BMH.WS1741 PART 2 - Bureau of Military History

ROINN
BUREAU
COSANTA.
OF MILITARY
STATEMENT
DOCUMENT
NO.
HISTORY,
BY
W.S.
1913-21.
WITNESS.
1741
Pages 186-377
Parr
II
Cork
No.
Witness
Michael
V. O'Donoghue,
Lismore,
Co. Waterford.
Identity.
Engineer
Officer,
2nd Battalion,
Subject.
I.R.A.
ac'
Counties
Aties;
and Donegal.
Waterford,
Cork
Conditions, if any, Stipulated by Witness.
Nil.
File No
S.2,676.
FormB.S.M.2
186.
the
Bandon
two
think,
was going
even
his
house
friendliness.
in which
their
main
one
was from
wife
joined
mark
of
many problems
never
on Irish
outlook
affairs
and development
working
and
and
about
in,
outlook,
respect
and political.
was the
Galway.
and religious
we had discussions
social
concern
wife
every
had a liberal
They
and their
his
national,
religious.
with
of
himself.
twenties
social
Nightly
and questions,
of
farm.
Volunteers
By day,
section
of
each
A large
diversified.
and used
as a drill
The course
dumps,
dealt
booby
Our young
but
enough,
they
The first
of
course.
I
country
put
them in
and to
martial
qualities.
stools
adapted
I
morning
assortment
began.
were
give
fitted
from
me and my
and held
in
the
much awe.
motley
who had turned
Then they
were
and seats
a step-ladder.
explosives,
and receptive.
all
a little
in
work
devices.
lessons
confidence
up a crude
theatre.
bombs,
command of
Volunteers
them
of
eager
lads
over
them through
and benches
I
were
engineering
took
for
was emptied
demolition
end mechanical
country
and military
scientific
and uses
engineers
reported
Jim's
Big
explosives,
electrical
soldier
area
and lecture
training
making
engineers'
or so and was pretty
of Willie
with
the
battalion
9 a.m.
hall,
traps,
the
barn
mainly
also
mines,
in
at
began
from
selected
company
Work
training.
of
political,
the
bad a farm
their
in
of
village
intensively
and his
T.C.D.,
the
my host,
he worked
In
disparity
arguments,
land
to
in
Jim,
daughters,
grown-up
I was accepted
in
planted
Big
so which
or
He had
Despite
Cork,
Willie
River.
acres
150
of
Earl
first
drill
squad
in
blackboard
My lessons
and their
on all
barn
sorts
and the
on a rough
had
to
the
to break
themselves
seated
the
up for
lecturing
stand.
be simple
187.
and easily
and
technicalities
when I
difficulty
those
looks
raw country
on their
terminals
I
in
despair,
to
report
I
for
meal
for
each
day during
round
the
practical
demonstration
the
a low
S.W.G.,
barn
a protruding
the
the
up the
to
cable
the
Here
I
being
the
boreen
low
leads
glimmer
from
trainees
billets
the
of
to
their
eyes
charge
would
them to
fixed
lay
on the
be exploded.
round,
a crevice
where
the
I noticed
dawning
in
down and take
I
view
of
positive
and at
shouted
from
I
of
the
I
rock
the
connecting
forty
we could
the
of
behind
After
terminals
rock,
wall
the
we withdrew
and connections.
instructed
in
detonator.
to explain
an understanding
Here
ranged
in
sticks
we moved out
the farmhouse.
position
cable
some copper
and a few
audience
tension
up an
rigged
and got
a corner
at
a position
to
had
reassembled,
detonator,
deliberate
very
Then I
in
the
attached
negative
boys
rock
gelignite
I
detonator
my wide-eyed
and inserted
back
them
in Shorten's
respective
batteries
dry
away up a boreen
With
placed
their
last,
The midday
later.
- the
circles
at
instructing
and prepared
interval
tension
when the
boreen.
keep
with
exploder
selected
the
dinner
the
gelignite.
to
evening
in
and,
them,
dinner,
course
training
blank
district.
During,
electric
for
them for
current
and negative
go round
to
began
things
simplify
the
remember
positive
dismissed
the
in
dispersing
the
Then I
camp was supplied
the
of
of
of explosives
I well
spoke
some
principles
detonation
as I
to
the
from
with
confronted
explain
youths.
faces
endeavoured
cable
to
and voltage.
as
all
tried
tree
plain,
I ns
jargon.
and electrical
electricity
to
and my talk
illustrated,
the
yards
or
the
rock.
so
exploder,
and the
with
their
cover
satisfaction
intent
but
the command
"Ready,
fire"
eyes.
to
"Fire"
188.
stones
the
breach
I
There
of
rock
were
blown
We inspected
the
result.
and pieces
boreen.
in
wall
the
them to
got
listened
of
precision
if
wall
was obstructing
I
feet
the
wide
or four
men to
was loaded
mine
placed
about
of
the
in
cavity
electric
the
detonator
about
cable
a mile
inside
meeting
the
the
of
roadside
mine.
of
and firmly
packed
block.
A low
dug-out
fence
The road
on the
in
at
the
side
a sharp
surface
to
in
of
angle
was then
only
the
centre
tension
to
copper
the
in
the
spot.
tonite,
and connected
and thence
three
and the
surface
hole
to
contain
to
the
a small
the
- a kind
to
charge
about
The mine
through
of
the
road
a
of
cube
and took
across
and
shelter
the
camp
did.
centre
was led
trench
the
was with
which
long
a shallow
from
in
concrete
in
fence
in
never
and carried
was inserted
60 yards
house,
away was chosen.
A small
position.
his
into
heavy
his
up a large
blow
the
Jim
damage to
An ambush position
was. carefully
lbs.,
in
camp
Big
Willie
the
I
a
method and
the
was a large
was atrociously
was excavated
in
for
to
impressed.
military
demonstration
space
on an ass and cart
hole
A large
in
explosives
affair
a hollow
about
engineers
though
move and lift.
road
Enniskeen
do so,
This
It
explosive.
that
passage
demolition
mine.
with
in
Later,
be using
to
large
concrete
large
wall
against
the
again
promised
Our next
the
me as a favour
and asked
vicinity.
restore
admiration
protested
and when I would
duly
demolition.
scientific
half-jokingly
which
tree
all
They were
a sizeable
They were
lessons
scientific
the
and across.
air
the
Quite
of
my squad
explosion,
into
damage and to
the
to
engineering.
boreen
boreen.
the
afterwards
avidly
mildly,
of
repair
Ever
before.
was a loud
switch.
the
and pressed
the
road
bottom
operator's
a fence
and about
carefully
50 yards
and road
replaced
the
were
which
stones,
buried
in
cover
protective
more than
places
then
to
the
exploding
anybody
of
the
party.
I
my arrival
signalled
awaited
the
I ducked
back
pulled
cover
and blew
There
was a deafening
rocks
and showers
air
It
and for
full1
was well
that
bad been
of
in
One large
75 yards
the
road
of
50 yards
so.
noted.
One trait
modified
type
concrete
as a filler
charge
effect
of
in
and blast
of
main
dug-gut,
waved.
borne the
of
switch.
small
concrete,
into
fifty
yards
down in
showers
the
all
of
and range
around.
safety
observation
30 lbs.
was
weight,
this
this
crater
was blown
all
experimental
land
tamping
case
the
medium had
sevenfold
lbs.
round
and results
metal
or
of
the
scattered
The effect
tubular
a concrete
effect
the
and then
up protective
about
road
The operator
margin
rock,
was
of
In
convincingly.
operator's
sent
rained
A large
and debris
or
were
for
the
The flag
Pieces
taking
was amazing.
in
from
signal
the
on the
away.
The destructive
explosive
posts
acknowledgement
such a liberal
for
the
arranged
and pressed
atones
road
direction
came.
roar.
the
completed.
a whistle.
catch
a minute
allowed
positions.
hurled
It
ordinary
different
I
to
end got
safety
the
along.
signal.
the
of
Returning
time
for
and finally
by a flag
explosion
observation
away,
of
were
conceal
positioned
side
either
travelling
then
broken
to
its
other
battery
in
to
were
inspection
parties
warning
to detain
timing
of
small
used
road
parties
100 yards
made a tour
and placed
the
on the
of
shape
around,
restore
Observation
connections
I
to
the
an
plentiful
mine and
appearance.
under
in
metalling
material
- a very
useful
a radius
carefully
was a
The value
of
was shown very
of
combination
increased
out
for
were
blast
mine.
high
the
small
H.E.
explosive
discovery
-
190.
valuable
than
and
gold
The
chemical.
section
out
the
H.E.
tiny
handle.
based
No.
used
for
for
and
favoured
dangerous
Willie
to
engineering
Buttimer
companies
section
on the
two.
We usually
at
night,
whore
ourselves
and
the
brigade
We got
shillings.
it,
we all
had
a half-crown
drank,
of
for
the
I.R.A.
area,
weekly
ware
from
usually
in
our
and
of
we managed
But
organising
funds,
but
Sullivan,
let
We rarely
people
often
a change
everywhere
quite
of
that
me admit
porter.
the
us,
Cumann
Impoverished.
smoked and,
pints
pockets.
in
Cross"
Tadhg
good to us and entertained
At week-ends
of
chronically
We an
large
cigarettes
workers
"White
a night
pub up in Kinneigh
training
Quartermaster,
"fags"_
for
entertainment
officers.
dismissed
up the
scrounged
- great
not
awn training.
their
pints,
sisters
Nyhan
the
in
a few
were
build
Nyhan's
throughout
us
at
to
the
kept
camp. course
adjourned
talked
Brigade
and
Callaghan's
We,
the
instability
trainees
there
were
They were
to
na. mBan.
ten
Volunteer
basis
Chilean
grenades.
their
and
Cheddar",
explosives
emergency
moved over
we drank
a song or
sang
the
dangerous
"Irish
chlorate,
When the
their
or
lavishly.
to
owing
ended,
and myself
very
These
were
very
"Lumite",
2",
bombs and
of
by new home-
though
commonest
oil.
mines
The amount
dumps was pitifully
I.R.A.
No.
to eke
valiantly
dynamite,
effective,
the
more
scarce.
was supplemented
but
fifing
Jim's
return
hardly
in
unpredictability.
Big
through
army.
such as potassium
and paraffin
largely
of
"War Flour
1",
on ingredients
saltpetre
tried
This
Among these
"War, Flour
were
-
- crude
made explosives
as
just
I.R.A.
the
were
materials
- gelignite,
T.N.T.
and restricted.
small,
and
the
explosives
tonite,
guncotton,
to
of
explosive
many areas
in
resources
orthodox
regular
to
in which
by an army
especially
191.
- a shirt
under-clothes
or at
H.Q.
the
in
houses
men of
the
I
all
I.R.A.
until
wandering
had any
I
in
Leaving
Four
P.
of us were
served
West
the
in
West
for
Valera
the
on his
visit
even
to
before
the
of
small
the
the
"Mickeen's"
This
Not
trap.
progress,
rump with
a heavy
violently
to
insult.
smashing
then
tore
in
off
the
front
madly
joker
of
the
rough
2nd Battn.
He had been
to
ambush sites
all
in
the
whacks
reacted
viciously,
hill-track.
back
with
resounding
his
too
inebriated
apparently
with
de
President
notoriety
"Mickeen"
trap
and Tan
he bad been
obviously
He bucked
down the
of
to
joined
Black
the
time
him a few
stick.
returned
and
was now seated
satisfied
the
world,
and Kilmichael
parading
he hit
on the
such
of
fellow
War,
Forces
honour
Lieut.
driving,
Great
new martial
this
Enniskeen.
on duty.
of
off
we set
the
Comdt.
Newcestown
extent
Chief.
the
At this
guard
supply
jovial
throughout
whilst
to
to
about
Vice
becoming
I.R.A.
and he had celebrated
well,
he served.
service
1922.
Colonial
the
intoxication
of
charge
in
army
Tim O'Donoghue.
Comdt.
underwear
Buttimer
who had knocked
Cork,
on I.R.A.
a burly,
Hurley,
from
Ireland
camp break-up.
Jack
trap;
Australian
must say that
tub-trap
grand
"Jur"
in which
in
demoted
and
deserted
I.R.A.,
under
in
the
Cork,
regime
the
years
forty
our
in
in
I
Callaghan,
of near
after
Callaghan's
would
and I
end of
the
A.S.U.
admirers
a clean
about
at
gaol
"Mickeen"
driving
throughout
problems
landed
tie,
the
the
whole-time
female
or
where
and stored
wandering
Occasionally
a new shirt
my time
never
the
the "boys",
us with
present
in
for
or battalion
brigade
town and village
each
and laundered
Cumann na mBan washed
underwear
- at
and socks
hind
almost
hooves,
Buttimer
192.
to
tried
him under
get
- there
track
was a high
track
were
rock
turned
a morass
mouth
the
wheel
left
the
the
inevitable.
the
right
whole
as Buttimer
smashing
the
on a low
dazed.
on the
legs
scrambled
a few
just
up in
terrified
haste
landed.
suffering
some cuts
and bruises
in
the
sedge without
but
unscathed,
jumped
lay
up and
feet
with
and it
our
stood
damage.
we.
lay
across
Callaghan
panting
with
harness
The pony was unhurt
Getting
too,
some rope,
the
sides.
nag
extent
twine,
body,
except
with
and landed
immediately
But Mickeen
heaving
the
scene.
had escaped
after
brought
hind
contact
head.
and,
the
Callaghan
docile
strangely
myself
pony's
clear
motionless.
the pony's
aid,
arid some broken
shafts
were
sat
and panting,
quiet
tumult.
Hurley
I,
capsizing
my face.
violent
thrown
a scratch.
into
saw the pony's
fallen
from
on the
flung
I
a moment
was
and surveyed
had been
Callaghan
found
before
on the
road.
the
me and landed
over
when I
turn
the right.
trap
For
inches
had actually
harness.
the
earth
panicked
ground
the
ahead
straight
I
to no
all
dizzily
to
rock.
Buttimer
the
balanced
was thrown
exposed
almost
tearing
up off
frantically
sedge-covered
Then I
almost
high
and shafts,
was
side
other
him but
rose
the
and bog holes.
control
load
Burley
moss-covered
on soft
heavily
I
wake.
pony's
so ahead
which
round
Buttimer
catapulted
harness
rutted
As we reached
pulled
the
or
rocks
wheel
trap
moment Mickeen
in
to
was
yards
On the
with
turn,
rough
sides
moss-covered
The next
bog,
Sixty
right.
away trying
rock,
a second
For
with
the
the
over
right-hand
to
sharply
a crash
beside
the
down to
Mickeen'S
purpose,
no fences.
at
strewn
As we tore
career
mad downhill
his
continued
Mickeen
in vain.
but
control,
for
all
the
pony
to
To
of
mad
the
its
broken
material
Hurley,
an awl, and wax-end
so
193.
to
repairs
patched-up
we trudged
once
of
local
man on its
working
in
pub over
at
hunger
in
H.Q.
our
table
pub until
the
Sic forgot
and damage
of
the
3rd
Battalion
of
a bike
for
this
near
when
to
of
Battalion
of
me at Kearney's,
to
Mass.
Dunmanway
There
that
day,
farmhouse
Sunday,
I
and I wont
over
accident
out West
of
to
a crock
was given
of
inspection
company
Dunmanway,
plan
a billet
a mile
travelled
there.
Brigade
Balteenbrack
about
athletic
to
Tadhg
Corcoran's,
First
a stable
our
in each
to arrange
0/C,
was a big
day
I
east
at
battalion.
a large
Next
Dunmanway.
miles
was located
Battalion
tour
at
cabbage,
Tadhg must have
was a tour
Arrived
in
mission,
sections
five
of
report
Dunmanway area,
engineer
of
pangs
Q.M.,
Yet
trap.
This
about
H.Q.
Kearney,
inspection
the
area.
Manch Bridge,
to
on my next
transport.
scattered
Pete
the
for
it,
in
and reorganising
of
to
we related
and handed
Bde.
the
conveniently
and repairs
known or heard
to
by a
we returned
there
reported
village
an I.R.A.
meentima.0
the
Later
and trap,
pony
the
munched oats
evening.
quiet.
hours
consumption
huge
Mickeen
Bandon area,
transport,
Sullivan.
with
and spuds.
the
behind
In
head
included
and satisfied
pints
and now
the
a few
in
which
personnel.
a large
heed
pig's
works
and carriage
as
his
where
Down in
was repaired
trap
walking.
pony and the
temple
rock.
moss-hidden
the
joinery
a local
on his
Enniskean
had recovered
Hurley
raw bruise
the
quartette
the
leading
us behind.
Enniskean,
for
off
crest-fallen
Buttimer
that
struck
we set
more,
emergency
"Mickeen" under
with
dolorous,
along,
a big
sported
of
trap
three
other
had
and harness.
out
we carried
home,
trap
a rather
We were
back
Callaghan
by sending
sports
I
I
reported
of
was got
for
nearer
in with
my hosts
meeting
in
met many of
the
boys
194.
who had
gathered
Barry's
brother-in-law,
assistant
from
young
officers
very
dressed
as we were
leggings,
of
we did
boys,
drink
of
Republican
just
and that
They
refused
to
(us)
outside
were
with
now very
(Price
police,
hostile,
and myself)
was explosive.
I
the
opened
put
a number
the
The police
my covercoat,
of
then
Pat
Murphy
tea
at
and
and unless
too.
of
were
exposing
of hardy
when
pub
the
to clear
we were
I.R.A.
on reorganisation
moved into
the
party
of
rear
noisily.
strangers
commotion
fellows
that
they
inside,
put
us
The situation
first.
a very
to view
the
arguing
the
police
in
pint
Dunmanway next
and the
premises
(The
was the
that
area
Hearing
the
of
the
there.
Milner's
hat.
O'Driscoll's,
meeting
of men were
we entered
demanded
off
the
through
police
out
with
then
to
be gone out
move until
night
and endeavoured
explained
moving
where
in
and
that
and unworthy
notice
go.
town
consumption
we were
entered
we would
room and kitchen
inside
beneath
The Republican
morning.
of
mostly
and Slouch
talking,
here
pints.
around
breeches
coat
After
worthy
anti I
then
in
dance
the
militarily,
- riding
trench
be
day and
ourselves
letting
pubs again1
11 p.m.
police
Price
premises.
officers
the
of
spirits,
conspicuous
go there.
deemed
About
many kindred
fashion
to
Driscoll's
we drifted
and myself,
and drinking
were
warriors).
work
to
Cork
met me on the
Brigade,
at
Tom
Price,
was a warm autumn
and collar,
vie considered
others
the
column
we - Price
round
arguing
only
all
the
in
evening
and very
in
- decided
Ardcahan
the
was a Republican
course,
in West
ourselves
like
shirt
green
arrived
It
meeting
important
There
and,
In
another,
We felt
flick
Cork
centre.
I.R.A.
one pub to
sports.
and dinner
We had drinks
a great
I.R.A.
to
officer
town was crowded.
the
the
recently
training
sportsfield.
Green,
town for
in
delicate
dilemma.
my Sam Brown belt
-
195.
with
complete
that
and my companion
myself
have
in
a meal
that
the
district
Milner's
and
a big,
Whereupon
the
in
service
active
he,
column
Republican
else.
"You're
Then
did
only
Sam Browne
with
the
Dublin
to
and
dawn,
then
withdrew
it
that
to
we waited
inside
did
not
our
hostile
cried
of
tumult.
police
to
behaviour.
the
clear
why I had exposed
my
I was threatening
them
moment.
Price
in
strong
the
they
at
hands
We parted
We
all.
in
men
the
On the
police.
shook
there
stayed
kitchen
some time
I.R.
I was cool
O'Driscoll
a damn if
in
his
But
Neilus
After
me,
friends.
the
of my business
by the
by
anybody".
around.
care
out
or anybody
his
for
night.
with
be put
officers
angry
a meal.
came up to
to
me loudly
corner
quiet
followed
O'Driscoll
the
was none
for
departed,
his
I
angrily
was an ugly
my weight
to
out
the
reason
It
turning
blurted
going
cause
by telling
throw
that
him
till
out.
that
go out
thought
They
trouble
I assured
for
gun,
the
accent
while
was the
get
and prudent,
out,
that
there
and had been out
I was helping
that
to
stay
to
boy"
the
gun to
aggravated
Neilus
I understand
and
going
or I.R.A.
don't
and that
place
we were
fellow
man too,
The men thought
and that
officer
police
right,
a column
"You're
on
and he was not
(Barry's)
anybody,
officers
intended
rough-looking
them
told
I.R.A.
were
was an I.R.A.
too,
and quietly
Colt
and holster
nay
and apologised
most friendly
fashion.
fifteen
About
entered
C/O,
the
us out.
bring
and
told
local
minutes
us that
police
We refused
along
their
officer
pompous and officious
we would
officer,
to
the
later,
had
go and I
to
man in
have
to
ordered
demanded
see us.
his
same police
thirties
bat
leave,
them to
that
the
He came in,
or
again
more
their
clear
police
a rather
(much
196.
than
older
in
we
lacerated
him
in
insulting
I.R.A.
and
did.
The
did
not
I
dance
no dancing,
neither
a step,
muster
We chatted
and try.
I
a young
took
so did
that
nor
Vice
Brigade
me
When I
voice
told
ma that
had made a serious
refused
to
driven
orders
threatened
P.O.
him and his
off
him
Young notified
in
an official
Lordan's
his
of
men from
of
pompous self-importance
of
the
forestall
whole
whole
the
affair
to
the
would
Vice
be at
and
strained
relations
I.R.
army.
I would
was convicted
of
in
the
interfering
on duty
-
and
and
their
me,
duty.
H.Q.
he advised
H.Q.
I
to
I.R.
Young and
knowing
me to
so as to
explained
my behaviour.
between
earnest
I had
that
me,
and he agreed
pleased
get
a most
- Ned Young
Brigade
all
to see
wanted
Brigade
but
Brigadier
after.
I was told
out
officer.
police
improper
not
with
to
floor
dancing.
a while
police
to
old,
the
he was sending
that
first
officious
see anything
however,
incident
not
a revolver
matter
largely
sympathies
dance
us could
take
hall,
carrying
too
the
of
to
officer
I.R.
the
and outside.
and in
Young with
(Lordan)
report
the
him about
the
were
report
not
to
to
Sean Lordan,
police
complaint
the
obey
I had
that
local
the
That the matter
out
me aside
he took
the
who were
to
Commandant,
met him,
enjoyed
courage
and sat
supper
out.
Neither
girls
On returning
Price.
Mick
the
to
lady
the
and stay
doors
Price.
too,
We finished
we went
the
up enough
with
area
the
officer.
to
did
effrontery
rather
night
was crowded
his
out
get
commanding
that
so
loafers.
I believe
Later
which
hall,
did
their
end there.
the
in
to
police
Price.
and
to
strangers
them as drunken
policemen
of
off"
"telling
for
terms
officers,
him and his
by ordering
They
unmeasured
treat
to
trying
I was indignant
of us).
any
that
the
he
could
Brigade,
hear
of
bickering
and the
police
a severe
rap
on the
knuckles
with
the
police
or
if
obstructing
I
197.
them.
The position
In
brigade,
each
police
In
licensing
- which
laws,
were
officers
The police
were
This
to
conduce
soldier
breeds
not
were
had no time
for
to
just
little
and organised
trained
Battalion
each
area,
and equipped
for
all
Many of
the
the
area
In
impassable.
factory
in
was
in
this
full
open country.
depression
concealed.
cow-house,
in
in
area,
blast.
Yet,
the
It
barn,
of
corner
close
a large
ass
nature.
from
G.H.Q.
we
the
fight.
In
the
Dunmanway
section,
work.
demolition
remained
trenched
unique
field,
farmyard,
and boiler-house.
strange
site
it
and
a bomb
Balteenbrack,
was situated,
due to its
of
this
of
of
to
Staff
Brigade
engineering
still
It
was disguised
piggeries
kinds
brigade,
situation
orders
urgent
company had its
trained
roads
bubblings
Young's
with
lodged
the
feverishly.
as lesser
However,
and national
a resumption
for
not
superiority,
that
it
did
The ordinary
amused
then
came and with
be ready
Home Affairs.
Police
Republican
military
not
authorities
of
Department
me, though
about
finicky
November
I.R.A.
as the
pressed,
police
civil
soldiering.
against
of all
army did
or popularity.
for
enough
so rapidly
changed
the
the
activities.
police
them with
regarded
tough
never
of
for
gatherings
the
the
and the
efficiency
and charge
complaint
with
subject
Courts
their
I.R.A.
itself
position
ambiguous
public
units,
battalion.
enforcing
Even though
I.R.A.
nominally
Féin
Sinn
to
attached
or concern
at
etc.
sports,
in
of
detailed
usually
mainly
stewarding
doing
administer
and to
consisted
races,
descriptions,
were
charge
each
in
arrangement
a few Volunteers
company
in
Officer
Police
nebulous.
was rather
police
a similar
with
duties
police
I.R.
the
was a Brigade
affairs,
each
of
to
in a
was. effectively
with
large
Power was
say,
198.
by a gas engine,
supplied
and the
furnace
the
lads
on the
couple
of
a safe
distance
of
the
kept
site
factory
out
turning
the
mouths
Mills
the
of
manager
type
of
Neville
Frank
at
guards
closed
of
grenades
officer
I.R.A.
a
in
prevented
kept
or discovery.
December,
early
area
mountainous
my old
friend
to-back
trap.
district
in
of
this
I hid
in
when Jack
U.C.C.
to
another
who had failed
brought
to
I
Brigade.
get
moved off
my attention
in
London".
For
weeks
was
imminent
to
window.
Articles
final
notice.
on the
Agreement
It
was the
"Peace
signed
by Bill
The news then
the
to
of
U.C.C.,
Crowley
of
Cork
111
December
6th
on the
form
way.
pasted
I
negotiations
a.m.
4.30
in
up
this
I was astounded.
treaty.
that
geared
copy
My place
of
morning
to
returned
staff
Ballineen
said
Engineer
Company,
engineering
of
and we were
special
Brigade
'A'
a telegram
we had been warned
engineering
studies.
of
through
It
was the
and Whom Mick
the
early
Passing
office
concluded.
moment's
his
Jim Burley
was taken
engineer
was drawn
the
back-
Clonakilty
my predecessor,
Engineering
complete
Clonakilty.
morning
of
the
where
engineering
I.R.A.
to
along
post
civil
me
I had with
Assistant
Buttimer,
Inspector
O'Connor,
area
been promoted
resume his
as Brigade
to move on to
up and expand
sharpen
the
- and a new model
pony
2nd Battalion
service.
October
the
in
again
and Coppeen.
Kinneigh
I was due
to
I was back
1921,
- Mickeen,
the
Commandant,
the
the
mostly
factory.
In
for
billeted
The locals
was the
Upton,
At night
Armed Volunteer
prowlers.
any
interference
Killeady,
unique
from
any
factory
without
They were
closeby.
as
functioned
shed.
moulding
worked.
job
farmhouses
approach
and
was the
barn
boiler-house
the
renewal
resume
this
of hostilities
I
the fight
sudden
at
a
and totally
199.
unexpected
Bewildered
and full
I
had hoped
Clonakilty.
but
the
in
I
decided
drove
return
was a big
out
pulled
up Mickeen.
and Tans for
more than
had
banter
of
the
give
armed
changed.
the
in
India
who made things
in
warriors,
to
changed
India
I a
it
bad,
for
a sneer.
bastards
'alf
very
for
aint.
I
I
in
by a sect
hot
"Oh,
called
for
was an
there
the
Moplahs
His
khaki
Jocose
demeanour
black
little
bloody
Good luck,
we go out
time
soon anyway,
Blighty
friendly
England's
a while.
those
the
Black
whole
the
unless
that
and hard
quite
to
apparently,
as
a word with.
Now overnight
kind
passed
laughed
a year.
At
evening
"Say, chum!
exchanged
a hand".
for
As I
I had not
replied
H.Q.
wire
a sentry),
too"?
the
barracks.
sentry.
for
a job
"We are
Tan.
Moplahs.
revolt
Tan doing
of
out
you Shinners
that
barbed
by huge
conduct
(strange
dusk
the R.I.C.
passing
of
duties
the
to Brigade
Before
know
to
At a loss
were
there,
was
incredulity
immediately
surrounded
Outside1
he called
picture
and
and what
on to
more
something
learn
quarters.
Clonakilty,
entanglements,
Ain't
to
position
to
of
out
en route.
to
it
credit
to
I continued
doubts,
and instructions.
information
I
I.R.A.
was now the
army,
I
the
of
of doubt
same atmosphere
everywhere
chat
was hard
It
What had happened
all.
at
was astounding.
peace
All well,
chum" he called
not
as I
moved
on.
I
that
reached
and
night
Asst.
Bde.
stabled
Adjutant,
officers
I
and knew
just
anxiety
Brigade
met there.
Mickeen
Both
what
Crossmahon
there
and Mick
as little.
to learn
at
H.Q.
We ware
were
the
late
Dan O'Leary,
Crowley
wore
Bandon,
were
the
only
as incredulous
all
terms
in
of
a fever
the
brigade
as I
of
agreement.
200.
That
I
six
tried
had great
or
seven
called,
and hospitality
to
obliged
is
which
seemed
The people
I had
I
Duggan's
I
case
for
invited
failed
her
Next
of
Articles
them at
Dan O'Leary)
such
a treaty.
by the
issue
Collins,
Valera
(President),
public
pronouncement
douche
of
as
if
in
ice
cold
a faint.
sincerely
relieved
my unpleasant
of
them,
re-read
We were
the
studied
them,
amazed
(all
had
plenipotentiaries
signed
had been
accepted
Dublin.
Next
morning
The Republican
Cabinet
in
the
Griffith
it
treaty
- four
and O'Higgins,
Brugha
and Stackof
disapproving
water
her
provisions
that
too,
of accepting
Cosgrave,
full
five
Government
enlightenment.
of
H.Q.
Brigade
the
I
trouble
night.
the
Amazed,
Republican
brought
on the
that
the
Her warm kindliness
We read
Agreement.
outside
me a bed in
thanked
foreboding
day we learned
a public
two young
and offered
and moved on.
December
of
widow with
I
to
so open
One house
lady,
indeed
Bandon -
in
always
recognising
generous
There
significant
was a kind
it
but,
gloom and the
and analysed
but
the
on that
experiences
were
no longer
you people.
a publichouse
doors
hitherto.
