartley, Tom Tarmey, about In Lieutenant. J.D. the classes In late in we were ourselves. the meeting Church. enrolled Army, and boxing By was who addressed meeting Kilmeena outside remember, Galway, this of 11 was a public there 1913, August, after Galway. were 2. in this so etc., helped very much there as badly acres of needed land the the armed to the at had a big had The meeting in the Patrick's the prison of guard Workhouse four by bands at and we company defiance in the four night available arms and company off from the any company we could lay which as far overlooking on, and top the town, of on with Westport including stored the had but fight communications, to I the last. to prepared hands each from time the marched to addressed first also we had as banners the was we were areas uniform, was it him; detonators Road It we 1916, several with Volunteer Week We marched Newport bands Hall. Day, from A.O.H. in Easter Tuesday the St. seeing cut on March, were completely this. Volunteers Town of During to in us the in openly 120 O'Rahilly, pleasure gelignite into We had of There area. Easter arms arrested, escorted against heart more put was When we arrived us. evidence no carried 17th parade Westport. were we were support after the from one and a strong taken in team lodged 4 time. On the all they on parades. this the to and under 3 or only football and 1915, was which who had team it cattle parish good being as the Volunteers, Westport town the football Westport, This we drilled when in in Courthouse released. and whole When we were Courthouse, were of December, Workhouse who paraded the in police. the the drives in a very This join. in farmers completely myself, Old small We had each. cattle including the driving together part farms large by composed Kilmeena, Volunteers took cattle to Volunteers we then were out carrying the keep and interesting, were in to were the all asked they very driving of and organisation shotguns, up previous Poundans and got Hill in 3. touch with the late the Westport Tom Derrig, attack on Westport return home very After keep two give We ran the Moane The hall in and was These Instead of other Kilmeena na the of top On the return one the of we still Irish collect held dances, funds. we managed to Irish of were of arrested for and each when the company concerts all district am proud were Rowland, and have to emigrated threat together, céilis of same 12 use pikes we Volunteers Cumann 150 waited on to o'clock present. Newport Company, Westport to state America passed continuing and night and outside to in Kilmaclassar, way from night the numbers. and the to in the Newport, a bicycle the songs. up of Patrick John Company and held that singing time Volunteers 700 all I road. céilis how to this Lahardane, from - improved nights, Croagh We marched a fall halls successfully During Patrick dances. We also those on dark to to Irish we now trained combat. from a teacher and of company etc., skirmishing were police. Our drill which Kilmeena. one continued Kilmeena conscription, but We got at home Volunteer Newport quiet, going. activities priests on the to etc., by part. in we had matches, surrounded Croagh as killed was sister and Westport, mBan took the and parish na mBan from 6 a.m. got his it a pilgrimage Cumann that word and Kilmaclassar half and means organised and the close and scouting hours off teaching Kilmeena threat. conscription and a week concerts, Ned we kept but was with us two called was very football classes latter Irish all with céilis was about down-hearted. too, prohibited, to came T.D., Barrack 1916 together After Company. football that to not escape over safely meetings, matches to 4. In the a football playing teams and members the following of both my doctor Leenane to P.J. doing I with working got in drill etc., organising in the Connemara were arranged I Ó Máille. with him to Lettermore, long run in a motor Volunteer landed at Máille at me at Kilmilkin and went Glenlas, McDonnell back uncle's a very Lahill had and way I to be across house sick his in pneumonia left at to assisted the overlooking Leenane, late wife, sick in and Féin election for Pádraig be to sent met by a destroyer raided bed to had for the Pádraig Ó his three sisters about half a mile again put cave that discovered to a with house. and and P.J. the out to bed his there, man. in revolver) had his by fields Derryhada and my this, we were proceeded Leenane from was my first that sister's and On arriving .45 Bay who was very McDonnell, threatened Killary of went after it return us I escort and notifying in the of On our car. troops one was drilling an escort supply be with Sinn coming only and Shortly Connemara, Kilmilkin, with P.J. O/C, to happened and was to excitement coachbuilder the I went I of him, up that air. the him laid Ó Máille with helped to we had Hall, intention area. for meetings and I of for as Carnaclay result Pádraig Volunteers experience August, the interested McDonnell P.J. about a change On were the with Now that other and Volunteers, with very was raging. Kilmaclassar 'flu, take weeks. with guard to McDonnell a few run', the with day 'flu Kilmeena in all teams, by the between a concert advised remaining the 1918, match attended both 'on of Spring and a sister McKeown's proceeded of I motor got across McDonnell's, out car at (my only the the mountain in company of top weapon was and met with my Patrick a 5. Wallace over from and on the vigil be would next The as difficult as were away. the movement of His recovery meant home the at village. for Féin hard as work and bicycle. It The and was was won by increased the work Kilmilkin Company, make that that be as be the first which was held on the 21st dressed escorted Galway, week like him previous a priest. by a quiet car country be full houses some months' station, canvass on foot August. December, The 1918, seat helped by our Ó Máille to to have be got Station, him on the in him and myself Railway and see Éireann, arranged McDonnell area. to he had 1919, to guard in Dáil in again On Pádraig was Ballyglunan organising constant of again. in responsibility January, it moved his over captured meeting and on be in Company, supply R.I.C. barrack This done. P.J. to Féin. not thoroughly of Sinn to the to of 14th carefully watch house the Leenane took very took end hostile from Ó Máille. would the took to very away stay this on we had notified the to now the for the things R.I.C. sleep do a house being Dublin to and McDonnell, would this for left he was fit had Pádraig a T.D. P.J. O/C, and victory Connemara The until was held election destroyer constant keep we had would a sweeping sure to election, to there man and We immediately we had that guard The away. R.I.C. that night made do continuous Leenane Gleannagimla Sinn the all on some of depend We had a 1/4 mile the sure McDonnell not to make took 9 a.m. distance was sister's at guard until I Derahada. did was now a much wanted 0/C, a short only to troops of P.J. We had our he, of we could neighbours. and myself morning illness at brother destroyer no movement Bay Killary her Wallace her. kept for sentry doing Co. train 6. for Dublin. For the next went area and and outside the British Islandaddy some months Railway and Station, everything Pat and myself Kelly the Louisburgh We held all was a great for the we had of capture the brigade our notify and Galway execution asked of because would volunteers, not activities outside the being called John O'Dowd attack The Clerk in we kept held Captain, the his in his be our local name A. in house full and Moane. He At of battalion came to the for in the refused, Connemara being In engage area. next Staff he was surprise, to our area, Brigade explosives myself, put agreed Connemara the Lieut. arrangements Barracks in 1st who he thoroughly notified our as O'Dowd, McDonnell. allowed any This resulted in off. mentioned and court, and myself. R.I.C. and Kelly John of area, I captain, We made To raid. McDonnell, training a quantity for this the as P.J. 0/C, McDonnell meeting, of Volunteers Being a hand. charge us. the business. them a discussion after plans. to of the running give house Louisburgh Louisburgh to Kelly the to 0/C and our in in shop there go over Company, assistance Louisburgh, with would took meetings before plans I that P.J. boycotted. Volunteers whole them before coach-builder's men who were was arranged were the over brought Sessions a branch two established were arising Petty had he had and was was held Castlebar, were Courts cases all McDonnell of to Leenane. perfectly. Republican It him miles to which T.D.s, escorted a few Mayo, home again of meeting we again later, Co. We returned the above as he was dark. with Pat was On one Kelly, He handed us a Petty very friendly occasion the two local rifles, Sessions a meeting Company a Lee Enfield 7. and a Mauser. Lee Enfield had been had That friend Pat Kelly Father night when we arrived, I was handing in rifle would be later on when quite Work Féin meetings, the for when McDonnell sentenced a serious to abide of the defendant of the the immediately courts was of from out in us they them all the under open up held the three and raiding to October, in Louisburgh court months' and arrest, by a cover 1919 barrack. I court so work as objected court. jeopardy Sinn night, R.I.C. of defendant arranging served just the to the in first". indeed was parades, Court protect placed butt we needed continued was Judge The to and time O'Malley decision Volunteers drill we were street charge. by until shop Republican Cross back, assured engaged This a man named on were when first, it the with was in barrel take Cunningham Courts, part the of well it run'. that a large across full wholly activities. was Courthouse meant only remember coachbuilder's Republican real there James the the As rifles right, canvas a great the him her in them the now under took so they We were was shop our 'on going This arms. and them priest, with rifle Louisburgh who is Leenane. and made Father safe, time. part in so. now in only cross me your did quietly for he window. Kelly at Cunningham got for a girl, a friendly bedroom "Now hand saying, to his rifles we wrapped night them to who We were who put Louisburgh, take Cunningham two The a friend by Army. them Father his through earlier first ours, of that our following own property. British we gave of to deciding him the with night The mattress. was his given in Hearney Andy late been delighted Company. after latter an officer naturally Mrs. The as this was I and he imprisonment and refused in charge the placed the power man's act. 8. The Volunteer guard reinforcements had detailed two wherever he went, the out place was surrounded for of happened when we met Ned with to the the of Kelly, on foot he to put him tea home. and him We proceeded South his to taken six months' hard the following a certain outside man caused to under the shot uproar eyes of with a labourer in Louisburgh him house as sight. house hence day of Cross we handed 30 and outside at over the contempt defendant us told following and work Volunteers Volunteers the a farmer's the be a great to the They Mayo for miles and myself morning 0/C, Tuam, farmer home he would from us the William the up two within Leenane to labour Tom McGuire, and We raided on him Sunday We notified sentence. returned this a court area Castlehacket then we met us defendant. him We held He accompanied Church. over took we cars, we met own house. miles two but followed Malone and and met and on the a report give Westport, two the when gone Doughlough prison, and Mayo only got Ketterick, his town Tom Ketterick, they investigate the and in Ring, through before reinforcements, armed, arrest, our returned gave in under Glenlosh, Joe a watch keeping was having and to the Arriving fully road, Louisburgh. of Volunteer and myself Westport load the and Kelly We had details, Leenane-Westport who were to I observation time) outside 0/C. late some Volunteers proceeded us lorry On hearing Malone. P. us unrecognised. 0/C, Moane, take another them passed meet to to dark got in just R.I.C. court. under myself judge, (only the up O'Malley by R.I.C. a car evening the back break to keep and got what to me that notified arrived guards guard arranged outside the and if that The policemen. in as court. to Catholic the prisoner serve he abduction he was This of 9. me in action placed wanted man and We were in time Féin this of to protection all at this in able men and time the to workshop devote all of Sinn working we had Ó Máille Pádraig much McDonnell. P.J. we were of all During with work a very being run' drilling parades, courts. the do any Because to constant to of position me 'on put now unable Leenane. our the also in to his provide cave in Glenlosh. We organised secure funds only in were well As that distance and for arms. way we could it was did to that Mulcahy Dick to give and West such It the meant a lot furniture to to the Volunteers stolen this from Kylemore to find it, myself, with two car loads on be men in to cycle, to give hall Westport, West Mayo were myself and area, time Castle without information had some time instance, trying houses a small from to 1919, given by those officers their to a own areas. company the oath to all area. months farmers' had Volunteers, McDonnell of and and Connemara at For out. the we had for to officers oath for Carnaclay, miles McDonnell concerts December, area to in West in three officers work throughout was to was areas. to applied 26 miles road, officers were it and Those outside funds same to poor cash. any Westport The concerts from allegiance oath in was very It P.J. of companies carry of to the The to came Connemara. give parades The cycled Connemara. officer G.H.Q. area the concerts. oath representing could count. Leenane/Westport the and secure that We often Kilmeena, the known not myself. off The céilis by Volunteers supported as long raffles, of avail. Volunteers, we had a lot of there previous and the police R.I.C. received. was spent McDonnell raided work two We and 10. discovered the We fined house. that the ease the R.I.C. to would of at time this Volunteers and area out sheep stealing the Volunteers. and respect This the in the the police and only which held used leave built in a steel made that district and to fund Kylemore who manager of in out the at charge. the Fenian times, of the afraid had men drafted eight made would on high by be had rifle our only men and arrangements morning away, was strong, building windows attack us by I.R.A., 3 miles The for great R.I.C. left 0/C situated of supported. the the and was attack were 1920. Kilmilkin, men in impossible wiped On Sunday two stolen organised This and sheep it commanded by closed of the generously building. it they no action. their and Spring, evacuated Mass and a force activities were go to with collect ours were in growing this taking collections which throughout collected as Maam Barracks. a surprise they our were effective action were door, it Pins could the arms, of to added the R.I.C. very Maam Barrack, capture the was Letterfrack and want fearing was prevalent Twelve later the not furniture from farmers carried to Clifden for and of was and Sergeant being in barracks small Leenane into action buying was the concerned, This Owing all the the support action and of where This £30 stealing farmers sheep. The one understand to we did as discovered, praise him gave was in attic place. sheep a round-up for great Wholesale one it We returned the We made and £30 culprit. received in an up therewith where know charge Connemara into farmer finish arms. and in was the the securing Castle locked would arrest for furniture steel shutters ground fire. means We of a 11. success. The and revolvers a growth of in position until the after Volunteer The it, orderly the McDonnell put the in sketch of in the sent to attack for After arms drill and they had a few As I had this meant James but company 22 set that to of rifles to, was a very Broadhaven backward large Bay, second to be planned we were on as carry that on the those had to train could not every of drill, a very especially a 38 revolver; and I the company. remain any there station my Ballyglass longer, night. coastguard also of request He had in I him drill the to and some shotguns, and plans and who was captain and Brigade Galway. Belmullet. helping we had evident arms. a fortnight only There use the have H.Q., it was immediately supply our meant Kilroy, were of rooms was Brigade hand. up, be would Belmullet outside they the to of we had in went miles eight immediately trouble I late good entrance no this the Company, down by his When P.J. should This as hands would this in orderly meeting he that sanction. battalion, wanted the door. Volunteer barrack number this the order a carrying barrack outside. that and After independent cousin, told the remain given held building showing turned was the before garrison, disgusted. officers was barrack G.H.Q. that very he Galway on the waiting plans to door, would be A car a letter the and and Volunteers would with Volunteer, the by number the signal up to and barrack drive with previous night Mass. opening letter, the the for out get a revolver, raided and would he, producing Staff arranged would leave party british was to in uniform produce taking to men armed of hide to adjacent the barrack would an trees Volunteer On the a party were shotguns in that was plan at was Ballyglass the 12. While Lighthouse. It building. as over, harbour known landing of in Coastguards and at to opportunity and obtaining We burned had Two to leave