"We are
Rather
at
supper
elsewhere,
the
far
places
welcome
most houses
Volunteers
me to
kindness
somewhat
it".
by a middle-aged
be giving
would
for
various
hearty
manner
shelter
men that.
wandering
occupied
daughters
us in
night
the
usual
and
whose
-
I.R.A.
for
Bandon
that
believe
down-and-out
shelter
food
stay
the
say by their
necessity
to
to
seemed to
I
at
my reception
greeted
to
provide
no further
that
in
a billet.
getting
unsuccessfully.
strange
entirely
in
difficulty
houses
a new coldness
sense
I
I
night
on the
And then,
and
the
three
-
de
De Valera's
was like
Treaty
realisation
split
favour
against.
bewildered
the
in
was
nation,
a
reeling
was borne
home
201.
that
Irish
leaders
the
of
Republican
of
the
nation
of
beginning
the
of
the
pen - by throwing
of
the
Anglo-Irish
Treaty
Then began
the long
Treaty
debate
showed unmistakeably
national
front.
pulpit,
Press,
other
in
their
used
the
off
to
the
of
the
or Volunteer
the
into
accepting
Cork
in
Nicknamed
was mistaktenly
In
with
the
All
fun
their
Brigade
which
loudly
they
and
attempt
its
elected
The more the
treaty.
were
treaty
and the
the
the
strength,
an all-out
so-called
that
each
treaty.
Intimidating
the
the
galling.
vied
in
treaty
1921,
Battn.
debated
more unanimous
should
treaty
I knew of
be
no I.R.A.
who favoured
T.D.
"Buckshot"
regarded
Column and un
of
Sinn
Féin
Commandant
was the
Flying
the
Cork
In
this
Officer
acceptance
treaty.
111 Brigade1
Cork.
West
and
and boosted
Into
the
Christmas1
Sean Hales,
Cork
of
of
became more
massed
more Convinced
in
At
rejected.
of
nation
the
I.R.A.
the
Irish
agreement
and analysed,
were
of
debate
and quietness
so long
for
virtues
representatives
articles
Ireland
mask of neutrality
the
stampede
of
advocacy
form
the
leaders.
Irish
arguments
and professions
as a disguise-
raucously
the
property
in
in
and stormy
more numerous
Influences
anglicising
the
insults
unbridled
discord
The bitterness
was
how
the rift
deep
day
by a stroke
movement
drawn-out
Eireann.
Every
the
vitriolic
threw
Dail
had smashed
England
of
apple
amongst
on the
in
strife.
resistance
the
was
of woe and sorrow,
era
and bloody
Republican
Irish,
great
latest
It
divided.
disastrously
Ireland's
hate
fratricidal
were
the
and that
was shattered
unity
for
Hales
by the
listed
gunmen in
of
1st
that
region
by all
British
as
West
Cork.
of West
he
and sundry,
the
by them as the
all
Battalion,
Chief
"Super
of
the
Terrorist"
Sean certainly
202.
a mighty
fighter
power of
Tans,
the
had crushed
of the
vote
on the
he set
I well
remember as we set
out for
train
for
he was the
out for
voted
for
for
that
bitter
criticism
never
Sean Lehane,
what harm but
Republican,
volte-face
and only
supported
would
for
two I.R.A.
his
Ballinadee
families
attitude
out of White
I argued
acceptance
No
quite
out such a twister,
Christmas,
Cross funds
of the
a
"Buckshot "s"
in Cork 111 Brigade,
own battalion
- O'Donoghues
- were
close
area
of
personal
friends
and celebrated.
a lot
in his
when he said:
of his.
a lot
who
those
who was never
in his
and these
I went home for
caroused
turn
I.R.A.
and Murphys of Skeaf
and relatives
when we
O/C, was vocal
himself".
swayed none of the
of
our feelings
Griffith,
de Valera
it".
division.
our Brigade
"Buckshot"
against
against
historic
all
to vote
he would not,
Treaty,
in the list
and voiced
thought
how he assured
we got then later
name prominent
with
handshakes,
the bloody
in that
Bandon P.O.
station
railway
hearty
only man to vote
the Treaty
wonder
"I
the
with
officers)
pub near
Cork and Dublin1
What a shock of surprise
saw Sean Hales's
situation
the
and battalion
at he bade us goodbye with
"Whoever would vote
and the fateful
Dublin
of Hickey's
atmosphere
him as he took
even if
and
the wiles
all
did he elude
of us (brigade
convivial
that
Worst,
ambushes and seemed to have
bloody
he discussed
Treaty,
in the
us all
defied
years
enemy.
a gathering
quite
several
so amazingly
Now before
Dail
three
almost
and Tommies to do their
Auxies
them in
a charmed life,
nets
who had for
too.
Treaty
(I
to help
I drank
1921.
a lot,
had got a few pounds
me over
The people
as an instalment
Christmas).
in general
of
favoured
203.
Wanted
as they
Season
the
controversy
household
the
and side
taken.
I
an
the
then
O'Reilly,
and our
Treaty
The S.F.
were
Jack
the
in
days
the
Station
in
the
of
the
private
of
engineering
to
We worked
only
of
our
owner,
rather,
to
presence
4 or
at
Dickie
the
members.
there
property
of
the
5 a.m.
in
Nobody
but
the dark.
Hegarty's,
the
and Power
the
who had been
Battalion
night
even
make and
to
Cremin,
during
premises,
Cork Brigade.
Eamon O'Neill,
officer
5th
of
Our improvised
Light
Bill
and spent
comrades
3rd
Electric
was an I.R.A.
on the
was entirely
club
Cork
old
with
in Kinsale.
made Lieut.
10 p.m.
the
against
O'Connor,
the
charge,
from
of
1
I.R.A.
older
bombs. and grenades.
merchant
111.
active
meeting
Bill
with
in
Cork
Cork
Battalion,
the to West
with
electrician
of
an
to
we met Paddy
voted
majority,
camps
Club where
on the
impression
workshop
Kinsale,
biggest
the
our disapproval
now soldiering
assemble
was the
we went
too,
three
Bandon district
U.C.C.,
factory
one in
111.
Treaty.
moved on to Kinsale
out
from
O/C of 4th
(we being
came along
Daly
Company,
fit
at
free
Fein
There,
Vice
by a strong
of
acceptance
I
debated.
debated
and Cork
and
every
we1com
Christmas
(Before
set
Sinn
were
Daly
met Jack
Youghal
attitude
Club,
I
night
made a marked
officers)
'A'
were
Battalion
We three
Brigade.
Jack
prisoners
the
was being
Treaty
a few
of
meet
In
Treaty
Bandon
internment.
The very
meeting
the
to
Holy
Ireland.
from
release
and prisons).
to
Youghal
political
Important
of
and defects
the
during
throughout
On my way back
on his
untried
All
costs
raged
merits
through
journeyed
him back
all
at
peace
(Kinsale
hours,
Cremin
usually
was aware
Eamon O'Neill,
we stayed,
Town Clerk's
or
the
billeted
house.
area)
204.
Dickie
was
florid
Parliamentary
having
us in his
We spent
an old
Hill,
where we won
often
with
Mrs.
welcome
were doubly
not
as it
was too cramped,
relish
was little
work in
and we
kind
this
of military
confined
We worked with
the loading
mechanism and screwing
the
cases
grenade
near
I'll
Dunmanway).
the vote
It
(which
on the
was January
went to Mass at
the Franciscan
of the notorious
had believed
that
and automatically.
neither
a vote
Power
of 64-57.
Station
I continued
workshop,
I were
absorbed
in our mechanical
at
through
workshop
provided
in khaki.
light
was past midnight.
up suddenly and
the glass
from the
in
but a few nights
It
looked
immediately
main
to it.
He was
partition
Bill
gazing
intently
I got a
O'Connor
saw a face
which
by
and
operations
peering
separated
room of the Power
The face
that
the Electrical
later
fitting
there
late
had been ratified
working
start.
I
and that
was only
It
severe
when I
to arrest.
saw no soldiers;
Treaty
that
Day and I
see armed patrols
war" would follow
I learnt
that
evening
Dail.
the
was nervous
I
would be rejected
I see any Volunteers.
did
taken in
Church.
I
west
on which
day was Twelfth
On emerging,
on
position
the night
expected to
the Treaty
fashioning
bomb factory
Essex Regiment waiting
and terrible
"immediate
into
it
forget
Next
enough coming out as I half
and there
and lathes,
was to be finally
1922.
activity
or organisation
came from the
never
Treaty
5th
officers.
and secretive
dies
folk,
engineering
moving about and no training
it.
Bridge
a daughter,
U.C.C.
being
and as I.R.A.
socially
I did
up on Compass
The doctor had
at U.C.C.
out.
and Played
entertained
royally
leak
it
O'Sullivan's
at Dr.
too,
0'Sullivan.
medicine
studying
lest
house and fearsome
at
nervous
who was extremely
style
some nights,
in the
talker
a typical
Redmondite,
belonged
Station
the
and
to a British
at us and at
in
also
Tommy
our work.
205.
By loaded
weapon, also
was
impulse
Colt
.45
loaded,
was near
to
the
grab
coolness
I
my mouth,
offered
we were
that
we were
within
our
did
They
not
man who had
seen
door
It
the
near
behind
we decided
them.
to
quit
Not
knowing
for
that
the
into
main
we told
him
soldier
intruders.
it
that
next
never
Soon after,
for
more
of
what
duties
of
the
brigade
area.
During
evacuated.
stead.
by the
Garrisons
January
British
of
I.R.A.
services
some of
forces
agreed
Nothing
raided
and never
this
and resumed
presence.
my
the
throughout
the
day
on an active
barracks
in West
troops
low.
oft their
and maintaining
engineering
of
trio
and to
explanation
H.Q.
came in.
He
never
visitors
Brigade
reorganising
footing
occupied
to
Cremin
away and lie
khaki
was the
moved back
service
posts
cur
we emerged
and the
We were
main
expect,
away our stuff
guns,
Bill
looking
or
think
was puzzled.
slip
or later.
learnt
I
us to
our
two
the
closing
to
watcher
too,
with
The
of
Putting
then
mysterious
Bill,
day
anything
normal
our
was wiser
happened
heard
of
what
our
that
his
joined
some minutes
night.
Just
Station.
to watch.
turn
thought)
and pocketing
station.
from
I noticed
withdrew,
talking,
saw more
a Sam Browne belt
and after
door
and carefully
tidily
I
(a Sergeant-Major
I
door
exit
away
some mites
aftor
though.
was now our
and low-voiced
around
As he did
us were
been viewing
Tonmy
comrades
away.
be armed
to
that
we fiddled
us,
Then
main
same time
the
Pretending
up.
guns.
near
together
holster.
revolver
armed
turned
watcher
Tommies
British
our
him at
at
looking
one in
put
cigarettes,
warning
my own
at
surprised
and lit
anybody
of
reach
easy
Bill,
observed,
of
unaware
khaki
have
one to
being
of
My first
hand.
Then,
gun.
Bill's
me.
noar
to his
a packet
out
pulled
bench
on the
lay
and
Cork were
moved in
in
their
206.
farmer
a protestant
from
five
miles
that
a British
a few
get
of
the
I.R.A.
our
Wilson,
we located
enough,
soldiers
avenue
the
were
on for
We passed
the
round
about
entrance.
a
we displayed
no weapons.
"Break
Sir,"
down,
a Sergeant
"Any guns"?
not
and
asked.
keeping
two of
parabellum
(lent
to
in
looking
up
very
of
the
Webleys
frightened.
with
their
I
I
in
all.
I was
sari some
car
the
who,
the
I
with
the
soldiers.
the
the
other
out
pulled
and ordered
"Ye cowardly
charge
thrusting
down,
hands
in
got Webley
over
Lordan,
though
armed".
into
Lordan
Jumping
me by Tadhg)
one file
coats
quietly
to
nine
not
jumped
the
I asked.
ambulance,
called
guard
pocket.
to
the
I
loaded.
my overcoat
line
three
we are
I
at
round. the
They were
the
hanging
In
two, was
no,
car.
gate,
even
and numbered
into
at
soldiers
wrong"?
answer.
"Oh,
Looking
fully
handed
into
I
searched.
other
the
a
and stopped
us nervously
"What's
ambulance
and another
of
group
Sure
About
road.
and driver
car
eyed
and a Corporal
great-coats
revolvers
I
was
satisfied.
military
the
to where
Red Cross
returned
our
They
main
Crossley
mile,
Leaving
ambulance.
a large
the
the
of us approached
four
crocked
of
off
out
had directed.
farmer,
Crossley,
an avenue
in
apparently,
dozen
Republican
minutes,
a Ford,
and raced
garage
me to
a motor
within
We commandeered
at
place
met was John Lordan,
up two others,
We picked
and all,
I
his
ordered
Tadhg
commandeer
first
named Sullivan.
one a driver
Casey
the
us
tell
down near
way in.
Q/M.
about
Desert,
to
horse
immediately,
investigate.
from
was broken
on the
it
O/C Brigade.
driver
up his
pulled
Bde.
O'Sullivan,
Tadhg
Republican)
strong
Bandon,
passed
and go and
Vice
(a
army Crossley
he
and that
to
I was talking
One day
a
soldiers
did
up.
They
lying
bastards"
so,
207.
I
"I
cried,
So that's
ambulance.
each
Searching
the
I
answer.
be shot
even
seize
hope
the
of
if
we find
spot".
though
we searched
of
either
in
then)
the
to
of
you"?
start
but
-
armament
We gave
it.
up
was a metal
there
petrol
valuable
(a very
We determined
ambulance.
to
Now we tried
again.
cars
50 gallons
with
more of
Nothing
the
one with
gun around
another,
failed
but
Red Cross."
He was unable
Sergeant.
on the
containing
commodity
-
or
Crossley
taking
barrel
guns or ammunition
trembling
"Answer
was found
to
the
the
two move Webleys,
got
"Any more
of
demanded
I
Red Cross
in your
Webleys
use you make of
the
soldier,
Sergeant.
you'll
loaded
those
got
to
take
that.
I
speed
ahead
cart.
British
that
case,
enough
with
long
would
comrades
for
round
a heavy
just
the
the
I
horse
got
commandeer
barrel
was raised
and driven
drive
in
of
the
rattled
with
at
any moment
off
the
to
his
drawn
a sweat
of
suspense
and cart.
a big
farm
called,
cart
to his
the
on to
facade
duly
of duress
house
- under
The heavy
(to
At
himself
own farmyard,
gun
to
Luckily
safely.
He came himself
horse.
in
fire
parabellum
and
-
road
or
Crossleys
much difficulty
him with
maintain
that
horse
a horse
on the
by Casey Wilson
the
men accompanying
to
waited
driven
by Wilson
and
to withdraw
turn,
away
soldiers.
range
horse-cart.
- to
moryah
commandeer
I was to hold
home when my driver
the
duress.
in
full
driver
on guard
appear
arrival
next
the
I was afraid
ready.
appeared.
to
stood
In
and anxiety
to
gone I
cars.
no British
He had
farmhouse
aid
my three
length,
next
the
and sent
gate
military
long
enable
the
he was
at
armoured
British
to
the
to
while
parabellum
under
out
ran
petrol
the
cart
one of
impress
our
the
on Wilson).
2O8.
Our own car
the
of
car
was waiting
and sped
We made a wide
that
of
- our
Sullivan
Tadhg
he gave
the
the
later
about
the
of
seizure
in
Presentation
petrol.
and the
and amusements
It
was generously
for
schools.
Brigade
of
drinking.
returned
the
be supplied
mind?".
individually
I
I
in,
agreed,
what would
in
the
the
we have.
Tans
a drink
a small
Tans,
all
kinds
dancing.
in
to
miles
in
a
to
barracks)
three
Tans,
and we
spoke
but
before
it
thick-set
Do you
He asked
A glass
I.R.A.
Mick
went
on me, matey.
rest.
show
we caned
us but
the
the
of us,
before
for
there
and the
military
"Have a drink
so did
and
about
Bigg's,
entry,
the
soldiers
and Irish
(near
called
one of
Tom
and myself,
carnival
inside
On our
salute.
butted
the
at
The Square
Who were
English,
Cockney,
then
H.Q.,
exploit.
Officer,
were
four
O'Connor
way up to
corner
a drink.
could
Bill
Price,
our
Webleys.
public,
One night,
Brigade
carnival
items
by the
capture
had an amazing
there
night
concert
patronised
On our
the
with
to
Cumann na mBan ran
Every
welcome.
specially
pub at
I
was a big
fun
north.
captured
There
of
from
five
the
enough,
Bandon.
of
Bandon
their
1921,
aid
Mick
of
Week,
in
Crowley,
Liaison
Christmas
Convent
the
the
short
so much so
style
Significantly
of
whatever
During
experience
and search
hold-up
by.
too,
over
handed
Cork
badly.
us for
convivial
to
complained
the
was no mention
were
in
pretty
drum of petrol.
reward
were
We celebrated
The British
Barry,
us to
a squad
- five
booty
Q/M - was elated
Bde.
The Webleys
Q/M stores.
our
to
behind
later
Bandon
and a 50 gallon
us £5 between
petrol.
leaving
to
at
exultant
We retired
road.
"wind up'
returning
detour,
ammuntion
.45
Webleys,
west,
who had the
We were
by-roads.
the
to
any
soldiers
relieved
on the
ready
of
na
brandy
was
209.
a wee bit
He looked
mine.
Price
likewise.
and
The Tans
had beer.
proposed
the
A second
heartily.
and after
still
I
other's
the
remember
the
usual
beer.
by now when
to
the
third
last
a deoch
after
the
and they
for
I
convivial
wanted
to
a little
loud
for
having
We all
of
think
of
spirit
a little
would
camaraderie
be gone before
Then
handshakes
were
they
drank
brandy.
numerous
exchanging
time
Tans
and the
regret
glass
round,
This
an dorais
another
round.
another
myself.
expressing
taking
all
and good wishes
Tan,
for
still
that
called
The company was getting
Tans departed
nervous
then
again,
time
this
-
again
drank
same
the
men had stout
I.R.A.
called
I
once more,
drank
of brandy
glasses
three
the
move off,
I
for
called
Tan
We an
Ireland".
in
Tan then
health
drinking
the
"Peace
demur we all
a little
each
to
of
I
and the
filled
were
Chose
Crowley
whiskies.
bad small
O'Connor
The drinks
toast
flick
startled.
quarrel
any
not
might
arise.
The Tans
I was rather
hilarious,
within
brandy
we went
gone,
less
up to
an hour.
by many Cumann na mBan girls.
and was,
Dolly
to
a rare
Crowley,
meet
the
Rev.
the
The great
Co.
other
patriot
lost,
we spoke
of
Rev,
tether
priest,
Fr.
was her
Tipperary,
a great
nephew.
so I heard,
the
I.R.A.
She was delighted
to
in
hear
that
a lot
the
of tat
surrounded
of
whole
talking
party.
came along
to
Irishwoman
from Tipperary
I went.
at
the
Matt
of
me
a stairs.
of Knockavilla,
She had but
country
bring
I was introduced
top
Ryan
a science
and the
of
life
Republican.
old
saintly
the
glasses
we were
I was doing
me,
Mother,
four
Inside
a Cumann officer,
and an enthusiastic
to
for
thing
carnival.
consumed
having
than
the
one eye,
room accident.
and of
Tipperary.
I was half-Tipperary
the
210.
and had
I had
we spoke,
stairs
as
could
see
I
I
tried
I
two
I
relief
then
I
a lanky
admirer
of
round, the
her
sisters
Crowley,
He walked
me in
road".
Bicky
exhibition
arrogant
of
twenty-one
of
conceit.
During
military
barracks
British
ell
the
Poor
of
brandy
from
and February
and police,
and strongholds
garrisons
evacuated
in
moved out,
water
night.
home
at
I
me.
Tans for
it"
Innocent!
was an
a cocky
1922,
youth
the
amount
British
one by one all
West Cork.
their
last
coming
an inordinate
of
O'Connor
father.
Mick
Poor
Peggy!
who had developed
January
of
and
sore-headed.
"Blame the
bravado
whom,
Peggy
Bill
and looked
so much neat
and
we were
to her
table
loughs
one of
Biggs,
was wrong with
laughed
Crowley.
of
Mrs.
pretty
the
that
escorting
breakfast
I was feeling
and confused.
my consumption
sit
order
was a devoted
Sullivan,
The lads
was speechless
both
to
at
Rev.
O'Connor
house,
Tadhg
knew what
I don't
the
morning
across
Peggy
ladies
Bigg's,
sixteen,
- Mr.
table
big
Then up spoke
said
Next
the
the best
Bill
at
H.Q.
alas!
in
young
of
of
schoolgirl
and brothers,
and Mick
"Daddy,
Bde.
daughters
mine.
all
to
me.
at
seeking
and retired
several
I
was an immense
It
Round 11 p.m.
convent.
two young
but
the
times
curiously
came alone
to
tine
of
and at
and words
myself
our way back
home the
the
two nuns
the
bannisters
looking
succeeded.
partly
excused
the
wended
Peggy,
faces
I made love
in
the
uncertain
my voice
when
I
could.
night
or three
only
Mother.
I
my balance
to control
felt
on to
to hold
found
All
associations.
many Tipperary
places
According
were
forces,
their
as
taken
the
by
211.
of
detachments
R.I.C.
as
barracks
district
around
occupied
the
Irish
officers
and men on the
and
carried
barracks,
The
said
gradually
the
adopted
lost
its
I.R.A.
barrack
was welcome
novelty
man began
to
and
the
got
bored
of
of
in
the
of
a regular
just
at
first,
and
professional
but
young,
from
soon
very
adventurous
active,
and restless
loca
I.R.A.
the
existence
life
military
relays
duties
soldiers
average
former
while
roving
mysterious,
I.R.A.
The battalion
the
and guard
maintenance
as maintenance
an end.
there,
and elusive
their
The change
army.
it
out
invisible
to
goodbye
headquarters
units
wholetime
moved into
the
policed
I.R.A.
of
came to
people
and
numbers
and billeting
up their
Volunteers
and order,
small
the
moved, into
policemen
in
and staffs
officers
set
law
barracks
military
The quartering
posts
Republican
maintaining
parties.
and brigade
These
Volunteers,
I.R.A.
the
routine
and monotony.
Bandon
barracks
military
Kinsale
was the
last
be evacuated.
to
largest
establishments:
Essex
(2)
of
the
and
Kinsale,
underground
the
of
present
represent
Lehane
I
since
of
chief
the
the
days
of
the
was an imposing
of
na Mona - was sent
Eon
Provisional
Brigade
with
Lehane
Engineer,
in
adjoining
over
handing
Provisional
"Tod"
Andrews
to
Commandant
accompanied
the
south
and
down by G.R.Q.
was one of
and Andrews
The
Brigade
Sean McCarthy
miles
Spaniards,
ceremony.
Government.
Adjutant
three
a fortress
the
to
by the
company strength;
Harbour.
Kinsale
military
garrisoned
Fort,
Ireland
and Brigade
staff
Charles
Brigade.
separate
encampment
establishments
military
as Assistant
I.R.A.
historic
(3)
three
of
units
III
Cork
West Cork, and the
barracks
military
and overlooking
Kinsale's
Government
other
in
were
military
- a large
dungeon
hutments
the
and various
Hutments
there
of
H.Q.
centre
military
Here,
(1)
Regiment
became
the
actual
Sean
"Tod".
official
take-over.
212
I well
hill
barrack
steep
came on time
and
each
checked
a captain
as
and listing
all
was in
the
There,
facing
or four
by a like
the
in
with
and disarmed,
relieving
time
when we seized
before,
wagon near
as
myself
very
Jittery
and his
pals
surveyed
I
felt
sergeant
I thought
eyes.
eyes
I
and moved towards
the
canteen
N.C.0.s'
shaving,
and boos,
The first
was almost
their
etc.
dressing,
and loud
cat-calls
at
their
their
own military
Clerk
of
Works
to
me; "We'll
of
those
officer,
was nervous
get
bastards".
out
of
with
entry
a captain
three
to
unfriendly
in
the sergeant'
from
mates
of
soldier's
and
dormitory
which
cleaning,
with
greeted
of
epithets
in
more amazed
the
that,
too.
I don't
jeers
abuse.
hostility;
at
his
inspection
polishing,
of
The
foreboding.
the
was
some
colour
changed
our
and ill-at-ease
quickly,
my life.
a broken-down
from
critical,
Tommies
display
here
hand,
I
and rowdy behaviour
indiscipline
his
as ho parted
and foul
course
of
recognition
along
and our
shock
petrol
barrack-room
of
full
inspection
whom I had searched
We finished
door.
and went
quarters
I was amazed
at
the
in
fixtures
the
nervous
of
increased
the
Webley revolver
us with
saw a flash
quarters.
we entered
a short
with
in
officer
a middle-aged
sergeant
I am sure
Bandon,
and my nervousness
in
guns and
Red Cross
of British
Our first
beer
of
him of
sections.
and serviceability
I got
was the
him,
three
inspecting
report.
a pint
me, with
being
Engineers
As I entered,
very
closely
before
group
condition
a written
the
We had
gate.
of Works,
of
job
their
canteen.
others
Clerk
of
top
we were
into
by a Royal
and the
noting
building,
barrack
we separated
we began
the
our authority
for
I was joined
officers.
civilian,
main
at
Nevertheless,
was accompanied
section
uniform,
the
outside
Once inside,
admitted,
we arrived
morning
by arrangement,
scrutinised
Each
the
remember
presence
of
The civilian
He whispered
like
the look
213.
so I scanned
few
them
to
and moved out
blessed
but
were
There
I was inside
While
To this
I
attitude
to
All
through
that
the
close
Tommies,
encountered
or
finished,
we
officers"
complete
the
the
officers
quarters
in
Kinsale
equipment
and their
polished
from
the
by
producing
a cigarette
toasted
over.
to
join
each
in
army
His
the
health,
heartily
party
with
of
"Tod"
signed
I had
engineering
I felt
mighty
Colonel
Faber,
(he
on the
a
came
occasion
I accepted
decanter.
glass
the
signed
that
half-French
in memory of
the
Faber,
Ireland,
matter.
substantial
over
O'Donoghue,
stated.
and a
cigars
in
Munster,
and
honours
the
Majesty's
of
fixtures
tour
Faber,
Colonel
Vincent
engineer,
did
and we drank a
my own official
of
whole
politeness
We checked
He,
was as
the
Islands)
hands
of
whom we
inspection
In
Engineers
to
contrast
Colonel
Government
condition
cigarettes,
I shook
the
barracks
frigid
joint
barracks
list
old-time
other's
my
comrades.
of
Regiment
of
Michael
I,
aforesaid
Channel
Royal
Provisional
my authority
real
office
on behalf
the
of
our
document
inspected
proud
the
In
us with
inspected.
of
and
that
his
Kinsale
in
Essex
fixtures
V - Government.
the
the
later,
the
on behalf
upon
companion
escort.
treated
of
handing-over
George
barracks
officer
of
a
air
set
being
hostility
inspection
of
to
list
ferocious
officer
adjourned
commanding
of
me and had told
the
us altogether.
ignored
open
I was now sure
indeed.
day of
my British
the
the
me.
to
in
serviceable
officer
my British
had recognised
Tommies'
I kept
that
quarters
and murder.
of hate
I was frightened
down most of
put
Was not
square.
protection
"friend"
sergeant
particular
them O.K.
atmosphere
there,
was little
escort
that
I felt
and
behind
from
barrack
from
relief
these
and passed
casually
the
in
fixtures
of
the
Scotch
historic
and
change
Colonel
on parting
Andrews
and
Sean
Lehane,
214.
me in
the
retired
0/C.'s
sisters
Central
was a prominent
were
evacuate
to
to bring
of
the
the
day's
barracks
that
to
ugly
mood in barracks
all
Kinsale
Sean
before
and armed
the
defensive
positions
guarding
barracks.
It
send a party
into
attack
the
Kinsale.
was a night
section
drum of
ammunition
as
bad only
they
bandolier
and what
same I.R.A.
keeping
your
you?"
man.
republican
go by yourself".
no wonder!
have
his
said
soldier
to
with
Holy
God",
with
It
town of
very
a Thompson
from
of
later,
door.
with
me,
"You're
gun and you're
was
a firearm
I.R.A.
U.S.A.).
join
the
Barrack
Hill
him to
bottom
Minutes
The lad
the
haversack,
ordered
Lehane,
for
gun and a
new to
before
the
green
Lehane
sub-machine
coming
swears
handled
to
line
up the
Brigadier
the
around
was true.
He had never
at
us.
"Who is
to
down,
A young
bolts,
Lehane
duty
talk
he.
with
you.
from
town
railway
shoot
then
just
figure
the
turned
I remember.
man loitering
"Oh,
did
a Thompson
on protection
and then resumed
the
martial
them it
tension.
high
were
serious1y
to
on the
came in a few months
a very
party
but
they
reported
(these
He looked
I.R.A.
of
He carried
instructions.
if
threat
approaches
suggested,
incident
commander
had been
They
and posted
battalion
the
troops
One seric-comic
I.R.A.
the
an ambush position
departing
It
local
was also
city.
were
trains
day and. some had threatened
took
0/C.,
mobilised
The British
left.
they
Brigade
Lehane,
we drank
There
Special
Cork
and
Fitzgerald
Jack Fitz.,
whose brother,
happenings.
bag and baggage,
to wreck
by the
night.
for
waiting
barracks
the
West Cork.
them,
a very
the
-
in
officer
smoked and talked
and
in
I.R.A.
left
owned and run
Hotel,
Peg and Hannah
and
- kit
We then
quarters.
the
to
were
own formalities9
their
completed
having
who,
in
he noticed
"Well,
what's
sir",
says
a nice
afraid
to
a sweat,
and
before
and had been
215.
the
with
sent
accoutred
The
in
a defence
entire
the
I.R.A.
and were
the
life
no fixed
homes of
the
in
people
Until
another
training-cum-inspection
in
Kinsale
barracks
eerie
extraordinary
Sean
officers'
O'Connor
with
three
along
beds
night,
about
suddenly
me.
threatening
I
I
felt
felt
we experienced
to
billet
I did
not
billet
stay
bed,
playing
of
the
quartered
Crowley,
in
his
the
own with
Occasionally
One large
convenience
on
especially
'bridge',
late.
area
slept
airs.
table,
in
Mick
O'Connor,
us had a room of
in
some
and some others
myself
while
long
I was
While
Bill
the
compared
Ballineen-Dunmanway
I had gone to
2 a.m.
I
I.R.A.
snarling
at
in
the
calling
up,
weight
Now quite
what was
coming
sat
late
crushing
sitting
same time:
bed alone
a feeling
with
an oppressive
paralysed.
push aside
lads
for
from
tour.