the of 2 o'clock, which was Sunday, in Sunday received a telegram taken to I was to cycled Maam Cross Station went Kilroy, a cousin direct On meeting Seamus, the was warder me that to of said mine. surrounded by to same. be arrested. got that Tallagh following miles 40 Newport, Rossow, on Monday morning arrested "Seamus my anxiety, and the jail After which our conversation himself Station in "Yes", present Coastguard o'clock of Jail". and, and of Belmullet: horrified I tell from Galway City. returned a distance 11 About in belonging in in building we me and the place an the would cycled my own native night. I house and be glasses. accompanied a friend's and burn raid rounds two boats as a have disappointed field night Kilroy about arrived and Seamus also that area to morning, late and two to two might 20 the of us to we were and obtained Belmullet at night I building sisters outside and the but a other side only it taking that We raided revolver We also other we thought guards, .45 and were the guard were expected some arms. two one only ammunition. I obtain the captured time they to known we decided building, same the was petrol there As left military on the and Rossport the it of supplies here. arms the war were Coastguards who were on a beach as the that 1914-18 got locally provisions members reported the during submarine German it, was there was two except evacuated, I all and to a party see of the another how it police took and some immediately the train to to see asked the delay I naturally did Seamus Volunteer was burning who came by Seamus warder not expect. limited was very time. Galway managed went and boat back were from as to to the 13. Belmullet. and That Volunteer another to burning surprised seized when he other the tried to Volunteer leaving Galway Quirke, was Saturday going I shot I the St. Galway Station, porter at time I life must while Dublin my life at I McDonnell that Kilmilkin under and make a brigade known as Connemara On the into 0/C suggestion two be of 0/C East, brigades, West, the sent lack of while suggestion in I was Chief of Staff, west with and East Thornton, P.J. to have was favourably area, the from Galway P.J. in was an illness discussed he decided to Corrib, McDonnell Connemara Connemara, N.T., in They of his story. by McDonnell. and our coming after resting activities, was our was this told for to was was McDonnell Michael it a endangered I Connemara West from until I arms) name, Brigade, of backways He was G.U.Q. (when later Mulcahy, all from Leenane, He the Heneghan stage of an assumed overstrain. organisation to Dick my movements yards He often explain to there Bartley rail by a later will On my return and that a consignment which Station, arms all previous Maam Cross. station. railway of house. remained here mention the with to the 300 Heneghan's I train passing saved Bartley After a Volunteer, through about the and Prison. careful went which Kilroy Seamus station very Avenue, station. the at key-man Patrick's the take to and city, to be to to that railway were revolver .45 Dartmoor Kilroy the and close informed the had of capture. in was at dead Seamus scene The police. before I that was destroyed 5 years' Prison the was found it hide got through to of building night. could and the in to all that party was happened returned ascertain by was actually P.J. Furbough, received as 0/C. made McDonnell to and be they 14. the divided main to road the of area Corrib P.J. the of and Colm J. M. O'Malley, Ó Gaora, D. Dundas, and M. of in the No. 2, 0/C; No. given to P. The out No. Ó Gaora G. Clifden, Battalion 1, to 0/Cs men in was also got underway their Leenane; areas No. to King, as explained The boundaries out portioned T. O'Malley 3, Roundstone, 0/C; J. Instructions O/C. battalion send collect inactive King were staffs to 0/C; Breen C. was A drive areas. J. Bartley, Leenane, so as Feehan, Rosmuck; complete the and J. and Bartley Roundstone, Leenane, Mulcahy. 0/C; a meeting Rosmuck, position pointed 4, be would Brigade G. were C. line McDonnell, Nee, Dick best from funds columns action. The also from the Gerald Brigade Adjutant; Brigade because Connolly one of the and became and was to an this last few Volunteers active Volunteer a mechanic be a useful associated with J. Feehan, Connolly He was Sergeant. Redmond's return the man for J. was made follow in appointed 0/C; Q,/M; Army on his as he never as Vice appointment to meeting already Brigade an ex British was he would act Conneely, This I/O. this McDonnell, to Bartley at appointed P.J. M. now working We thought Owing very was following: 0/C; be Staff Brigade Brigade to and with the into P.J. discussion Rosmuck, shore called in Roundstone; battalions: north this Leenane, Conneely, Stanton Clifden. brigades to four M. Joyce, Keane, Joyce, outlined from attended: G. of a conference attend officers following the immediately 0/C, officers to west the along area. Brigade principal Costelloe Maam along all Clonbur, McDonnell, Clifden T. to from and Maam Cross Connemara West as follows: from Leenane the us advice the Hotel. position. publicly war 15. and we found later re information hotel of removal and in from G.H.Q. see name at 0/C arms he before the named Louis were this proceeded to in his in Dublin Howth in and of called at the and it was but he refused him, travelled change We travelled that Joe inside of end of decided to to to to Dublin. be ranks M. The so as first Station Oranmore, but it see what O/C to I to be accompanied of we got was to shot the a few send a arrived meeting was could be to Q/M, done to Q/M, exchange and Dublin, ranks so me because of H.Q. December, 1920, a newspaper and dead given never me to introduce week (one he has the volunteered week rifle, promised Conneely, and £120 for this A brigade I adjutant the Mullingar Howley, send travel. he of to his rifles ammunition a week, November 0/C a trying report waiting. The most Canadian had H.Q. We had with the for the morning of rounds in morning. two Q/Ms a courier by night. of money Immediately books home with A full up". about to getting spending rounds arms of following 10 100 tired next the give word that was the take to income-tax destroyed return Howth), own "write we got this to 96 manuals. consignment with after and rifle his and and and It Dublin. we got daylight the one Canadian, all to and 0/Cs date. early also visit that Dublin he had Dublin and the of to we had a communication was an the Brigade October by at get, Dublin before pocket, go next be and for The the had available on. there to to also appointment would trip We also later G.H.Q. his Faherty completed maps for 0/Cs area was time would obtaining troops. well the to the G.H.Q. brigade this At a report what which worked confirming that of and Volunteers hands. decided him Staffs requesting in invaluable movements by arms Battalion £120 to the driven car him outside and saw Broadstone on 16. the Station The following from day there and Dublin it train the office at in left our in St. fire and Austin Dublin station to leading in Mulcahy We explained and they and delivered train. wanted to evening, Vaughan's Hotel at and to the trouble appointed organisation, his department to have in and was in getting he the to Q.M.G., get away in laid in discussing plans for Connolly in we have gone We G.H.Q. were the of at the streets that G.H.Q. Tara where present. following arms which Hotel to Joe to way sure for corner. the there. He was time. and way on our man must now informed on our Our officers on all Station we left doubt to a consignment Vaughan's was no remain getting McMahon, We were following and the direct be to around Broadstone us us us from To make matter to lunch, trail. St. a watch was for we were Our C.I.D. him to our we made the we wanted to meet set St. Seán promised on our no and eluding that as off advised which and on whom We knew H.Q. succeeded had reported Brunswick Detective Dick and They there now Pearse followed, some time for and him be McDonald at to observation. Restaurant he was that St., not Red Bank visit us under had on man C.I.D. previous man looking shake Brigade. were to to he restaurant but Brunswick we would that the the on his and Station, spotted that C.I.D. the minds now was problem G.H.Q. same in window Broadstone him with evident was On arriving we spotted to McDonnell P.J. on the who was Church Road Berkeley arriving on his way to the City. of the for removal of Howley we attended the remains before evening ready was Mick 8.30 well to be put Collins p.m. the satisfied. St. Blessington We met Michael charge of everything routes day, and Collins intelligence referring of we information 17. and and couriers communication was It G.H.Q. to On coming Corner at This was that the go to to of when corner a few as Walsh it was house at gone we heard the noise returned of St. Blessington hundred yards the and in away, got Mrs. and corner It and decided as Berkeley lorry. we immediately Blessington Road, a lorry of there. and strange as far around an armoured and Road Michael's St. only a barber's man standing rather into Road the at was went him. Walsh's J.J. had Berkeley We had Hospital, so us, that We saw, coming shots. Mater of junction my uncle's Glasnevin. Church such to from we parted at St., we saw a D.M.P. We remarked St. as corner) at when o'clock Blessington was known (it shop 10 almost Connemara from etc., sound the towards coming around our the digs, O'Brien's, Blessington 39, St. The her O'Brien, him about He door said the the street and had the front after door. was undressed it were others, to the sardines. room was filled Michael all North O'Brien the Dublin There Union were our bedroom at knocking into I bed; Before with the soldiers, our taken to landed a waiting in 90 prisoneers a room, in lorry with We were we we names, arrested same night. and about loud shot in allowed to got been my trousers. who was also Volunteers, have was enquired on being We told car. we could had off taking and armoured we heard Having arrested, us. We retired McDonnell to Michael by before no one when Fusiliers. both we found all that o'clock. P.J. the Lancashire and undressed hardly realised 10 this that lucky, was curfew in just man and D.M.P. we were it opened immediately who was son, that down as was seven taken like the room 18. and we had to We were taken out at by the as it there all for beaten, I gave as being name. as thought have batch of with those was and one to me: Dublin "Wasn't was come to then, Dublin a brother was that and to of this in out which had in of the only man and was for both by the a woman did I not identified connections I - R.I.C. for that I over half think an I as I was put out and paraded again women, and for second meant more you that see my uncle mine who was I they in the the me that to I time came He said to Dublin?". stated that who worked in an R.I.C. next interrogation shooting. brought - had my innocence. proving challenged then, there Lucky but as and week-end what name assumed St., the This the that taken was not came detectives for of identified Mount innocent identified. the with tampered head. detectives, men before of taken some women for an interrogation of was prisoners not in chance a batch I I and brother a better that thought prisoners charge wanted with a severe with and shooting given McDonnell myself, an uncle underwent hour to in St. on his shooting as P.J. long through would the interrogated be to before a much my right so I had reward in were we were Mount pounds mind and walking previous. He was Quinn. a thousand It were prisoners seven allowed paraded McDonnell P.J. us week the who were the and night, Thursday over the not and twenty identification happened but Fusiliers By about of a week the of were the was Peter hours Fusiliers batches up which floors, almost information, building. I the vermin. with I on sleep I Dublin man in had Castle of 19. He appeared Mullingar. I meant. I of Department me was he not know be changed as he and looking the The statement and it wired names and, must have the any remain not grant to both our in Dublin same leave not detained. and Dublin abide by said by this a few P.J. that if Co. he were Mayo, was a called for again out us released. so a permit that he had orders train that evening, arrested taken our we were He said be they We were detained days. no and mine. us for St. McDonnell, had that asked him wounded them and dress. we would man they prisoners. by to having off a 1/4hr., we both told I Mount in other names he we asked the about our told for for as Quinn's surprise, so nice, take out office, apologised to happened morning we were asked Newport, families, was my uncle party, it as this, to of satisfied R.I.C., were him that political did gave in sent I day shooting the stating Adjutant's to was to letter release, and he fact, When he and mine following the to we did to Inspector 9 O'clock were back that had been returned get to of the He asked the a wound, of night me and confirm along In the Lunacy St. then resembled, District The was whom I of friend I for, with would I man. me what offices Mount for our connection their description the supported demanding to the repeated looked told was Castle the from away I at the I me that told asked Board". they on foot and good and he knew He went he presently, from my boots in Government had in works Local From said were "My uncle the there arrested. he said: and nonplussed long. us for he that could we and that again if 20. We went Road and had work at when we did learned all we had and and From that hopes was sent the Truce. 0/C Dublin to and there we went to arrested the a Q/M to day. be they Michael's go to arrested afraid excuse of or names St. Blessington son and but was Billy same and what now that the not He was soon, Camp and St. we were her of released was Empire held out he instead not until released Pilkington, same week Just imagine, released to shows the poor even with all the manpower they to Gleeson's in as us in war wage innocent holding It instead. had, know state and the against not at did that would O'Brien released Brigadiers he that this. be Sligo, house up before Ballykinlar wish I him as he knew Mrs. he would to Brigade to my uncle's from turn not news to week that given. gave they once questioned being two at fellows intelligence organisation had in this country. We now went We collected two we had ordered to digs our end the half and of pairs breeches week before, into a raid we ran When we were north along We turned to thing on at other we were after taken in our which hat back now, on the for again possession. was rack. just beside We then out go back from same having We went us got of and day, way back Frederick started found the the same There as being we were and likely green an upstairs tea left the in as far parcels away as to puttees into a table the searching street. custody breeches St. at halted and but end released being and harmless, the North a lorry jumped everyone. going in St. which puttees on our and way through, military and O'connell shop the possible be 21. and ordered the raid this box us of Officer, of box arms with promises any stuff had intended to for the being time battalions we the arms active the field arrangements travel remember were to With this it was Saturday off at Maynooth get in I to the and staying over of arrest Joe on the taking any Howley previous end to as night go home would be that we unit the as advised elapsed, arriving Dublin. of February. My intentions Dublin. Mick Rabbit, coach builder, to Maynooth the to cycle a letter to was not evening. and they made with be again the as this stuff to with him. coming off the visit to Dublin, Owing train it chances and the G-men would stepped off the train on arrival a volley of shots rang was surely me. recognise I Maynooth left, in shooting no use wrote who worked intended our I mind, arms obtaining for the about well a Volunteer as Dublin the cancelled Some weeks I I of would They when to be to all arrived. off right, unit service failure disappointed set all there the and I told us as men available should He us. so we had had mobilisation. that to diverted soon The for getting for for us, Jackie happened a disappointment for had had packed immediately we decided tea contacted and what they for to the have to as in due Still, see some as of available. supplies. soon in put to arrest available no more G.H.Q. was packed stuff We were Tipperary. again the finished to been had our of on hearing had that arms the that but we went Supplies' Dunne, we had when over. was After the and tea, and had only Station looking when around I saw an R.I.C. at out on my Sergeant topple 22. The I minutes. was Certain death I "Jack, right, on the friend, Mick in wire of fence opposite the the back door all night. for worked and Mick and raiding house raided to He told bicycles to be outside the without is very while well avoiding difficulty to in Fitzgerald's, in had Dublin from Dublin, I and could the getting to who had workshop My luck the in town, man whom Mick friend of on the street came sent the R.I.C., that not was with again two boys about place tea with 1/4 mile We waited until Mass before on the road among morning to The get main in We went uproar 8 o'clock Sunday will back we got this road. noticed I the at me some tea. Mick trouble. something the night. he that in time no scaling until house a certain be not and along a great morning coming my faithful We lost The only the in further Once run the on the were any and me that We cycled crowd. night old left We would off. night. was Maynooth