We retired
the
Crowley,
room was fitted
officers
coming
casually.
This
Then
I.
and
which
incidents.
in
after-
moved in
and district
and experienced
with
we stayed
night,
to
Each of
furnished
That
and occupie1
I witnessed
Fitz.
quarters.
fireplace,
at
Jack
Lehane,
incident
When day
and unpleasant
cold
moving
I moved vest
night.
henceforth.
West Cork.
Klnsale
the
guards
Kinsale
drab,
but
to
happened.
and desolate.
and hospitality
abode
and the
nothing
of
posted
in
there
barrack
warm society
having
empty
gunner
away without
depths
in,
officers
quartered
I found
to
vas
went
party
I.R.A.
The
place.
the
in
barracks
Kinsale
dawned,
too
trains
special
took
by himself
all,
slipped
garrison
the
Lehane
along
After
position.
British
their
noon,
when he was sent
was aghast
reinforce
Brigadier.
to be an accomplished
youngster
lad
poor
the
to
Thompson
some great
"who's
there?"
crushing
me (I
thought
out
it was
a practical
my feet
room.
I awoke
danger
Not
a sound.
down on my two legs.
I thrust
on me for
off
this
of
awake,
"Get
In
my hands
one of
joke)
you bastard!"
to
the
216.
There
was nobody
Then,
suddenly,
I heard
the
pulled
I
felt
it
open.
I locked
was a mocking
I
jumped
out
Not
a sign
of
slammed.
the
went
door,
a cigarette
to
broke
sweat
of
from
to
bolt
sit
and then
the
and
door
Shaking
in
upright
Hours
me.
my feet.
laugh
rushed
bed,
over
or movement.
my nerves.
steady
devilish
life
to
back
all
out
removed
awful weight
the
I thought
what
door
Cold
there.
now,
bed smoking
and nothing
passed
happened,
In
the
and
O'Connor
nothing.
barrack
square.
A few nights
The
figure
without
finding
things
happened
in a
place
constant
were
parties
guard
He knelt
came,
then
burning
heat
prayed
again,
large
terribly
were
all
Franciscan
he turned
walls",
a mixture
a time
of
the
and visible
bad,
around
he ordered.
paint,
the
around
in
fiercely
to
in
the dead
officer
The covering
plaster
and
of
of
the
to
the
beads
the
is
something.
he said.
silence.
Suddenly
"Tear
We
the
down those
was torn
The timber
he
perspiration
walls,
walls
Father
guardroom,
guardroom
guard:
I.R.A
the
walls,
of
"There
on the
paper.
as
the
the
The
from
those walls",
the
in
fear.
in
scorched
forehead.
evil,
Moving
prayed
of
on his
and
floor
closer
and other
A Franciscan
there.
and the
up again
some awful
wide-eyed,
Moving
rattling
and slept
was called
felt
at
yells
tension
stone
knees
floor.
He stood
stay
search
peculiar
scared
who stayed
on the
his
that
saying
arose,
lads
to
fired
sentry
curses
a priest
that
a round
guardroom,
became
of nervous
refusing
for
the
shrieks,
the
state
so bad
in
the
in
and made a thorough
out
ha
a shadowy
halt,
and the
The guards
kept
out
rang
to
They
quarters.
had ordered
square
Then,
blood-curdling
became
position
turned
nightly.
phenomena
terrifying
the
their
shots
later,
advancing
anything.
Weird
noises.
kept
The guard
twice,
once,
were
him across
- Crowley,
others
in
on duty
The sentry
approaching
midnight.
the
- who had slept
Lehane
noticed
figure
I questioned
morning,
off,
wainscotting
817.
some frightful
were
They were
them to
wall
horrible,
us as he left
and assured
the
guardroom
the
guards
on,
no more was heard
barracks
the
Opera
the
warrior
a box at
a box
About
of
G.H.Q.
first
time
duty
I think,
uniforms,
in
gazed
I.R.A.
have
treat.
0/C.,
at
surprise
displaying
the
in
prominence
for
experience
courted
certain
the
Beggar's
the
of
it
Sullivan,
vacated
men
death
my comrades
this
treated
a uniform
dislike
very
the
It
south
had been
barracks
something
of
to
at
were
about
any kind
military
I spent
Q.M.
(our
it
in
to new
and had some
uniforms,
day.
Brigade
paid.
£7.13.0.
Tadhg Lynch's
themselves
all
paid
on maintenance
I remember
tweed
was the
Dublin.
military
pay,
Irish
pay from.
personnel
was riches.
heavy
wore
the
I.R.A.
Lieutenant's
instinctive
to
Bush,
in
those
Only
time
a month's
we received
officers
in
I never
persists
Tadhg
at
a regular
inexplicable
to a show in
Brigade
Lehane,
time,
I.R.A.
of
a sensation
of
was an unique
would
I.R.A.
Some of
Kinsale.
Sean
first
It
too,
I.R.A.
a new suit
buying
which
time,
army.
At
the
in
a theatre.
and quartered
I received
a bit
mysterious
the
earlier,
at
as a regular
the
theatre.
that
From tha;
prowlings
one night
The audience
for
the
molested
that
a party
motored
to which
probably
this
more
of
peace
spirits
ghostly
We created
of
by attendance
six
of
officers
some months
who,
once
prayed
the
the
And so it. was.
exorcised.
mysterious
us.
the
evil
the
was is, Kinsale,
Cork.
entertained
them off
Kinsale.
number
House,
themselves,
of
of
the
as we occupied
ed and
of
Tod Andrews
to
officers
that
had been
then
no more would
that
be troubled,
there
While
The Father
ordered
priest
by burning
were,
was done a
It
surface.
The
obscene.
as they
wall
the
some pasted.
some painted,
diabolical,
of
surface
exposed
pictures,
he destroyed,
military
on the
There
smashed off.
was
Daddy Christmas
218.
of
all
wealthy
says
Mickeen",
never
(without
me.
Alas!
seldom
those
days,
and the
the
to
and
in
be expecting
Before
next
the
I ever
Collins,
An Army Convention
in
his
to
most
let
and
strange
appoint
five
five
were
in
West Cork.
to
take
in
the
Provisional
the
holding
Proclamation.
army
of
officers
officially
the
the
some days
the
Result
Republic.
who attended
denounced
-
the
All
the
those
banned
as mutineers
-
successful.
strongly
anti-
more - of
the
the
of
forbidding
the
despite
delegates,
in
split
the
the
I.R.A.
in Dublin,
and irregulars.
I.R.A
was due
President
and serious
Convention
to
Army Convention
was held,
army
if
elections
a Proclamation
an immediate
Council
as
Convention
Griffith,
the
of
just
held
- 90% or
It
Treaty
Brigade
duties
the
affected
continued
He was not
before
Convention,
the
be
to
had not
as commandant
we knew,
issued
Government,
of
was arranged
Christine,
as
Arthur
and
us at
candidates.
majority
Dublin
Griffith
The brigade
so far
vast
Then
place
the
as
proclaimed
for
attend
that
G.H.Q.
He attended
to
were,
of
commandant's
representatives
all
education.
who voted
to
my parents
me" after
I.R.A.
capacity
had occurred.
delegates
as
Treaty,
his
his
was one of
Sean Hales
T.D.,
Brigade.
performed
nothing
the
in
that
dissension
promises
III
Cork
Battalion,
meetings
solemn
as before
function
the
political
Even Sean Hales,
the army.
despite
So far,
Dublin.
of
soldiering
we were
Government
Provisional
by the
some
making
I.R.A.
from
got
arrived
pay-day
mutineers
held
in
of
out
home or
hearth-stone
me a University
give
pay was all
One month's
of
think
to
"something
to
sacrificed
had
idea
now,
home",
of
I thought
absorbed
Ireland
serving
money
O'Donoghue
I was too
so
becoming
be sending
straitened
to me.
pay)
ever
they
he to
in
occurred
would
"You'll
return
monetary
us at
twitted
less)
a sudden.
father
or
mother
or
more
and guardian,
They
were
set
up
219.
At
a modest
comprised
they
estimate,
control
to
Council
an Army Executive
I.R.A.
and direct
the
80% of
I.R.A.
the
Ireland.
most
and there
of
the
the
of
and denunciation
the
"Free
the
Free
(so
as
State
confuse
war
started,
National
of
Government
in
Brigadier
to
in
his
the
Army
favour.
Brigade
Brigade
departure
to
2nd Northern
bringing
and
of
and,
straight
the
after
be Divisional
with
him Mick
III
were
away,
of
launched
Bantry.
I.R.A.
another
staff
offered
Lehane
and
Adjutant,
Adjutant
Crowley,
Brigade,
the
Sean Lehane
I.R.A.
of
and
Sean,
after
prison
0/C.
the
of
of
Brigade
Sean
III
Cork
brother
Eireann,
Division
Cork
'The
First
of
staff
Adjutant,
Mossy Donegan
Engineer
in
became Brigade
Shortly
Executive
when the
by the
Sean McCarthy,
Hurley
'I.R.A.'
State.
by Dail
Treaty
of
later,
from a convict
returned
Government
army became
When Tom Hales,
1922.
Jim
Fitzgerald
Free
of
them the
christened
some changes
Assistant
north
same
Irish
as Brigadier.
and
Jack
State'
the
at G.H.Q.
by We
1st
the
of
Dan O'Leary,
Hales
'Free
1920,
ratification
jobs
people),
this
in
early
resigned
the
had been
There
Brigade
and deceive
new
the
beginning
the
calling
to
The new
Provisional
in
as officially
Army',
Bush were
persisted
still
to
Convention.
the
here
dismissal
who supported
I.R.A.
Beggar's
units
campaign
by official
though
Army",
State
I.R.A.
those
to
who flocked
soldiers
civil
an
them
Bush G.H.Q.
recruiting
caused
army
up by the
set
executive
army
the
army
Beggar's
country.
Bush
Beggar's
With
isolated
on an intensive
in
gaps
and
Brigade
in
quartered
Proclamation.
the
obeyed
the
embarked
huge
in Dublin,
Dublin
throughout
immediately
fill
and
accepted
Barracks,
sided
I.R.A.
the
of
G.H.Q.
with
Tom
was appointed
the
combined
Sean went off
Brigade
Engineer,
I was appointed
on Crowley's
training
plan
220.
for
the
The 4th
Battalion
mansion
large
of
this
I hurried
battalion
to
its
through
the
put
of
west
services
engineering
a series
in
paces
a
at
H.Q.
had its
a few miles
Manch House)
(Conner's,
Brigade.
Tim O'Donoghue)
(0/C.
Thither
Ballineen.
the
in
Service
Special
Engineering
of night
manoeuvres.
At
this
time
'column
itch'
or
disease
which
I
a frightfully
scabies,
continued
to afflict
me in
The usual
palliative
of
my case.
I
the
from
glowed
House
of
to
tepid
immersed
water
I
poured
a bottle
and rubbed
myself
not
and went
so Tim
bath,
I called
that
night
as my skin
wearing
my clothes,
felt
as
if
pain
and awful
I had
again
cured
painfully
corrosive
did
was dry,
over
and my skin
on that
I fell
I repeat
action
a victim
that
of
off
was cool
occasion
desperate
hot
but
the
Jeyes'
day,
it
mysel
I could
was torture
it
a lot.
In
and clean.
and
the
by nightfall,
same column
cure.
in
and cracked
fluid.
in,
shrivelled,
two days,
The
by the antiseptic
the
to
and
Next
my body,
had eased
discomfort
was gone,
again
as my skin
I was
Tim Donoghue.
burned
on.
all
emerged,
I had roasted
that
me and talked
ire
I
so much that
fluid
with
so,
over
dried
Jeyes'
got
all
while
Scared
a bath
Fluid,
In a little
It
Big
I
Into
my skin
or
blood
the
in Conner's
Jeyes'
minutes
spots.
stayed
afterwards,
of
in
an
I was normal
bed.
on fire.
off
peeled
rest
to
ten
until
all.
so
good in
available.
for
and lathered
for
soaking
my skin was
hot
water
hot
once and
dried
the
Here
itch
a thorough
actually
with
or
little
night
blisters.
the
myself
agony.
at
cure
After
in
little
tiny
was a bathroom
there
determined
full
and scratched
scratched
and which
1920,
intervals
did
ointment
sulphur
skin
in
city
annual
at
cycles
of
irritating
in Cork
contacted
first
an attack
with
a bad way
I was in
itch
but
Often
itch,
but
never
221.
like
Tim,
use
far
electric
were
detonator
then
2-V
dry
batteries
we set
off
for
the
who did
pool,
3rd
Battalion
He,
was
prospecting.
and then
then
arrived
attached
river
for
to
cable
or
50 yards
and entered
shirt,
upstream
towards
the
before
fish
dropped
the
'Sonny
Dave'
switch.
myriads
We watched
was a dull
rose
circles
for
intently
Tim grabbed
him and brought
not
a sign
of
any
from
other
thud
ruffled
to
came slowly
the
of
water
fish.
'Sonny
the
to
him to
for
on bank,
but
All
pool,
to
I pressed
bed of
of
a half-hour
I was exultant
time
bank.
home the
arid
pool
as waves
the
in
pool.
a few yards
belly
surface,
bank.
chase
then
the
opposite
from
his
he moved
exploder,
the
river
down the
trying
Then,
the
Dave'
the
all
or
edges
the
deep
poacher.
stick,
to
cable,
exploder
surface
a few minutes.
a salmon
We examined
middle
the
radiated
downstream,
prize.
cable
muffled
to
but
clothes
on exploder,
catch
safety
bubbles
ever-growing
into
a likely
Tim went
chasing
pool,
us curiously
watched
There
of
out
for
a long
With
I connected
him.
canister
releasing
Then,
water.
chosen
of
him across
canister.
his
tag
exploder
length
I placed
removed
so,
to
pool.
greased
the
the
low-tension
bank
We spoke
passed
and water-
covering
and a notorious
engineer,
a likely
at
cloth
opposite
to the
The canister
As we searched
we see on the
and
a
with
The leads
cap,
With
complied
Tonite
of
and a substantual
Crowley,
too,
canister
device
I readily
and greased
a thick
river.
Fast-day
technical
attached.
thoroughly.
six
of
the
with
for
stick
to
was given
fish,
the
insulated
in
hole
by greasing
proofed
river
detonator
covered
securely
Bandon
up a little
fix
carefully
small
a
through
district,
a cylindrical
canister
low-tension
that
and catching
stunning
a small
Into
nearby
me to
He asked
dinners.
to
the
from
salmon
taking
in
fellows
most
It
was our
or more,
at
up.
only
but
my success
222.
and
satisfied
secretly
wonder
Tim was in
fishing
I
Next
4th
at
Battalion
I
wondered
then
at
G.H.Q.
Brigade
to
days
the
in
I
the
to
put
time
in
gone off
precious
so
(because
in
officers
Cork
at
III
4th
A party
was detailed
the
the
other
made.
find
At
by horse
back
to
his
that
post.
signal
at
to
and
at
I motored
caught
He stopped
it
bridges
and were
a single
of
all
rifle-
then
preparations
took
to
my long
after
up with
the
actually
as
delay
a
me quite
the
first
commander whom I had
engineering
fed-up
the
each
was a big
there
I returned
defect.
vertices
one site,
see that
be faulty
had got
and cart),
the
one place
the
a sulk.
of
the
bridges
out
were
walls
at
the
carry
ones
of
affair
three
like
to
arrangements
to
the
there
home in
ling
parapet
of
other
small
positions
to repair
charge
each
simultaneously
was found
to
was an ambitious
from
of
for
demolition
(very
and N.C.Os.
Officer
Battalion
or more
top
the
the exploder
at
simultaneous
supervised
properly
position
their
Engineer
the
was
Engineering
detonators
Engineer
It
The charges
be exploded
long
the
operations.
of
operation.
were
of
that
Brigade
It
such a fashion.
in
got
menu for
were assembled
a triangle.
motored
used by the
Mess
salmon.
Department
L.T.
I.R.A,
the
broiled
learned
on the
in
dinner
being
the
priceless
later,
two miles
shot.
him the
H.Q.
few
placed
so for
would
salmon
put
consisting
to
what
being
training
about
new
this
and teach
explain
of
consisted
more
and
Battalion
final
the
say had they
explosive
were
of
the
I.R.A.
scarce)
the
me to
and
Friday
H.Q.
all
A
of
effectiveness
quiet
and asked
day was
Battalion
the
one salmon.
but
promised.
delicious,
high
at
technique
mathod.
we had got
that
cart,
him
absence
(he
was travel-
him and ordered
answered
and
me in
him
an
223.
insolent
and insubordinate
mutinous
in
He went,
grousing
the
Lieut.
were completed
operations
on his
Again,
Horgan's
took
performance
or the
hearing
I.R.A.
amazed and angry.
was the
It
and the
fact
an officer
that
aggravated
the
indication
in West Cork of a rift
seriousness
of the
bloody
army".
the
I was
present.
in the
was guilty
being
I had encountered
time
insubordination
of
and in
presence
personnel
first
officer,
remark
de Valera's
in the
engineering
and brazen
deliberate
place
engineering
offensive
parting
no more to do with
that "he was having
men
gave a. display
Ballineen,
his
insubordination,
post.
under duress.
and the
this
departure,
Morgan from Shanaway,
mutinous
him back to his
and threatening,
and grumbling
The engineering
dismissed.
I ordered
extreme.
was
His whole tanner
fashion.
of
on duty
I.R.A.
such conduct
offence.
It
was the
in the
solidarity
first
of the
I.R.A.
Horgan was the
because
Republic
as a surprise
in general)
of his
any
because
Even Sean Hales,
from the
to
side
Horgan's
it
and the
and ordered
Jack Hennessy
suffered
scrap)
He went,
I.R.A.
- these
however,
for
Staff
battalion
folk
of
view
I accompanied
veteran
attacked
escort
where he was
later,
only
I reported
They took a serious
with Hennessy as
in Ballineen
until
were known
Timoleague.
wound received
he assisted
from
seceded
areas
in the army)
Lieutenant.
His
never
commandant,
(a Kilmichaol
thigh
came
Free State.
the Treaty,
of Skeaf,
the
home.
days and then released,
the Brigade
were the O'Donoghue's
H.Q.
of Ballineen
from a dirty
barracks
of
It
the
even in his
Murphy's
arrest
to Horgan's
our of
(whose sans were
to Brigade
mutiny
the Treaty.
he was battalion
and,
Sean Hales
army of the
man in West Cork would secede
who voted
in which
families
with
Ballinadee
towards
he was in fa
war started;
two I.R.A.
attitude
I.R.A.
T.D.,
I,R.A.
the civil
to break away from the
and a shock to me (and to
that
I.R.A.
the
first
of
Lieut.
who still
in that
bloody
and abused me.
in our custody
detained
for
the Free
to the
a few
State
224.
in
army
civil
war
and was,
against
his
former
the
envenomed
in
Back
and Tan figured.
had evacuated
had a sweetheart
This
in
brought
Four
Street.
at
the
was a delay
door was
as
fellow
at
She threw
or
questioned
'civies',
from
must
in
the
in
the
brigade
present
procedure.
about
his
well-dressed
city
(where
nine
up).
in
the
senior
courtmartI.R.A.
The Tan was
disguise
He said
he was now quartered)
barracks
prosecution,
presided.
in Bandon
and muffled
and guilty
drumhead
was no formal
The Brigadier
presence
of
pitiable
me,
to
taken
being
only
around
About
office.
and there
a kind
me not
end foreboding.
embarrassed
terribly
convened
0/C.,
background
implored
The Tan was taken
lads.
the
me and
women gathered
I felt
I
lady
he was
eyes.
out
The young
that
her
seized
roughly
poor
fear
after
Cork
I remained
kitchen,
the
with
The other
were
away.
'Tan'
pitied
She was hysterical
Brigade
once
and
around
assuring
the
and hustled
my comrades
for
in
herarms
their
I hurried
Tom Hales,
of
as he was dragged
calm her,
in
and two others
The
The
He was
women.
crying
as
The
kitchen.
was cowering
25,
my quietness,
him,
to
defence
of
savagery
questioning.
away
about
of
the
women,
Arrived
knocking.
terrified.
wretch
officers
our
were
noticed
at
to
mostly
through.
ial
door
Water
window
front
house,
Con Crowley
entreaty
the
in
him.
the
shivering
for
in
seize
the
was aghast
tried
to
into
by O'Neill,
I
the
opening
by a shield
shoot
a house
and we rushed
protected
to
when word was
opened
a low-sized
all
kicked
in
surreptitiously.
then
of
people
O'Neill
This
Co. Derry,
Claudy,
Tan was down in
us moved off
and Tans
in Cork,
barracks
of
five
Jacky
house,
there
have
or
from
in
episode
Regiment
now quartered
military
a disguised
that
a curious
in
Bandon whom he visited
in
I was in Bandon
night
comrades.
named Carley
operator
and
active
very
The Essex
and were
Bandon
a radio
Tan,
I.R.A.
I was involved
Bandon,
a Black
which
I believe,
(he
was in
he slipped
down to Bandor
225.
to
meet
his
so,
he never
that
stationed
in
arms
carried
job
was that
other
'Sinn
gone on patrol
of
wireless
including
ordered
Into
thirsty
about
to
to
in
fight
the
to
guardroom.
his
do.
- hardened
West Cork,
and envenomed
were
all
for
burying
him and no more about
asked.
"What
"Oh, he's
crime
him back
brought
has
a bloody
no reason
to
here
kill
again?".
him".
him,
openly,
as Brigade
0/C,
and execution
of
we would
execution.
fellow
public
just
I asked
the
found
guilty".
being
charge.
I
thenasked
press
and the
as vague.
of
perhaps
innocuous
the
that
the
Tan and
poor
him?",
found
that
we were
not
the
was the
charge
define
on his
any
would
he give
to
justify
the
execution.
stated
individual
execute
I
that
brutal
for
saw no reason
revenge
the
him on that
definite
to the
He was
for the
on a helpless
misdeeds
excuse
to
detention,
decided
reason
people
that's
he would,
for
Court
of?"
what
"but
"on what
He could
I
I said,
if
the
guilty
a bullet.
responsibility
Brigadier
Tan except
to
of
and that
the
O'Neill
ferocity
been
"Love",
Tan if
more,
more blood-
the
him what
I then
killing
general;
the
of
or
and Jacky
and
officially
take
the
an hour
four
said
I.R.A.
the
courtmartial
only
Tom Hales
do it
of
"Why execute
he committed
done
Then
executing
it.
his
that
Tom Hales,
by the
Tan and deserves
execute
trial
or
to
Officer,
Con Crowley
-
hostile
I.R.A.,
For
fate.
Three
officers
he was
by several
Presiding
decide
what
revengeful
among them
the
did
they
and he had never
operator
myself,
session
we argued
the
against
doing
he had never
that
there,
if
while
that,
much interrogation
removal
his
Feiners'
or
After
duty.
Court,
went
the
in
even
done anything
he had never
Bandon,
or
people
him now and
molest
-
I.R.A.
the
that
he
that
secretly;
and discipline
regulations
thought
him - would
detect
the
own police
his
infringed
own house
her
in
lady-love
of
would
the
and
Tans
be murder
in
226.
and
we would
bring
I.R.A.
in
others
too,
That
from
attitude.
They
and
length,
Brigade
0/C.
decided
on the
Tan's
to
the
free
to
go.
lane
by a short
and
fellow's
cut
and mercy.
Little
entirely,
trembling
voice
to
death.
after
to
their
them,
victim
surly
barracks
I often
Co.
to
before
and
afterwards
who was thus
into
their
what
have
and beaten
for,
ordinary
route
three
I.R.A.
not
worse.
if
treacherous
I had escorted
fiancee's
We insisted
us and
a lonely
He was lucky
him up,
O'Neill
his
to
agitated
by the
their
to
kindness
release,
admitted
that
safely
beat
The
our
he would
we encountered
and angry.
wondered
Derry,
they
for
be waylaid
we returned
in wait
intended
very
Tan,
river,
pathetic
he was
after
O'Neill,
he was
Bandon
appearance.
barrack
the
and
down a back-
by his
judging
to
should
At
and really
thanks
not
Tan
house
Had he known,
too,
their
in
Tan that
the
how near
way back,
on learning
in
Claudy,
the
and,
became
back
from
laying
When we accosted
purpose
tearful
were
by Mick
barrack,
over
and fear-stricken
Lucky,
the
sincere
I am sure,
On our
men who were
the
Battalion,
advice
sweetheart's
he think
gravel
with
barracks.
his
with
did
way back
parting
of
our
to
a footbridge
to
us both
collapsed
him from
1st
the
accompanied
and announced
was intense
and a secret
up on his
I,
sight
gratitude
escape
release,
We escorted
he overwhelmed
death
accepted
the
molestation.
without
depart
Some of
be just
that
Tom Hales
guardroom
within
safely
to
the
of Jacky,
to
my contention
supported
permitted
went
and anxious
of
O/C.
and brother
prison,
and fair-minded
Vice
O'Neill,
that
like
character
Hales.
impressed
Mick
especially
reasonable
be freed
name and
on the
West Cork.
by a deed
and that
that,
disgrace
released
recently
at
murder
cowardly
they
house,
on seeing
them
own quarters,
became
courtmartialled
of
the
in
Tan from
Bandon
-
227.
barracks.
military
Mick
Poor
of
a British
the
and burning,
a British
latter,
fatal
Several
tragic.
such
in
I.R.A.
taken
out
were
Protestants.
ance.
Religious
were
people
reprisal
doomed to
die
the
British
had confessed
graves
In
of
the
done
for
because
Secret
to
Michael
or
Fifteen
they
three
were
dead
March,
a public
meeting
that
he
was
members of
as
and blacklisted
at
Clonakilty,
by armed
night
most were shot.
whatever
Mick
to
men,
All
a sectarian
appear-
do with
O'Neill.
as alders
They
and in
Woods,
cold
all
O'Neill's
murder.
went
in Bandon
by Sean Hales,
to
in
blood
in
day near Crookstown
in
were
and abettors
whom, Captain
was held
it.
wholesale,
loyalists
was addressed
seeing
thought
active
treacherously
O'Neill
for
listed
one of
Service,
sixteen
of
at
scared
The sequel
as a savage,
murder
reprisal
It
the
slaughter
had nothing
the
None of
in Bandon,
hung,
the
in brutal
Treaty.
-
seized
to death
shooting
Vice-Commandant
May 1922.
gave
animosity
murderous
of
were
This
firing
West Cork,
Some were
and killed.
to
- all
Records
Intelligence
confessed
a panic.
loyalists
in
The
knocking,
attire
bombing
men,
Woods got
him in
Society
and Dunmanway,
Ballineen
These
at
prominent
Féin
anti-Sinn
I.R.A.
of
threat
Woods.
knows.
probably
man in
and fired
agent,
God alone
he them.
young
was cornered
the
Why?
or
strange
Service
Bandon were
in
a Captain
son-in-law,
Secret
shot,
knew O'Neill
the
son and
his
Hornibrook,
I.R.A
Three
surrendered.
inmates
by a
warning
Under
was surrounded.
The house
he was
door,
The
a
for
help
get
slighest
house.
the
inside
hand from
alerted.
on the
the
dead without
shot
to
named Hornibrook,
house
the
at
he called
later,
the
of
warrior
chivalrous
As he knocked
motor.
treacherously
the
two months
loyalist,
broken-down
bidden
A grand
O'Neill
than
less
I.R.A.
I
gory
support
a William
228.
from
Murphy
were
there
listened
but
Prominent
among the
from
officers
an
known to
the
Treaty
me".
and,
without
have
been ratified
this
were
the
in
performance
amiable
marked
Then,
by the
by a disorderly
afire
the
Treaty
excitement
Speakers
froid
and his
I.R.A.
the
until
the
his
embers
of
the
very
joviality,
reached
Sean
him,
wagonette
then,
who continued
with
mixed
III
and
modesty
used as a
It
had been
who took
advantage
and the
Sean kept
on the
the
to
feelings.
set
other
his
sangwe
especially
all,
throwing
down amid
Cork
with
homely
which
stayed
the
an egotistical
Murphy
but
than
it.
any,
flames.
an attitude
rather
wagonette
element
indignant,
he jumped
comrades
the
confusion.
appreciated.
flames
I.R.A.
hooligan
hecklers
in
of
if
never
exchanges
I.R.A.
out
the
would
revelled
Sean's
into
that
were
of
and witty
speech,
to
hear
to
after,
Treaty
association,
burst
and the
got
mute helplessness,
the
kick
suddenly,
speakers
I was
acceptance
jocular
by his
heard
first
and status
man,
for
case
main
I
and the
a great
contract
were
The verbal
jovial
get
hostility
attitude.
platform
with
a very
who had little
aroused
Brigade,
for
name,
strain,
seemed to
and
Murphy,
of
friendly
and Sean,
repartee
his
men there
was good enough
personality
Sean Hales
between
a very
in
of
Sean
years
Collins
whole campaign
magic
for
advocate
Michael
for
myself.
His
which
and implemented.
meeting
critical,
of
Treaty
prestige,
the
into
projected
I.R.A.
and which
Sean Hales,
men and
I.R.A.
including
on the argument,
every
Collins's
young
and the
crowd
and hecklings.
own comrades.
his
was good enough
"What
the
quarters,
there
of
lips
from
ad nauseam
at
all
him being
the
were
A big
locals.
many interruptions
Bandon
was based
from
here
for
the
some other
hecklers
was known to
Hales
and
Crcokstown,
burning
up his
crowd
watch
vehicle
hands
in
and mingled
the
Their
dying
uppermost
229.
reaction
was that
for
old
poor
'Buckshot'
Shortly
a
speaker
Tom Bales,
was
brother.
Tom,
barbaric
torture
in
Bandon
and your
Almighty
it
that
by Tom's
thought
of
Tyrone
between
the
north-vest
the
of
I.R.A.
for
Sean
gone hack
in
Sean
March,
first
Jail
Dublin.
post
to Bandon.
interviewed
the
Fines,
in
Tyrone
unrecognised
his
I offered
in
Northern
the
Division
Northern
vide
Daly,
and had spent
after
arrest
my services
Brigade
as
West Cork
Mick
with
to
0/C.
had
Tralee,
Engineer
Tom Hales,
I
from
new 1st
Division.
as Divisional
and
1920,
Sean was now in
for
were
was concerned.
and Charlie
from
All
differences
returned
second
is
murder,
somewhere
Freedom
in
as 0/C.
in
of
sincerity
time
and
Treaty
disagree?"
Lehane
crowd
forget
such tremendous
Irish
Kerryman
officers
his
I
and
Lehane
A.S.U.
experienced
accepted.