people all on Sunday me. get a terrible during Early to On my platform, remain that then just worked. was shooting platform. cover, Mick to managed there the platform good had was very Mick's was not I and on was We went where workshop although held, the of offered which waits standing. a field. into houses, end a few only quickly". the of a position? it It way, side was the such as me. this Rabbit, in stranger awaiting Dublin do again, only Jack", to getting the was to off was moving train heard was I What dead. over, we set the Dublin of experience that forget. safe through enough the a little I back I thoroughfares. Brunswick as knew the streets had no St. (now Pearse shop right near St.) the 23. Dunne disused he met had I where to the to a nice to get back had arranged Walsh, also in Brunswick They both give through and if I We travelled from our pockets leave I a few courier to and when only 500 I not This far Q.M.G., headquarters was the from Theatre. Queen's they said that Seán Walsh D.P. a certain with the him in in of the back streets a Tipperary the back each stuff out, .303. it in also there. delivered for to all man. for He at our the Parnell Walsh it was the once Jacky load, and All (.303). how we paid publichouse, to Volunteers, and D.P. ammunition after there publichouse was left it something. Walsh and had up fellows, at looking ammunition and from St., not pick two filled, counting in he We met down with the obtain Kirwan's a room drinks to we might Berkeley p.m. were that about had was up said publichouses to loaded MacEoin source me McMahon, but into rounds Seán delay took ammunition, back have met Jack day his curfew, and who had suppose, Next officer. D.P. taken were stay. before me arms Tipperary. myself to couldn't I honest St. 4.30 but St. at morning and arriving We were he night Sunday interested all about St. where very went Brunswick Coombe, Dominick too. arranged from an old be to and on hands that place, to St., seemed that quiet supply some stuff for Jack with street, following Headquarters. D.P. to me the meet was and much the of own house his It Q.M.G. trying in Jack arranged house. as I touch dump in arms end far in got a carpenter. as I the at the of charge building worked and in who was I there From Theatre. Queen's to parties, got a Dunne, we had 24. wanted Now D.P. on the use of he it, but got Kirwan's the street outside. Rotunda and ground, of all the The three of big crowd rushing parts dead us went did I not He said up the there him. went ladder laughed I lay at me. much went to Connolly and Austin and both officers and invited while face to man by to go but face the to asked them I asked the me how I the on holidays street and asked lunch, but skipped in in still with Fire the shop out the Castle, lunch. they We did door I not as we could. came happened me much question met I a marked I firemen. and in when was Hopkins. the off day next coming not Brigade Hotel Exchange barber Joe the had He did as quickly and and both from Connemara me for pulled roof, Station. was name him. was why he went. Fire the a detective with any asked was quiet, Volunteers, and His shot supplies. St. to he the all outside without was Tuesday, at went I.R.A. to was a a child, where him stairs. right Walsh up gathered my digs D.P. door This dinner, with to by There of top the hospital the for and down until dinner for school met of the door. got McDonnell, I St. waiting on trap hope in ran it along D.P. pub, I Brunswick me to Parliament the out and enough was not the I when day follow he front the bullet. Next mishap. for woman lying a stray by and left in shots on from grenade up from a poor was there the He took coming a trap. in we were here of tender in shopboys and had etc., was fired one, wherever Volunteers. a volley A Crossley Hospital the all pin firing he heard when table as staunch were asunder, on the He produced was easy this instruction me some give grenades. employment grenade the hand to said I met me on the wait to We heard take 25. afterwards At was Q.M.G. told MacEoin by was of would came the don not fair all boxes of arms and the dump, big or small, to arrangements The following no as they This day, for man that be It never Galway if a I until MacEoin but for He was fired should explain not Friday. on which a dash was had arrested, I when day leave got on liberty severely on, to had to the station our in own train from As I to G.H.Q. me, could that remain a further address covering over the over handed that your on me faithfully me and was Friday, and I handed happened I The I the got well began. existed. anything box make assistance any the to here as soon on hands. supply be handed you was available. sent to were and them my troubles train, but him, train ammunition satisfied on the to I that promised any got Galway. I stuff would they with expecting he made be my consignment with he was Seán day following the without day whatever supply get destination, longer, that recaptured. only with after, he would that were side-street. is its the ready barrack It for be and the be they searched to and rifles Dunne that could I for first wounded time day following arranged me still, was him taking and firearms the would was with travelled was the I arrived. leaving on the so that that Jackie train It collect informed Luck after just ready to a short following and Walsh D.P. stuff. be the Headquarters home by travelling box was raided hotel us. for looking I the that handed train to remember the evening should box was it over over to Bartley to me. He to addressed to the guard Heneghan was a porter at a 26. The at the station there. of Joe Howley, who was before the Christmas, On leaving and loaded, lose my life and everything up at be alive and I search wondering what on the a run shout, "Hello, hand beside the Tom, beside him, The out I myself went saved my life, - Union They adjoining. publichouse it when I I his to is come to visit was the town down as one Here by hand out of in I "Do the in it was in the my own brother stood in shake know get who did R.I.C. eight Mullingar, and and saw a hands this with guy"?. replied him Tom, hell to time he to visit North the was Dublin Mount Mullingar. house private taken introduced St. transferred to R.I.C. with I Tom and second the my my brother, mine", the me. and had thing heard. a publichouse in I look. to carriage voice my previous boys with was and you I thing the my pocket "Well me". carriage off, of identified previously staying there to approached Next and pulled catch death. a brother and at stood not to seemed each a familiar could explained was train safety heard meant train An Auxiliary him: next Tom was months I through fully stuff, the The stop. do. firing I as One boarded to said I on our were precious everyone. with as being were first he when shooting. a few me until do, here" Dublin with Auxiliary Auxie he has of well on my man facing "Certainly "and this Jack". fixed Station automatic, pocket, lose of for eyes me. my coat on my automatic, point making a small took Auxiliaries. my hand I and 0/C than the to kept was went Mullingar, door, in it rather started I H.Q. put with the day Broadstone leaving Dublin. to visit previous shot a brother-in-law was guard to to the my 27. I enemies. house to I written had the was him would each see then got that by the forget. small hours I should I in him be might almost the it news. on be that so we I stop. fearing all to the until it that arranged of family the down port spilling to up night, shoving Tom had will I something and left rooms train is morning, me, to the my automatic, whiskey for all for the searched. there drinking of girl minutes drank lucky sleep few hand spent the kept but, retired, I They of my neck. to chance night never on the the the Dublin leaving for other chance any The before me passing for look-out in Tom came some tea. get a room by into taken we I the house. the In with tobacco morning, Tom had a small for myself and cigarettes My automatic and a .45 Tom was very genuine A month where he later he revolver was in side all transferred resigned. to the During and my father. were on our and packed handbag the bottom the of it. time. Castlepollard, Civil War he went to America. took the train happened until I arrived incoming train always opposite the my hair stand I train What in the friend, as I was carriage the he had at to on the do? where railway taken I I was. porter, possession where Bartley of the the along box saw made Clifden ten were go across, came I That platform, not side left-hand station. opposite The Station. on the up There, could Nothing Galway the on my head. to Galway. pulls entrance out pulls for so I Heneghan, looking of arms Tans. sat my for me, on the 28. night not for from those would from the stuff connected My trouble and came into in There and I towards There only hope still in I, with up and the loaded Tiernakill heard a man's driving cattle. a large bunch cattle. I of hurried to Clifden the would box have he and and opened and opened the store came were at gone four Maam, at was to R.I.C. ahead of me. was very got He which off the bicycle pumped I I got was Maam. On coming Maam Barracks, seemed Just dark. objects my Rosmuck. as at to and Leenane. my bag, close away. a new bicycle, the to I put Maam/Leenane Maam Cross got patrol quite miles on 13 miles of the O'Malley, Kelly, out up the it, he cycle on, for store. of black carriage. the addressed It here night locked Leenane voice The the luck Maam and to Bridge, at This available the Maam Cross. R.I.C. store. no car meet the had myself, .45 revolver to to from as was to and pointed and, shunted carriage my carriage were barrack ready the and I cause. He got On arriving police assistance had bridge the crate, the got until the carriage. tickets the getting its expecting to of the except the and helpful on my way this the to side opposite me that and over. cheek bag, railway it yet secure All after no light to hopeless. the right-hand remained told road to my box, it, not were through to was it arms me and on If guard. getting in my carriage. was carriage with so I and had him asked remain out was dark Kelly genuine in it, on the Mr. been shunted to was very have me to train Cross, of told station Clifden task very at the friend our were He box our men, Dublin employees the from previous to then recognised bicycle and I be I saw as told the 29. man He did so without hand and my gun stick. in them who was driving one fully policemen, road. innocent the the stick ten on each side we were us pass let held We met thinking they me the give I along filing and and other. no notice, farmers, it take question. in armed, took They to of the two without any questions. I and was did not know He name. him to a complete remaining The a.m. (one of were wondering them previous one could "all in", the stuff but at acted at once the returned Martini Colts .45 the the of 7.9 cable ammunition 25 rounds wire, road box the a few Automatics, same precious rounds the box of it the we called car came, and the contained of ammunition Mauser, Mauser, 3 (.303), miscellaneous 1 electric left Leenane, I arms I Colt had hotel as rifles, for about that at no Maam Valley, through the I as hotel and just and got I/O, 3 service 300 the sisters arrive room Peadar, to to that Kelly, at me and was P.J. Mr. went On checking ammunition, electric and along carbines, rounds Howth barrack items: following with Maam Cross with ammunition. of to tell on my bike. Conneely, up to I warned two was the minutes. was able still I into stepped Maam Cross proceeded and 80 I as his for waiting his there and Maam the arriving were a few I cycled McDonnell, at man for Maam. me, and happened, I for speak passing had farmers this of Leenane, wife) night. was Knocked and what Keane P.J. my late bag small to 0/C, asked meeting miles eight the of nothing 1.30 him, he was Mr. said say so I anyone, the to stranger 2 revolvers, 150 ammunition, detonator, rounds 2 coils 1 exploder, 30. I inch coil called It A brigade tape. Peadar at Ó Máille's was unanimously column in all arms put 20 men have be should only our was for three to Clifden, It was load and to their was an old best na Breagh three miles men to little form the of village We sent Máille, who had plenty shack our first with column, and camp The activities. walls built only window, It had bed of a clay was Connelly, and camp the and deep be The roof of ready Joyce, to the have for the housing future crude of one food room. and our floor. Patrick Captain, Conneely, delivered supply our no large on the Val. a fresh had completed piled for get construction, It Company have and our of Ó try for Lieutenant to to this was heather 1st Letterfrack, to consisted Leenane/ using mortar. and which of without made by Steve base Mountain, Pádraig repair intention called on the on hands, good There village, with attack to a valley or was door, were I/O, in to Diamond building floor. one-foot Arrangements the stones one time put old the Volunteers a striking as in road day, Oughterard column. Letterfrack of and roofed of nearest each instructed first shack Clifden, same evening. was the back the O/C preparations O/C farmer's at from the immediate road. of would the or Galway again Clifden the them travelled R.I.C. Battalion deserted Áille the of Bartley, from week, make Each pick and returned decided party. Gerald Tans of each days this to reported a lorry was most the we could that shotguns. It that but field, up of On a check was found it a flying that present once. possession the in at formed all by immediately Mounterowen. house, agreed was meeting to delivered the 31. there The every ambush It was be to miles first venture. sharp turn, the At and on the right over On the other cliff yards. around the cliff, and here We had hand-made had the lake our from taken turn, was a 50 ft. rock for the to a splendid ran be would Dublin 200 up which and grenades a the was shotguns our was was right of the for continuing shelves along I and about road, there there the our that of There for exploder side road. cover men in lake the wall bordering the it, P.J. Bartley. position road side stone useful. of Clifden on coming immediately end there. O/C, Recess a lovely Clifden, the Gerald on the Lake be would on by Clifden, O/C Derrylea from three high the and column decided was position McDonnell, the while night a road very on my last an and mine, visit there. the like would I we had difficulties Mission held in held in were that two of with the result the Retreat the out column the 0/C knelt down priest. told he could it two myself was give refused of Maam Company, priest giving Absolution They were confirm if lectured when report both this, when I a stranger and officers was on hearing in charge on the with Absolution although the we discovered policemen, To that them to that seemed the by failed me my name, one told the a was Confession and of shoot formed. Confession, He asked in was Retreat It service officers were the and mentioned not stage There Churches. were to this with. service. was was being me I week officers they at contend on active that these to have on active sin and clear that men were that that the he the serious result out going went to Leenane must they it and Kilmilkin Leenane some Volunteers they make to we to it of the the 32. and I.R.A. I knew listened said: I country. he P.J. harder than 10th The at the the day what such contribution, They away, for were asked in we had active They were column, areas. to asked company and on the to the first do what us movements and all of in turn be keep the turned cartridges. in these 20. get to be called more arms. the help touch their men They to ready in the for some of to up own small information military during Roundstone, his could they Twelve number for we had to the All working to to appointed gelignite, to much on him. put day man had home and area give sad it Leenane, accommodation but to was said. got leader, Renvyle, while was return he Mountain. a shotgun, only service, their gather It before you" from each gelignite Council. County to the obtained as you save Cleggan, and if me his the Twice we expected, and na Breagh men arrived Lettermore. and Rosmuck, was Diamond Clifden, Maam, my gave the Áille the of parties Cornamona, to of of and pressure 1921, be to enemy but go", and you greater camp at back must repeat finished had not intentions being March, the at mobilise and he the fight not will when on my head McDonnell, I, to I hand I he I other. Confession, on good God bless "May 0/C, Pins his laid blessing: The here came me Absolution give left out that replied which and to came police. was the silence, am going I lectured. I I he and this, lecture, in shoot to McDonnell P.J. "Father, cannot him listened I out going a terrible to here. I that and it, was who told him asked I that cause with the they could respective 33. On our and got of no exception out of and after all the across shout and of had guards hot tea an enemy it the called as 20 men over We decided into mountain on the and Clifden or We could called We felt which not wait when in it younger men. Thomas duty a crack patrolled any such food get enough way to the avenge terrible R.I.C. town every Immediate longer. Whelan, the supply bring The O/C our position, conditions to of evening. action Volunteer, a native of death. go patrol a Dublin his not discouraged. We decided at He was to to getting under of The concerning days Mount joy. our officers our and days Letterfrack. men were have ten for executed four four hard and supply time. was pulled chin. camp was a difficult the our that it from of afraid telling eight it and a meeting we were was as his a hear was being the for that our to would a plentiful and all difficult, You to at continued within passed for he was up fire approach. swamp patches dark. we arrived This ready. the our posted returned then some member where a roaring getting food in a shot and enemy through thing when hungry and with breakfast position the of dusk see next a boghole, We were us mountain, not the warn until day we could was to anyway a man, fired had not certain not our ambush and am almost and myself, the to we could us, fight, We had and say, betray I first 0/C went look-outs to spare. rifle. that needless would daybreak some drill through unloading their the about up loading, noise to had of which out the the a service We waited put but, as they the camp them ammunition until men as and rifles, shots any that we got especially reloading we had morning men out the movements, fire first Clifden. was was 34. Gerald in dependable any arrange the action, and to have guides The night and had was very to not mixed that We had to there and stumbling a deep and falling We went towards He and us returned round of sent and the told the outside Volunteer of cup town road the town. We could more or enemy There was nothing we moved He told standing 200 yards into at E.J. from of to the that us and house. His town there King's the and kind be to content beef but for corner of and It 3/4 mile night. to our the to with 2 loaves 20 men for house of the got day. dark scout. 6 R.I.C. and about publichouse was a the keep our a getting When it contacted was about owing water. was a patrol barrack. the for we had son made for house one 1 1/2 miles After a vacant any after had, about bully drink patrol. withdraw and R.I.C. friendly the patrol on the from a family locate back landed yards we left We had to tins and to of the four we landed barracks. there to and After we ourselves. to We slept supplies bread town. of took and get less. the a warm welcome. not proximity over Joyce's some bread and Recess/Clifden from Mr. we got and tea to dark the we had Disappointed, so very to returned town, were was 200 that eight it about us guide So delighted on again a scout once. point and were an hour, a house to at meeting there enemy, to over road the danger - down We went Leenane/Clifden barrack. of to off scout town. guide fog the to that the for we started. where the was watch The thought on our depend to long. in we never night, scouts We started reported and Tans R.I.C. Clifden We got very scout to us. dark. wait The arrived. arrange meet to sent was emergency, to a man always Clifden, 0/C Bartley, decided to pick Tans 35. six of the man to man, under best Jim fire 6 enemy on the barrack The It on the and abreast was of six the would open and step off also open fire. so that worked first three there and 2 Webley and near party. position, for D. street the street. of fire. almost but Next day us in opened two P.J. We went over I There trace straight up that he turned to with our appointed a shot our dangerous us returned G. object the we were up without of the our barrack out of Bartley, middle to he the be hand of on lying it of as to the up out went 6-man man behind found same, column replied McDonnell, hit was no the not right rifle, for but a dark down, were 1 service a very of the by R.I.C. of this was probably sure fire. from leave 0/C, tripped we made position Tans to Four On stooping R.I.C. searched hour, I which the not myself. and revolver, left would ammunition machine-guns, the and the The wounded. position, the remainder barrack. we could likely Joyce, The at would and We captured of around pockets, road only 5 rounds This wheel rear was one man was missing attacking ambush that open three coat cross fire When we returned place, was very when killed. fire, our by but .303. the men. meeting hit the us give discovered of in the to to street, would on would be not three at column behind. yards three the of - shot. revolvers footpath revolvers, on ten front The rifle our the were they up three fire. they .45 grenades, main perfectly, fire opened the This rounds 45 first with we would This our patrol, the once on hearing us walked enough were Battalion, that passing rest Roundstone other arranged was fair The 6 I.R.A. to 0/C King, it We thought shots. a .45 of man and one we for half an the line of a scratch. 36. that We learned two before the firing down behind the counter just arrived the for It five of the were a train way to the fires the through They sent the Marconi wires left Our retreat the that the men experienced only the men who went Dry for was to attack that as The route was and over jagged quickly the get as long day, could into away cliffs, and the Auxiliaries after this. camp at Áille hardship put in attack beef the writing; on empty and water after mountains, reinforcements over tortuous, night. The concern before dead adequately the only possible, rocky to and our of our saw telephone Clifden to bully shot all force a little as far and cut difficult into Clifden through in We went of lights and houses that we had it bread, in explosives 13 through shots the arrived experience. is as with they Clifden there camp, One man was from trying themselves. our Clifden garrison ten we saw the A strong night a most we had we bullets. to and for the augment with reinforcements raid. the of attack the burned for was all to after station, that stomachs. arrived mountains they na Beagh express not Pins houses. message to to man had a volley grenades and wireless were Twelve of blazing mouth, prior arriving town speeding sound the and after the Shortly of column, fired an hour through reinforcements. the hours. for when the missing only raking down below we heard the and on on our over barrack the for to get had still We retreated and to column barracks, enemy there stayed left only we found Our they was firing lay They shooting. time was us, yet. had the publichouse King's a drink. for until were, into gone started, they R.I.C. Two other at as cowards and, had Tans that marshy was boggy traversed is the and arrived. land 37. in the an and At officer detailed to tearing that the count men, or boghole that To be mountains on such We were threw Most of stockings and just at the boiling of our following longer in Twelve Pins the the after day the the barn our This across Mounterowen, and King, very up a young willing, name two of to out the arrived as our Mrs. fit Cuffe, four miles for I in sent who was a sister very in a the anything day night farmers until between ridge Volunteer just and tea, following H.Qrs. when we well-to-do sleep the Mounterowen who were to that much We were and last them through at We got the two them mountains, fairly allowed of men with March the us. have move 17th O'Neill Refreshed house Willie were to tin feet remaining on Clifden. we set was now set the through men were sleep, us in was trek the one home. house towards evening. Máille's and our them use and two Ó Máille's raid the send to There by to so we decided It long disposed following and our valley friendly after take much area, Leenane. large to Maam Valley. on in had to Pádraig started from and sleep. feet. tea, We had we their dry scalded and from and the bare the ready and Keane. was not this their in over morning There in turned and bandaged treated the camp got Wallace men, there these camp. there, to boots in death with a the way the we reached their off into from court reach dog-tired down, lay water to to to slipped ones lost be would line detached have called the along become to be to one may have when sight men took guards go back some hours ourselves the of and a night a pitiful just The alone took It exposure. intervals he may have column. had a halt dark. for Ó Glencroff Ó Máille's. word always at of the by hand 0/C, 38. P.J. McDonnell, sent daily. and made so the not would they of instead in families road. by the back Leenane on hands each It was and way night they to arranged the through a number and village Margaret, supplies were There provisions personally noticed. the and wire, this the send be out supplies took 0/C, to bread My late did. arrangements that send the of of a supply she This sister another have to fields of loyalist were not dependable. After it a few decided was that Ó Gaora, who was I accompany to was of mountains then Gortmore Mr. the one of to Colm at Inver, He was and as his his introduced to to a sister of Colm. safe him for 10 R.I.C. days to Mrs. Flaherty's us after and the the R.I.C. pensioners in the area by Pádraig bed area they of at that Pearse's came for time. cottage was not was 'on of between week certain to pay the three such Joe Conneely to the whole each month were Inver, It he road. no English, a patrol twice each There as of Carna of on the information that the he knew own house having He resided there. discussion first of across in the pensioners us his visiting Maam Barrack, a few us a lengthy He gave position. as Screeb, as bodyguard down Irish, was to for. in in stay sent on the After us Colm to We had run'. take Carna. a quarter and on leading who acted was illness, a mile about one Conneely, at was right to other and We called dark. house the arriving crossroads, the across Glenlosh, Oorid, getting Colm visit paralysis. crossing of was Joe tea, told from out and during was 6 and We set three Rosmuck, to him. it the needed much facial N.T., Connolly, junction from after established should suffering mountains as just camp was Ó Máille Pádraig Maamturk, across our when days Michael took O'Malley's 39. where that we slept night. We returned after of at halting Oorid The Patrick Gerald and then 0/C ammunition they and against effort The building. It stood the was almost it without attack the on on The 0/C and O/C once for Rosmuck and area, P. that that transfer decided that and patrol were by barbed wire. to the see would Coin get arrangements area. They would of to also Mounterowen the set of 0/C out that Captain, food the for arrange his area. would Company before the concentrate they for near cancel Ó Gaora, the steel approach Rosmuck that of view windows he would make Colm impregnable. he would that ammunition fortified was no cover decided and they well to and of waste a commanding visiting Bartley to Geoghegan, for got this arms day, silence. intention his impossibility there in listened nigh its as barrack efforts at All seen, 0/C to P.J. be well had and a physical The report and was surrounded being barrack. was ground it our little only a strong around. and the would barracks countryside It it O'Malley) always with such on high shuttered but had Dr. They was next (later We made it the Mounterowen O'Malley's that said at camp Bartley. Maam Barrack, attack our refreshments. for McDonnell to the supply the attack underway. I was left in return of the 0/C, charge of the guard. end March. of column on the of King, 0/C J. Our 2nd charge It 0/C April. the column Roundstone, was now drawing and Gerald Bartley until was near the in to returned the to the 40. 1st On the our to as Leenane .38 of bags next our explosives high the march the across P. was some local this village Ó Máille, - each for time and Dick next the to and to the flat but you could This was one of the column Cross, off from 0/C, where the when reasons to early Gerald the from road. any use collect two about billeted P.J. McDonnell, area Maam Cross was miles away. before the and myself and house necessary There this - 2 Pádraig was and the some of men got three Carna in houses were The it Company Captain's Company Screeb to the to All Bartley, road was of coming where why and there. King men moving of to Glentrasna, morning. see young Mountain take billeted the to Maam Cross which to stayed. following moving only Johnsie myself the were Geoghegan's report daybreak The and Joyce, house them two at him of where Oorid, Oorid call guides way a scarcity We got there village have to at the Screeb. as the first our column who set column across the only was there the paid at to instructions ground in at was He had as and we needed Bartley position same, on our delay dead. in Volunteers away, awoke. first Maamturk and, and across Gerald tea house Captain's the we had a baker Screeb towards in 7 lbs weighing and We proceeded some. miles - ready was wife we had column for arrived of mountains We made sons. made ammunition just Our again. O'Mállie's bread, four contained box engagement. Everything on come had It They flour. as came which of rounds 200 revolvers, four The provisions. at a box received Maam Cross. at address covering I 1921, April, went was only a small get natives Rosmuck was to to branched one on rising hillock 41. of of the hidden by side west partly R.I.C. see could man to let had them to five were R.I.C. We were away the and 0/C had they their the to given All one had a shotgun of the the leading our way. of way he letting in their Bartley the R.I.C. about the We had back came, him to were in would clearly. the rear pass by. myself the other shoot a not see sure and cart. all the risk our and 0/C were the that we which go back McDonnell column he came and We would could on a capture a cart to side right or if him We were two in road, told I the to a horse 0/C of one Maam Cross with men three with Rosmuck. and grove second, Maam Cross. through positions and awaited of the to both immediately positions the blocked horse towards up the a man coming his and We were road the rifles, from yards probably, the from him 30 and exception from yards direction. field and in that house, through Camus took on word Captain's Wallace, road. man and, commandeered We gave 400 and Maam Cross positions two They brought them the We four about and turn slight P. man, each. rocks grove had My party Camus. We had barely placed with rock, another to our up or the on to pass do. scouts Company men were granite and clump them We decided to them. from every that under Mullaney, We watched we took me. our the at myself. return. around ambush when 1/4 mile passed ex-Sergt. pay approaching We let glasses. Rosmuck to to decision our reached to we were return their of Camus to go thing unless off remained and a hard through pass miles two cover direction Maam Cross the position time, Church trees. from complete a long for cover this in us on the and road, Protestant a small of a grove coming under lay was road the of side east on the rock granite men first the R.I.C. 42. the that mean second in the three and Gerald party the right in the three Bartley cart of sights block would would of 400 100 came they opportunity the be cycling rear the in than would Sergt. and man, more extended be not would in the in sight, open our of their way two and first policeman McDonnell P.J. thus giving if my men leading and the of Immediately fire, rifles, front rear. the having in yards would This yards. we missed, them force to dismount. At the passed rear a shot where the another behind this our fell road and I adhered water at to. one to I went along I got out of road. to die. policeman had only as far foot the as the one from in the rood, all the time hand and pulled He cried for mercy him say gun his I made shot only the sight made for in his him out and said an Act be not of be and the I water he was not Contrition of shot wounded. hand. of he gun. he stopped covered, to pretended held his My second him Bartley's A spurt range. for the of G. of could head. keeping he side a revolver was yards jumped it shoulder, him, he and plans his the 200 McDonnell's under right tried him get them for into a was to and me from ambush come to heard coming Sergeant, rolled on P.J. since I seemed his our them once, rose had that Luckily as he had acted realised fire heard I rock, I the I a large smoke and 100 nearer and bicycle on for some distance another, He was opened position. had, men behind first his came scene, To my horror, and side, position. off and yet rock. The from grove and shot, column on the came followed. placed 0/C failure. or another the from the men of Then yards. the last firing. when He kicked on to prepared anyway. it the 43. When I took it, and I for me if I said I until and poteen the wounded same local curate, Griffin to of the destroyed We kept two the among for kept .45 have Screeb Lodge. having got long P. his sons, for tea, and as across Maamgowna of just I could out column The say. that two one or night, to him as Fr. I service rifle, We haversacks. bottles of of which and dry, poteen. we divided the other was and brother we we got a mile we decided in Mountain break in P. the to morning. and of arrived day. that Capt. us. Ó Máille's some bread an from it of baked there across cross lung, on our again come with We delayed only the through off should Pádraig. towards we insisted we landed we were at shot We started previously, and on bicycles escaped them marching a round-up Maamturk were seven very had his road Galway/Clifden fearing were Mounterowen, as John bottles purposes. and And, the me how many revolvers, poteen, they to of poteen the meted and two bullets. hours Oorid, of One Geoghegan of R.I.C. to gone towards up all and bicycles R.I.C. journey After been not broke district 2 Webley bottles Three the an ex to had I one it". bottles Going was this received. two medical two in bullet payable watch. ammunition, men as made whom they £28, leave would Galway rounds use who asked We collected 14 you "None" had of let to night. killed. fate held a gold that or you He had later curate the for haversack of suppose