Ireland
Kilmainham
had resigned
that
the
whom God
point
and burning
amalgamated
I.R.A.
Curfew
the
had been
a stalwart
during
to
The
Charlie,
in
brothers
Ulster.
with
term
of
at
be the
the
never
pair
us should
how hollow
A man in
it.
I'll
of
and
would
it?"
brother,
end of
Division
commanded
two
Regiment
logic
for
whom and me were
where
idealogy
Essex
so much against
simplicity
my R.I.C.
Round
of
the
who had survived
the
eloquent
quarrelled
this
own elder
compromise
and working
first
on earth
any wonder
impressed
of
the
Sean's
and how disastrous
you are
nickname).
principal
man,
of
hands
yet
Sean voted
"If
put
solemn
simple
that
brother
and
0/C.,
the
accepting
it
answers
Tom's
in
Treaty
of
The
and who abhorred
so-called
How is
asked:
in
good enough
was held,
meeting
Treaty.
serious,
while
shoved
consequences
the
Brigade
a very
Barracks,
expediency,
was the
to
public
hardly
beloved
Hales's
(Sean
opposed
is
this
all,
another
after,
by those
time
"Damn it
suspect
looking
Crowley
Lehane
Sean.
0/C.,
a
and
He
and asked
230.
me from
Cork
III
he wished
to
have
him to release
I sensed
in
that
old
his
had replaced
area.
Dinny
and Jack
officer,
Ballinhassig.
where
Q.M.
We travelled
officer
.45
in
my companion
Colt,
a drawer
in
to Clarence
around
Joined
the
I.R.A.
the
civvies1
Galvin,
(Dublin
in
ammunition.
the
believe
and
He promised
following
anti-Irish
as
smuggling
with
out
for
Ship
do so
readily
Limerick
which
.303
where
we stayed
strolling
who
Cappoquin
Limerick
against
I.
We
R.I.C.
tell
me "on the
man was
my pals
St.
in
that
we
Barracks
stuff
he fell
to
and we arranged
heard
city
some .303
quiet"
saw Lineen
I afterwards
in
activity
the
not
go to
I never
evening.
scared
The alacrity
for
to
Reported
quartered.
out
"poke
a.m.
so did
Lineen,
he to
he was
where
BKS.
By night
from
in
started,
as he seemed nervous,
and,
Cork,
by Tadhg
fight
4,30
comrade
I did
to
my trusty
night,
and served
I.
transport
civilian1
I left
rendezvous,
John
time1
him to
he was
known.
ment
a short
Castle),
I asked
for
a pub nearby.
Fitz
about
me and stopped;
was an enemy peeler
separated
at
The next
1917
full
in Kinsale
ex-school
in
as
the
since
I.R.A.
He recognised
to
meet
R.I.C.
toot
O'Callaghan,
and
office
instructions.
I met an
adjourned
Lineen
through
a great
Hotel,
Dublin,
had
all
where we arrived
further
awaiting
Battalion,
home
old
his
advanced
in
and
Lieut.
1st
my engineer's
to Dublin
train
to
to
in
him
by train
cash
from
unarmed
my Sam Browne
gave
engineering
coat
I
and Jim Cotter
I travelled
and
Fitz
a new trench
I
Lehane,
him
and as
III,
in
post
Kilbrittain,
I bought
attire,
joined
Fitzgerald,
Calvin,
Sullivan,
my vacated
Bandon,
Calvin,
Cork
in
with
back
Crowley
I now replaced
Cork,
to
he reverted
Hick
Engineer
in West
Crowley
while
Ulster,
as Brigade
sphere
He agreed.
Brigade.
that
since.
his
was strong
in with
me was proof
to
I
reputation
and widely-
my arrangeenough
231.
that
he was "windy"
from
our
from
and only
and unwelcome
dangerous
A day
or
Deny
driven
by a Derry
Whelan's
Hotel
(Leo
was the
house
where
Sean
and
Daly
set
Peadar
in
out
the
where
kenny
were:
Sean
Lehane,
(Mick
meeting:
in
west
1st
Raphoe,
of
shores
of
and
(2)
it
ten
for
day on to
That
Hotel.
Vice
in
Those
present
Peadar
0/C.,
Divisional
McGuirk,
Q.M,
Sean Fitzgerald
Engineer),
Denis
(brigadier)
Letter-
night
was held.
Daly,
it
with
At
solicitor's
office
commandeered
the
in
at
the
as
it
or
so took
Galvin
same time,
(Division-
over
adjoining
the
the
A small
his
as quarters
was also
of
Hall
in Raphoe,
installed
door,
residence,
for
the
I.R.A.
and
was
next
premises
the
an
forenoon,
garrison
north
reorganised
stronghold
private
on the
of
the
Masonic
Masonic
the
Mountains
base
in
day,
Divisional
Castle
Clenveagh
main
the
this
and garrison
once
as an I.R.A.
sandbags.
solicitor
made at
Derryveagh
the
Next
to be used
The
were
To occupy
occupation
forthwith.
officers.
To seize
Division.
party
fortified
(1)
and use
Northern
prepared
We all
staff.
in O'Gorman's
Next
Divisional
decisions
Lough Veagh
Donegal
armed
and I met Charlie
overnight
Joe
too).
officer).
Two important
Hall
centre
Carrick-on-Shannon,
meeting
Adjutant,
officers
Northern
house.
Charlie
0/C.,
O'Donoghue,
transport
I.R.A.
Galvin
McGarry's
Mossy Donegan
(brigadier),
Denis
Longford,
staff
Divisional
O'Donnell,
myself
at
I.R.A.
Republican
1st
and artist)
painter
Kerry
the
meeting
we stayed
portrait
we stayed
where
a Divisional
McGarry's,
of
via
Hupmobile
I.R.A.
another
Hotel,
Fits,
O'Donnell
and Bundoran,
Sligo
al
Jack
Lehane,
McCallion.
man, Alfie
and Munster
was a great
came down
car
Hupmobile
the
Whelan,
a way
slip
company.
I.R.A.
Northern
(It
foregathered.
There,
a large
so later,
to
an excuse
wanted
a
was
divisional
gentleman
who had the
232.
of
keys
and a Protestant.
Orangeman
with
dealings
readily.
and
the
of
lawyer
displaced
antiques
and other
cabinets
in
then
his
an inventory
he produced
a long
for
sealed
from
and as far
of
the
I
as
- were
missed.
at
conduct
this
and
in
character
of
our
glass
too,
All
went
in
late
June,
to
find
that
two
in
our
after
the
prolonged
though,
were
checked
items - a pair
small
I felt
of
presence
which
occurrence
silver
think,
Nevertheless,
the
his
I
me.
when the cabinets
only
Our
seemed intact,
stuff
solicitor,
and humiliated
mortified
lawyer
can recollect,
Courts,
and
and examined
The valuable
end the
rings
one morning,
opened
all
be signed.
to
duplicate
Four
he duly sealed
same to
of
issued
documents
two large
cabinets
keys
and written
store
in
the
greatly
old
Orange
so seriously
reflected
our
quite
etc.
I recollect
I was horrified
south
keys,
Council,
him to
allow
which
Then,
Raphoe.
by myself
signet
in
had been
cabinets
absence
over
time.
from
returning
the
in
were
bric-a-brac
own bedroom
presented
formally
well
us to
valuable
gentlemanly
and Adjutant.
0/C.
asking
an
receipts
These
got.
he was both
over
Army Executive
the
by Divisional
signed
quite
he requested
he duly
authority
say,
he handed
fashion,
which
authorisation,
to
We were
solicitor
this
lawyer
under
Needless
Hall.
Masonic
the
republican
soldiers
that
were
on the
in
quartered
Raphoe.
I was to
characters
I.R.A.
with
I set
I.R.A.
through
Division.
The arrival
tendencies
H.Q.
training
shortly
of
the
there,
scattered
the
dangerous
amongst
official
the
assembled
brigade
course
in
military
from
Cork
Glenveigh
special
areas
of
H.Q.
of
occupation
the
afterwards
a few
and Tyrone.
Derry
With
from each
a rapid
there
Rabhoe was
while,
up Engineering
there
later
criminal
a short
Northern
out
in Donegal,
forces
For
1st
find
and put
groups
the
Castle
of
them
engineering.
of
the
famous Denis
233
the
McNeilus;
Volunteer
great
1918,
proved
a great
McNeilus
(known
as
in
all
had cycled
Enfield
lee
electrician
'Sean
by trade
and between
now appointed
in
whatever
gathered
lay
our
hands
for
the
taking
and manage
this
the
military
the
to
Brigade
meeting
the
It
no Special
various
brigades
convened
to
I established
area,
Service.
Divisional
was tough
of
Service
0/C.
in
the
the
Castle.
Here
material
we could
was to
while
I was thus
on his
reorganising
was
of
as
tar
set
the
a Special
the
I.R.A.
Engineering
as I could
in
direct
each
and reorganise
had existed
kind
At
Division.
nucleus
for,
going,
and I
Engineer
McNeilus
the
overhaul
Cork
with
bombs and other
mines,
activity
the
and
I drew up a scheme
him,
engineer.
manufacturing
to accompany
mission
in
of
his
Macroom,
near
Glenveigh
With
Donegal,
with
marching
and munition
and assembling
of
at
Divisional
at
training
engineering
on in
appliances
free
him Assistant
of
charge
turns
a bomb factory
had operated
and Ulster)
He was a mechanic
bike.
Prison
job.
Donegal
Macroom,
Ballingeary,
his
me on this
throughout
to
Lehane
him
Murray'
strapped
columns
to
and relief
way from
the
flying
put
aid
from Cork
rescued
tighter
see,
I.R.A.
here
heretofore.
For
about
reorganisation
and reformed
under
O/C.
Sean
Jack
vent
on.
the
Hegarty,
North-West
a brother
or
Division.
or
of
police
barracks
forces
were
the
held
by the
of
touts
five
(East
had been visited
The Derry
i.e.
Tirconaill)
Donegal
Brigade,
Donegal
Brigade
wider
Peadar.
The
I.R.A.
in
area
of
barracks
Donegal
Free
State
evacuated
wider
Brian
Frank
Brigadier
1st
and nearly
army.
0/C.
had but
the
Brigade
Brigade
South
the
and
inspection
brigades
appointed,
military
throughout
or
lagan
strong-points
All
the
so,
Four
the
Fitzgerald,
O'Donnell,
barracks
days
and new staffs
the
Monahan,
ten
few
Northern
all
by the
Republican
of
the
British
garrisons
234.
in
outpost
at
R.I.C
the
occupied
in
was his
the eastern
infantry
the
effective
total
I.R.A.
their
abandoned
morale
his
in Derry
and Tyrone
Passage
East
a Donegal
with
was an adept
at
to
picked
of
vice-commandant
so consisting
of
It
British
arms
of
men from
six
offensive
military
his
scattered
spirit,
to
Sean
Council-of-
was decided
that
and Specials
police
away.
had arrived
A small
from
landed
Europe
Lehane
re-organisation,
a hurried
quantity
the
south,
at
safely
McGuinness
by Charley
Waterford,
fighter,
adventurer
and wanderer
These
now distributed
our
attack
Division,
outnumbered
To imbue
straight
by strong
Constabulary,
greatly
forces,
from
Co.
night
two British
- supported
and called
gun-running,
A two-pronged
Tyrone,
them Confidence,
be begun
of
and Co.
were
the
methods
and Ardmore
republican
specially
squads
and ammunition
a cargo
of
Deny
Special
strength.
the
against
that
forces
Letterkenny.
McGarry's,
portion
State
temporarily,
rifles
of
the
decided
on Derry
I.R.A.
text-book
events,
Mauser
Free
and give
operations
or
Northern
and thousands
ill-equipped
of
1st
police
Donegal,
War at
the
- one based
In Co.
all
of
in
were
who
forces.
was
was to
Kerrymen
so
Lehane
In Co.
brigades
of
raise
in Donegal,
Castlefin.
at
and with
area,
material
main weapon.
area
forces
the
forces
barracks
post
his
in
and battle-tired
I.R.A.
audacity
bases
only
R.I.C.
R.I.C.
and the
of
(our
the
Donegal),
Innishowen,
experienced
re-grouped
in Ballyshannon
South
of
such a paucity
with
little
at
whole
the
Carndonagh
Faced
barracks
Charlie
planned.
lead
and
ten
a party
Tyrone
of
Daly,
sixteen
Volunteers
to attack
and destroy
Molenon Rouse it Co. Derry,
south of City
occupied
a Colonel
Moore and reported
to be held by about twenty
by
Specials
and
on a military
police.
The main
camp on the
attack
Burnfoot-Derry
was to
City
be delivered
road,
about
235.
five
from
miles
and Specials
military
police,
guns.
mixed
force
of
Frank
O'Donnell,
about
Denis
other
Cork
I.R.A
force
under
baptism
before
a men.
Lebane's
midnight.
of fire
for
under
Divisional
after
Bank
there
tragic
main
was carried
the
attacks,
Enfields,
the
cars
the
eight
a large
as
to
searching
and Assistant
activities
I.R.A.
the
in
from
official
banknotes
early
in
the
had a series
but
planned,
attacking
A small
bank
and,
all
the
double-attack
McGurk,
his
describe
enemy camp at
body
junction.
(some
as veil
column
miles
of
column
northwards
newly
with
Mausers.
was no machine
About
for
seize
attacking
armed
rest
and automatics
road
the
The men were
byroads,
fired
and alit
service,
Joe
on.
later
Ulster
of
is
Here
Burnfoot,
Derry,
moved off
from
about
rifles,
The officers
laud
proceeded
from
Raphoe,
people,
mostly
We surrounded
all
sorts
commandeered)
and many of
gun,
in
the
mines
slowly
the
vehicles
a lorry
and a
a dozen
or explosives.
men,
Lee-
revolves
man had hand
grenades.
Following
the
countryside.
guard
encountered
collected
near
through
young
Raphoe
of
carried
advance
a
of whom had never
a dismissed
intend
had assembled)
motor
including
There
Peadar
a pretty
on active
Q.M.
to
on the
onset
sunset,
they
van.
I
which
Adjutant
most
to Buncrana
was done
Sean
out:
After
(where
been
Brigade),
The
men,
had
Brigadiers
one compact
was certainly
Lynch,
proceed
sequels
how the
Pat
to
This
moved as
northern
He
attack.
and myself
direction.
who had been
Omagh, were
morning
O'Donovan
by Divisional
Adjutant
Ballyjamesduff,
in
John
or
fire
Derry
Divisional
It
and machine
cars
this
of
garrison
including
(South
We all
the
led
five,
of
armoured
personal
for
been
party
Galvin,
with
also
Fitzgerald,
O'Donnell,
was a strong
riflemen,
Larkin
Sean
Jack
was timed
thirty
Here
command of
was in
himself
Lehane
Hegarty,
Walls.
Derry
them and a earched
the
a
men for
236.
arms.
were
a a if
Burnfoot
and advanced
All
midnight.
and
detained
Cross.
me as
herded
and
severed
station
with
Derry
dark
a med
moving
I
seized
dragged
him from
bike.
a revolver
him threateningly
It
in
Ulster
animosity
a truculent
and venomous
on McCourt:
"None
what
his
the
man,
religion
the
was my first
and to
of
that"
is
and
at
up out
ruin
all
the
of
the
halt.
our
attack
body and
same time
thrust
and asked
face
are
I was shocked
religious
you?"
bigot
I ordered,
who was now visibly
was
stranger's
experience
ask
the
calm and
on him to
the
see an armed
I'll.
unusual
him around
"What religion
and disgusted.
I
wife,
loomed
would
McCourt
into
with
I called
it
the
whom I apologised
to
suddenly
as
me,
of
the stationmaster's
fire
plans.
muzzle
cut
and telephone
telegraph
she accepted
As he passed
the
to
village
connecting
spectator,
be
shed near
cables
all
to
named McCourt
Volunteer
Derrywards,
not
a large
communicating
a cyclist
I dared
now on were
station,
which
silently
was now
It
railway
presumably
On leaving,
and final
we halted
into
guard
and dismantled
intrusion,
ahead,
Burnfoot
and curious
He didn't.
the
I was
transport
scouts
from
City
at
the
by Lebane.
column
a Perry
the
A lady,
dignity.
the
Arrived
wires.
an interested
Here
moved down to Burnfoot
entered
the
ashamed,
when
fashion
wary
encountered
under
taking
guide,
apparatus.
to
given
with
Cross.
civilians
I,
telegraph
on foot,
Bridgend
were
instructions
for
and Tan
we abandoned
Station,
cautiously
we reaches
with
somewhat
felt
ones
Black
in
know why we treated
really
for
I,
they
them.
Nearing
the
and
I was acting
searching
until
I don't
that
like
people
so I assumed
good-humouredly,
disposed.
friendly
those
just
submitted
They
the
frightened,
"I
of
sectarian
I.R.A.
man acting
me.
angered
don't
care
questions".
I asked
like
I turned
a rap
to
Turning
him why
he
237.
did
not
lads
by local
the
On searching
was a Trade
the
Union
arid he was
the
a boreen,
to
parallel
trench
our
nearing
Then we observed
us and the
the
For
whether
which
our
fire.
or
negligent
as to
keep
Moving
up silently,
boreen
fence
in
determined
on our
creping
red
he would
a fire
outlining
boreen.
along
ahead.
from
westwards
The lights
in
to
the
night.
them.
interpret
and plans
were
the camp were
being
to attack
camp
that
Another
deep trench
bellies.
Then,
down
It
was the
light
The enemy was
unaware
of
light.
never
lighted
for
be so foolishly
in
us the
we picked
out
firing
the
main
road,
overlooking
the
and crawled
failed
the
along
carefully
hills
positions
enemy forces
reassured,
otherwise
as a beacon,
but
our
a flickering
We were
blocked
We stopped.
signals,
road.
fences
was signaling
it
running
Derry
the
pool
our
camp,
Cross we
general
We scrambled
was known or not.
skirted
we spotted
water
on the
on grimly
presence
proximity
acted
the
to
lights
we thought
that
we warily
below,
of
the
We pushed
warned.
main
deep
Yes,
to decipher
and
the
enemy base.
intervening
discovered
in
six-foot
flashing
a few minutes
but
of
with
him along
The enemy
From the
close
files
filled
showed intermittently.
We tried
side
he
that
who had been rounded
1 a.m.
away.
objective.
skirting
fences,
two
in
warily
A deep
We were
east
£70
money was
the
We brought
and winding,
long
and on the
We advanced
boreen.
two miles
in
sveethert.
- about
and that
some others
was now about
It
shed.
his
He explained
pocket.
collection.
with
worked
Deny,
visiting
as well
a bluff
was only
banknotes
of
hip
treasurer
was about
entered
his
incarcerated
objective,
the
in
bundle
a workers'
of
proceeds
up in
a large
him,
- was found
in value
from
and was returning
shipyards
it
near
He lived
him.
to s care
he thought
that
He replied
halt.
the
open.
our
I
The
fire
enemy position.
positions
on the
other
along
side
the
of
238.
was the
which
and
flanked
below
and within
Not
a wide
to
back
we don't
the
British
in
boreen
of
attack,
was the
blast
a crashing
kicked
again
inspected
then
magazine,
Enfield
near
Billy
some moments,
Verey
up the
volley
light
whole
I
started
30 or
fired
the
there
sailed
hillside
the
as
it
fire
at
sky over
our
then
line
their
bushes
was
of
fire
A single
whistle-
still.
quite
was rent
night
My Mauser
in
bullets
the
Lee
speed.
camp.
position,
another
the
a machine
like
amazing
from
back
which
O'Sullivan's
tire
staccato
fell,
whole
five
Billy
was no response
into
I crept
more rifles.
to reload.
rapid
gunner,
straggling
and the
whole
with
Tom Barry's
direct
The air
from
maintain
with
to
surprised
toned
camp fire.
whistle
piercing
low
our
all
attack.
me was spitting
could
stone
flickering
for
a mule,
like
the
Lehane
a shrill
Suddenly,
down against
he instructed
and
Billy
off,
and
job,
France
as a machine
and
signal
ye're
War and had joined
telling
the
with
ye,
in
earth
and a round
he hissed,
had soldiered
Brigade
"Get
came along.
I'm
of
21/2 feet
Satisfied,
towards
with
West Cork
past
up snug
stupidity.
or
others,
boreen
any man on this
lose
Great
Lehane's
and there.
herd
the
taken
idiots",
two of
Billy
and crouched
consisted
for
in
3rd
under
Smarting
the
the
to
want
he said.
army
the
from
the
along
Lehane
ye bloody
that,
recklessness
any
Billy",
column
of
We don't
want
you,
gap when Sean
the
feet
the
near
position
further
boreen
objective.
We had just
spars.
more savvy
expected
experience.
at
wooden
out
hell
I crawled
and
beyond
positions
fire
the
of
A hundred
our
lay
range
strong
security
ridge.
hilly
a satisfactory
finding
gap of
the
of
150 yards
O'Sullivan
Billy
"I
brow
the
which
the
enemy from
the
dominating
safe,
vas
Our position
enemy encampment.
For
Then a
lighting
and another
gun,
239.
and another
until
on a stage.
Two Machine
vent
into
action
fire
from
below.
The din
into
fence
splinters
down.
Sharp
scared.
made lurid
of
that
We began
soon from
the
equipment
Sean
Larkin
took
and to
retire
I picked
up some clips
their
all
Volunteers
their
service
as his
excitement
remained
precious
The minutes
dragged
the
Derry
Derry
City
the
in
take
I
four
boreen
to
pocketed
of
the
to
to
withdraw
collect
I,
with
as rearguard,
and we were
searching.
revolver
loaded
some of
away with
crime
regard
the
us waited,
and
on
trying
withdraw
to
was but
our
to
and a .38
A grievous
possession.
the
off
fire,
that
be expected
Burnfoot.
to
had neglected
Road,
at
position
ammunition
and baste
on as
useless
was tine
behind
din
hellish
We had no answer
was now desultory
our
and rifles
on the
Walls
It
a bit
feel
cars
the
eased
to
to
could
man who had been drilled
toot
watching
were
cease
bank
arms and ammunition.
I.R.A.
-
Whew
Deny
men to
I moved along
of
and in front
explosion
skies.
enemy fire
silent.
raw I.R.A.
eastern
his
entirely
hunched
a rmoured
towards
down.
and thudded
I begun
We gradually
ordered
The
overhead
reinforcements
anxiously
concentrated
we kept
uncomfortable.
and two others,
charge.
In
feel
now greying
Lehane
Quietly
which
grenade.
cars
and sent
strips
flung
footlights
troll
and darkness
hand
quarter.
as we peered
pierce
A rifle
with
keep
a heavier
Then
away and heavy
that
tore
guns,
light
to
armoured
overhead
behind
machine
us.
the
bullets.
explosive
Our own grenades
a few miles
their
fence
alternate
to
whined
explosions
lights,
behind
that.
fire
the
crackling
with
distance.
I
from
the
up,
all
they
rear;
behind
position
ordered
cairn May night.
hillside
to
our
at
Verey
boreen
Bullets
enemy was using
the
our
Lehane
flying
we were
if
guns opened
raking
was terrific.
the
as
we felt
for
our
them
an active
ammunition
stuff.
alert,
enemy camp.
24O.
as
Then,
I
a last
I ordered
twice
Once,
and with
ordered
other
Where Sean
rapidly
along
up with
fierce
to
from
the
off
the
water
at
base
the
we risked
rising
Then
figures
dark
he heard
our
aid
of
loomed
sudden
when we
were
missing.
were
now missing,
worried
all.
Two slightly
then
for
Reaching
and captured.
in
wounded
billets
in
large
mansion
the
did
they
at
and five
locality.
about
1/4 mile
Now
and knees.
to
when
by
investigate
us if
and
main body,
know that
we had
four
others
but
We were
way evidently,
not
under
He had stayed
Jack
the
at
countryside
and fell
daybreak
in
for
inspectio.
missing.
towards
silently
Cunningham
a grip
along.
He asked
their
and
surprised
back
with
mood though
exultant
Newtown
scuts
We hadn't,
lost
Burnfoot
As we moved away
we were
surrounded
all.
the
to
on hands
we had been
to send
inches
He had thought
Lehane!
up.
having
We reached
and back
attempt
whining
for
along
crouched
had retreated
They
about
Over
opened
to
clinging
groping
up
I crawled.
we reached
that
at
Fitzgerald
I picked
me,
it ere
that
He was relieved.
came along.
seen Jack
until
along
volleys
had lain.
was suicide
bellies
I
fence
boreen
back,
bullets
fence.
and was about
retreat
from
the
feet
and moving
enemy reinforcements,
the
our
the
we four
it
and round
trench
fence
the
on our
unison
Then
the
along
look
and
as
ground
in
The enemy had again
gun fire
back
water-filled
clutching
one last
others.
machine
Back,
overhead.
first
after
enemy.
we fired
a few yards
With
pistol.
back
where
spot
had been,
the
safety1
and deliberation.
crawl
the
again
Larkin
a Paraballum
to
three
at
time,
precision
parade-ground
the
lift
a third
to
retired
shots
parting
finally,
and,
I examined
while
of
volley
body had
main
the
that
judged
almost
exhausted
6 a.m.
about
As was our
east
Newtown Cunningham,
of
wont,
the
physically,
we dispersed
to
we picked
out
village
and
a
approached
241.
named Black,
Jack
and John
O'Donovan
officers
of
and
a glass
general
curious
quite
Orange
to
viewpoint
find
for
we were
that
Protestant
religious
To his
we
it,
ordered
hours
main
retired
the
course,
Sean
inside
scout
our
party
his
tale:
the
raiding
as
shot
whole
I.R.A.
Newtown Cunningham
where
and
the
We dressed
breakfast
served
and efficiency,
by two
icily
thirsting
house while
We were
by a commotion
squad,
wounded
were
a few
the
asking
for
arid barred
and
us.
in Buncrana:
fighting
Bank had been
getaway.
but
had aroused
they
of
outside
breathless,
wag bolted
we were
taking,
bedrooms,
had been
fired
on by Free
Some of them
and all,
had been
reached
now resting.
and came down to a substantial
daughters
distant
of
at all.
religion
a sentry.
made their
hurriedly
but
family
There
they
surprised
we showed no sign
that
open until
Ulster
State troops
they
the
The house
to
own
meeting
assassins,
the
had arrived
slow
his
first
his
seemed pleasantly
leave,
post
He was
'Papishes'.
wakened
Lehane.
were
told
in
to
A messenger
door.
The
bed
to
the
Ulster.
vat
diabolical
rare
us Joined
and uphold
mentioned
no one to
when we were
Commandant
those
indeed
precaution
abed
masked
and hardly
we were
mind,
It
He was amazed
blood.
animosity
Having
in
not
in
and attitude
and he
us as
a decanter
desultorily,
simply.
officers
I.R.A.
comprised
Some of
situation
and
quietly
Galvin
Dinny
produced
enemy,
rather
alms
know our
Mossy
and treated
us to drinks.
national
area.
the
men)
Brigade
loyalist
fuss,
with
us philosophically
invited
and
to
Munster
with
West Cork
and we discussed,
political
without
and myself
an occupying
in
Preceptory
admitted
Lehane
3rd
accepted
and refreshments
him in
(all
Black
six.
military
Sean
Fitz,
Black
the
and were
us knocked
Donegan,
the
of
leader
the
of
six
Here
by an Orange
was owned and occupied
It
by an avenue.
of
and
the
house
formal
in
with
their
politeness
manner.
242.
We left
and rushed
Joe
without
abruptly
to
the
Division4l
McGurk,
detailed
party
Lehane
to
ordered
Charlie
before
the
before
place
them.
of
rams on the
firing
them had ruined
If
was,
then
it
keenly
since
battle
against
resulted
British
Derry
serious.
He was
still
medical
but
pale
very
his
enough,
send
away,
him
of
it
all
made a
more
the
an all-out
Free
in
night
below
State
soldiers
it
A Temporary
man named Doheny,
for
working
the
when
had
"Tipp",
motor
I
van
high
in
the
left
as he lay
hospital;
from
at
saw him.
in
catastrophe
the
blue.
shot
which
the
wound,
an active
in
Derry
through
the
Newtown Cunningham
He was
in
good spirits
on collapse.
Strangely
breast,
the
but,
leg
some years
been
had
Bundrana,
one a slight
appalling
a bolt
without
was occupied
never
casualties,
Lifford
a new and
suddenness
aid
dressed
to
retreated
and Specials
bank seizure
with
in
wound,
place.
was an ignominious
It
had fought
and weak and bordering
The wound was
to
the
known as
awaiting
the
as battering
inside
grave.
party
Volunteer,
and colloquially
they
City.
two
and experienced
shortly
Here
the place
know if
camp garrison
action,
suffered
lung,
Lehane's
to
they
and he felt
report
available.
rifle-butts
defenders
the
I.R.A.
House.
and window,
the
I.R.A.
the
and steel-shuttered
their
even
as
a gun-fight
in
other
to
we in
The third
not
silent
Charlie
near
Bridgend
as
kept
for
the
door
did
failure
I.R.A.
main
strong
of
bank,
admittance
gain
from
Buncrana
the
on Molenon
to
report
had returned
party
fortified
failed
they
but
I.R.A.
attack
a shot,
or not.
move,
his
barricaded,
They
a few
After
with
of
mobilisation
Immediate
the
Black,
hosts
charge
some money from
a fruitless
from
found
seize
Daly
who was in
Q.M.,
our
a complete
Getting
village.
of
leave
taking
van
before
bled
but
and it
little.
was decided
he baa been
concurred
with
the
taken
243.
the
to
away
motor
of
roadway
of
the
night's
Crown
forces.
the eastern
wall
behind
shove
the
the
hurriedly.
of
the
western
as three
'up the
road
closely
at
the
reedy
in
the
publichouse
in
cruises
The
on each
the
no sound
past;
second
soldiers
the
street
as
the
I.R.A.
men.
house
Lehane's
dead
halts
to
bead
is
cover
far
side
of
of
their
in
out
State
the
the
gives
orders.
rifles
is
tyres
the
alms
a
is
our
seconds
lorry
a case
of
the
of
there
almost
and roll
parked
opened
public.
over
jump off
under
fire
It
the
two
The second
soldiers
of
fanlight
For
of
side
covering
Crossley
and the
road
No one
on each
comes abreast
a bullet.
at
One Crossley
soldiers
with
Crossleys.
fire
actually
trim-faced
Desultory
I
is
silent
out.
himself.
still
load
breaks
for
street.
are
its
Pandemonium
acting
Lehane
rifles
engine.
rings
Free
two rows with
Sean
consternation.
three
Street
of the
lorry
with
and
soldiers
officers
our
and
The
purring
officer
shot
then
two or
on the
State
Mauser
village
State
in
republican
third
cover
the
through
smashed
silence,
and
pass
As the
A single
revolver.
is
they
a Free
door,
the
keenly
eyeing
with
the
Free
the
facing
except
follows
lorry
with
by
over
buildings
in
and Comdt.
open doorway
enemy,
clamber
the
walls,
Same of
opposite
the
eventualities.
behind
tender.
with
load
back-to-back
sitting
or
I take
tree,
loaded
friend
others,
Some are still
tenders
and
packed
ten
to await
cover
fence.