a cheque got day. his poor and later in "I enough Rosmuck some met fool him in him: live one found I revolver, to was searched Sergeant I up his hour the before We had J.R. main daylight, We continued at by on Walsh's a great sleep of 44. after having the On checking two this: rounds, rounds. eighteen the shouted the Sergeant him out of to find up the who fired the shot read now I and valley for the of in the area the of lorry scene them among teacher's, it that 'Independent', the ambush were night and burned two the curate's, Colm all next out we set a scout in it we the number as reprisals. Auxiliaries of arrived of a number houses, the Store, and Ó Gaora's, day. rifles. and Co-op. Geoghegans, a trap. morning and Tans of and in Next about to arms dusk destroyed loads the as we wanted grew and pulled of our oiling the which I Maamgowna, Walsh's, and when Sergeant near came capture and the so say which Mounterowen. paper, an account not did at?" when my man caught had cleaning dinner A number at time off a handy on in a good houses and polish like none, fire you a scratch got I the brought to but We stayed We had not 1 round, did Hell wanted ambush ammunition, We spent in each asked went answers rounds, drain, the spoiling "What had the out two I 0/C. and none, I fired, The he fired. rounds man how many Maam Barracks. of ammunition of amount us of few as a hayloft miles two was within This beds. got in and we slept tea, Pearse's cottage. Thomas a brother Geoghegan, Geoghegan, was standing outside in in about he read locality his the being uncle's. mind and until he himself immediately went was or paper much for too It the up to prevent house. Leenane took four him We sent for Dr. his Brien, in and in houses his coming own own house and him Pat Capt. house, them It tied to the among berserk. to the destroyed, was of he men to from and his lost hold doing him harm to a dispatch-rider and when he arrived 45. he gave to put and he to him on his him with effects saw of he was not that a young that, was of the main and the mass ideal Road. was house side of 1,40O feet high. there also ran in for defence and camouflaged. and defensive The column the men would week in case of all the Maam Valley, make case the carried off to men were but it did a stand preparations of body not and all road were their formed positions times told this more take all positions. their were us added a day. to duty information trouble the preparations and Tans the the with We got a large and allotted familiar it the Immediately their raid. over several house a and made sighted. enemy make the was mountain, shown out road another Positions into gathered once from rendered Valley, by the the and house men were was that to our after mountain which Leagh attack. Rifle the rock We at of the high was bounded a river. a surprise occasions into on yards On getting Between scramble few determined and between and 4O0 feet house. valley positions, one house House. 250 land bog, large down drill was In to the the to and dropped you their his north about The marshy was 3O0 defending other up flat hillocks small mountain the some years facing and Maa/Leenane for in was Mounterowen ground mountain house of at H.Qrs. high a very the behind our on rising situated side from recovered He died well. yet brother man. We made It I after and years day every his man and able home when him send He never way home. this, to another We sent better. him visited was better it we were and morphia doctor The bed. that advised got of an injection him for to perfect. on a searching we were our ardour We 46. were for anxious as existence rifle of ammunition for his own and gathered man became Each at were was placed be plenty of years. particularly rifle, would take up fired be the that the was the sighted, positions until the were the if range we and was into then if we were we did that river which land, This fire. open not was was planned the marshy to once It cross flat the enemy No shot order. to the at roused the allowed so often explained be to an officer with that issued gave be to night, immediately. 0/C stones stepping coverless, plan was column their enemy every were Instructions charge. and by the of attacked. were to which yards and rifle a .22 over this with deal a good rifle had 0/C ammunition .22 in repeating the proficient A guard in as same, 200 of a range a .22 We had practice. our justify We got unit. a fighting to wanted and a fight expect any snags. We were had taken our or have minds to the the Jim King was me and four Volunteers Volunteers set were off journey and a thick of eight along without until dark and to that be easily house at one Madden early in fog seen o'clock One of the us expanse and that we had of entered girls to open was a It across mountain we could move in cross bog the in the Glencroff main on which We arrived through We King. We remained daylight. servant Among the line in with go along raid. up Bartley one morning. observed. in to a straight as we made Gerald and Johnsie helped evening, a vast the make was almost and souvenirs, Either who Clifden, House, detailed to miles being could window. officer fog The travel as house. Tommie in roadway. Kylemore some guns raid a Colonel that in residence up to certain informed the at road we the kitchen house was very 47. on the door door. She was very to that the the We searched We then and the guards top to attic in his up in an redoubled ammunition our a goodly I scarce, I tobacco I rest. same and of We next were in I noticed that the Painter. for for each the walls were rum, stacked We liked took a dozen old Colonel's leaving and cellar, whiskey, so we had man and to with health. leave the it house after box than search a few before and beer, of ones us wine laced for Whiskey that column, the inside snugly rounds also after the of for the the We collected bottles bottles tobacco two magazines 100 brandy French lay our there the we were box and with nothing of heavier there automatic savage another shirts down a lot box the camp, was behold, and, boxes out found of the it one found the In man in handed We renewed barrels and loaded and I and gun result. each result. Now We knew this of the where flannel. ammunition. description. drink all, visited around best for to without bedroom, for us him. As cigarettes pipes. as told that bottom quantity a pipe but gun, supply out new .38 with tobacco of opened a gleaming filled number in twenty-three of a large would be back hold to without but was handed to somewhere efforts, there library and wrapped and outside did, from climbed he had he house a Peter-the-Painter that if and, she not would her. with he was gone as some friends return might that dressed home opened girl there bed her got at We warned late. Colonel friend not was visit to in girl We assured Our Colonel Clifden another excited. no harm. come until was There her slightly this and kitchen the off leading We knocked us. towards disposed friendly us. morning a top coats. our eyes while of every with straw the boys to was not We were at allowed well 4 o'clock. 48. giving which made us it tasted and so we left named Maloney in for O/C. better I I go and do arrived without at 3 O'clock. Mrs. Cuffe's, sister of the at in street for He was the the from back the to Truce. the Young he as serious. and who knew was in a hand earlier, said: I the still left in hole the back of which muck where held aloft. revolver altogether, hear door them although talking shed locked opened I stuck I I was on the in landed was the for a into that about aunt. later who was passing afraid the home only his had been jumped from under My position workman he my until but my armpits, safe road arrived to up was Tans young. and out, just there Tans and to to arrested of "Lorry Maloney Joyce, held as got He was an old the I only a visit too Ribbon, of Michael and was me and young load prison this get it and He had make welded the sent to was considered I hours lorry. was go and seeing 0/C, the left had and to let a lorry of apprentice some tyres get 0/C. Vice pointed unfinished. decided I Maloney Mick was to anyone column Galway left than the when with taken released house in and a day Tans some side-cars, a few it have Leenane, were take finished landed in I work arrest drank, the for should a young finish that only I left he was unable would that the M.C., sugar Mounterowen further some wheels. it as without and try cart that shoeing done, tea workshop to word We got black any our a horse and traps was never wine and myself 0/C instructions him all The at labelled them on. a press going the that in dusk. on. Before out strong it later get later laugh at evening we found shirts like for to the out When that Mounterowen at back We arrived I Jack". street, window a shallow with might my go down I Tans. 20 yards me giving from could me. 49. which Cuffe's of had the bridge Ireland". my and they until Mounterowen. where made you go in there"? to then would in rejoined had to change the 0/C's house the column tied around in the lucky steam at believe not in Tans I I get laughed. they which me, remain Jack did the all me out. and I They for hole pulled dark. after wonder voice the and Westport the heard I "I a rope my skin to everything Next say: threw They armpit, towards in whiskey cheap for. paid that go into not would hell in "What to?". not and Ribbon Maloney "I they go over lorry with themselves satisfied had They escape I had. camp was going in great getting annoyed at G.H.Q. The but we were send out us more a good arms and to do us more a meeting and discussed perhaps they would the without afford the far gave £50 near us on him, had each with it, himself. Maam Valley and sum on each farmer, levied. I on for he refused pig said: The £10, and two him levy pieces only party this of of a few arrived the in with quite levy laid He subscribe. in a barrel. take pig pieces he could Kilmilkin the was salted We collection, which to send a column, farmer blank not that A certain we will "Alright, man took the make this make knowing of carry farmers. Tommy O'Malley point killed to Leenane to a question. but leaving sent remember, called big A few were was King and as decided so cash, charge, without a fine Comdt. the amount in that opinion not insufficient We held a certain as we had to this. levied and, us enable to as yet of an officer ammunition because arms collection and period, did they attack, of were arms when this this instead", and marched and camp the and head laid away for the 50. on the meat until had gone levy of £10 sent to G.H.Q. from them mad, in was Willie his to his between shin bone the took legs and went and made On April the over feeling well. after first getting him which he In resented with him more than me. There from later black out clothes, left ready We went trees a clear were in carefully from view the of informed jumped our bed with out the front and the road. to got It me that there road which a position was the 23rd calling was us on our out were a be put minus revolvers bed towards must and and door, bed in was not which our the and once haversacks, whiskey, do so. they lacing, the road, at out bed, shaking the cattle to share I Q/M, McDonnell hot would along see to P.J. him thought not without boots, beside he two Battalion of someone moving they we stuffed felt and We both policemen. I I I when objects if a cup asleep. on Ó Gaora was put we made night. was Mick, Maam and which was that an hour of bunch he time a short him us. from O/C take but down caller Conroy, guard The taking for easy night on the Colm being Mick to carrying fell a constant was night who was not was We now had things the of charge one wounding off, other 22nd, for He stooped seriously. Brien he duty revolver the the now, belt. and Dr. patients on guard fire hands, Rosmuck. accident his in fairly on our invalids from on the turf ground the stuck .45 we got for. bad was We all and the was that refused. collection, paid a fairly Conneely Bulldog put times ten they that had a farmer the from £150 that thought explained King which value We had while Comdt. us of rest The table. puttees always and was rifles. shaded where we had April, 1921. by 51. it side of what we estimated in means all and to party ran which both the should up defensive on the by the O/C. All was to order fired. of came bicycles, One got to the and saw a puff the along police from our who fired the shot The of fire opened on the the sent into Shots to pin us made for and then I and next own rifle but we were one wounded, exchanged the down while that R.I.C. a rifle of identical at man Screebe. cover one man was killed one do man at some road party to and late on the a stronger of body too and for a shot echo for be path. heard ambush rushed road learned were the O/C on their main the cross to the the was men, spoiled them, the from no The jumped and coming on the that impression road The We later roadside wounded. positions. that police harm. their other the were now in the other to grouped Some the determined Immediately move. fence that volleys road. of and rapid smoke one group R.I.C. stepping-stone of us. sincere stones. to along for three "Fire", men started retreat instructed men were stepping our cover the with prepared in the and east of charge along strong given until men were Our party fired the at too become were be to hills men in the one already and armed positions house, were orders the much the positions attackers river shot of sitting-room a man in naming three, The words gave and sides higher positions shot two the detailed O/C the planning fully kitchen, The take These west. the of groups each the instructions. awaiting small in men were the apparently men, to We returned attack. of stones, stepping probably something, discussing the to Maam on the yards 25 R.I.C. be about to and house the to 100 about pathway, leading a group best the on we saw There time them the and we river we got were only went to our 52. the Lee rear up John Dundas, the hill He was one column. He was to if hill the came bullets It firing. were sparing no shot unless in this way, 10 o'clock without higher up before we could the easy the house. and then set do tea to bread the we retreated rounds each, 10 shotguns, be holding used. Martinis, one and rounds, only back. two enemy from safe 20 The ammunition leaving Hours side, until from there from arms to go come and we took and the a up Ó Máille fire passed would when Miss K. over it was kitchen we badly the of heeded, rounds for 40 rounds was of In all rifles, 1 same, rounds, 3 Martini, each. We now now on 7 rifles collected a few the 5 service comprised from them shoulder ammunition. 1 Howth, the to ordered withdraw and 70 all we track. they Mauser, the and up. which rifles 41 of or in outhouse around our rifles this sheep .44, that the from R.I.C. Eamon feed, Winchester allowed top to and butter out up and in us each, 30 on any an outhouse rounds 70 popping Mrs. for get 11 the reinforcements this. a fine we had makes, the lull we were and fearing we checked mountain, next men in one the both Valley We had When the Now we were We decided Lee hill, to enough that day. the made house, us although progress who retired Ó Máille, up from at him. we saw a head into get was a complete ammunition, path the there the sheep to fired shot coming to evident the ordered fearless this, was in O/C rear. this After doing The R.I.C. a warning close the the most saw R.I.C. quite from attack fire in succeeded Dundas any he as the of off. Battalion, soon as volley. of us Roundstone Adjt. across and cut to Valley shots would from each for men 53. The protection. There action. the to men were Four R.I.C. enemy the left - position flat bog fire until Our well. so as to We were spotted a Ford towards the out of to want later by give it that their and knew the on the running already had not Tan Firing went but phoned board drive like the a circle on to the windscreen car, they Tan Galway the held for Tan's and failed wrist on grimly enemy. car from help. as we did not driven Kilmilkin. We when of Tans jumped to Frank's ear and the car, with one stop smashed got Joyce road, for they and were eye we had seeing hand, to Joyce car this the the he was workmen Bartley and It their happened of Leenane from We discovered of at we when Leenane, one to until house and it, urging road. road the at the roadside. stop make happened on the the side had other the a revolver what the main the from hell. to the us knew enemy One other the of lands put go to go range road. and of to the subsequently in through the their to Joyce across carrying on the to to a revolver and what wide holding to Dick cirlce on the and try for reached as to encircle a big along the Joyces' R.I.C. him witnesses positions of passed had our poles nothing told us Frank, and and for and the and meant yards R.I.C. try four and travelling was son, wire car house King the of river 800 about Jim of line the and outside the entrenched range and routes remain we crossed to Bartley Each side. Leenane very ground Gerald and myself Maam side, or out picked 5 service our change between cover was no the amongst to on we were then from as rifles, was divided rest it the to brandishing drive and the faster. one bullet windscreen, Maam P.O. and 54. Jim and we were saw a second it our by We let them the another taken cover. a sheep the enemy not fired over cover when on our high were We were in. a shot We fired of the enemy to The on the was that their heads the other was bank other down. From occasional as we could see no sign We fired, off at the road and I any more ammunition said the were them as the them of position in landing to had that hill it was seemed us. rest sure was quiet. our at rifles this time place. any the the we and made from R.I.C. The there. now on all of the for back Joyce the under right and shot get now when position from to was a great a quarry stream over right ground It their withdrawn bullets yards just we made We were shot at had and open spot and our 150 our I/O, a while over that Gerald We found the it. the of we were on, a policeman. that side. and for cross in at no an him and just men from position. road shots quick sound the Cunningham out and to within and he had only for us the rang and made only now knew only it over there day keep from previous from two a lull three were they Conneely, We had entrenched heard was we chanced improvement shots car, into saw Fr. head his but came, across pen I mistook They shot up until pull pass. we fired running position. position. but there, could them stop not as passenger. and us of Leenane McKeown's Cunningham shead We the would as it range yards road. from road in got 300 the determined Fr. to There for the along line side. Still over R.I.C. for other yards heads I ducked just on the out. getting in they of yards 150 with I/O, come but ambush, at recognised I their over shots enemy we were this about the coming approached, driven 50 car and direction, As about only and road the crossed of west north position I and King enemy. water across no use wasting to be covering them 55. and of that middle just all he there. the and to would draw "Shut up, Old clean your dirty He could not at each other to "I'll soon beside cap in out aloft this and the the and way told over passed and and through bank the at commotion them: up your a...s". "Come up, you to Confession get Cunningham later although he had and at shot Tan said moving with Rainey started relating by to keep our lads. and Rainey glared expressions. content the down priest, the fearing mim, who was beside them", Raineys support, the vilest Connelly, stop as him him had getting fright, landed knocking a bullet me, from and she and Fr. that A row shouted: priest to the heart's his and knew saw the put I'll fired and or from not up Tan, had they sudden a push shouted laughing with no one on him, keep help Jack this The experience to that for looked tongue", down Tan with in yards had this wife saw that on him to amusing head fire turned b......., the husband. our 30 Cunningham. he she down there dirty his her Rainey this when wife, into lay beat the from and a drain and, wife, walking cover, Rainey Fr. Then drain. the old poor Rainey out rang alongside when started into gave so ambush, A .shot drain the in fright pure the during wife Rainey's under lying his police 10 yards only who was lying with and a shot in was were were two be how well shows The and road a Tan priest, It them. the by would and Rainey passed cover. Cunningham passed was the of Fr. where the under position came road They seeing remained police the Road. without positions the the of Knights our from grenade Now along use. any two a rifle only along a piece to of watch for cap. to it. a few enjoying Fr. Cunningham: the drain stick Lord he he held He held minutes. "The was the A shot save us" got his cap rang was 56. all Fr. language. the in was this of bullet three had Fr. other. told Canon, me in death his before a month a inch not it later Cunningham, about experience in holes that a rug me that told also bad the finished this and Rainey, Cunningham car each from from came that 1952. Jim fired even I the rifle did not this a shot and take so that 30 yards in the from to car be be There was north to We had travel to the attempt we intended under some cover. about was 4 p.m. and bread to 100 now. we heard of in such a wide the along still north As we were heavy having machine so Leenane. feet us on the cover. for away, about and exposed 1/2 mile could valley, Clifden by Bridge bed to house, of cover of further, come from farmer's R.I.C. We decided any river drain away the at Mounterowen the the getting us. this yards would to give in a scrap trying our We knew get not and butt 200 yards very to they left and lying Tan the to seems leaving. Tan of on top up 1,000 a small into it raising road, get but towards the it cloth we came no rock going We went It way reinforcements where Máille's, and Leenane We had Leenane. waiting along crossing that fearing R.I.C. and right of that found mountain a steep our or the the the back alongside not between foolish we retreated of us We tried but of our one. enemy We got see Raineys, angle, car, it. time Maam P.O. found would of this the from another could at all at nothing the could they an a piece put notice much was not car let to we could all towards pointing position it that men know rifle did I and King the a cup gun fire. keep Seán bridge. of milk Ó 57• had Reinforcements retired at all as there to to the the the south to the house outside the road three to river. of was road and Pádraig Ó Máille's far as Walsh's as miles We got lorries and an that had come from the enemy. It towards along on action. house, When that advance of the Leenane car a withering fire was directed rifle fire from police entrenched by along the road. the came After road some two everywhere. of at the R.I.C. view of car Kilmilkin, on fire and lorries raking came and military the house. and police. in 10 armoured The carried we the counted Auxiliaries side clear of a splendid the military rough as and moved upon the side house armoured supported and fire. the more at lorries Leenane as there positions Maam side continuing a nest the parts fire opened out to see Ó Máille's machine-gun valley lorries us slowly, now seemed valley three the to they letting old We had Pádraig with it, on the another, of Kilmilkin on the still as fast and along into got our could Clifden. house after see road passed We got Mountain car the only plenty valley in in and bridge. military lorries away, hillside along all the were seemed of a mile almost the three sight and armoured and in times Tans and but the Mounterowen position came an hour publichouse on the up all house There away. half along separated Were Clifden. the be cross another, from under at to of load much water rushed We could could. not through right the for to We were then us, cover, engaged We had altogether There stones, from We waited want now probably a lorry of Mounterowen, Mounterowen. when yards them come? to get at not have easily plenty column reinforcements. 100 of was we did for who were column fighting to get possible, the from We could valley we decided but if the up arrived. out line on the The The a similar with the house, and military half an hour of firing 58. and to advance slow throw windows. They the capturing whatever was with here of referred to to Leenane or blankets. in another ever getting and these shirts he said - M.C. in a lorry get clothing removed a chance to house and outoffices The all shirts use destroyed. bloody They any would not have but for the so easily and we were scarce No man had more we needed get were their for either Clifden escorted way. unable than that more, The on the The hard of articles cockney Collins's to The were a enemy were taken away then were went off very men. They house as Clifden's children and a very months. women and his Dublin was here. Mark Colonel lorry satisfied he in initialled through six past All the of questioned how long and Collins. in next seeing shouted him discovery were without on fire for outhouse, their was clothing, it, Michael women went were The they the the for on we looking and there could to and whereabouts and belongs Ó Máille interrogation set M.C. Over two was initial an One Auxiliary, pig. the they in house shirts, ware, the All left the loot and all that time. children the rushing suppose, that by To left and I enough through before an hour women and silver the months". the dead near getting house, empty hoping, all "This accent: is be two taking man half mentioned. already shirt waited building, were captured task, the would "Shinners" as into grenades in succeeded they 10 They fact to our by two drank possession that keep up left rounds lorries by taken or ammunition sniping at after from returned Galway the was them. day, until we G.H.Q. by lorries, everything the our own protection raid of Leenane, fearing in the two but attack 59 publichouses decided they sister of burn dark arrive. Dick Wallace the and 50 feet with her to we had cliff all ready reported our me they that several of to convince to explained Cuffe's us them and not me about the the the off along and landed then to me a took was that deciding was Peadar, When he was the it brother, wounded. the to for It got sugar. of fight, killed. touch tea, up house a chance and wife, stole their the in got sisters the were We would have butter, Patrick men, of roof I three of Tans Cuillaghmore. two we would bread, It of my late that worse. and house. happened. news column Bartley got and Margaret, the whole Mountains than - was getting We started so that go when all the I Mrs. bags wanted feared village Margaret, a few safe the Leenane higher Agnes, was O/C, of anything to Gerald (Butcher). Cuffe, time long in us of not Mrs. burn with Cuffe their house. The bottle and of gave dear whiskey it to me, woman took that she saying from had that out hidden I might of her from want a for spot It the for to mountain fight. there. road sister, get and for and the if the wait houses back above 0/C's Mrs. O/C, off the pre-arranged exception 20 feet away the to Coyne the at standing getting after Cuillagbmore a garden now be the Thos. of seems and was friendly time up the was long two only and side in not we started were one was who it Golden, proceeded gather With Joyce, There to we had and I up which column at the by this but workshop, Inspector, area and King higher the his drink, us. towards position all the owned publichouse, also District in a Sergeant Cuffe's the from courage Taking and the Jim of to O/C, by disposed to Leenane. the prevented was in dress the it. Tans, a 60. need fact in We did While patients. had Margaret refreshed. the sing The boys that it the Ó Máille's house of townland We got and slept well out of when coming our way houses situated as far they hill the from Mayo and the had provisions was prepared Wallace of not We were lorries a long the and to go on of to get long Tans were in We were and valley road. could came They turned the welcomes night direction. School and to on this two the up along anxious Mountains side we sent John have of at men took on the safely end afraid We arrived night. for was back. winding zig-zag Maam road. Gleannagimla, 25/4/21 the coming were billeted Finney It place. of that the overlooking plenty day. Seán in earlier, were next word the at We were the the Shanafaraghan Perhaps to column we got lorries as the to north a lonely quite area the ammunition. Shanafaraghan There into bed the was It went to and of out more we got of hours move mentioned west Townaleen, us. see I a few to Paddy had nothing for and of started Coyne if as road which for John until spot we arrived. when and we were and houses the in and Agnes prepared fed be better Leerane Lough-na-Fooey. dark meat We rested would We crossed Cuffe, Shamahever" a quiet to away were day. that decided Mrs. cold and Coyne, of "Boys happened and tea and Michael Wallace to talking got night two our for that later it Lettras the brothers Sarah of by Wallace, who were to ready take us in two the bay. Mrs. to the At and a sister of service Joyce, on the boat Cuffe on active Tommie across runs to Bay boat where across delivered by bay spot side Killary a dispatch Coyne's the us across and that was moored we were Letteras a tea the with two us. we 61. for delivered and left there. J. us from the Leenane Hotel. we set out across provisions at valley the it to collect on the and our the hill. one of dug-out brothers was soundly constructed and on active the the tent and pegs sideboard finished in the a pride in it the was before us the village would furniture We had camp. a small was friendly not be removed tea but in there the without Killary a left myself in removed of going had Margaret, was owned to by we knew get us. again for and his the seeing out Mr. him. by and anybody by boat poles new house wife, police setting there got anxiety We managed before to the with arms and used little door we had his them which was raided. Cuffe's We crossed store and craftmanship for My late This and 0/C of but service, up night, which having yards We removed the made everything. of he not next Leenane pieces furniture a key of We knew place first forget secured Tynan which head walls our workshop. and tent we left iron all to it them. an with store went as beautiful 500 and The the workshop about concrete table on active going to for we constructed with and dining We regretted Leenane. made in night. after service. and myself the look and tent, the his position top 0/C mahogany as on the deep with dug-out house to We used key. the tent nothing we spread slept our from a foot way for safe Wallace it pile and Wallace's was a good, going took in camouflaged was it of shores There had a small to missing that the 26/4/21, for it patients over It lock before under We rested two roof, and in With hill the this of Conneely were and On top hillside the iron heather out. We left in dry man got sticking poles erected. the on Bengorm, The shore. dry each of be not could but back Lake. Lugacauragh so been had tent A large we were our only 62. on the up just the climb see We could dark near hill a good the view the of we heard into the sky more shooting his could and Tans house Peadar said when they food of very as supplies, We joined morning 12' x 8' but it our new home for was ourselves hide it by from a consignment packed to to their and our the prying of stuff resemble visitors from Leenane camp arrived Station Master that to the that I told and grim and us very sister's for were house. getting our means and night was small our including equipment, first night All day we busied over with heather at 28th Maam Cross The Maam Cross, had April, I/O, was arrived. in enough, The case. stuff his a in own coin, that On the whiskey street was a new looked It in, eyes. the place shop late was comfortable. covering youth men. us. please in stuck camp erected. sleep his We relieved absolutely high and marriage burned column 18 men to easy not of heart It shot night. He days. house the the got in for provisions the back be this a heavy camp. had they that intended the many we would did, getting them pay we saw his bay. explosion Peadar's was with we reached before when for It time. perhaps If he built up we had flames stopped them. the work flames lorries around moving and Peadar's in up Clifden- higher across the in was dark, another village; three plainly we would much went it village All lorries. We got explosion flames. which month's the over manhood see a loud of on the were although Leenane to travelling they Clifden. dump and, Suddenly and from ready rumble were they we knew but coming to as lights, Leenane, road Leenane the no getting the we heard when mountain and road Louisburgh under to 1921, for us, driving informed They by took the 63. the the to coming old the Barracks a Tan held them Leenane. The he cared The on Tan the was I sit on the box in the to get to Leenane our so escorted but if the lorry. of back precious was delivered box there to contained 4 Lee Enfield grenades, home-made was Mills rounds that he cargo all detonators, 200 shotgun earlier better .303 120 This the that night. he sat the rounds cases. have been consignment Killary It 10 revolvers, ammunition, cartridge we would position. across 2 .45 type, of us contents rifles, 105 stuff to its check ammunition, this offer to none to Leenane. The and had he took Maam a seat requested said a girl She When passing and up lorry passenger, Leenane. for I/O so anxious and box to way could out driver. with front a girl got set a small into it put car, and hotel, seat the and package a converted was which the off label in put of .45 19 electric if we had a much new life into us. in We stayed there and to the would on Wallace about be the at 4th Fr. to was taken escorted Wallace's Confession home in to would came and Holy as bay his own door. by our Cunningham all the arranged men and The men midnight hear to our us. to Sarah, Communion. the Fr. Communion sister, While Confession at Letteras some provisions and Cunningham across Holy to that Cunningham distribute tea went arranged in go to to O/C house and Fr. of the was Wallace's Patrick supply went It and instructed good it. May confessions and a week. about valley a desire men expressed Patrick see the for I have a 20 men. and every man Fr. Cunningham afterwards men had tea in 64. in camp Wallace the valley. and two left when a Volunteer of string at in the Westport and Cunningham to told us road back out come behind Errif Ashleagh. a long was Valley, Wood for Ashleagh meal There the along Patrick 0/C, our we saw. what from back Fr. finishing rushed coming lights stretching Wallace's with widened eyes the Bartley, the for afterwards us who escorted of watch and quickly Our Gerald behind were left and house Wallace's in relays a mile fully and a half. would If take. be we would on the side ducks, up what to there to was our a perilous of the hill the road. the do, complete fascinated humming along the Leenane. the Gerald of charge the It hidden. A great the across