Crossley
standing
take
party
or
a felled
spout'
are
and counter-attack
Instinctively,
of
stump
large
Cunningham,
gun-battle
pursuit
eight
on
who comes
prolonged
with
I,
a bullet
others
We know not
Newtown
a
assembled
I.R.A.
the
heard
sound of
the
grows
of
village
makes us suspect
forces
British
little
the
last
and louder
We
are
engines
Crossley
convoy.
confused.
momentary]y
Memories
Louder
south,
fast-approaching
the
of
humming noise
The loud
motor
on the
each
man
Crossleys
as
van
244.
gather
they
at
the
on the
then we
the
south
and all
constituting
the
over
the
about
face
to
is
threat
and
the
east
their
back
their
but,
in
to
hold
the
if
towards
from
seeing
on the
Deny
off
cramped
upon to
surrender.
a ricochet
They
About
felt
under
3 p.m.
or
to
if
at
left
the
the
the
the
at
having
to
corner
continued
couple
tried
the
to
of
their
their
use
I.R.A.
discretion
deeming
with
In
hands
van.
the
up
them was slightly
wheel
when he was
van.
stations
so,
the
under
One of
these
had instructions
being
and
from
the
then
These
position
they
From hare
village.
behind
Staten
country.
Crossleys,
and
came out
bullet
interrogated,
Bitter
the
fight.
abandoned
up battle
three
screaming.
From here
across
I.R.A.
to
called
taking
line.
house
Free
the
house,
railway
leaving
being
they
the
of
they
that
who can be heard
disorder
themselves
On being
the
north
their
as he lay
for
sped on and round
of valour,
on
a while.
halt,
part
wounded with
for
to
who had jumped
rifles
in
fire,
to
first
retreat
the
200 yards
journey
the
We turn
on us.
to
flank
left
village,
a few volleys
fired
to
better
fired
their
surround
east
up as
about
comrades
to
on our
Staten
rushed
having
make a stand
they
and dispersed
slowed
they
in
and retreat
meantime,
the
where
Free
to
entrance
fire
heavy
cars
motor
occupants,
positions
the
have
close
dislodged
first
soldier
from
enfiladed
five
at
halt
directly
lorries.
receding
The
by a woman and children
I.R.A.
evacuate
are
house
republicans
occupied
As the
force
fire
to
ourselves
convoy
away and direct
a two-storey
Here
find
occupy
fence,
yards
this
the
State
Free
eastern
200
of
the
vanish.
my scruples
and their
village
side
eastern
tail
first
crowding
targets
green-coated
But
at
I am reluctant
speed.
halt
they
fighting
in
Free
State
the
lorries
should
the
soldiers
encounter
lurch
was all
and
admitted
jump off,
the I.R.A.
by their
over
and the
comrades,
village
245.
was all
ment.
the
all
collected
Leaving
the
towards
route
captured
We reached
Raphoe.
and equip
ammunition
behind
in
slowly
of
column
incident
without
this
arid
forces
and two others
body moved off
whole
I.R.A.
the
arms,
transport.
John Donovan
myself,
as a rearguard,
assembled
Lehane
again.
quiet
by
nightfall.
A telegram
Divisional
Chief
H.Q..
of
was waiting
for
in
It
Staff.
the
notification
from
between
O'Duffy,
Free
cessation
the
Liam
State
of
all
6 p.m.
since
previous
on the
of
ignorant
similar
this
round
up the
and
in
the
I.R.A.
the
Hotel,
a truce
had been
and General
this
the
a
forces
two military
Hence
on the
Eoin
ordered
truce
evening.
to
the
day
the
at
tragedy
the
after
out
the
truce
the
the
State
did
tragedy,
on the
Free
or
not.
eight
in Donegal.
of
This
inquest
"wilful
shows the
in
Free
as
on the
of
it
the
Crossleys
truce,
added
was avoidable.
very
serious,
whom two died
held
to
truce
circumstances
were
wounded,
A coroner's
a verdict
side
the
knew of
These
inasmuch
State
after
in
0/C.
this
Yet
officers
A
State
Sweeney,
truce.
morning
entirely
forces.
Free
Joe
Newtown Cunningham
bloody
in
to
of
State
Free
General.
evening
there
later.
brought
delivered
had been
I.R.A.,
the
so,
The Free
at
the
C.O.C.,
set
and seven
wounds
Not
the
I.R.A.
motors
kil1d
But we,
lad
casualties
'Irregulars'
I.R.A.
was an official
chief,
had occurred
Lynch,
McGarry's
that
between
previous
officers
to
soldiers
and that
on the
expedition
their
G.O.C.
had been
Castle)
State
four
I.R.A.
truce.
(and
Letterkenny
The
It
Lynch,
shocked.
telegram
greatly
at
Staff
of
Liam
effect.
We were
Drumboe
Chief
hostilities
Newtown Cunningham
came into
was from
evening.
as he entered
Lehane
had been delivered
It
Letterkenny,
signed
Raphoe.
Sean
of
on the dead
murder"
attitude
against
the
of hate
and
246.
bias
at
fostered
Irish
Before
a loaded,
which
I had already
fight.
the
Parabellum
from
on our retreat
This
Burnfoot.
Sean
Larkin
State
firing
O'Sullivan
without
Charge
or
in
Drumboe
for
Irish
the
After
Charlie
his
after
trial,
five
the
Fitzgerald,
myself
Peadar
O'Donnell)
motored
that
had
Lynch,
in
the
Four
Courts.
Engineering,
of
with
Northern
our
difficulties
war
flour,
sufficiency
of
electrical
and so on.
But one most
and
we could
owing
not
to
a full
its
Improvise
Lehane,
to
Lehane
Dublin,
Chief
of
Department
candid
etc.
important
in
report
dangerous
substitute
and
We had,
too,
gadgets,
and that
of
of
a
batteries
appliance
delicate
the
supply
such as cables,
technical
in
Director,
I had begun
and
to
Liam
Staff,
the
tackle
was the
cheddar,
equipment
highly
in
We had an adequate
needs.
Irish
Sean
which
I gave
and our
of
prisoners
two others
to
O'Connor
the reorganisation
explosives,
not,
I wanted
Rory
Division.
shot,
and one or
the
to
happened,
which
callously
Daly,
immortalized
tragedy,
Jack
on all
1st
They are
Cunningham
report
- Charlie
held
been
Castle,
of Drumboe'.
'Martyrs
them
were
having
months.
Newtown
Daly,
connection
-
and
a Free
Drumboe
comrades
Kerry
dyke
myself
Sean faced
in
of
Camp near
between
March
three
boreen
British
death.
following
(among
of
the
fallen
Sean Larkin
the
friendship
and Timmy Enright
as
history
to
the
with
and,
Christy
war
a close
the
confusion
the
from
back
to
had
it
Brigadier
on the
assault
lasted
squad
Stranorlar,
the
began
which
to
restored
street
that
in
belt
I had retrieved
which
I.R.A.
the
I handed
village,
and who said
San Browne
on the
holster
of
authority
up on the
I had picked
it
the
against
general
Dublin.
Courts,
who claimed
the
the
Newtown Cunningham
revolver
his
Four
the
leaving
officer
I.R.A.
from
in
H.Q.
in
Press
Army who accepted
Republican
Executive
by the
time
the
we had
make-up,
was
247.
low
tension
electric
was making
McNeilus
in
exploders
which wore
on L.T.E.
Dots.
a variety
these
detonators
I wont
of
back
at
to
one whose
Clarence
in
materiel
in
Four
our
Back
in
0/C.
Cork
III
with
Dan Breen,
the
in
the
Four
State
forces
under
the
Provisional
State
official
Bush,
a certain
amount
of the
Executive
heroic
records
from
being
met with
his
too
quiet
that
Ireland.
So,
early
command.
in
Tan
his
mediations
were
restoration
of
would
we.
all
mean for
I
spoke
great
relief,
We rejoined
I.R.A.
us I.R.A.
uniform
looked
their
kept
had averted
the
the
by the
to
Free
who still
was only
efforts
as
and,
was one of
too,
This
Their
success
it
forces
from Beggars
were
that
struggle
outspoken.
tone
and
officers,
of
and the
orders
and disfavour
very
a basis
wore
their
Tom Hales,
military
Executive
and Breen
suspicion
the
the
meetings
other
at
I.R.A.',
Hales
I.R.A.
temporary
satisfied
an
of
having
Government,
and took
G.H.Q.
but
republican
Courts
'Official
army
which
I bump into
sundered
under
Free
'chit'
to arrive
I.R.A.
the
the
officers,
Barrett,
and one or two
- the
of
at
Dick
Dublin,
trying
the
the
I.R.A.
the
who did
officers
themselves
disappointment
hotel.
Sean Gaynor
caned
the
of
frustrated.
felt
We stayed
Dublin.
He was in
re-unify
of
southern
provided
the
Brigade,
to
agreement
and to
Clarence,
I.R.A.
prominent
the
Courts,
stay
full
in vain.
especially
through
the
authorised
has been
I
had
Courts
had none
they
supply,
Hotel
dependent
Four
the
I was assured.
Clarence
mission
fittings
Q.M.G.
fair
as
all,
the
usually,
our
in
all
weapons.
in
H.Q.
Engineering
electrical
were
there
use as military
their
while
of war
assembled
Denis
which
and the
Castle
Glenveigh
being
for
Unfortunatley,
The mines
detonators.
close
with
upon with
generality
their
critics
the
Tom that
as he was
a civil
at
breach
war
evening
quite
in
the
forces
officers
to
of
a unified
(now dubbed
248
monthly
pay,
I must
confess
At
adopted.
of
I.R.A.
or
of military
a few
short
that
time,
At
officers,
at
emoluments
to be,
and all
wore
our
all,
travelled
sections
the
a
accept
the
position
was too
only
always
dispelled.
peace
of
was:
I.R.A.
of
(Articles
about
young
by the
but
it
basis
minds
all;
and
he
which
State
and
do
I.R.A.)
the
like
and
but
and drink
but we do accent
At
Treaty",
for
paid
of
Free
the
payment
'fags'
"We (the
vaguely
at
us to
Agreement),
aggressive
we
cigarettes
on the
between
proud
any
things
were
rapprochement
the
without
helped
formula,
we happened
and often
only
slept
mans,
wherever
way,
the
We,
no pay
got
every
glad
this
usually
understand
unification
the
I.R.A.
men was delayed
from
to week.
of
The delay
agreement
among the
distribution
of
'unifi3d'
my mind.
1917-1923,
clothes,
people
About
implications
not
life
it
we
ours;
the
this
time,
in
people
brought
agreement,
desired
by us
temporary.
I.R.A.
young
week
its
did
The
for
subtle
understood
general
Treaty
brought
of
in
though,
a temporary
republican
period
such a commodity)
Tom Hales's
secured
being
whatsoever.
(when we had
tobacco.
the
by any and
houses
sustenance
The Cumann na mBan,
even
the
our
remuneration
in cash
in
for
or
civil
across
be rudely
to
I had
which
to
reverting
own civilian
people
provide
had by
career
flashed
were
during
the
to
of
never
glory
of
most
as
military
thought
perquisites.
weeks.
and drank
and ate
the
my profession,
practising
within
the
continue
any rate,
my dreams
But
to
and
such a consummation,
I welcomed
with
officers
army
emoluments
equipment,
uniform,
now made up my mind
or
as regular
recognition
'Irregulars')
upper
army.
day to
was due to
brasshats
the re-arranged
republican
so fondly
the
day and then
failure
on either
commands and
In the
upshot,
from
to reach
side
posts
army
about
in
the
reunification
the
249
never
and then
chiefs
military
political
with
full
the
to
authority
by
the
of
Justice
of
0/C.
in
and
the
side
eastern
inside
this
Mutineer",
town
earlier
through
in
east
gate.
Dublin
or
their
in
the
Inside
two
southern
Free
State
Executive
Liam
Lynch's
officers
from
when
McKelvey
of
Cork
staff
in
seized
him from
Belfast,
II
the
the
Assistant
1st
this
all
entry
Divisions
there
were
(should
passing
required
be carrying
they
of
(Chief
and Cork
Cork
III
later
but
to
the
also
Courts;
and staff
Southern
Division.
of
Staff,
attached
who had left
I.R.A.
Maurice
comrade
Chief
were
Staff)
respectively.
III,
Bush,
services
Four
Liam's
in Tippeary
covered
Northern
Beggars
his
car
Courts.
Adjutant,
and offered
they
the
Department
Assistant
Mitchelstown,
who accompanied
car
Four
G.H.Q.
at
guns of
and ammunition
the
of
forces
temporarily
at
an elaborate
admittance
Directly
permitted.
British
Our men from
rifles
late
the
The machine
quartered
G.H.Q.
Twomey from
from
its
was the a rmoured
courtyard
satirically-named
General's
Adjutant
the
year.
guardroom
in
Dan O'Leary,
to
the
though
to deposit
such)
in
Courts
Four
sought
entrance
only
was signed
confirming
officer
I
thereon,
the
avoid
time
every
the
gate,
captured
significantly
the
Courts
entrance
"The
from
Four
the
me to
I.R.A.
by an
of
thereon
impressed
41/2 x 21/2
typed
times
all,
at
Red Seal
enabled
pass
identification
in
resident
was
Ireland
Courts
- Noel
Guard
about
holder
as we
and,
frequently,
the
ticket
of
and the
H.Q,
of
Captain
unit
Four
in Dublin.
Courts
stiff-paper
Guard
This
the
I.R.A.
enter
the
authenticity.
check
a small
rank,
name,
Four
the
from
pass
This was
Lemass.
to
report
a permanent
a few days
for
staying
to
had occasion
got
smashed by scared
and
denounced
ambitious
of
jealousies
leaders.
As we were
I
by the
first
sabotaged
being
came,
officer,
Joe
was another
(Moss)
250,
I.R.A.
young
Dick
With
Brigade.
of
circumstances
Division
whose
Tyrone
and North
the
area
I confronted
to
Tadhg
Sullivan,
benevolent
'guardian'
youngsters
in
I told
for
in my first
enclosed
a large
the
discovered
in
official,
This
moryah,
for
and
as he was
enjoyed
all
the
the
back
carrying
detonators
his
a Joke,
my precious
with
of
success
to Dublin
me.
but
I was very
my mission.
by mail
highly
pleased
I could
Northern
assured
that
equipped
for
the
effective
use of
which
we were
assembling.
land
mines
Low
Barrett.
the
e
gave
the
stuff,
north
I had
I had
which
an Orange
to
us
to
recommendation
Dick
government
Tadhg,
But
me.
supplies
stores,
my old
material.
repaying
'advances'
evening.
him fifty
cheques
of
that
'tough'
and money,
he
Joke.
I travelled
evening
about
house
the early
III,
armament
from
him
cancelled
of
financial
Tadhg
to
commandeered
his
of
from
that
of
I did by way
out
of
G.H.Q.
minister
finance
request
note
assortment
Cork
I had Tom Hales's
and d elighted
as
at
in
off
Q.M.
stores
that
as a strong
well
I was surprised
all
his
Dets.
set
and wheedled
from
Dets.
especial]y
Northern
and County
in Bandon
Brigade
and paternal
him unblushingly
them as
I
wave.
and arrived
Cork
West Corks
Elect.
peculiar
1st
City
Derry
L.T.E.
precious
train
mail
Tension
those
get
I now bad a brain
Dublin,
the
and regrouped
Donegal,
Engineering,
and military
to
reference
reorganised
included
activities
I.R.A.
special
of
III
Cork
Q.M.
Fermanagh.
to
Failing
morning
with
late
Director
O'Connor,
and examined
tactics
engineering
and
Executive,
and Rory
these
we discussed
in
I.R.A.
Q.M.C.,
Barrett,
as
as well
whom I had many contacts,
with
chief
its
train
from
dangerous
with
myself
now return
engineering
the
department
to
Cork
next
parcel
of
arid with
the
1st
was completely
electrically-operated
251.
this
About
my old
of
pa
to
to
engineer
Dublin
the
I.R.A.
He had got
offered
ins £10,
With
to
his
finish
the
after
medical
of
from
his
the stuff
carried
Next
State
army.
drink
and
a chat.
for
an
with
(so
State.
said).
but
wad.
I
way.
he retired
have
declined
amicable
We shook
his separate
I heard
and would
he was
getting
hands
with
I have
in
up to
- our
late
A/Company
O'Connell
from
Free
State
of
Hotel
for
the
a
staff,
Prout's
as
Prout
was looking
welcome
me to
his
me appointed
since
Bridge,
0/C.,
uniform
Wicklow
come along,
about
north.
the
on
the
I
Bush.
Beggars
Daly
Scanlan
never
comrade
an I.R.A.
the
commandant
Then
we had an
Treaty
and
on parting,
each
met with
Carry,
army
staff
staff
on principle.
argument
I.R.A
the
of
Jack
and would
officer
engineering
Carry
me to
U.C.D.
to me 60 or 70
over
detonators
to
he was
handed
was on Major-General
Carry
He invited
open arms
animated
We adjourned
where
out
- now in a commandant's
Scanlan
Free
us.
with
walking
officer
Dublin
to
me,
time.
the
U.C.C.,
soldier,
the
and
was to
ox-radio
stationed
with
along
Brigade
had dropped
which
State
a mutual friend
Garry
he told
too,
who was
evening,
we bumped into
Captain
but
still
It
money at
of
Pigeon
Corporation
A/Company,
Daly,
a Free
Youghal,
the
Twohill,
ammunition
from
surreptitiously,
of
studies,
Jack
rifle
.303
sin
in
Dublin
the
in
had transferred
Jerome
Treaty.
of
rounds
late
who had
accepted.
to see Jerome
medicine.
'doing'
a huge
man,
end also
War I,
World
I gratefully
which
City,
and
St.
officer
Youghal,
worked
Pearse
pay from
some back
I went
Daly,
in
B.E.,
electrical
Jack
Corporation.
and lodged
I.R.A.
a wandering
Cork
as junior
job
as an engineer
active
continued
Daly,
Battalion,
civilian
his
Power Station
Rouse
2nd
A/Company,
now returned
up Jack
I looked
time
long
after
the
Free
going
though
the
civil
252.
Jack
and
I.R.A.
4th
East
Cork
Cork
officers
the
I told
Battalion,
and was
services,
to
any more
'grab'
I knew that
it
'hot
pretty
as
his
in
service
was a reference
in
Cork
Nick
to U.C.C.
the
deputy
Lebane's
column
to
Ulster
then
Athenry,
Tuam
Tobbercutry
arrived
from
in
the
the
Lagan
Belfast
continued
Belfast
pogrom,
uprooted.
via
Birr
and Sligo,
Finner
later.
and were
arrive
others,
The Derry
of
area
Sean Moylan's
country.
to
did
command
Brigade.
us
bring
course
student
(where
at
attached
college
as well
as being
young
allocated
Donegal;
I.R.A.
Brigade,
in
command),
Portumna,
Camp, Donegal
armament
of
and equipment
from
under
strongpoints
and
Derry
some drive
men on the
I.R.A.,
re-organisation
to various
Many refugees
in
we rested
The work
More arms,
south
This
'Nudge'
West Cork
was
City
Tom Barry.
wider
was now intensified.
Cork
Brigade.
actually
Brigade,
two days
Raphoe
away'
from
Lucey,
3rd
home brigade
to
Barracks
in
III
his
Crinkle
the
had
I,
Sean Hegarty's
an engineering
while
commander
We returned
in
from
I.
them were
'luring
Cork
Connie
man the
Cork
in
captain
and arrived
of
service
Kilbrittain
A/Company
and a staff
Third
Cork
Cork
between
of
slow
be very
0/C,
officers
the
O'Reilly's
from
officers
Brigade
O'Connor and myself
Crowley,
Sean
with
departure
to active
City
down to
the
to
Bill
Callinan,
Sean would
and efficient
West Cork
about
that
Lehane
area
abeyance".
Lelane
accused
Hegarty
most active
"in
and relations
already
to an active
get
I.R.A.
fellow
his
Sean
and Sean Hegarty,
and heavy'
some of
for
Lehane
strained,
I feared
experienced
and
with
was not
'sound'
but
proffered
to
British
I would
that
Daly
vice-commandant,
"pulling"
anxious
the
war against
not
friend
mutual
was very restless
I,
He ns
home.
our
O'Reilly,
now battalion
Youghal,
at
battalion
Paddy
in
veteran
dissatisfied
where
we that
told
Daly
out
run,
or
Brigadier
by the
otherwise
253.
strategic
Inch
the
from
Sean Hegarty
in
Island
laugh
was now rigorously
This
activity
was under
Derry
Joe
to
fury
safety
of
in
There
Donegal.
boycott
Individual
goods.
sense
had become blunted,
goods
surreptitiously
I.R.A.
the
of
something
of
and
feeding
which
became
the
After
and
its
of
had any
a spare
store
I.R.A.
or
Raphoe
we needed,
of
inevitably
of
the
Divisional
it
and here
we
I got
socks,
for
was
a lowering
around
Hall
Masonic
the
in
some of
clothes
was the
'commandeered'
whipcord
in
and used
to replenish
authorisations
and furnishing
stored
to
and underclothing
Moffatt's
Quartermaster,
these
of
This
all
staff,
necessary
shirts
handling
on.
pants).
presenting
a shirt,
It
us had no more than
change
coat
in
found
therein.
led
the
unscrupulous
garrisons
of discipline
seizure
it
were
I.R.A.
later
by the
officers
(most
few
evident
occupation
southern
too,
the
comparative
items
various
goods,
of
of
whose moral
These
a new departure.
very
the
them with
and a loosening
standards
to
republicans
by republican
like
victims
traded
support
Divisional
and the
and then
occupied
quarters
Paddy Shields,
much abuse
'acquired'
and others.
shopkeepers
alas!
was,
of
the
who fled
and
removed
foodstuffs
refugees,
and Derry
Belfast
up and searched
by the
directed
the
1oyeott
held
control
goods,
support
McCallion
Alfie
confiscated,
Feiner,
Perishable
McGurk.
distributed
the
Slim
City
were
the
including
Foyle,
The Belfast
Trains
enforced.
of
Skeog House and
were
officers
ablest
goods were
Orange
of
Muff,
Belfast
veteran
were
Fahan,
and all
stored
Q.M.
and laugh
and Seamus Ward.
Owen McDermott
daily
Swilly
Swilly,
Its
Manorcunningham.
and
laugh
along
points
a number
garrisoned
Waterside,
receipts
riding
signed
over
Raphoe
us
wardrobes
our
we were
wearing
and fewer
principal
the
our
breeches
drapery
clothing
by the
still
items
Divisional
own signatures
and velour
hat;
254.
the
were
two items
last
The total
in Raphoe came to about
and staff
officers
Divisional
so.
can still
the
picture
on old
burned
on one side
Roads were trenched
enemy transport,
were
republican
then
We had no machine
in ambushing
on a few occasions
Great was our exultation
for
the
light
Mauser rifle
(about 7
a police
armoured
Near Castlederg,
patrol
was wrecked
when its
by an I.R.A.
armour)
and scattered,
rifles,
revolvers
rarely
travelled
by strong
that
ambushing
suffering
English
driver
abroad
military
in this
were
lbs.)
car
of the
leading
(through
The police
After
forces.
we succeeded
enemy.
armour-piercing.
a Crossley
was shot dead
area
night,
parties
casualties.
and ammunition.
arms and
our heavy Mauser bullets
party.
several
small
By day,
travelling
to find
Our mobile
posts at
guns.
poles
West Tyrone
rifle,
and other
respite.
Telegraph
a war zone.
using
units,
enemy barracks
disappeared.
cars.
and
movement of
free
to prevent
into
of
other.
without
and South Deny,
cut,
service
on the
were attacked
Fermanagh were turned
bombs, attacked
premises
police
military,
I.R.A.
armoured
especially
active
whole
a day passed without
Hardly
and the
and blocked
sawn down and wires
and North
out and
in the areas
intensified
the British
between
and day enemy forces
By night
relief
gratified
have his
Mourne and Derg Valley.
Orange Specials
and I
to the ground.
encounters
warlike
in
a few weeks later,
that,
were now greatly
Activities
the Foyle,
then
man should
business
Inoffensive
maliciously
of
look
Incredulous
What a pity
handed to him.
this
was paid
Orangeman,
face as eke bunkmates were counted
Moffatt's
£140
Lebane and Joe McGurk to Moffat's
I accompanied
full.
I.R.A.
and the Newtown-
After
the, Buncrana bank seizure
battle,
a loyal
Protestant
Moffatt,
cunningham
or
to the
by Moffatt
of the goods supplied
value
two years.
the next
for
life
of an adventurous
vicissitudes
the varied
all
to see me through
this,
without
were routed
We captured
the
being
the
some
police
accompanied
255.
Alas!
the
mainly
in reprisals
were
attacks.
in
or
their
I.R.A.
the
suspected
were
prison.
I.R.A.
armed
maimed
helpless
Sean
me to
pay back
high
Specials
for
attached
to
go with
sanction
from
Lehane.
To my surprise,
me that
duties
of
the
my commanding
me somewhat
their
atrocity.
engineer
and that
seething
I.R.A.
Derry
concern
his
men.
to
there
and
I appreciated
first
me to
have
department.
in
murdered
only
Division
on the
should
my whole
my own engineering
forbade
their
young men,
whom he asked)
get
official
Sean
0/C.
Divisional
officer,
being
of Desertmartin
was the
(I
I must
but
by the
enemy forces
Northern
Lehane
for
of
value
up
few
slaughter
unfortunate
the
1st
him eagerly,
a Divisional
responsibility
for
beaten
deed was done
harry
my guerilla
I would
reprimanded
to
took
an armed
(if
me in Raphoe
The foul
district
the
regard
southerner
came to
the
of
three
butchering
way
enemy hands.
village
Derry
him and a party
go with
Desertmartin
into
Co.
and he knew some of
on the
Hence very
deed
indignation.
area
columns
off).
alive
Larkin
a way to
he was savagely
killed
latter
The Specials
revolting
before
These
murdered
flying
fell
the
in
mutilated
horrified
He asked
his
soldiers
on known
vengeance
and taken
roadside.
Specials
being
night
came
Specials
tortured
brutally
by the
by the
they
enemy after
neighbourhood.
republican
before
victims,
brigade
to
our
one night
they
the
maimed,
a particularly
Specials
the
thrown
republican
After
with
up
man was taken
and then
in
they were
from
the
action,
had gone and wreaked
beaten
no prisoners
by the
But
notoriously
men suspected
of aiding
local
I.R.A.
republicans
bodies
out
too.
A and B - were
of
every
Frequently,
and their
where
- both
I.R.A.
arrested,
casualties
carried
treatment
After
after
long
suffered
The Specials
savage
the
I.R.A.
go.
reckless
He
side,
more sense
should
He did
of
be with
not
telling
the
want
to
256.
lose
I.R.A.
any
or
foolishly
the
let
concerned
off
their
out
I told
me not
However,
the
returned
after
to
their
a night
experienced
dishonour
to
the
case, a s it
to
see
if
punitive
of
terror
While
forces
republican
0/C.
so was
and
set
were
they
brought
to
It
punish
Raphoe
gone,
and
disgrace
there.
I.
but
off,
a thing
done
having
which
entirely
Divisional
expedition
misdeeds.
I.R.A.
undertaking
the
strength
entirely
local
He was disappointed
go.
two days without
for
Specials
this
that
anyhow,
and
the
south,
the
and,
in
Larkin
I.R.A.
small
enterprise
own initiative
a military
effectively
own bat.
had ordered
the
stiffening
He was anxious
them.
carry
any rash
in
on their
act
southern
any
or
lads
him from
who had come with
needlessly
northern
without
could
comrade
like
happened
this:
In Raphoe
of
occupation
were
at
Free
evacuated
R.I.C.
the
in
about
one mile
which
an Orange
north
of
Pat
of
met and married
a small
a vile
They
late
middle
life.
was a demon,
and
enough,
and
Orange
woman with
when in
neighbourz.
of
and was quite
I.R.A.
often
was
and of
her
She kept
publichouse
southern
The wife
Americana.
hand
the
all
her
it
is
in
herself
with
We (that
were
a revolver
she brought
the
hump and
time
England
he had
She kept
she boasted
in
this
which
which
to
where
extremist.
cups,
hatred
favorite
a gentleman
sort,
her
had been
a misshapen
at
from
Road,
U.S.A.
republican
she had an insensate
Protestant
ad
was a decent
especially
in
Park,
was
Raphoe
had been
enthusiastic
ferry
named Stoney
had no family
Pat
and a most
through
dark
lawyer's
Oakfield
on the
pub in
in
adjoining
strength
'gentry'
Pat
were
The republicans
and the
village
men.
forces
barracks.
in
McGlinchey's
I.R.A.
tongue.
the
State
Hall
occupied
family
dispossessed.
of
Masonic
also
They
rendezvous
time,
the
quartered
residence.
the
men)
from
dropped
equal
to
using
it.
in now and then
257.
a bottle
for
the
of
harridan's
old
he was
the
some of
from
Kate
her
bar-parlour
At
any
rate,
the
dark
Hoffatt's
occupants;
on the
demented
time
Then
revolvers.
in
troops
Masonic
their
Strabane,
but
Moffatt's
drapery
it
before
in
I had been
Free
Raphoe
Staten
we met our
Strabane
that
It
about
of
own I.R.A.
were
patrols.
in
premises
burning
fire
the
with
and
left
either
in
by Letterkenny
Charlie
Lehane,
Lettekenny
flames
Daly
and,
shooting
into
by patrolling
had happened.
The
the
ruins.
tottering
saw the
to work.
the
State
in
and deal
we were topped
us what
is
and went
dead
we
Free
extinguished
wore
when we
half-
their
Letterkenny
I met
Hotel,
pub)
the
day and returned
that
2 a.m.,
the
the
police
business
Raphoe
was late
outskirts
who told
arrived
people
and the
McCarrie's
On the
air.
was finally
Glenveigh
and a few others.
nearing
fire
square
In
in
where,
came from
the
out
which)
the
order
maintain
brigades
store
the
to
involvers,
gang fired
and the republican
out
Fire
conflagration.
into
Both
disappeared.
barracks
turned
Hall
of
they
drunken
crazy
men
ablaze.
place
inferno
of
group
from
(got
the
'bastards'.