shouting and We moved under and we hoped We kept ideal in running around. against to the of escape that what operations the road. dark shapes and car taken vantage and troops. was directly Men got God it not point remain out and were was dark. on the was going take down and stopped had across to round-up ride on us from observation dragnet of engines, tent they area this the the immediately Thank under From round-up. luck area see hum of house. a higher hope movements position a little to and a mile a big armoured big cover the that Wallace's their the get considering out of was sent and sitting Gleannagimla half only like Leenane line long from bay the up Bartley column the right went vehicles passing were and we were as but the was obvious underway. the off road, They bay. Just darkness, at up they Louisburgh we were as yards road what to road position of drifted relief, the 500 lights We were to took they in over we wondered them As we watched mountain spotted and to were be us. in an combed we could outside with 65. the a mile over of from road We did the and, not commotion it as they car spotted fire and us pin crossed At last, Leenane. British military the and They covered from Leenane, Leenane. required lorry started after now dawn. was into up and their column was the armoured with the other mountain the and us. for off moved the one went road was revealing to Maam. itself. on his instructed, in gullet columns, down comb-out the Leenane At two other the from mountainside up wood. we realised in the doors and left for bees, swarming bringing area They of of line as far Recess, One this was arresting pattern in to what road. an We could o'clock. light and Harbour, to boys combed like The Barracks. the the and morning at to a large the the on the Killary was from bridge the Patrick a while, troops It households lorries King the were R.I.C. the Jim down until would was now five early knocking at very life, a shot. It in just the of fire if a mile rake Clifden man of to There half watching for along Wood, men. after car that or sick Then, divided direction Every very down. lorry towards towards both armoured they us, lorries long Ó Gaora We feared it. was bridged them. broken had of not were with Colm shift the around front The it was minding Wallace on us until to dug-out that opposite, out strung Ashleagh beyond directly want all now were to Gleannagimla between water lorries of column The with down were later the The the hillsides male member to the Tans and of waiting taken to Maam was now clear. round-up miles of southern as Kylernore on to up them 11 square plainly happening. every the see mountain shore crossroads Maam Cross the of and and back can imagine the number job, while we on the of down again troops opposite shore 66. of the Killary, centre that day. against the area all the they only of Of them, the at home for at Maam recognised at Maam Barracks no information of got help the with ankle. In the barracks at Maam, but and to him: "What said for?". The in himself hands I.R.A. that he did they could The Sergeant the not they held Perhaps they are he ever did Jack said boat bringing seized way got to arm at that the and at Maam. us them, a few far old and that in down them see strange the sent point and the home a very anxious the military and flew notes to As it all the headed with more the troops for the than months ago. was as satisfied lorry. the An aeroplane Killary appeared mountain and the furniture, watching below a The "That's next the that. Killary. there time rifles, He asked country over old saw in day. low very replied "A few in the I/O bloody exclaimed: in the gather, He was very was sent in rifles. rusty he eight Jack of the could craft about over of by boat". boat only he him you Conneely said: in the bring Mounterowen getting any as and b.......s." scene dropped as a broken to where Jack got recognised they know they go with interrogation to R.I.C. and beaten there from. on that We spent on the wanted The taken did bloody and movements the furniture Sergeant they took mad at that no, hell know but, got by G.., in who was but let was I/O was and Volunteer rifles, Sergeant rifles have only Jack the for questioned of and British uncle. He was the Sergeant all got aged butts round-up and his him. of those young He was the for one them Leenane position. operations him. out watched ring, men arrested, to day the on our ourselves congratulated the outside just to Bay tops the it barracks flew 67. over the P.J. McDonnell the 20 from yards our the to paid and unit numbered round-up in the were took in north of road the Glanumra Mountains. few farmers' houses insisted Some disturb and I the we were was well sleeping three when farmers of I us It window. She to bed. at the reach and the had two been placed into billeted five in were for We were not I window. Margaret miles night. in each so as house at supplies and Doolough Coyne's that after due They 11 Leenane miles haylofts wife the some got as camp, retiring travelled us, and men were much. was my late had lost a watch area, in to up regroup days Drummin before the largest to and that Michael the two The in a tap heard surprise. and bog in fed in the break too the sweep. in to on sleeping away all engaged quite We moved in give billeted got between one continued units particular. the put time. nearly Leenane from have of in out troops troops We decided off on Cuffe's them not Killary Connemara's men, were Several down. cut of lamented attention wiped that I do so would us. of carried weeks the a lost was us would the 2,000 officers round-up. bogged at so I It up an over doing many to of be to movement The It but number up Ireland The Hotel. the that comb-out for with would in from plane, us cover along down on top service May. and glided leave concealed. a present. as got and pilot We estimated 6th and One volley military active heather, plane us. position British run for mountainside The loss. we were to had I which the down away I of bank new hat where mountains and over-hanging brand of range house. not very the the to to kind night. and there were asleep very long jumped out who was across with at mountain She was the us 68. in Killary round-up the morning. They was in Glenumura, dark. There Killary in the Doolough was not mountain hard when the in house and the evening. the for Delphi butt it, was still the across in positions froze which sleet, of and into Maolrea, Here as it For some reason the the Auxiliaries still was Coyne's off the across due then billeted remained to take west of put defensive not did north valley we intended a splendid round-up Michael started Bridge, on the May, at tea We then Glen-Cuilleagh-na-Gower. a fight it our of of top get 8th the day, down for cane across to almost to in bay informed while of showers all top Bundoraghs, time that came. day We remained mountain the to We consolidated amidst top and once get news the of Mountains, enough dark. the the to the across dreadful side at mobilised We decided position. the this at her rowed brought starting men were The had who I/0, a boat. the the the by accompanied up position. place, but the Leenane at Hotel. On the all of the the break column, the Magazine and .303 1 Howth to to and afterwards It column snipe time. completely It into with rifle, divide the was out enemy at them from at new supply them. our numbers different would also ensure that wiped out, for least at a meeting that meeting We had .303 Our and of meeting was units. rifles the to a general there small between as was decided 3 Martini rifles, confuse and May officers. up there 9th 200 idea our places 10 1 Winchester, bore, of to rounds was of to position at the one we would not be some of the units would 69. We sent capture. escape for more ammunition. but that was the with We had the after under the command cover the Leenane/Clifden way the Patrick to act as in cave in guard, to keep All made for He was I and was to river on the way at outside were of after Westport, the told that Westport Michael He told to We continued us that shoot on to he had up any Newport, he sent enemy arrangements in May. Kilroy, 11th May we bid and across We Mayo. in Aughergower, May we arrived to our in that was some that our done a distance and Kilroy of Michael Co. was of them. up be and a charge and treked and, Kilroy to early 12th covering Carmaclay, We located column. us. of village sent had house On the three splitting Newport, there The happen On the my aunt's with enemy to our men of would Mountains to of in of to enemy Joyce a sister man. Curvey. the place Battalions, Leenane, McDonnell, Connemara and Moran Mrs. the the pick men had take 4th Five harass the to bog mountain, halted to as best act the the P.J. 0/C, married to them nothing of marriage getting harass Dick for welfare our his farewell at the as urgently, that watch to and Tomás, were with Ashmount, grips Clifden, O/C Ó Máille. Pádraig close and 3rd around to arrangements and column the stay Eamon, Pádraig, small to ammunition, to ammunition. charge, to .45 G.H.Q. attack. Bartley, our were a guard brothers, get road, all almost Wallace not We gave Battalion 1st of men of Gerald could. they and rifles of to appeal plenty Clifden the We assigned any urgent as we could no use enemy another 23 miles, of we surprise, area with to surprised might on our of his be his see men into found way we called there. at 70. Mick McGoff's aged father house; I him where his the back Half his no who we were son, in. moustache was cut before and cow made the for and off over to spare. shots old We were of direction and as we were we would them. this his his wild hoofs died down some days he shaken their mark pelted her into the he afterwards for here brother and found the in up the internal only his sister eggs broke of after small if them, arms we caught They had butts, drove the and brought Torn Lyan Owney R.I.C. everything and beat the injuries. of party haste bed. house They with reared the raiding too. and lay from on to bedroom he in house. rifle himself much off and with bed, until on Tom as Westport, badly in on her without about Tom Lyan's lay beating We continued nearer to The threw made think whipped still them house the door. grenades to Dist. the back, We made something he had and He party armeed with was a cow into front from hair raided him. Newport. horse with had at sight. under R.I.C. Michael R.I.C. We came man as and brought horse well them give up with beaten Kylemore, his asked be to ribbons, the after escaped the of on her with out I afraid. brought out boreen, told of his his of a comical Butler and and be in torn found and broken. half sitting ringing a fence midst off, They kitchen an the He happened Sergeant Michael put in a gang we arrived. around back and Fudge horror, to not was Seemingly Inspector her shirt our He was came his to smashed was. and bare, kitchen and Michael, trousers. just was everything door clipped there, sitting years) (80 ruined told and house him Keane, there, had in very left the insensible. house, 71. James for the for died he smallest all Butler Carrowkennedy and road Rossow, one mile the early in We ate a huge almost all from next few the for preparation The McDonnell. it was be carried marriage was Mrs. to we were field, 14th in the Clew May. slept and her and husband it grew getting we heard the at in at that the dark, about 0/C to to cross sound of marching the and Derrylahan that I from down wedding Rossow, later 1/2 mile at and best-man in and Church. church The returned that arranged bridegroom them the Church Kilmeena my house joined have He grenades. friends I and Derrylahan, just of not Newport out The and .45s Peadar O/C, would out Mass. partaken McDonnell When off with was her of and barracks. carried duly Nuptial adorned where Westportin bed up the in out the The breakfast through the of to taken Newport near should with of too marriage were members Sergt. shores morning of marriage carried the 6 a.m. Five house the on were days P.P. ceremony because we were retired and breakfast that my father's the of so bad on across Newport, hours by We proceeded at arriving them atrocities, continuing the missed day. The marriage these never brutality, Westport. culprit. Valley, Newport Bay, in part chief the being into them took that were tempers following considering were our and bit, sent condition, R.I.C. We only man. a young the of effects the from house Owney Keane him. who annointed priest, recovered saw his the to he escaped he when probably house, when him, who, Gerahty the of rear shooting considering of the to retired They to began from and move when Newport, road feet night. a high we stopped 72. make matters from behind The breaths. between each pair. the middle of in road put in us. one "up the of a dark, behind went we slid bellies, were Our to able On the the a shot range the him, was too time workshops. Jim Capt. were lying a strange kindly on our where at we our most He downed out to be out from the of house. and up courage to storm the building a few young children clothes, and set to the infamous and even the scale. to a they found inside. without fire the directing time, have and Castlebar After roadside, to on a massive a long on the shot, than followed Westport a policeman thought first other A.S.U. Mayo decided column him, none West Moran for get the they spotted house out as the of the them to and Kilroy's and of arrived at Kilroy side hedge, They Retaliation fire withering threw Newport. far. Michael plucked and up creeping and, a number May although poured attack Mrs. 18th turned Military unseen took moon, a low then late. Butler. Sergt. to barrack, at victim yards around scouting leaving cloud paces I.R.A., the black away get hours destination were 30 Newport friend, ten they Apparently the held bolts of a rattle spout". affairs. other on the wall some of for ambush they our and we were and Suddenly was There to state them. the pairs, halted They across positions on in came police us from feet a few a depression against appeared ourselves We flattened cloud. a dark to and, cover, moment that moon at the worse, any the and ground us without behind was rising field the above feet five We were dead. only They giving building them and 73. The O/C in touch not and We decided and to after we set towards towards ambush at us. Ring and on hearing Moran's had news of there that and that some there lorries of A plane passed Corveigh and north to the collect about 1/2 mile While Bay. were to pouring blow previous were heading after as column for and Castlebar. up Tiernakill Leenane for West out on the south at hill at We sent 21st off May riders dispatch Glencroff, side of British column, on the us side On the us Bridge informed We veered meet Mayo. They ambush. shelter. to the stayed While on the sent been carrying Kilmeena we stood and and captured. run and and on our constantly Joe it. Aughagower. were the met night for us ordered they who had Connemara for an were there the of was wounded, and to Column Mayo and area Gleannagimla into there north. four there unit, were to about West been on the to the wounded busy waiting of ambush roads from that Kirby's south Westport at us journey overhead we arrived the some casualties our we had of were to firing been Tans, friends Carnaclay north men had back our the towards two told the Kilmeena of due they Corveigh, had we were firing Westport the of some members We resumed at we heard that the and McDonnell of They other the there. area, Kirby's we met way We headed in own brigade firing, Some of operating unit Andy the Kilmeena, some territory strange Service Mrs. to at us. retreat. in Connemara. staying coming our good-bye On our told to back Connemara, off miles. and Active West for to way to the with saying out We hit were get While our and myself Eamon Maam/Maam Killary troops Ó Máille, Cross B.E., 74. to road done Having at These same the going on around where the up Ashleagh Bridge and Shraleagh Bridge. West Mayo completely from direction to were Funds set out of making the for Glencroff until collection as Company to one as at Cornamona, and and money of remove lorries some for their and got and started hillside collected Dooghta the through planks cover to all cover On the break of day. then hillside There was the to we had darkness, a was second a lorry off reached moved it we had a section removed only pulled up our off to bridge across them night, the we heard placed when village. us. area We moved and with this the Michael Doogla On our had and in also village, locals ourselves of in We rushed equipment, village. as this Browne, us were Cornamona investigate. under Mick found. own convenience, under do billeted was hard Clonbur to sternly, the and We intended Joyce coming. intention in houses no myself low possible. Dick and lie Coyne's demands make we passed sound return. and Mayo. 0/C the to off Galway West Cornamona column quickly Wallace We had the the and Michael Patrick poor our Captain Thornton's at in We instructed with area Cornamona cut This the The out. running we blew Connemara men of gallant a collection areas. as the quell the May 23rd come from could reinforcements British the of fight, Skerdagh after night and Westport billeted The ambush. Kilmeena had or Tuam fighting the was bridge We received was fierce This Column Mayo from destroyed. there that the up coming were Newport. West blow troops bridges night impassable. to them off cutting Headford. Galway we told that, Cornamona, news from road the make up the billet of north a good of and view Tans with 75. a Lewis gun section of not Gable by We scanned to make we were sure of the at Glentrellig military from and further before four The the four of but just two soldiers having and wondered whether did so we would to leave them the Mountains welcome for three days to from the were repaired lorries whole and to most trying area. It planking armoured the house, we saw, inside, the stable them, but if us. We decided through Gleantrague with to and There the which remember away Mounterowen by stable there off from across was the a great We had column. experiences. meeting by them lorry, back get the capture Glencroff. Glencroff A brigade in We hit peace. at us of take leading me towards We backed to mountains Leenane go we should have in to two another cannot with came tea. I from road to in shoulder were was troops and Finney range on the and house, about as we were church rested us officers one over the of the into going the the through on the yards on, the Kilbride 500 Maam Valley, for we presumed, hills. and the to Tourmakeady the outside Right lorries, waiting, about progress. along a house Jenning's Mountain, Church. Finney Mr. surrounded outside the of west round-up. hillside the be We kept a mile in was to was us, from enough round-up. landed and road, lucky half keeping hills, from boreen another struck round-up and road every perimeter of a full-scale and We moved Cloughbrack. across just a guarding billet, we had that Mountain, lorries to leading as we knew our from yards road the cautiously, Mount 400 cars was held was reported them, and were and a report that that moving bridges convoys in taken strength of we 76. of or ten via back and to to the amalgamate Leenane outside was sent mine be to at the by in leaving for cable the the and were to but this we did did receive send After this was Cornamona Letterfrack when in company We were I going woman went anything it to and I up me and she said: thanked Patrick cousin to her 300 told very McDonnell, of the 0/C, the two in is and Capt. was with all I said I of the me when one at to at a very us helped a bag it. to would Tully the I you, take old with She wanted. no good to was and pensioners in take go time. sovereigns that the record of almost were they out me to much old the bridge and We ammunition. 