Orange
and drove
oil
set
they
was a raging
woman and her
the
desperadoes
a small
in
paraffin
counters,
it
at
a dangerous
into
half-drunken
burst
night,
McGlinchey's
herself
midnight,
I
republicans
masks and brandishing
spilling
goods and
at
the
premises,
then,
In a short
the
of
by a woman and wearing
attacked
side
incited
Pat
on this
However,
'refugee'
have a wallop
to
in
her.
had drunk
McGlinchey
in
of
irresponsible
mood and
and murderous
We pitied
such a type.
to
were drinking
and Tyrone
Deny
Apparently
led
dread
and
wilder
be tied
with
disgusted
and rantings.
cursings
in real
got
gradually
how he came to
and wondered
believed
but
stout,
In
brigade
Rumours were
houses.
the
square
from
everywhere
Nothing
could
258.
it
be done about
at
on the
were
mobilised
and
road
Strabane
from
was
day, we
dawn next
Crown
the
the
those
in
of
were
I.R.A.
the
road
by which
It
was a scare
battle
after
hours
the.
but
positions,
Then, around
came.
Derry
force
For
time.
an
kept
dominating
a dvancing.
at
the
positions
Raphoe,
it
stayed
never
forces
assault
reported
but we believed
story,
that
available
All
entering
flames
by a large
military.
moved into
enemy force
the
came in
way, escorted
and British
Specials
the raging
as
stage
Then a report
a distance.
brigade
this
at
we were
7 a.m.,
dismissed.
in
Back
Ex-Head
Constable
recently
retired
chaotic
the
of
in
to
at
of
his
circumstance
for
true
indicated
The
I.R.A.
both
but
we realised
dangerous
criminally-minded
cloak
the
of
in with
there
in
the
with
them.
rift-raft,
I.R.A.
flood
the
It
of
into
we checked
some of
him
and
shocked
the
in
the
I.R.A.
Moffatt
same
forces
burnings
gang murdered
there
were
wider
the
this rabble
to
up asaccurately
here
actually
screen
as
flowed
had
scattered
and were
matter
that
operating
and were
forces
house,
and murder.
a shock
elements
republican
his
in Raphoe. denounced
with
refugees
the
murdered
the
the
authorities
was a difficult
but
or at
that
about
that
and that
During
done by miscreants
well
in
live
bullets.
before
the arson
facts
Ballantyne.
crimes
too
mane
to
We were
bed.
deeds
be binned
the
with
room and brutally
We know only
would
returned
masked. men burst
his
out
and
reigned
tragedy.
inoffensive
bed riddled
such barbaric
We leaned
Every
his
burning,
get
of night.
Raphoe
R.I.C.
the
another
brought
a quiet
which
way to
as he tried
disgusted
in
the
their
forced
dead
from
confusion
beginning
morning
Baflantyne,
was found
Raphoe,
the
Raphoe,
out
and
serving
this
possible
on
259.
the
and background
service
membership,
armed personnel
the
in
republican
and dismissed.
was disarmed
Free
the
Joined
State
about
area,
barracks
in the
Charlie
Daly
knocked
on the barrack
and,
R.I.C.
with
ten
other
the
were covered
they
guns,
The I.B.A.
carbines,
the barracks
R.I.C.
of everything
prisoners
off.
grenades
revolvers,
Constable
and came away with
Daly
Chief
of
Guards
Daly
that
Duff,
the Civic
he would
take
broke
however,
to I.R.A.H.Q.
along
them to
sweeping
promise,
with
evening
his
the Civic
force
in May,
H.Q.
Lehane,
the
tough
which was
on a secret
sergeant
to be demobilised
Daly
and Joe
I wasdatailed
back a considerable
was about
Staunton
and putting
lawlessness
mission
Dublin,
Guards.
brought
Q.M.)
near
was now
especially.
late
An R.I.C.
jacket
and he promised
formed,
accompany Joe McGurk (Div.
arms and ammunition,
R.I.C.
Eoin O'Duffy
and Daly
the wave of
me in to Divisional
to secure and bring
and cleared
he was deeply
off
police
stripped
bound the
they
How he was given
up an I.R.
East Donegal
On a Tuesday
McGurk called
into
in Raphoe.
work to deal
through
being
Staunton
his
of building
assignment
that
I.R.A.
force
to their
get
Raving
value,
threw
and the
in
of rifles,
up the barracks
performance,
door
and surrendered,
quantity
realising
Staunton,
by his
compromised
men could
and ammunition,
locked
heels
men rushed
and his
of military
inside,
his
removed the
inside
with revolvers
bagged a large
raiders
at
soldiers
R.I.C.
of nine
garrison
Co. Tyrone.
Pomeroy,
Charlie
man of
had been barrack
Staunton
door;
R.J.C.
strapping
at
in the
police
republican
and opened the door.
before
promptly
a Mayo man,
Jack Staunton,
a tall
Jack as
orderly
unsatisfactorily
Many of these
who, a few months earlier,
26 years
chain
or
and command the republican
divisional
and any soldier
army.
Sean Lehane had appointed
to organise
our northern
garrisons,
was questionable
among them whose career
verified
of all
at
to
and dangerous
quantity
of
Gormanston Camp,
and planned
to
260.
home town of
his
return
to
always
been
a big
the
own in
his
dump of
with
could
Contact
in Ballymote,
for
leave
(an
I.R.A.
I
I set
and
McGurk
not
Would
him.
Ford car
when ire reached
never
would
car
another
in
I explained
ask
in
but
available,
in
Coleman
the
and
sentry
order
were
taken
and
his
into
his
and that
demur,
Buick's
to
at
we were scrutinised
barracks
where
sleeping
I insisted
must
have
he ordered
the
crux!
the
the
the
guard
to
a young
Comdt.
I was
matter
rouse
lad
chit
there
there
in
by the
McNeill's
had to be
Coleman
brought
in
along
was away in
was very
delay.
and
Comdt.
the
in
arriving
The car
car without
car
to
I showed
then,
to
authority
car
until
before
that
mission
secret
I.R.A.H.Q.
rudely-awakened
Another
driver,
Not
quarters
we
that
and questioned
even
and,
the
presence.
usual
on getting
McNeill
Buick
night
'Lizzie'
authorisation
me the
door.
that
had no serviceable
ourselves
on the
ramshackle
late
Lehane's
Seen
I would.
decided
We moved on to Ballymote,
shown to
we
Brian
McNeil
give
we
chemist
do proxy
ancient
Sligo
me a written
he gave
our
an important
Commandant
we admitted
Tubbercurry.
to
for
emergency.
guard
upstairs
ahead,
a
in
was
It
Adjutant
urgently
a
Sure
Job?
that
journey
Presenting
Town Hall,
This
and would
Sligo
driver.
W called
Ballymote
4 a.m.
about
long
Sligo.
there.
barracks
for
Realising
had Diva
aid
for
Raphoe
Sligo.
to Divisional
we
and that
on the
with
a good car
needed
from
McGurk
to
contact
Intelligence
who could
man),
wehired
do the
it
give
he had a brother,
Omagh, but
go with
oft
which
to
was an Omagh man named Mullen.
Curran
Sergeant
the
and
in a private
stuff
military
shifted,
being,
I.R.A.
the
and was anxious
Gormanston
before
I.R.A.
of
cache
seemed)
(it
with
and co-operative
friendly
had now gathered
He had
Moville,
urgent
After
send along
named Davey.
some
the
The latter
261.
about
in
reported
in
aim driver
with
the
'Tin
followed
Buick,
I told
Lizzie'.
This
seemed
to
substantially
on the
Comdt.
his
by our
disposal
back
his
in
driver
leaving
our return.
until
to hand us over
reluctance
surly
cook.
we were
that
Coleman
fare
Davey arrived
after
his
soothe
a.m.
7.30
absence
barrack
curious
along
Buick.
the
When I
back
for
that
himself
him,
to
adjourned
Coleman's
orders
he was aghast
at
Farry's
publichouse
Here we ate
again
the
local
brand.
I was told
this
During
by the
Shannon
as we turned
front
tyre
Out we
Buick
into
roadside.
along
A six-inch
in
the
went
took
the
in
yard
house,
little
I
worst
ever
the
Donegal
its
make-up.
contact
up the
wearing
man,
a
Carrick-on-Shannon,
as we cruised
along
town.
struck
us from
being
the
tyre
At Rathowen,
us.
A burst
capsized
and no spare.
We pushed
of
the
and
adjoining
precaution
in
tragedy
properly.
of
San pled a
than
Longford
saved
I
up Mullan,
well
the Boyle
of
the
used
him
man.
stuff,
were
Boyle
reef
soup
a convenient
I
vile
via
Castlepollard,
and luck
Now we were
it
and on through
for
got.
and
we picked
All
driving.
eons
some s tout
McGurk was looking
and moved off
young Davey
- the
we came
Then we
corner
I.R.A.
potatoes
Round 10 a.m.
mackintosh,
the
in
stay
until
right.
and vitriolic
that
time
at
to
I reassured
but
active
I found
more corrosive
far
have
his ear
be all
being
and drank
poitin.
tasted,
Mullan.
would
rendezvous
republican
and Bernard,
with
first,
Ford
John Albert
he would
that
and the
a great
road,
our driver
told
under
Bailmote
of
In their
shortly
and our driver
Ford
the
About
sent
promptly
Tubbercurry.
mighty
though
us.
had Joined
Coleman
to
car
broadcasted
by a sleepy
provided
and he was
minutes
our
and myself
McGurk
with
ten
the
a residence
removing
the
useless
on the
pencil
262.
from
the
An inspired
They were
passed.
which
rode
McGurk
Ford car
at
Free
back
and away with
the
us,
too
round
for
late
then
time,
and a council
leaving
day,
name I
Mullan
was to
and
it
get
back
to
G.H.Q.
his
I
after
the
stuff,
ecided
that
in
night
but
we were
if
ho
wished to
I taking
turns
Joe
failed.
being
at driving.
garaging
was Ascension
I, as
I.R.A.
time
and sound.
Courts.
up an unholy
the
safe
arid
try
for
car
St.,
to
Ford
and quiet
it
Balbriggan.
kicked
Fades
next
driver
The driver
his
two
1 p.m.
Camp road
him that
a drink
we
Edgeworthstown
nice
Mass -
Four
up for
at
for
Gormanston
pulled
stay
in
we stopped
Gormanston
told
McGurk and
Whelan's
some engineering
the
commandeering
Dublin,
at
the
stay
Gormanston,
Gormanston,
through
and return
and the
down when
him to
morning,
oar
sergeant.
home with
up at
to
scout along
behoved
We put
the
Dayey
forget)
calmed
On to
in
Id
We were
and
Here
slowly
Here we
an
5 p.m.,
Curran.
passed
Bettystown.
along
keep
in
Castlepollard
Bettytown
slowly,
a
to Drogheda.
Sergeant
McGurk and
Dublin
and were
officers
to
motored
war,
R.I.C.
the
but
row,
road
Mullen,
(whose
contact
with
on
pilot
to
was now about
between
Balbriggan.
of
go on to
would
Next
the
and on to
again
contact
and we
through
Boyne
It
We moved along
and back
a short
our
us a bike
promising
We sped along
a crossroads
him at
3. p.m.
turned
police
had a meal,
and
Here we stopped
meet
State
as we
wthere he hired
came along
on to Navan and by the
and Delvin
to
free
car.
eye on our crippled
hours
The car
police
door
the
lent
Edgeworthstown
McDermott's.
pocket.
Rathowen
then at
but, they
Staters,
to
so to
or
uniformed
I had noticed
where
barracks
coat
transpired.
mile
a quarter
back
my inside
in
afterwards
as it
action
We walked
it
and putting
magneto
the car
Thursday
usual,
tried
McGurk
did
nearby
- we vent
to scrounge
better,
263.
we
Back
the
two
town,
men on the
two other
us.
approached
I was
mystified
we were
in
stayed
were
men's
them
came.
I demanded
did.
Why bad they
It
the
Irish
their
pub a resort
north;
driver
from
the
local
why so?
but
they
barrack,
the
for
who
Well)
they still
were.
barracks."
the
He
He
0/C.
of my three
and detained?
his
men.
explained
of
Tans
and robberies
our trio
and
to
man in
said
young Davey
panicked
in
told
him by two armed
I.V.
time
the
nothing,
them that
men and that
his
too,
themselves.
said
but
had been
They raided
for
uniform)
and
awaiting
district.
account
a
Balbriggan
there
had been,
There
in
a stranger
Recently
marking
and Volunteers.
door
mamas
and Tans.
between
mystery
a tavern
at
as the
Black
had noticed
men on patrol
uniform
suspicions
pub and asked
(the
why?
immediaterelease
arrested
clashes
some hold-ups
Mullan
Yes,
me to
us if
asked
friends
three
Tasked
there,
day before,
demobilisation
the
the
Volunteer
some bloody
the
and direct
as
enough.
aroused
the
in
halted,
ready,
we were,
whore
troops,
Arrived
been
apologetically
Late
State
in
night
came
and
Then one
night?".
the
spent
"jump
I,
Two of
man in
last
off
the
of
As we
automatic)
we have
"Did
centre
stepped
.38
us.
As we entered
the
I replied
relieved.
and
said
with
right.
warmer.
officers.
by Free
garrisoned
"Right"
by the
Balbriggan
arrested
ahead
pavement
my gun (a
seemed
generous
down and they
turn
us to
I held
republican
They all
and the
into
We slowed
us beckoning
after
running
Q.M.
Balbriggan.
out
men stopped
young
waved us to stop.
and
road
for
in great fettle
we headed
whose dimensions
Buick
the
who was always
Barrett
was Dick
Q.M.G.
for
McGurk was Divisional
But
had noted.
tube
and
a new tyre
getting
out
car
be came from
Edgeworthstown
had been seized
he had been
forced
to
264.
stay
Mullan
with
on some great
trio
by Free
his
men who took
noon next
about
in
patrols
State
to
pairs
not
down any hostile
Our arrival
prisoners.
I told
the
republican
officers
of
The 0/C.
the
explained
I declined
a drink
with
with
of us then
mood as it
the
was his
up for
the R.I.C.
road
at
driver
Longford
Near Bettystown
sauntering
into
Mullan
along.
a big
It
not
stir
and have
up town.
Ford with
was in
conspicuousness
Camp, Mullan
his
in a few minutes
the
and prevented
we overtook
lazily
him to come along
As we cruised
Gormanston
and
I accepted
us to have a meal.
and could
wheel.
the night
then
detaining
Balbriggan
piled
conceited
sergeant.
past
we left
three
our orders.
suspicions.
and asked
He was on duty
The five
locked
thanks
us.
inactive
wider
He invited
us before
Alas:
for
his
and explanation.
apology
time.
for
to the
forces
von
three
to
that we were two
0/C.
Executive
regret
reasons
or
Staten
method of stopping
and release
relief
the
Free
so the
Thee State
his
expressed
Balbriggan.
as we would be most likely
and the
in Ulster
service
ins reed
out
sent
interceptors,
brought
to Balbriggan
from Dublin
Hence the queer
bad been assured,
two dangerous
the
that
us in summary fashion
to halt
arms or hostility
to display
station
us entering
intercept
They had been warned
shoot
driver
Free Stators
the
day,
our
arrested
patrol
coastguard
were returning
car
had stumbled
they
troops.
scared
by the
Informed
State
them in the
and imprisoned
garrisoned
Free
the
mystary,
that
Convinced
and Davy.
its
crestfallen
that
got
them
him from contacting
along
the
kept
a sharp
burly
R.L.C.
was Sergeant
long
straight
eye out.
inn
Curran.
We stopped.
Mullan at once.
McGurk explained
our mission
to
the
He got into the ear and we drove
aside
sergeant.
lie recognized
quietly
to next
crossroads
Davey at
the
cross.
turning
right
after
leaving
Moving down a byroad
for
Mullan
quarter
and
of a
265
mile
or
Further
Camp.
all
to
we turned,
so,
be turned
round
the
and gravel
it
out
to
concealed
floor
Bettystown.
Sergeant
Curran
Then
flask
all
of
we would
heard
of
have
him since
life
in
We stopped
of
Millmount
of
to rejoin
my party.
for
the
old
for
of
A short
distance
drink
times
to
Price,
It
west
of
a drink.
travel
as we parted,
soon
in
I never
Moville
saw or
he ever, return
to
Foyle.
and a rest.
comrade
astern
brother-in-law,
Bandon water
6.30
I went
organiser
I.R.A.
Division,
before
I left
or so as we left
slowly
a dangerously
the
on
a half-pint
Curran
did
it
a second
as we would
again
get
other
for
drinks
Tom Barry's
We travelled
in
I bought
back
to
loading
and went
the
gave
a crossroads
to
along
tin
stagger
up the
picked
a meal
was about
breakdown
in
together.
1st
It
we managed
aid,
see my old
by the
Navan.
another
and to
wondered
for
Drogheda
Ford was carrying
fearful
out
it
see us all
Adjutant,
We talked
lift
Sergeant
home by tough
Nick
days,
and now Divisional
and headed
hope to
Barracks
West Cork
road
and often
in
say.
me and
with
another
his
I'd
stopped
long
hands
the
2 cwts,
drove
from
a large
he uncovered
on "standing"
the
We shook
where
up to
load
rubble
beneath
we drove,
Here we
for
and ho expressed
a quiet
Back
he had a drink
night.
to
road
McGurk and
sergeant,
hollow
overgrown
quarry
car on the
we had much trouble
insisted
brandy
the
Curran's
crushing
pub near
time.
time
With
where
our
the
almost
our
the rear.
at
two and with
ail
car
leaving
by bushes,
heavy9
yards.
the
disused
driver,
Gormanston
towards
a large
In a deep
was very
a few
it
the
by the
and myself
McGurk
to
bushes.
quarry.
and
It
trunk.
with
with
round
I entered
we came
on,
back
again
right
and bumpily,
heavy
as we rattled
town we crossed
load.
through
the
I
was
Navan.
Boyne again
266.
to
a
I noticed
and
the
broke
ominous
setback.
Then
my mind.
and jumped
up at
in,
the
and excited
owners
of
our desperate
seizure
We transferred
second
his
all
off
to
in
But,
Ten or
his
frantic
Free
twelve
and we were
At
car
nature
criminal
on to
out
loud
the
-
the
pole
to
was
the
west
One of
and with
us,
a pliers
any message
of
our
seizure
being
we stopped
held
at
of
main
cut
car
hotel
us.
before
to
Castlepollard
a
climbed
telegraph
ahead
up en route
Kennedy's
we
Edgeworthstown
road
the
cent
the
tyre.
we would explain
I think1
being
car and
abandoned,
McDermott's
Davey
from
punctured
reached
on the
running.
crocked
that
promise
and our
driver
thus
when we
McDermott,
further
his
being
kept
his
with
repair
him with
about
fearful,
Castlepollard
to
at
prevent
H.Q.
time
and tube
tyre
unfortunate
the
protests
miles
telegraph
State
the
we left
he was to reach
event,
the
trunk,
us this
employer,
the
tin
striving
consoling
we anted
swung her
bank
we sped
car,
started
we heard
road,
engine
we stopped.
main
the
starter
goad luck.
Davey
of
car
the
the
engine
Dodge whose
behind
furiously
Despite
drove
the
time,
F4geworthstown
sweating
the
to
effects
the
to
river
the
a thought
of
We ran
back
Ford.
broken-down
For
us from
Without
hurried
was)
main
flashed
bridge
me1 we
the
it
on the
after
shouting
presumably.
other
such
(for
As we emerged
road.
on the
Dodge
seemed
It
and miraculous
was unbelievable
an
still
on and pressed
her
and delight,
amazement
big
by the
there.
still
switched
Davey
It
once,
Reversing
as
but
Rathowen?
with
Davey
adjacent
overladen
tyre,
back
car
big
our
on,
reach
ever
young
The car
To our
button.
the
Taking
river.
the
further
a punctured
Only
Would we
doubtful.
across
to
down.
river
by the
field
the
in
a mile
Barely
bridge.
'Lizzie'
very
car
large
to
by the
wires;
Longford
Boyne
though
Lougford,
and
We
pub.
267.
and a hurried
had
drinks
M.J.
Kennedy,
the
reaching
the
roads
He advised
be impossible
would
I took
his
we found
to
There
where
and
I
and our
personal
started
off
We were astonished
in
the
and several
were
so intent
was at
the
"What are
you trying
jumped.
The
I walked
who seemed to
gazed
fiercely
our
the
to
be in
at
with
do there?"
a round
up to
that
the
the
charge.
me, his
to
the
State
aid
I barked
never
crank
noticed
up the
bonnet
a small
of
out
officer
surveying
officers
sharpy.
the
lifted
lantern.
way for
engine
angrily9
me from
car,
They
making
at
He swung around
eyes
yard.
State
had the
car opened
Free
cottage
they
and an officer
engine
and tube.
and a few civilians
uniform
car
young Davey
Two Free
was endeavoring
wheel,
party
the
precious
and many shadowy
lights
in
the
new tyre
the
the
previous
car,
the
Buick.
soldiers
A soldier
and was inspecting
me as
moving
on examining
our arrival.
another
to see
State
disabled
of
our
on to
the
guard
we neared
marching
yard around
Free
the
he carrying
briskly,
20 minutes
After
figures
gear in
to
to
out
walk
Buick
crippled
outside
mile
end to
mow but
McGurk and Mullen
Leaving
a half
miserable
it
for
we had dumped our
afternoon.
trunk
was nothing
was now
It
we got
flat;
it
by night.
a byroad
Within
tyre
was the
So this
disconsolately.
yard
a rear
Bang:
destination,
as
some distance
travelling
road.
local
it
travelling
turn
it
both
my attempting
a left
main
minute
to Rathowen.
ourselves
the
He said
were
area,
me, especially
and we moved off
parallel
Odyssey.
that
and
north
man with
against
Over-running
Castlepollard
Rathowen
to
advice
dusk.
getting
in
which,
the
road.
by a Longford
only
and bad.
complex
to
town
Longford
with
the
leader,
army
Rooskey-Carrick-on-Shannon
of
knowledge
I discussed
and
there
republican
skirting
be done but
could
our
local
the
of
feasibility
meal
head
then
to
foot.
268.
"Who are
I
us"
to
belongs
tyre.
I felt
trench
coat
"I
without
It
ins
the
I,
turning
to
for
car,
he hissed,
his
fingers
officer
the
1st
and try
moment.
"Aha",
the
got
I
said,
that",
it
"but
tyre
car
started
and
was
learned
a moment.
for
let
there
my authoritative
must
have
plenty
myself
"I
-
control
of
"You won't
said
as
firmly
between
drama.
and
confident
cool
at
about
I took
all
tone
hand.
audacity
was
the
from
I
that,
for
loss
situation,
take
that
a step
car
nearer
the
shouted
us end
They
Sligo,
"Put
tools
the
a
Ballina,
Co.
for
for
irregular,
name - was at a
he ranted.
close
aback
to Davey.
Moore
and
Forces,
the
I.R.A.
am an
Ballymote,
He got
officer's
losing
you are"
know anything
in
keep
"By
us down in
I turned
the
aid
that
holster,
be no shooting"
in
of
whoever
Captain
moving
time
from
I realised
I
you too,
from
car
there".
job.
car"
fury.
don't
that
he was
officer,
first
I
bullying
that
"Oh,
state
the
the
car
said
to
was in a
He was taken
I ordered.
on the
shooting",
him.
Free
back
He felt
"I am taking
- without
it
"Right",
Executive
it
said
"Yes",
sergeant.
car".
that
I got
to take
going
know you were a bloody
now".
and tube"
on that
to
back
quietly,
yesterday".
Division
"I
took
I said
my
there
on the
the
in
man who promised
taking
still
and take
I am taking
and
I'm
Northern
that
the
The officer
he fumed,
Irregulars
and we've
police
the
me with
behind
spokes
car
the
you're
and
the
go ahead
State
me".
taking
of
left
"and
him,
an eye on it
I'm
Free
local
"This car
is
and nobody
car"
automatic
mine",
Then a civilian
man that
the
the
car is
yesterday
my authority".
"That's
he,
here
in
I gripped
"This
pocket.
it
left
as
cool
this
holster.
Young Davey was
he yelled.
icy
his
of
owner
am the
to
hand tent
His
back.
snapped
"I
he demanded.
you?"
other
intervening
must have
and manner
Little
did
my trump
judged
that
they
card.
I
know!
269.
at a
Things
were
mad",
a Free
climax,
Stater
a cart"
He looked
me, a wild
at
"If
you do",
the
road."
I
I
bully,
but
one back
I knew my
man.
He was
with
called
my bluff.
car
to
boot.
car
you'll
his
all
with
He took
Navan".
I was reckless
solution
Of my extraordinary
Just
was my old
in
the
handle
starting
began
to
time
the
the
the
back
officers
drove
actually
Buick.
back
Captain
to
Moore
admiration
so generously
the
rattle
of
driver
all
on the
assisted
with
other
commandeered
bequeathed
alone
it
the
in
brilliant
for
car
the
the
it
back
in
at
to
Mullen
Davey
Free
and
at
Stater
Dodge which
them.
with
up gingerly
out
on the
road
comrades
invited
I with
and
gaped
the two
we
sergeant,
there,
the
its
the
F.S.
Arrived
into
suing
and
local
I took
third
her
back
or
and ordered
and their
officers
along
looking
road.
magneto
second or
car.
threshing
us in transferring
McGurk,
and the
to
approaching
I swung her
tool.
Dodge.
Rathowen
an
fitted
pencil,
them and the
Then
the
ready
sat
broken-down
and
welcome
Buich was
State
I
out
commandeered
and at
Davy reversed
Free
way
on by us without
tire.
have
he could
He passed
and at
With
in.
to our
20 our
the
proceedings.
officers
the
position
take
to
Davy
of a
dilemma.
magneto
mechanical
engine
at
the
my pocket
young
all
the
By now,
correct
the
Ford.
"I
my success
Edgeworthstown
repaired
stopping.
from
we heard
then,
It
at
so on
He was a blustering
"You're
I said,
there",
or
out
getting
him,
whole.
eyes.
a mile
him an easy
bait
brain
mad Moore.
half
his
saved.
about
I offered
the
back
Thee
his
soldiers
Now,
find
in
find
situation
dangerous
the
"you'll
said,
felt
of
look
triumphant
I had a
Then
I demanded
half
he's
Captzin
in my ear.
tapered
"Do you want
wave.
of
"Be wry
one of
the
the
heavy
the
N.C.O.
wheel.
examining
drove
trunk
We left
with
we so tactfully
and
270.
In
the
we
Rathowen
act
double-crossing
Buick
remove
that
the
car.
his
the
to
his
with
so lucky
been
from
triumphantly
Then
alter
a fewdrinks,
offered
by the
N.C.O.
and we hit
and
entered
delighted
and mighty
had given
him a lurid
and had
declared
and
desperadoes
the
McGurk,
McDermott
His
to
expected
officers.
He gave
Sergeant
He asked
danger
through
of
all
we were
a mad bunch
dug into
his wallet
which we
at
when he realised
to
for
the
bar
or
travel
I.R.A.
Free
State
A Company
Buick.
the
as we made to
we felt
paid
and driver.
As he was
in
Now, with
that
molested
in
and
is were
me fine.
company,
to
for
Joe
as he had never
this
Longford.
suited
stopped
hated
at
car
that
us ample petrol
It
being
wonder
his
us
Irregular
Q.M.
use of
was
with
experiences
of
at
His driver
show up again,
a lift
N.C.O.
our
of
with
eagerly.
State
account
was drinking
us for
we agreed
Free
be paid
Stopped
The owner
see us again.
the
so
meal
again.
to
for
wide
the
pub,
for
queer
never
Divisional
opened
that
we would
handsomely
eyes
Q.M.
that
road
his
a lot
quite
I declined
the
and his
emerging
with
McDermott's
relieved
that
at
of
acts
myself
encounter
my strange
a peg
sketch
rugged
and so resourceful
officer.
Edgeworthstown
me a brief
and
to
I had handled
the way
I fancied
aggressiveness.
soldiers
him down such
rough
most
quarrelsome
State
with
the
how, when
the
Free
his
of
He was
superiors,
his
for
seizure
care.
He gave
of
career,
pub opposite
sergeant
attempted
and brought
bully
the
circumstances
delighted
own soldiers.
domineering
the
at
State
to his
all
Hewas
I.R.A.
Moore's
having
aiding
had come along
Moore
the
matter
pugnacious
before
in
and explained
reported
Captain
Free
I had committed
which
apologetic
he
the
I told-off
barrack.
a drink
for
stopped
those
in
there
uniform,
a uniformed
was
Longford,
days.
go.
little
a town
We dropped
271.
our
friend
N.C.O.
in
at
late
very
came down and our
got
worse
our
Groping
bump,
stopped
drain
a toot
shallow
on the
entirely
speed was
way
village
I thought
green.
We shivered
the
of
flask
fog.
Above!
It
was gone.
Then
the truth
in
the
door
pocket
it
in
blanketed
to
was about
It
miserable.
our
from
inside
fog
on,
we pushed
the
car
low
gear.
resumed
our
journey
in
the
car
window
trying
out
and to
left
We
the
over
I was
us.
Shannon
hands
crashed
the
into
the
guardroom
for
the
invited
come in
that
pleading
extremely
bridge
here
our
return
urgent.
in
the
dense
steps
of
and where we
Northern
We had overshot
fog.
the
while
to
startled
I all
my
but
from
were lucky,
We
Executive
were
going.
Divisional
turning
again,
Forces.
We were
morning.
Back we crawled
us.
military
the
the
with
a soldier
me.
till
a
turning
rod
ordered,
ahead,
entering
shoulders
grayness
"Halt"
I was
as
and rest
dark
the
of
and questioned
to
and
roadway
dawn and where
discern
me covered
and eat
Deciding
and painfully
roar
were I.R.A.
who us were
to
gates
scrutinised
garrison
I explained
kept
the
before
to
Four
iron
huge
A sentry
barracks.
on the
penetrate
I advanced
to be recognised.
up,
I felt
Dodge,
I bad my head and
when a loud
stopped instantly.