38 There time mine, rounds were, the and brought gold "Sure funds up the to Tom Coyne blow finished room of as finished. at into the to to we were greatly. remember and Wallace Tully our agreed G.H.Q. 100 collections, and We were me. accompany make interrupted Peter exhausted. good to from instructed was electric construct rounds ship exploder. G.H.Q. 50 I meeting and Renvyle Tully and .45, time from the thoroughly to in June 1st of they laid of plenty and explosives receive the rounds and when fired We had G.H.Q. ample not on 100 .303, to be to intercept be to a that to was idea that Killary a detonator also sent was was morning. job, A report it just Lahill, suggested This neck. narrow and the of West and with also was mouth the boat, at convoy It was made Mayo A messenger Mayo. at in night was West placed a warship this village. We Galway. West of columns attack Clifden, A suggestion them. two to and Connemara to Oughterard attack Maam to Maam Cross, by and Recess weak too were around eight handed took one a stór". no more. Company we approached and the a 77. at teacher's house man had a revolver He us £1. gave it give to will it". get am able to We never hives except the and fuse, is door box and it and there I Coyne. our collection myself set we made received, off having a Volunteer came cut from Renvyle boat and for for of in the Mayo the means of the then we were there quickly and to make Killary. we now towards blew with that intending the mouth was was Coyne, While said take for said and and side, we could coils war bridge Gogarty. we pulled the extra road a storm and rounds the by Dr. across took that" bridge, Tully. and I Wallace, and the in 100 when the lid. Savage after us down only owned halfway how hard drifted Our House, .32 had lid the paper. We finished coming off. made but Maolrea, Letterfrack. 12 Tans lifted gelignite it of tea, We were matter work house We counted of it McDonnell's in the keep for shooting lifted and a box with short it finished, we brought explosives all with for he noted around with out I "All me?". I return to no one "if said, but was a lovely to him and it not flying to sticks cloth, promised Having and 20 he did he replied. watching. deserve you "Well, to it. a shoot I house, over below in the was filled found wrapped McDonnell but the and it saw bees went in if Coyne," leave of I I that a bargain" one bit one. and over. hit that paper automatic the Feehan, empty out Mr. you for he had hidden have Mr. will was Coyne it. right, beehives. eight the "All searched about of was: him that it get "I said it, get Mr. right, Mr. he also it, would Tans him to this me that told ask should said wanted I the me, All after. then I I he and Nest, that and that and revolver Eagle's was got us. a boat We got to land up and no no headway Patrick the at out. 78. us one and McDonnell four the boat, violently the Tans did not eventually washed from and A meeting of shortage in the charge of as All of was done not we could afford to my appeals to enable to keep met and an them with billet to the to officer not villages it better be put us to owing would parts, to G.H.Q. done it that go the was too far the men, altogether. no results or supplies by the ammunition. The and Ashleagh to we planned I and 18th and blew June we came back that window We could not no back tight and, down the out of get door, if the get away by running hill in line with the bridge, but yards from having and and hill the we had lorries along the I took house them by to I at saw be through Crossley towards away, the the back as us. there to take a chance and sit pulled up, we would try and the of a fence Killary. there a meal when 1/2mile this Heneghan's just bed, the James We were of of night at 100 out Wallace, doing only got Tans after is 2 lorries, coming and Bridge, stayed house Peter on the Bundoragha and only tenders, was to stand. bridge Bundoragha road. having this up Delphi The Louisburgh the to night. midday, let over was planked Bridge went Tom Coyne to and It bay. afterwards be four into miles column. shortly and unit each the gorging three about the lucky We were pubs. of could nothing column This apart. to ammunition, up split two side was held that decided was same the on were they Glashlaun, we returned when June 6th in up the in whiskey but gave of bottom We were time. boat, which us, the in lying the the spot with was all sick themselves Tully I oarsmen. good come with men had his of was no on However, crossing side they of this the passed and, on 79. needless our to had an Connemara and, destroyed, was the Louisburgh of campaign at lorry and back to Westport. destroy all bridges to 29th way home with it was such and swim the in to we thought the boat the up our Imagine that our with our rifles boat drifting We would get We got word a round-up nine lorries we had them such a chance that night was to of was only helplessly Tans start had the arrived a mile and rambled sightseers. a load like from yards with wife, day the and hotel. learned of ducks sitting again, at half indeed next what shoulders by my late the with we later 800 a we were when chagrin tourists that never that of and of we dressed us, take us Just on our predicament load and as to towards part visiting While tourists. and frustration Auxiliaries, a boat of at walked we decided coming out, the and billeted six, way back. boat a load plan area, who were evening conked hill at we laughed be through our was that or friends on our Killary in a such stright It only the us, been gone five us, a few we saw a motor swimming, away of a lovely by we were while June, the and them. of job a number Lodge, have to out revenged, have would us join bridges was destroyed not to way Carrowkennedy. was would evening passing the at ambush Delphi this On the man. them a thorough we made off ambush Kilmeena for to of we had Carrowkennedy success, Delphi that bridge at ambush assuming that their lorries other and to that Carrowkennedy. on were lorry prepared there at death of result For return. Column Mayo saw this they that West to the see to wait with appointment The and not had They handywork. they It we did say, in us. 20 rounds Margaret, that a 80. the With He was friendly some years stationed at been in stationed and brought in hotel late wife He the from troops the and the Erriff along to spread along and make a wide the Old the they contacted and who were sweeping towards them. was starting out Westport and sea. They were all our billets. the territory of vicinity covered all bounded by the Our It this. four that Pier, and named all the the Tans where sailed where Derrynasliggan, heard were We marched boats a family on both Coyne had come, until the destroyers Another group up somewhere area to be in the combed to Westport the towards combing to all gather billeted in four Louisburgh the the the houses miles we were to at activity to lucky the shore we frightened the the but there. living house when news of column around sea of for at to enough south who were men around from road Westport sides. some time they miles. rowing from the was with was link The land to Louisburgh inwards landed to likely camp hummed with took Bundorragha to sea for together, from round-up were at along mountains men who had The Greene party so my her, us. Head Tans village destroyers Valley of sweep the the to the the to other Killary. of in warn Two scale. Killary up the company to Limerick The guides. information haste in up picked Cuffe's Mrs. this coast, all the post man who had a destroyer, to all large as from gave with sped on a very was in went and were act to escaped a drink. for Tans a protection R.I.C. locality brought man Greene the the the by man was being This another He and Bundorragha. in previously had been and us towards disposed Greene. man named an R.I.C. was Auxies secure the heart two Killary out of When they at night they they heard who we were thought 81. a céad we got on the singing and Killary them in from using The the small a safe craft to intervals position able to on a hill just to R.I.C. thanks operations, off the steam curraghs into the and take the of any I.R.A. escape the dragnet. around the Old the coast. watch the along to be comforting very prevent steamed destroyer men at landing to presumably these and boats was we watched hill the kettle the soon morning of brow up all pick tow, other That fire. from destroyers and fáilte míle Head, It was from round-up area the outside man who gave of the us information. At the at on islands each it Then passed the scanning the of experience the seeing left and military operating and the were our side so because that had they down on a plane observer quite 3/4 hour After the Tans had after bay from a few our look-out the rare in Mweelrea to any unable the bridge to go first use at over the of sight mountainside, motor on transport was blown Doolough to and The we lost on the on flight headed hours them. mountains, clearly. and all enough no men on the and myself looking the and long were of slopes circled and along delayed there men, 0/C Mountains. Mayo the for pilot and that see along the came Killary, to area mountain plane the them of a plane a.m. 6.30 and Westport up, then on to Louisburgh. the In Gerald vicinity. were Colm Recess column, afternoon Ó Gaora The area. went to we moved Bartley and the 0/C Glencroff, and and Jim rest of I, with just from the King the the south immediate (with men) moved local of them the also to the men of the Leenane/ 82. as As far Clifden road. started on the 30th June. I must explain We had sent Here had arisen. the fight at and along he where Even one sent word he though the directed out this court. It the West Mayo Brigade on that the and I/O, but met he had on that would sent to We set Tobias off was was from light to be house and then Killary side house. from at a given about 100 yards dash for to the event yards night information and throw came would be to in a stone from the bay on road of sweep cover happened leading word ship. every The Ashmount. from the mountainside whatever sent word anchored between the any mountain a searchlight from us, Mounterowen. bare we got for was my late and the of news and Cuffe Margaret above the house, have Mrs. The with 100 any be carry Glencroff, would One could swept had he There Bay. was only if officers Connolly's Ashmount, bare Eventually out the at there. there to were would information, regarding the to sisters; destroyer. travel will, driver we left through our Connolly's We stayed find to continually We could all Joyce's a British deck was (both along down sloping Galway. get they hoping It we got come to come Office, officers night went there, none. that wire) him this and McDonnell Margaret had June. 30th and myself, 0/C this of that G.H.Q. his against arranged and re to brigade was to Maam Post to Tan outside Therefore, the the which how a car and Tans round-up situation report courtmartial and place a full reinforcements for carried ordered G.H.Q. a difficult the of the remember, Ó Máille's Pádraig drove can I to the to Cuffe's officers Maam. to of 83. Mayo, and there for a few Michael that two other and Jim for of of were them the next move. to We had the constantly be round-up the Leenane/Maam across the mountain side Westport We sent word a guide send following the us gave his journey was when Tans Michael to bring into over While into going at our our as I area. saw Tans 11 O'clock a courier from At with a introduced to meant little that very he was us but at a courier I forget that from his period. G.H.Q. McLoughlin's. and ready it his we would the was the arrived Kilroy most of moving Phil at of on escapades hair-raising a large the of on the and rock the them. finding Gleannagimla, lorries no sign of remember, under without Leenane. billets I of Westport. Gleannagimla The concealed lorries Gleanagimla be account them in to number We moved stayed to we night. When Michael July. lay they and them was chance in Kilroy As far 9th there and Leenane, to for landed an interesting walked Peadar and night. of night he of from at the Adjutant, a large was coming was and until and road there. there and only river, Heraghty's Hotel our Errif Kilroy Martin remain Leenane and across to the Brigade There careful, ceasing Michael to going most men were Captain, told in other Gibbons, and billeted Tans the Johnnie of north escort Derrintin, Joyce, road, two to Joyce Company Rush, word Tans and officers, Letteras, sent Westport Kilroy We arranged of the along Michael by around wait came. word day we would that Cuffe until days came next Word 3 1/2miles Mrs. told West officers Mayo from coming J. arrived He was anyhow name; This and Mayo and Connolly Dublin. and names man informed showed us his us 84. from permits to travel He us a communication gave was being as from declared We were could not attend in Kilroy was a house all Michael courier mountains where towards a pony On returning the following top of lorries of enemy us think for our the I/O, J. the last round-up how the friend, our Connolly, would We moved down towards cross when we heard It was not of the road. We ducked We had yet just the lorry us, reversed in into were an old time came to in and turned that road six of back of On to made Were it and through indeed. about just in with beside in 100 Leenane the turn small the the to tender. Crossley hidden stopped it wife, getting were us, the We saw day. slight hut for friend and my late up positions and their went Leenane of a was to night. and this the of Leenane. and whine side Glenacolly, my old see roofless take sight of to been it sight; the them into have area take man, the his along chances the There for up early R.I.C. the instructions. ease to to same overlooking we were lucky introduced the to passing in staying a messenger out with Hill Michael Reilly's we got morning week. to that again we slept Gleannagimla it to the him miles were got trap Gleannagimla, nine three Westport and destination. in him accompanied in we requested he was set immediately as He was with too, begin were for. informed area, Kilroy I that and a truce would but officers off that delighted meant, sent military. 11th. than immediately his to fire it what some distance sent a cease stunned immediately The us on July brigade Dublin courier. and more informing that noon understand communication was and 12 o'clock and British I.R.A. arms. road. hut yards again. when away from not 85. The the from courier These returned. in the all the hills at Galway realised and 12 amid while we were breaking minutes to from of lorries 25 at this blighter here under our that our hearts friends had There and were get cars to we now go, once again left the free six of men, us we received a splendid united them God that thanking armoured to them at we were they two o'clock Looking after joy, and 11 Leenane. our the about them". Leenane relief with tears for o'clock. marching welcome were time from twenty were Shinners morning, off started damned looking That how quickly in talking remark them heard "See Dublin: some Auxies to listening and afterwards hotel noses was I/O with we were safe and happy. This freedom in finishes West my account Connemara up to of the our Truce fight for on 11th July, 1921. Signed: Feehan John Date: Witness: D. J. (Investigator). Bird Caput. 29th Oct 1957