I had
on me.
and weary.
cold
the
Heavens
100 miles
back
trying
in
cold
move than
which we reached
a waited
with
we were
On Slowly
the driver.
direct
Carrick-on-Shannon
shock
to
surface
so and here
green
and thirsty,
hungry
base,
crawl
on a village
a heavy
across a
brandy.
the
of
The fog
felt
road
dawned
or
3 a.m.
the
off
clammy
loft
we
Drumena,
In
thick
a crawl.
to
so wide
of
a
We had driven
out,
was now
It
Shannon,
reduced
through
and got
or
the
of a
offer
on we sped.
As we reached
night.
fog
double
and
us profusely
He tanked
drink.
his
and declined
Longford
declined,
H.Q. was
for
the
located
the
272.
six
or
five
at
I.R.A.
of
parties
the
in
there
-
an
man from
I.R.A
entered
Ballymote
pub and ate
and drank
his
with
Ford
ancient
a load
he had driven
and had
dance
a
We got
in
shared
all
fun.
to
goodbye
Mullan
tin
our
youthful
back
of
bottle
it
I
Brian
on our
Cliffoney
and Benbulbin,
after
the exciting
all
hours
since
on Friday.
the driver
McGurk
is
the
Raphoe
The car
pulled
up.
so deep
in
road
field.
I asked
hand.
They
with
barracks
in
helping
I too
was drowsy
of
two
the
days
that
and only
a few
It
tyre
to
was now
a fence
a large
me to
stone
from
and
and no jack.
arouse him.
I see two men working
with
and
day
into
I failed
by
previous
night.
suddenly
come along
I remove
the
slept.
punctured
ma to where
north.
noisily
swerved
slumber
the
a large
along
on Tuesday
Another
them to
came.
for
with
prestige
cruised
McGurk
whatever
chemist
offices
kind
we said
Ford,
enhanced
to
called
experiences
we left
to
greatly
his
As we
mission.
and no sleep
night,
with
for
McNeill
us so well
and
Davey,
where we
Sligo,
on the
I was presented
pub
for
on leaving
Buick.
at Farry's
through
thanked
driver,
Ballymote
the
poteen
Back
was now loaded
trunk
home again
and handed
Back
the
to
the republican
and we
driver
The
schoolhouse.
Farry,
Farry's
large
themselves
occupants.
incidentally,
soldiers
The large
noon
its
pilot
Our Raphoe
a long
of republican
their
us to
stopped at
copiously,
was brought
and
with
We
in triumph.
and
John A.
of welcome,
got
town,
car
our
recognised
the
in
encountered
enjoying
Some of
dispersing.
just
cheer
great
dance
republican
were
soldiers
who had been
Ballymote.
schoolhouse,
Here we
Ballymote.
soldiers
an all-night
dancers
from
miles
a large
as we reached
Day was breaking
towards
and made off
Shannon
the
crossed
turning,
lend
in a
a helping
the fence
and
273
while
of
side
left
the
the
beneath
the
had
cork
There
I offered
it
The other
raised
I
as
completed
and we
I
our
thanked
proceedings
I did
to
to
into
almost
burnt
brown
patch
-
Tadhg
Lynch's in
H.Q.
It
struck
me
stomach
the
grand
of
what
and vitals
my trousers
when it
manya long
say
the
stuff
or twice.
once
after.
'jack'.
the
whole
McGurk
more,
that
Raphoe
mansion,
up,
down to
upper
Friday
Ever
and vent
I
table,
that
month's
pay from
scared
since
thigh of
Then the
corrosive
down
noticed
earlier
its
the
slept
got
scorched
That
Divisional
of
poteen.
been
our
having
dressed
the
my clothes
part
my first
spilt
off
peeled
on Saturday,
I got
with
must have
for
Stoney's
which I had
by the
so badly.
were
watching
on once
but
eat,
p.m.
3
on the
Kinsale
was ruined
up to
Sitting
suit
spluttered
improvised
We reached
24 hours.
a feed.
and
mishap.
until.
for
pants
we rattled
a bed at
wake
the
the stuff.
roasted
Repairs
who dallied
world.
myself
kitchen
the
in
the
further
not
off
car
then
even wait
for
the
little
a
almost
smothered
my breathe
get
helpers,
not
I did
soundly
of
without
afternoon
H.Q.
pushed
curiously,
oblivious
and threw
to
refused.
a sup of
which
I was almost
tried
pair
taste
bottle.
and drank
lips
all
my skin
younger
I tasted
soapy
But
With
poteen
in the
the
One,
many grimaces.
around
sensation
of
left
to his
bottle
A burning
and coughed
still
helpers,
punctured
was Scorching
still
rock
the
I was bleeding.
bottle
was a little
and gullet.
my tongue
the
the
wet
I thought
stuff
the
with
slowly
was vile.
It
a scalding
virulent
my two
to
and
lift
to
strength
maneuvered
lift
great
out of
come
our
all
driver
I felt
and the
acid.
very
Another
freely.
my exertions
like
the
Ford,
and down my thigh.
my loins
No!,
the
axle.
rotated
wheel
exert
two man and myself
the
my
year at
Army
thought
effect
and rotted
the
on my
Irish
tweed
me off
drinking
poteen
then,
I have
only
sipped
274.
shock awaited
Another
I
when
at
an order
got
squad with
engineering
demolition
had been
big
offensive
was in the
on His
job
The contents
launched.
the
trunk
large
I
place.
some
that
be
to
Gormanston
(from
and taken
iona
Divis
was about
forces
and
mines
other
and decided
offing
Majesty's
of
the
night
a competent
land
the same
been examined
had already
R.I.Q.)
too for
that
bring
of explosive,
that
eating
finished
to report
to
I learned
Then
mobilised
on what
speculated
0/C.
Castlefin
supplies
equipment.
officers
near
I
had
Hardly
from Divisional
a rendezvous
to
9 p.m.
me
over
by Q.M.
department.
That
Saturday
Fife
the
at
Donegal)
Fife
serving
as R.I.C.
and detonated
the
land
mines.
of
electric
He was harnessed
Here we
republican
house,
with
War
zealous
afterwards,
wrecked
brothers
The
the
member of
Kelly
World
by an explosion
were
II
badly
this
the
for
the
on which was
was a great
the
veteran
men
I.R.A.
a
sister
or more
years
Kelly
home was
republican
one dying
was very
around
Drumdait
and their
twenty
seized
horse
active
being
Injured,
night
was
We moved out
This
I think,
and two of
very
whole operation
War
cart
of
experience,
Cumann na mBan.
during
there
brothers
charged
equipment.
hunter
material.
a rest.
soldiering
fully
as a draught
for
halted.
was a
It
mines
Kelly's
while
and grenades.
exploder
a light
to
earlier
Tyrone,
Young's
along
reaching
dark,
midnight.
Fife
my explosive
all
after
Great
so Mrs.
so
rifles
and
cable
or
land
large
(East
Mrs.
- of
whose husband
in
50 armed with
and brought
carefully
- a mansion
a year
killed
H.Q.
Brigade
twenties,
had two
bean,
tables
cautiously
about
with
were
from
late
Inspector
section
My engineering
The mines
the
District
force
composite
in
at
residence
Young. bad been
Captain
loaded
commandeered
a widow
Young,
we mobilised
night9
of
much of
his
wounds.
a mystery
275.
- we were
that
inkling
of
told
drawing
by a
and blow
an hour
and,
until
evening
he was then
to
we marched
this
on,
time
He had an urgent
Sean Lehane.
Sean read
He called
a short
food
we had with
however,
had a bait-pint
of
brandy,
increased
my popularity
with
Dinny
Here
Doneyloop
that
we entered
Church.
I.R.A.
urgent
operation
round
told
with
soldiered
a large
Inside.
Director
dispatch
and retire.
the
with
back
former
of
in
to
3rd
him in faraway
and
us had none.
I,
Jim
drink
which
Lane,
John
a drink.
was
'off'
and we
Castlefin.
a road
at
before
parlour
Then
Lehane
Cork
halt.
and to eat
operation
welcomed
West
the rear.
Commandant,
Galvin,
farmhouse
which caused
Again,
was abut
a possession
operations.
Barry
from
time
near
the
mines
we halted
It
boys who liked
whole
the
an immediate
Most of
the
the
as we had come,
Barry,
us.
and a few more of
retired
the
for
way
scouts.
Divisional
whatever
Then we were
local
breathless
to rest
that
a.m.
Castlederg.
ordered
be kept
on an improvised
towards
it.
to
Then
from
the
cart
return
Castlefin,
We were
Donovan
to
reports
for
message
trenches
scout
About. 2.30
arrived
Drumdait
deep
I.R.A.
engineers
fashion.
when a scout
a.m.
3.30
the
of
to
garrisoned
We abandoned
we fail
back
waiting
evidently
again,
a local
should
stretcher
hand-barrow,
with
be brought
by four
carried
encountered
road.
and
Castlederg
from
off
of
event
there
barracks
on the
was left
hunter
next
were
up the
the
town of
the
so later,
or
in
and,
We marched
obstructions
other
and the
enter
enemy force.
strong
warily
area
to
an enemy convoy
an ambush for
lay
I had a vague
of action.
plan
Castleerg
we were
blank,
and attack
night
and
the
the
to
we were
In
lorries
of
little
us,
to
West Cork.
near
us was
Tom
I understood
cancel
shaking
Brigade
fork
our
hands
all
men who had
Than he told
us
276.
he had
that
with
Courts
an order
forces
British
in
to be launched
and
Forces,
us in
to
so.
and
elated
Next
day or
with
him were
Jack
Fitzgerald,
the
night
prayers,
towards
and Barry
or
was a jocular
detect
titan
near
as
time
was vast,
to
Joe
subjects.
speech
hear
McGurk,
officer
at
or
days
1st
his
mind
some incredulity.
to
easy
an ect'.
'doing
and
eloquent,
him tiring
his
Divisional
Northern
us
aid
his
was never
it
their
was accounted
direct
and when ha was
and his
and
intrigued
met with
and
In
and nationality.
he always
that
night,
O'Donnell,
talkers
to
each
traveling
and had lively
subjects
this
assertion
serious
senior
it
views
Q.M.,
Division
H.Q.
Raphoe.
We spent
relaxation
Moat
at
and an education
of
main
the
dissembler
vocabulary
sin
religion,
rather,
he was
was a pleasure
remained
forward
tie stayed
way south
on those
Peadar
and his
Ulster,
on a variety
and we
and,
Peadar
Dely,
were
views
God and heaven
his
looked
and
on our
on
discussions
Peadar
But
scale.
Tommy Barry
and myself.
night
immensely.
in
to reinforce
to Dublin
Charlie
Lebone1
antagonistic
'Red'
up from
sent
on a large
spirit
returned
Barry
first
O'Donnell
youngsters
Crown
against
Divisions
Comdt.
be
was
offensive
being
attack
news from
Dinny Calvin
and protracted
peculiar
our
offensive
so
Sean
town
Donegal
were
would
enemy soon good and hard.
the
smiting
sustain
the
with
Counties
two Southern
this
at
Six
the
the
against
cessation
combined
columns
the
to
The
Four
the
action
temporarily
A great
fully-equipped
filled
Peadar
or
in
I.R.A.H.Q.
Counties.
throughout
Ulster
We were
were
Six
and from
Tipporary
cease
to
the
a week
only
briof,
from
come specially
or
four
from
our
party
rigours
-
five
of active
Lehane,
Daly,
in Dublin
on
rest leave
service
in
the
Galvin,
Fitzgerald
north.
and
and
277.
them - vent
amongst
myself
Park
Croke
Final
in
1920
Final
the
in
as a peacock
of
to
allotted
Tipperary
to
own making)
I used be as
at
hurlers
Jockey
proud
balls
'wide'
back
strike
age,
me, as a
(his
and
Bob and the
to
goal
left
sliotar
summer vacations
being
the
behind
from
and
of
that
of
having
the
1922.
hero
Bob bad given
hurleys
so,
my Tipperary
during
my hurling
1915.
was
Bob Meckler
for
clash,
Dublin,
in
capital
13 or
of
juvenile
for
midfield
was playing
It
summer of
the early
this
Tipperary,
Horse-and-Jockey,
settle
in
interested
I was mighty
in
decided
now being
Hurling
and Dublin.
Cork
between
All-Ireland
see the
to
practice.
Cork
On the
Cork
East
and
City
Dublin
much divided.
Hotel
'Sailor'
there
was many a
There
was intense
between
too,
rivalry,
East
Battalion,
and that
won,
'hot'
the
night
in many a dispute
that
nearly
came to blows.
the
billiard
members
accomplished
the
from
which
maintained
officers
Cork I.R.A.
were
boasting
that
in
and suffered
the
had
came several
that
fighters.
We were
they
more
were
the
Cork's
Free
State
uniform
had fought
the
were
interested
fight
The
as hurlers
protagonists
spectators
that
more,
against
latter,
and s
were
area.
for
Battalion
stoutly
hurlers,
from
in
behind
The 4th
in
Cork
superior
Among East
so much so
all
Battalion.
City
of
they
flared
It
and quarrel,
and arguing.
more
Clarence
and 4th
City,
Cork Brigade.
drinking
than
British
Cork
room,
there
the
and soldiering
rivalry
tat
up that
it
Lucey,
argument.
hurling
of
Cork
was very
in
night
2nd Battalion,
Cork,
Conny
Murphy,
My allegiance
Gray.
from
comrades
I.R.A.
Mick
Including
and
Ahearne
Billy
several
team were
I.R.A.
several
The West
a While.
278.
Then
it
State
end the
State
a few
calmness
and friendliness.
in
the
were
We knew they
we successfully
of
British
Army
in Derry,
train
and seized
Stopped
it
Foyle,
and an armed
huge rail
tanks
of
exasperated.
which
the
of
the
British
into
1st
it
cur
"stunt"
of
which
a whole
train
of
the
Army G.H.Q.
in
Strabane.
on the
left
bank
St.
Johnston's
charge
of
the
our
from
the
were
detached
gallons
of
were
exultant
was the
petrol
Army in
wartime
Derry
at
Division.
to
were
having
commodity,
difficult
Northern
us against
at
The British
valuable
in
North.
a siding
continuous
course,
the
Brigade
station
Carrigane
found
with
capture
boarded
which
coming
in
forces
Infantry
from
thousand
of
a very
we invariably
area
165th
seizure,
We,
such
the
petrol
Sixteen
the
was the
was directed
of
and friendly
We continued
out
in
subsided
was now in
co-operate
was quietly
put
intervened
the
One notable
coming
near
guard
locomotive.
captured
to
going
The
to
scale.
carried
petrol
Dublin.
State
Free
for
spirit
and we rejoiced.
on a reduced
activities
amount
prepare
preparing
common enemy,
the
to
Donegal
us and the
between
evidence
who had kept
much handshaking
hours.
looked
things
turmoil,
morning
was 'in'
liquor
Passions
A much more comradely
offensive.
load
early
to
We returned
the
up with
broke
Free
the
while
raucous
counsel
leave-taking
in
the
during
assembly
the
taunts
of
of
officers
Cork
us Weet
and
hurling
cross-fire
a little
and cool
and the
about
excited,
apart
more
of
of
Now
shortcomings
For
everywhere.
Then,
ugly,
an uproar.
Men were
Treaty.
and guns were
was in
and
merits
the
about
fighters
arguments
the
joining
I.R.A.
was an angry
It
and soldiering.
and growls
to
of
a series
Somebody
discussions.
noisy
The place
Army.
was no longer
sport
the
about
a question
interjected
Free
in
joined
too,
they,
procure
and one
anywhere
A strongly
armed
279.
mounted
I.R.A.
section
night
and day.
lost
their
involved
crossing
or
the
flared
North
A small
them.
by Free
aided
in
participated
driven
the
State
Free
State
Free
side
the
re-united
of
brigade
and mop up the
were
forces
Fermanagh
in
Co.
occupied
soldiers
forced
were
to
here
Irish
car
armoured
Free
Staters
Stranorlar.
Castle,
were
Ulster
the
of
wings
-
I.R.A.
side
fighting
against
the
common
Army had closed
Republican
its
the
killed,
surrender.
and ferociously.
swiftly
moved from
Enniskillen
of
on the
Pettigo
allies
Republican
attacked
barrage
Free
Pettigo
on the
The Free
State
State
Belleek
Fort
first,
barracks
Fifteen
wounded,
attack
Donegalheld
Staters.
dozens
to
The Free
Republicans.
artillery
by
in
area,
Donegal,
uniformed
-
from
cap1urcd
Ballyshannon
captured
Republicans
The British
down a fierce
positions
were
their
Fermanagh.
laying
State
troops
occupation
border;
military
once more.
audacious
in
an ambush in
car
South
sundered
reacted
The British
A whole
again
Now the
enemy.
and were
ranks
last
as comrades
English
by the
in Drumboe
the
the
from
H.Q.
and
Staters
British
and the
attack,
triumph
At
we rejoiced!
the
in
back
of
from
army units
this
In
and an armoured
column
I.R.A.
mines
land
our
and Lough Ernie,
scale.
party
routed
were
and 'A' Specials
vas
a combined
Fermanagh,
Basin.
Foyle
and Lifford.
Lough Derg
on a big
out
broke
hostilities
the
along
Strabane
round
Sporadic
up by one of
was blown
car
Fermanagh,
all
up again
train
an armoured
to Derry.
tanks
rail
have
would
and using
Foyle
Hump between
Camel's
the
In
by
shift
armoured
A British
to
River
to
attempt
an that
supply,
petrol
the
and attacks
raids
at
to
locomotive
tanke
captured
made no serious
The British
recapture
the
over
guard
and
Free
and the
prisoners,
rest
in
280.
most
uniform
where
were
confined
away to
taken
were
interned
were
they
a high-ranking
and including
them,
a Colonel-Commdt.,
officer,
they
or
of
as prisoners
Here
war.
before
many months
for
Derry,
being
released.
was occupied
Pettigo
Without
the
delay,
they
believed1
Only
a email
Belleek
Fort,
The
British
artillery
the
Fort
area
fell
shell
defenders,
sixty
yards
armed
only
and
then
so vest
or
in
by shrapnel
continued
to
withdrawal.
I.R.A.
Belleek
engage
and occupied
but
strength,
the
defensive
Next
thrown
1st
into
advance
that
they
would
five
miles
away,
order,
of
on Belleek.
assault
Erne
m
were
after
to
which
moved
infantry
district
the
in
pursue
continued
in
great
or further
to
hold
away.
Northern
drive
on the
hours
their
whole
defensive.
The British
for
day,
the
a state
offensive
to
Fort
a mile
positions
the
in
Two I.R.A.
column
Republican
We of
but
made no attempt
they
arms and bombs,
positions
retreat.
pound Belleek
The
artillery
Belleek
the
The next
the
of
the
of
Fort.
small
direction.
Ballyshannon
wounded
were
rapidly1
a mile
positions
the
towards
retreated
the
on
mile
west
there.
rifles,
floated.
about
in. a field
or so behind
of
bombardment
from
grazing
with
Republicans.
tricolour
an intense
landed
which,
occupation
Irish
shells
some cattle
a few volleys
fired
the
which
18 pound
in
were
I.R.A.
shell
by the
strength
opened
with
and killed
Fort
to
from
The first
range.
in
Crown Forces.
on to Belleek
swept
of
garrison
the
in
British
was held
the
by
Division
great
of
on down the
Erne
and occupy
that
I.R.A.
by the
anxiety
We were
the
mighty
to
British
scared
Ballyshannon
town
(held
by
281.
State
a Free
in
the
from
would
Ireland
of
history
a unified
Irish
renewed
war
on the
setting
up or
for
the
say,
Six
the
British
stayed
move.
Michael
Collins
A few
southern
for
and to
oars
motor
in
visit
the
Four
were
commandeered
in
in
Whelan's
Eccles
and Kilkenny.
place,
we found
fallen
there
hostilities
Major
General
After
a meal
to Fermoy,
pub near
In
the
a little
Free
in Kilkenny,
where
the
roads
trees,
Prout's
we spent
military
tree
to
in
the
south
A number
Clarence
trenched,
to
and
through
and
barricaded,
while
before
between
State
forces
and the
the
we moved on through
barracks
Nass,
latter
this
of
late
the
at
an aftermath
the
used
we spent
Hotel
south
approach
of
wan
these
calling
south,
the
the
of
confused
I.R.A.
Clonmel
summer evening
entrance
go
loyalists
As usual,
Vie motored
St.
Carlow
with
at
of
leave
we were
and a few
en route
Dublin
the
getting
British
from
revealed.
all
told
brigades
Munster.
and staying
Courts
blocked
area
to
be fully
vie wished.
if
homes,
transport
days
former
explain
himself
between
we were
that
and
Army in
State
ever
hardly
to
strange
to
to London
Free
the
and Pettigo
Belleek
Seán Lehane
our
Swilly
Lough
by us as
a fey
our
in
so and that
a week or
to
But,
transpired
officers
a rest
for
will
later,
days
I.R.A.
absence
back
What
there
and Churchill
statelet.
the
of
He went.
Ulster.
and prevented
was called
activities
warlike
waged
Ulster
in
put
changed,
have
Army would
County
subsequent
have been
assuredly
British
escape.
whole
the
so,
Republican
made no further
the
done
Had they
trap.
hope of
without
us off,
and cut
Donegal
us up hopelessly
bottle
thus
and
garrison)
in
Barrack
at
a
Hill,
282.
of Jack
owned by a relative
Cork
Next
City.
with
the
Kern
to
his
Jim
Lane
Ardcahan,
Dunmanway;
Bandon.
I
111
one of
the
our
I
Overland.
as he had never
seen
come along
with
me for
himself
my driving
of
performed
smoothly
previously
driven
changes
and I
the
for
headed
foot
I
drove
other
to
Jimmy
an I.R.A.
man,
for
I
I
did
through
Tivoli.
did
contact
the
to
drive
not
meet
the
traffic
From here
At Watergrasshill
out
I carried
village,
I
caught
to Bandon
noticed
in
Road,
view:
and
the
through
the
of
and (2)
motorist
the
that
he
students
of my student
beyond
gear
Western
College,
on alone
I
with
but
at
Overland
any
him to
had never
back
fellow
Jimmy and he steered
city
I
way,
an experienced
to
I
nominal
the
over
and satisfy
had two objects
be about
an
invited
walked
Arrived
my engineering
McCarthy,
I
On the
good.
who might
days
me.
of
any
it
give
any car
was largely
I
home to
though
Galvin
U.C.C.
drive
He came.
City.
was fairly
see
get
Cork
action
up to
to
(1)
for
brake
hand brake
matter.
had kept
to
car
or
and
-
distance
even
enough,
bored
got
forth
to
ability.
home.
the
a car.
an Overland,
that
from
a little
to
home in
officer,
reluctant
me drive
I
Bandon,
the
for
He was rather
Cappoquin.
away from
transport
Galvin
asked
was at
Galvin
we brought
which
to
John Donovan
Clonakilty;
around
his
Seán
Tralee;
Fitzgerald
one still
only
Galvin,
cars
to
knocking
days
ease.
at
Jack
and Dinny
was the
a few
Bandon
with
Dais,
Charlie
home in Bantry;
Ballinapittal;
After
in
again
had gone home to Fines,
comrades,
Lehane
back
111 Brigade.
Cork
old
we were
day,
on to
Then
Fitzgerald.
car
pals
for
but
me
to
city
towards
up with
city
Fermoy.
a large
me
283.
funeral.
Wishing
of passing
out
of
instead
to
being
a big
and then
road
again
ahead
spent
a lot
of
time
of by-roads
until
I
struck
three
further
Fermoy
but
I
miles
ahead
of
left
and stopped.
half
an hour
or
funeral.
To while
and petrol
supply
the
car
the
inspecting
pace
It
swerved
was slow
myself
sprawling
pump still
An elderly
hurt?
the
hub cap
car
struck
his
wife
car.
I
its
on my back
not
at
all
knocked
mine.
wore
daughter
was driving
stage.
I
the
rear
in
their
damsel
who caused
wheel
of
offending
her
the
car.
the
I
want
and I
soft
found
fence,
Was I
Only
where
the
other
The gentleman
and
in
All
trouble
tyre
my car?
only
was amused and curious.
me.
uncertain.
Their
apologies.
and she as
young
behind
up to me.
wheel
What happened?
work
stopped.
Any damage to
off
profuse
the
The car
and hurried
to
thighs
against
I
tyre.
set
moment,
the
then
again
a soft
corner
that
my oil
I
Out
The next
in
out
pass
carried.
and
the
for
replenished
noted
the
into
there
somewhat
me a wallop
emerged
pulled
course
in my hands.
pair
No,
the
in
me.
hit
I
came round
towards
was pumping
which
band-affair,
but
I
to
my
funeral
the
I
time,
casually,
A car
Its
the
tins
a crude
pump,
vigorously.
I
from
about
To
san
attempt
did,
a maze
in
again
on resting
the
easy
I
time,
than
and mused a little
smoked
turn
decided
so rather
road
main
I
This
around
main
This
I
on the
Watergrasshill.
next
me again.
just
got
the
on rounding
dismay,
my intention
mourners.
the
ahead
straight
round
wandering
on from
operation
funeral,
swing
the
of
difficult
drove
the
after
left
east
detour
I
cortege,
swinging
then
the
avoid
to
the
learner
this
was sitting
up
to her
time
the
at
the
to
tell
284.
her
I
what
very
I
wheel.
in
smile
the
fair
got
out
found
now all
motorist,
on to
their
We were
We were
sublimely
mutual
time
hands
the
with
car
before
were
or
gone
I
later,
her
Backwater
then
stationed.
shook
to
daughter
I
I
thought,
never
On my way through
at
Noble's
start
when they
Only
that
I tins welcomed
home,
A few
disbanded
Cappoquin
stopped
was none.
lady
a little,
realise
me
knew
Fermoy
near
garage
bridge.
and mother.
me.
I
did
car
old
she was off.
name and address.
saw their
the
She lingered
some minutes
him then
and the
to
shirt,
recompense
assured
he called
and then
Arrived
for
Then
me.
parting,
father
I
and himself
me,
and move on.
asked
the
my military
damage to my car.
he thanked
came back
I
to
but
else
me curiously
think,
people
other.
couple
he offered
Again
each
man regarded
He noted,
and tie.
Then
the
while
a little
everything
old
parents
as young
in
to
when the
She
Her
quite
there
indifferent
and enquiringly.
any
For
interested
frankly
of
beauty
my car.
inspect
to
except
and excited.
flushed
own car.
attraction
This
again.
animated
the
and pleasantly
lightly
will.
for
to
and come back
we talked
admire
and to
she bumped my
say a word
to
terrible
were
roads
then
she got
unable
myself
return
strolled
collar
a shook
and what
and narrow,
the
but
mishap,
She
so.
and no damage done.
was unhurt
I
the
for
She was so sorry
or
and twenty
She was so glad
smiled.
She was good-looking,
driving.
roguish
good-looking,,
our
her
of
thought
They
weeks
from
from
Galedon,
The
local
had a rather
R.I.C.,
Co.
I.R.A.
police
where
had
tale
James Ernest,
had returned
Tyrone,
by my
unpleasant
my brother,
earlier,
the
relief
with
how
to
he had been
promptly
285.
arrested
him and ordered
24 hours
under
to
the
with
R.I.C.
shared
their
nothing
I
for
an I.R.A.
me,
home to
could
in
fighter
a demobbed R.I.C.
away as a dangerous
gun by
the
local
in
indulged
tyranny
at
of I.R.A.
In
becoming
police
the
many places,
in
authority
supreme
local
had been
of
point
the
end brutal
bullying
local
authority
arrogant
in
resulted
the
abnoxious
in
Battalion
Commandant
name
many districts.
and ruled
area
his
my
Cappoquin.
by petty
acts
These
and self-importance.
of
show their
to
"warriors"
Republican
in
time
that
the
dash
that
home,
at
police
many acts
the
one of
was just
returned
criminal
Republican
to
find
and to
man,
too,
was galling
and South,
North
irate
was
there
certainly
and family
driven
It
It
it.
do about
see my parents
brother,
But
the
and I,
tyranny,
of
bit
somewhat.
resentment,
tore
My parents
this
straight
in
he was retained
longer.
for
within
Cappoquin
He had gone back
where
H.Q.,
I.R.A.
local
leave
death.
a few months
for
R.I.C.
of
threat
Gormanston
him to
like
claimed
a feudal
baron.
Nest
mother
in
of
two R.I.C.
Dublin
in
was their
the
the
roadside
dance
in
the
did
to
deflate
little
Boat
few
female
friends
my automatic
reactions
rather
amongst
House
in
the
next
female
to
notify
the
unorthodox
my companions,
had met
It
important,
repair
a puncture
to
I
me.
night,
the
I
mighty
dance,
ladies'
signal
and I
went
to
and though
admiration.
home from
Lineen,
my Overland.
felt
having
I basked
This
I
trip.
and Mrs.
whom, John,
in
a spin
of
dance,
home.
one of
experience
not
from
for
motor
my mother
took
men,
March,
first
and even
I
evening,
on
a big
I
did
a
Escorting
I
fired
arrival
produced
suddenly
a shot
at
their
hysterical
found
286.
all
myself
charitably
reckoned
exhibition
of
from
in West
Waterford,
the
away with
whom he had
I
forestalled
West
for
Cork
then
barracks,
to
1st
I
to
Div.
in
I
Tom Daly,
Capt.
Bridge
I.R.A.
where
H.Q.,
after
Mallow
to Mallow
in
Cork
off
still
R.I.C.,
from
me to
set
in
clerk
Division
for
Free
me came Healy
With
who was Assistant
and headed
the
Actually,
home,
called
some petrol
when he
accompanied
Cahill,
I
agreed.
in Kilkenny,
a bank
Southern
brother,
a tin
to
at
days
time.
scrounge
Charlie's
got
that
a call
services.
Mallow.
via
again
at
uniform
tried
quiet
Head Constable
and a eon of
I
a few
I
time
Healy
named Tom Cahill,
and a youth
in
as Capt.
Prout,
After
Ulster.
his
offered
already
me
capacity
any
very
Prout
General
Major
in
Column
with
home.
the
he was awaiting
me,
Army from
State
at
at
that,
an A.S.
serve
to
inactivity
was told
I
later
went
with
up"
in
I.R.A.
him back
take
He was willing
and was "fed
a local
Healy,
me to
asked
this
of
strength
who had served
Ballyhane
North.
Years
Willie
I was
fled.
having
as mad on the
gunnery.
captain
to
rest
the
alone,
there.
Q.M.
chat
a long
with
Tom Daly.
Patrick's
Crossing
cab
a horse
permit
brake
failed
and I
it.
dismounted,
cursing
he took
demanding
manner
butt
glided
up instantly
and,
his
I
just
him to
cab,
almost
jarvey,
turned
then
to
foot
righting
and compensation.
and told
mounting
cab,
Cork
After
head,
and threatening,
or my automatic
the
a typical
horse's
an explanation
was ugly
into
slowly
prodigiously.
the
the
To my dismay,
The cabby,
overturning
vehicle,
to pass.
I braked
Cork,
the
on me,
As his
showed him the
He shut
clear.
drove
off
down
287.
Coal
Quay.
a sigh
of
the
towards
and heaved
on the
the
of
I
side.
and swung to
a collision.
broadside
on some loose
few
feet
further
on.
the
victim.
I
that
and
at
this.
and
in
I
went
to
removed
head
to
'phone
locals
folded
after
examining
the
nearest
house.
motor-drivers
him,
ordered
TheP.P.
to
him how
the
village,
station
companion
fracture
I
it beneath
his
him.
A few
Parish
his
removal
as murderers
was
much relieved
the
turned
ear
eyes
his own fault
His
touching
Then
curiously.
his
Quay fire
a skull
not
to
back
and placed
otherwise
and,
denouncing
it
on
dying,
felt
Sullivan's
Surmising
road,
gathered
a doctor,
an ambulance.
send along
hat
Healy.
his
said
I
bike
up a
but
was all
it
for
my coat,
on the
that
Healy
him
his
pulled
over
me and I
joined
I
sent
struck
he were
as if
no way to blame,
a priest.
for
gash
was in
instructed
Cork
bruised
He replied
was.
to
so did
out;
jumped
me,
my path.
trying
He was unconscious
companion
cycling
sorry
I
of
yards
his
car
me
inside
bonnet,
he fell
heavily
as the
He looked
freely.
bleeding
The motor
stones
An ugly
rolling.
left,
Then
head
examined
hard
windscreen.
his
the
side.
across
up on the
in
the
one on each
three
He was thrown
sticking
on to
on passing
right
vain.
In
on.
left
his
and bore
I braked
on through
get
when within
Then,
it
instead),
to my correct
seemed intent
cyclist
and no horn
approached,
close
kept
Cross
Gaol
the
duty
to
swung left
I
my way cautiously
Passing
road.
Desperately,
His
brakes
Two cyclists
wrong
he panicked
were
faulty
road.
on-coming
on his
I
reached
my mouth did
in
village,
Innishannon
avoid
when I
With
whistle
Ballinhassig
The
on
me to mind my driving.
behoved
side
continued
relief
Road.
Western
referee's
(a
I
Priest
arrived
to Grainger's,
on me angrily,
and accusing
me of
288.
His
it
down the
run
having
error.
as the
whistle
and that
I
P.P.
drew
note
of
car
was not
in
his
to
prepared
to
talking
and asked
room.
anoint
says
in
poteen
Reverence
"Give
"There's
a man's
God it
that
will
the
looked
enquiringly
at
cup again,
poor
light
lest
of
his
and he swallowed
and
the
eyes
the
looked
I
said
nothing.
I
though
and flatteringly.
spluttered,
drops
but
of
the
at
mercy
a man
like
it
fiery
some colour
me
the
and then
that
the
the
tell-tale
was fearful
The
the
I.
says
He looked
I
feebly
put
keeping
and handed
hide
to
He didn't.
a few
the
thought
contained.
The priest
him
and handed
stuff.
now.
only
give
in
drop
cup,
help
sick
all,
looking
the
it
at
a cup"
in
poteen
room silently
room would
the
to
on me for
horns
got
critically,
Grainger
daren't
Grainger,
me.
of the poteen
semi-conscious
He coughed
the
I.
and maybe
stake
him".
at
the
he smelled
had opened
at
He took
P.P.
colorlessness
of
drop
the
for
no whiskey
put
to be hanged,
cup to
the
life
entered
I
cup.
would
hurriedly
and I
house,
me the
save
was going
the
the
emerged
returned
P.P.
"I've
he,
I was
said
right"
as the
room as the P.P.
or brandy
whiskey
at
kitchen,
in the
a
The injured
bed
in
the
observed
me.
the
priest
"All
alarm
poteen".
of
when the
man.
"Blazes",
as His
Out
of
towards
from
I
time
was placed
retired
a drop
me in
of
manner
him.
Grainger
dying
at
that,
his
the
all
though
unconscious,
for
apparently
a drop
mollified,
and we all
Grainger's
looked
to blame.
in
still
cyclist,
what
Somewhat
warning
had happened,
came on and had seen
horns,
hostility
the
he had heard
that
said
too,
Grainger,
that
own cycling
by the victim's
caused
an accident
was all
any warning.
and declared
my defence
spoke up in
companion
without
man callously
man
injured
He was
cup
to
his
lips
spirit.
rushed
to his
became
animated
The P.P.
handed
features
move.
I
door.
"What
"Here's
the
says
he say"?.
did
finish
the
awaiting
the
at
from
ambulance
Cork
and
Willie
a cigarette.
on in
yet"
the
emptied
smoky taste
lit
stuff,
it
a sup in
I
it".
and we lingered
now returned
Healy
the
of
potency
roasting
replied.
"There's
it.
grimacing
and,
I
go.
room
the
outside
"Nothing"
He took
cup".
a gulp
Grainger
agitated
"you may as well
he,
in
cup
a very
to meet
did,
me to
cup and told
the
me back
to
He tried,
a moment.
for
the
farmhouse,
nine
City,
about
a few
low words
miles
away.
The
man of
the
to
lad
the
I
chance".
in
went
said
I
the
then
house,
a silent
I most
the Cork
the
he had
of
would
the
did
The
days
and prayer
worst
happened.
still
and driven
six
I
was told
was still
or
seven
to
a fortnight,
weeks
return
was a miraculous
had on it,
that
severely
In
was able
It
saw him again.
never
skull.
after
work.
which
patient,
later,
but
Infirmary
his
I
and
was upset.
on a stretcher
Cork.
a few
and
the
me.
closely
an inquest,
at
do if
fractured
North
poteen
if
any,
to
recovery.
I
know,
Having
and water
I
consciousness
and resume
What bearing
recovery.
arrived,
state
of danger,
in
sojourn
victim
to
a poor
sweep over
the
was placed
a badly
with
he was out
have
he,
says
only
alarm
appearing
Infirmary,
his
of
at
his
ambulance
recovered
shocked,
never
ordeal
North
of
Enquiring
Dublin
for
unconscious,
to
looked
prayer
certainly
largely
away
the
douche
room,
and has
hurt
badly
a cold
the
it"
to
turned
Grainger
departed.
"He never spotted
very
felt
to
dreaded
Then
is
spoke
emerged,
me much relieved,
"but
I
priest
pipe,
done
I
rough
limped
repairs
into
to
Bandon.
a damaged radiator
Dinny
Galvin
290.
week
to
Peadar
from
us to
urging
southern
I
told
once
north
without
Tom Hales,
Cork
111 O/C,
as a great
back
Crowley
always
trouble,
me to
he got
going
was at
his
on his
man by the R.I.C.
days
before
gave
the
the
Kilmichael
name of
Castle.
Monday,
November
sixteen
Auxies
burst
At
for
the
the
hell
to
see
dead
that
sleep.
was interned
in
Ballykinlar
to
after
his
notorious
the
Treaty
West Cork
for
shade.
ease
a few
he
in
nigh
of
corpses
of
the
praying
over
crazed
with
in
off
His
night
as "Paddy
home in Kilbrittain,
and brawling
his
them
drink,
prayers
of
description
would
Miraculously
he was released,
quarrelling
shooting
Unrecognised,
Auxies,
off
the
a much-wanted
deadly
the
not
in
and
his
with
that
Hales
Conneen,
for
in
when
terror
and was imprisoned
he did
Inferno"
Bil
him.
whole
through
always
he was dangerous,
drink,
the
to
West Cork
gunman,
he spent
intervals,
Conneen
take
away from
in Kilmichael,
or drop
he went
to
ambush.
1920,
killed
knees.
in
19th
He
intention.
Macroom Auxiliaries
Murphy
Paddy
There
Macroom
on his
by the
worse.
and we
and Brigadier
and Tans
was captured
prowess,
to
bad
He was a holy
restrain
the
of
Lehane,
for
little
mad escapades,
end to
wits'
arrived
Northern,
Donovan,
Ulster,
and irresponsible,
merciless
nothing
from
our
of
When in
fighting.
with
absence
waiting
was a tough
Conneen
altogether.
the
and relief,
favour
with
along
in
and John
return
me,
1st
was going
Jim Lane
a
A letter
Kerry.
as,
We spent
district
Adjutant,
discipline
Galvin,
to
decided
asked
at
return
officers,
contacted
I
Div.
O'Donnell,
him,
Bandon
was away in
Seán Lehane
do.
to
over
the
about
no loafing
or
handed
I
which
car
Overland
the
of
condition
ramshackle
the
day at
next
was furious
put
Danteh
he
surviving,
Murphy"
Since
of Ballineen,
his
return
he had become
and acting
the
291.
'Wild
I
front,
unarmed)
(both
a walking-cane,
ordinary
young civilian
we bought
say,
for
requisition
the Colt
I
travel
of
the
just
to
- thanks
travel
man.
Needless
a
presented
signed
and the rest
I.R.A.,
an
mail
to Dublin,
seats
and
automatic
the night
an I.R.A.
no tickets;
five
on behalf
myself
up the rear,
of first-class
luxury
and Willie
slacks
wearing
for
except
who was also
to a young checker
to
and I,
We boarded
the
enjoyed
we attracted
Dublin,
Con Crowley
bringing
in my pocket.
Dublin,
for
rifles,
next,
swinging
pistol
Cork City
- John Donovan and Jim Lane in
service
carrying
Healy
en route
station
attention
no little
from Bandon,
As we marched across
by train.
Glanmire
off
or so we set
About June 12th
travelling
to the
relief.
great
Brigadier's
warrior.
little
to Donegal,
Conneen along
to bring
agreed
to the
such a fierce
at how to handle
perturbed
was much
and now Tom Hales
West desperado',
by
was plain
sailing.
in Dublin
Arrived
Clarence
Hotel
to the Four
I
told
Tom Barry,
hotel
to act
order
by train
for
from
him to be ready
all
night
operation
at
at
under
the ready,
Later
9 p.m.
Barry's
but
day,
came in to
I.R.A.,
and to keep ourselves
from him
to
that
the
in some secret
waited
Later
me and my comrades
on instructions
that,
as Q.M.G.,
and ordered
present
failing
or,
and promised
to Donegal.
of Operations,
to Ulster.
Dick,
Clarence
whom
Barrett,
North,
to Sligo.
to the
day reported
forthwith
transport
in the
our travel
Director
I saw Dick
to return
motor
our stay
for
provide
there
for
vouchers
sanctioned
the
There
of our decision
I was looking
travel
and next
from Kingsbridge
Courts.
we walked
at 4 a.m.,
to stay
'put'
in readiness
still,
to travel
direction.
our services
we got an
to aid
We
were never
292.
Next
enlisted
with
I.R.A.
a special
to the
Mutineer"
inside
had taken
in
were
ammunition
the
with
sore
us for
mobilised
in
Off
Dublin.
to
choosing
in
Late
train
and car,
to
that
All
at
H.Q.
Div,
was contusion
of
remain
to
travel
by
as became
Oakfield
Stoney's,
Division.
had collapsed,
Peadar
Pat
assistant,
senior
Div.
was of
Volunteer
rover
sublime
officer,
- but
political
social,
had no control
forced
on the
and too
soft
assortment
of
McGurk,
companion
too.
an efficient
- military,
theory
economic,
He
a wash-out.
practice
for
military
campaigning
all.
enforce
Div.
Q/M,
Lynch,
was an ex-bank
Lynch
I.R.A.
on the
discipline
the
1st
Northern
another
ex-bank
was of
from
greater
the
any
clerk,
young
motley
and
wanderers
volunteers,
of
and too
activities
made up the
in
suffered
end writer,
unfitted
forces
of
for
as the
order,
him and was
which
the
in
under
refugees,
camp-followers
Republican
in
run by his
to
Cavan,
thinker
volatile
in
and his
Adjt.,
things
1st
discipline
I.R.A.
above
guerilla.
kind,
to keep
the
of
the
over
constitutionally
Div.
Ballyjamesduff,
too
type,
area
absence,
a revolutionary
Peadar,
the
our
O'Donnell,
tried
officers,
failed.
In
from
Lynch
the
throughout
and 2nd Northern
He.
evening,
or borrowed
requisitioned
having
no longer
orders
tired
lads
Raphoe.
Park,
but
that
Barry's
ignore
evening,
we reached
necessary,
We dallied
we headed
newly-established
and the
us after
ignored
action,
the
of
I
too,
day,
having
Sligo
deliberately
Dublin.
Next
special
There,
and
firearms
the H.Q.
of
some
with
what
guardroom
for
Barry
"The
car
Kildare.
over
force.
police
were
in
N.Q.
gone down
had
Barry
armoured
and the
squad
Garda
they
help,
that
we learned
day,
of
part
the
Joe
Division.
clerk
and a
somewhat
sterner
mould.
handicap
of being
a Tyroneman
293.
trying
to
as I
saw it
command fellow
Ulster
the
the
in
North,
ordinary
respect
or
obedience
On the
other
hand,
I.R.A.
southern
hardened
our
Vice
with
to
decided
the
all
one of
message
arranging
for
armoured
drove
the
car,
up.
from
and disorder.
the
cull
from
deal
to
It
the
of
all
car
was
forces
I.R.A.
Republicn
the
out
irresponsible
with
the
Lifford
their
white
Two officers
them formally,
the
Brigade
H.Q.
next
10 p.m.
arrival
seated
One -
had an
and ourselves
British
by our
alighted
and
the
He
thence
flag
in Derry
speak to
truce
was sent
at
sitting-room.
its
of
flag
Strabane
Donegal.
A reply
to be directed
carpeted
to
in East
near
and I awaited
between
wanted
between
a
under
posts
him.
we welcomed
British
Charlie
command.
conference
0/C
a meeting
were
Daly
in
of military
a Div.
I.R.A.
officer
farmhouse
British
table
in Donegal
simultaneously
armoured
the
I.R.A.
important
Charlie
remains
fact
officers
and billets
The British
Castlefin.
a large
the
as
almost
and inspect
a British
responsible
was law.
elements.
Then
approached
but
their
and ruthlessly
forces
experience
a semblance
unrest
posts
parade
and disorderly
the
held
of
tour
Div.
occupying
at
arrived
O/C,
our
I.R.A.
under
forces
situation
the
local
even
We immediately
Kerry.
in
the
in
Div.
the
maintain
to
discipline
know not,
absence,
had failed
Daly,
I
campaigners
in
that,
or
reputation
as
word
and our merest
officers,
was our
it
Whether
officers.
awe of
to be in
seemed
they
little
showed
own northern
their
to
general.
and file
rank
Republican
in Ulster
Volunteers
and the
In
Republicans.
-
night
forces.
at
a large
The British
conspicuously
and entered
a staff
- formally
displayed,
to
captain
room.
from
presented
a
294.
written
in
an ultimatum
forces
were
in
Tyrone
Co.
Then
the
the
staff
seizure
of
sniping
the
guard
I.R.A.
advances
would
they
to
mind
their
Republican
not
and re-asserted
determination
Republic
We regarded
right
at
the
all
their
with
our
British
far
Army H.Q.,
0/C,
Derry.
The
of
Ireland.
no
having
of
Ireland.
our
reply
this
ranks
enclosed,
Infantry
sealed
their
signed
recollect)
(?)
and
Irish
and defied
was then
185th
the
any part
and appended
names,
the
I
as
occupy,
duty
of
authority
of
Irish
We recognised
and our
indignantly
The document
to
as such to
right
occupation
(as
full
I.R.A.
and addressed
in
the
as we,
Army as invaders
demands
We both
threats.
the
British
we declared
Tersely
and breadth
length
was being
as those
Ireland.
the
officers
withdrew.
right
our
uphold
the
to be
We rejected
reply
to
throughout
then
sod of
every
audacious
the
asked
or Derry,
Tyrone
0/C
British
made several
pleasure,
a reply.
had a perfect
Army,
no border,
with
His
a reply
while
They
quit
and defend
protect
wait
drafted
and deliberately.
and the
Daly
a little
instructions.
we would
it.
recapture
of
the
by
and day between
which
parties
would
and I
train
out
and
I.R.A.
on night
went
supplies
get
by the
measure
posts
consequences.
somewhat.
by the
seized
waiting
They
Daly
in
on the
trying
prepared.
our
which
and reconnoitring
probing
were
train
petrol
the
to
and carefully
beyond
our
or
army
forces
take
elaborated
and provoked
continuous
British
I.R.A.
or
slowly
captain
his
the
unite
and British
military
immediately
ultimatum
was grieved
that
warned
Commander,
that
alleged
and seizing
and Derry
It
Brigade
British
attacking
and Derry
We read
It
effect,
and property.
Tyrone
his
from
communication
sealed
Brigade,
was handed
to
295.
the
Staff
return
on their
a heavy
We expected
but
reply,
to Derry
journey
British
Strabane.
never
defiant
this
after
onslaught
forces
British
the
via
car
armoured
their
in
once
at
almost
departing
withdrew,
then
officers
British
and the
Captain,
us.
moved
against
They
contented
River
Foyle.
Lees
were
troops
while
with
themselves
a fortnight
than
Crown forces
British
with
developments
sat
of
line
Free
later,
State
the
tight
watching
amusement and not
amazement,
the
and unexpectedly,
us suddenly
attack
to
the
holding
new
a little
relief.
The four
patrol
were
now almost
train
the
to
use
the
of
original
on the
alert
attempt
at
sixteen
conceivable
as well
upon barrels,
the
being
night,
themselves
while
by day
and fake
in
Div.
who was who,
the
had become
I
of
it
of
it
as loot
had been
noses,
stolen
barrels
and sizes,
all
spirit
the
the
every
sorts
bluffers
through
presenting
to help
stuff
had
and corruption
real
state
impossible
men involved
a fitting
suppose,
all
thievery
was well-nigh
so demoralised.
who had seized
most
maze of
I.R.A.
very
continued
Q/M woke up to
it
in
some audacious
orders
tanks
guards,
I.R.A.
at'
precious
Most
this
time,
was,
the
liberally.
when the
It
of
with
disappeared
By that
as tins
filled
chits
forged
their
the
that
any British
'got
Under
fashion.
in
The
thwart
had been
recapture,
'flogged',
such an extent
to
now remained
to
and
stolen
thousand.
continuously
down South,
absence
bartered,
gallons
British
captured
our
vernacular,
one thousand
were
sold,
soldiers'
barely
the
In
dry,
had been
petrol
the
in
wagons
in
of
affairs.
to make out
the
traffic
No one was reliable.
Nemesis
from
from
the
on ourselves
British,
ourselves
to
by an
find
that
Appendix
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Moloney
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Col.
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Date: 7 March 2003.
296.
bunch
accomplished
the
infiltrated
into
discipline,
morale,
were
almost
all
that
with
fraught
civilian
the
they
more especially
idea,
operation
and to
gone in
armed
Bridge
had been
Republican
population
drink,
then
proceeded
frightened
of
weary
bully
covered
Such
was the
with
hurried
how alarmingly
Donovan
had to
sentry
him
We learned
of
sentry's
that
the
Bridge.
the
drunken
Monaghan rifle.
for
rifle
his
life
as the
was.
a car
into
had cleared
He had gone back
him.
once
John
and drove
sentry
N.C.0.
off,
shoot
Calling
No armed
I.R.A.
to
saw at
and I
Daly
as
veteran.
and swore
matter
would
and especially
Republican
we jumped
Lane,
to Lifford
straight
his
manhandled,
attacker
antics,
fly
him,
himself.
performance
ruffianly
report.
serious
and Jim
and disarmed
being
as a prominent
him
the
after
his
mad
The N.C.O.,
sentry
mad and drunken
he recognised
Instead,
that
hoping
his
had,
by a
daylight
do an arms drill
sentry
had
in Lifford
sentry
whom he knew.
to
which
Daly
and demoralisation
in broad
the
and corruption
chaos
Comdt.
The
ranks.
had seized
with
to
licence
approached
N.C.O.
near,
in
us how far
I.R.A.
of
atmosphere
was brought
home to
waited
this
was in
a report
brought
the
that
around.
It
The
the
abandoned
ourselves
to
we contemplated
wagons,
a demolition
such
danger
great
we
an
Fearing
when we discovered
Then,
empty,
as we judged
on the
to
results
disastrous
and efficiency.
them up.
blowing
with
I.R.A.
attack
British
imminent
who had
and hijackers
looters
of
there.
-
taking
towards
with
him
Raphoe.
297.
we went.
Back
A few
up the
in
rushed
us sourly.
ordered
as I
but
John
With
neared
the
shoulder.
He staggered,
Jim Lane
it
Whether
excreted
in
the
his
effects
in a basement
I.R.A.
garrison
notified
that
that
to
let
There
bed
I
him
his
next
attempted
and lay
alternately.
keys.
doors
warned
to
that
move from
down eyeing
I
I
the
the
was not
bed
ceiling
a little
a few
of
he was
Later,
in
the
morning.
kitchen
I.R.A.
guards
up to my room.
and he was
two doors
from
went
I
suffering
where
would
without
and the
the
inside
room,
and
automatic
to bed but
shoot
a
into
put
to
the
my loaded
Placing
to my hand,
ready
I
both
were
he had
He was placed
kitchen,
the
H.Q.
Div.
I believe,
courtmartial
There
locked
to
drink,
on duty.
bully
my
state.
orgy.
were removed
to mine.
the
through
he was changed
escape,
clothes
my pillow
sleep.
he was for
for
with
a disgusting
the
were
he would
undressed,
pocketed
off
but
and,
and taken
of a drunken
room,
John
now cowed and
He was,
pants.
rifle
and started
rifle.
and
or
fright
rifle,
his
rifle
gone hard
a car
He was in
through
Fearing
in
was put
Stoney's.
the
roused
have
would
the
up the
picked
had now appeared,
snivelling,
from
I
the
on
dropped
was now thoroughly
intervention,
clubbed
me,
down savagely
drunkenly.
Donovan
at
butt
beside
I
up"
raise
to
out
rushed
shoulder,
hands
your
He tried
close
Donovan,
and I
from
slung
put
him.
and brought
crying
rifle
"Halt,
Republican
was walking
that
say
John Donovan
him.
he eyes
an Irish
evening,
outside.
street
and made for
to
of
no sigh
there,
in the
later
hours
Policeman
Reached
under
to
not
if
he
my permission,
prisoner,
nervous,
so
strange
298.
to
was the
situation.
After
a while,
began
talk.
He was sick,
sore
and sorry.
He was disgusted
with
in
the
and
after
later,
in
the
the
from
Now here
being
a prisoner
to him.
listened
as he bitterly
his
repentance
suspicion
persisted
awake
keeping
lulled
off
find
the
quietly
and
himself
for
my mind
and alert.
by his
awake
in
the
room.
I
the
the bed
me.
Div.
included
John Donovan
Pat
Asst.
Q/M,
Lynch,
who presided,
short,
and myself
and the
procedure
misconduct
from
Co.
Donegal.
His
spirit
Yet,
the
to
was broken
soldier
in
of
pity;
the
to
prisoner
and dressed
8 a.m.
Those
Joe
Lane,
and ready
guilty
McGurk,
Charlie
The
but
of
Daly,
trial
was
and
simple
outrageous
He was sentenced
with
24 hours
sorrow
and he was almost
him triumphed
dejectedly
We had
a start
arose
and was given
he saluted.
he moved off
curiously.
signs
I.R.A.
"I'll
for,
in
to harden
our
situation
demanded
hearts
to quit
despair.
springing
eyes
to
and remorse,
be back
as our
off,
dozed
room and the
I
into
myself
who prosecuted.
He was stunned
attention,
Then
the
reassured
a vague
Comdt.
Adjt.,
and insubordination.
expulsion
him
must have
and Jim
rough
I.R.A.
dirty,
drilled
at
was found
forthright,
for
awoke with
was courtmartialled
present
his
morrow.
Yet
sun flooding
next
of
his
I
'on
Truce.
sorry
and I
for
the
joined
on and I felt
Alas'.
talking,
morning
left
feel
was genuine.
in
the
hands
to
He talked
conduct.
War,
He had been
on the
I began
upbraided
blackguardly
the
courtmartial
awaiting
comrades,
he had
before
in
Great
the
Monaghan.
Crown Forces
he was,
in
served
demobilised,
of
He had been
conduct.
disgraceful
home town
his
run'
that
his
army and had
British
I.R.A.
I
for
himself
again"
followed
to
iron
stiffly
he gritted.
him
suppress
discipline.
any
299.
and
Discipline
the
and
we went
Wherever
as severe
nonsense
or
on the
in
Dublin
from
went
Peadar
again,
brought
was ominous
all-out
for
in
and yet
further
negotiations
by
Lynch,
some of
supreme
I.R.A.
Confusion
Sir
Wilson's
of
and alarm
throughout
in
of
or,
the
the
I.R.A.
of
all
reunification
rather,
had been
Staff,
Four
from
Courts.
death
very
Ireland.
in
angry
Collins.
of
his
by shooting
end alarm
area
flouted
That
Churchill's
to Michael
Confusion
silence.
off
breaking
representatives.
moved swiftly.
ultimatum
Division
the
still
a waiting
and had withdrawn
in
Henry
and uncertainty
Northern
State
Chief
command office
clear
pregnant
Free
yelling
forces
counselled
army unity,
own staff
Events
crystal
alarm
the
his
came news of
London.
the
army executive
one section
the
in
back
The news they
British
demanded
for
with
on the
another
another
were
Frank,
Charlie
Derry,
the
factions,
war
Ireland;
policy,
Liam
into
immediate
quartered
-
convention
brother,
O'Donnell.
and alarming
split
convention
and his
all
position
when
Ulster
To that
from
amongst
duty
was the
last
1922.
Tuesday,
Peadar
except
Donegal
20th
their
Hegarty
On the
and others.
was hopelessly
held
no
tolerate
This
north-west
O'Donnell
and O'Flaherty,
O'Doherty
Daly
June
on Sunday,
Donegal
the
forces
Executive
I.R.A.
in
horizon
were
of
command.
our
showed
who would
dereliction
or
under
forces
and file
especially,
disciplinarians
posts
tradition.
soldierly
fank
I.R.A.
disorderliness
military
strictest
the
of
chores
and myself,
Daly
regarded
I.R.A.
the
the
now,
awe and respect.
the
in
area.
overnight
improved
and garrison
routine
military
the
in
forces
I.R.A.
behaviour
general
to be performed
began
the
on the
effect
a profound
had
notice
24 hours'
at
of
The banishment
Collins's
in
Dublin.
Confusion
the
but
1st
and 2nd
and
day
300.
of
the
in
Dublin
and Seán
Comdt.
Jack
Brigade
Hegarty,
Peadar's
with H.Q.
at
Donegal
from
that
for
forces.
to
Glenveagh
the
There
developments
us from
time
Next
to
to
word of
Daly,
to
Letterkenny
uncertain
Army who held
We were
of
being
the
of
the
intercepted
in
reached
evening,
June
Courts
in Dublin,
Day,
we set
out
Four
of
door
of
strength
on emerging
in
us,
the
together
the
Free
State
and we were
from
glances
early
drove
Galvin,
the
attitude
of many curious
28th
Four
Dinny
to
and
rumours
to Mass there
close
Lough Veagh.
readiness
Raphoe.
with
and went
Letterkenny
object
at
and I,
We remained
as we were
afraid
and Paul's
H.Q.
of
on Monday
the
and I
base, deep
Wild
of
on us by
Charlie
shores
of
attack
war
attack
principal
a state
inspection
British
civil
of
on the
shelling
Div.
Cotter
Cathedral.
our
and then
Peter
our
Fitz.,
through
the
dreamt
Brigade
and East
Derry
imminent
impatiently.
time,
St.
morning,
return
into
the
week-end,
Castle,
things
awaited
we got
the
Rosses
on a rapid
moment any
Mountains
Derryveagh
we put
a single
At
State
moved
in
We never
quarter.
anticipated
Free
as we expected
Brigades,
seán
Frank
Brigadier
of
footing
Q/M,
officers
brigade
We decided
Gortahork.
Brigade
Brigade
commanded the
brother,
on an alert
and putting
his
with
Brigade,
were
Brigadier
Castlefin,
and Seamus Ward.
McCallion
O'Donnell,
or
Derry
0/C
his
Cotter,
adjutant.
acting
also
Present
Q/M.
in
H.Q.
became
Lynch
and Jim
Fitzgerald
their
Alfie
Div.
remained
McGurk
from
Pat
and assistant.
deputy
Comdt.,
me as his
and appointed
Division
Adjt.,
Vice
Div.
Daly,
away
Div.
O'Donnell,
Charlie
0/C.
the
command of
assumed
Joe
Div.
Lehane,
Still
officers.
Peadar
were
South
and the
officers
available
some brigade
with
Division
the
of
a conference
We held
in
half
Mass.
the
cathedral
301.
as
we were
we reached
our
Hotel,
Our behaviour
not
in
entered
clear
of Div.
charge
a Free
State
Holmes
was there,
and
declared
that,
not
do anything
that
we would
not
from
Holmes's
to bed
the
scout
who arrived
State
had
aloft.
our
he would
him
assured
existed
Free
no
us Republicans
between
us
we would
elsewhere,
the
us
he had got
part,
that
Daly.
of
them or not,
peace
with
though
who,
three
see
to
of Charlie
against
happen
police
State
under
forces
command.
Early
Closer
would
interfering
We went
sentries
the
and I
and asked
admitted
We, for
break
to expect.
the
and the
he got
anyhow.
to
in
forces
Daly
friend
open hostilities
whatever
that,
in
to Raphoe
posts,
Comdt.,
Holmes
whether
what
Staters,
was an old
and
an
with
garrisons
Battalion
situation.
to
a drink.
the
to
by Free
so we went
instructions
for
Republican
We went
local
to
Letterkenny
do or
and Raphoe
night.
officer,
the
discussed
to
what
H.Q.
the
Holmes,
rapidly
the
now occupied
Willie
refrain
we found
instructions
that
Raphoe
barracks,
and
from
knowing
called
and ordinary,
We drove
where
evening,
However,
rendezvous,
and uncertainties
exterior.
giving
regular
anxieties
unhurried
a quandary,
molestation,
unconcerned
our
the
Ulster.
was calm,
we masked
officers
I.R.A.
north-west
without
our car
McGarry's
After
in
activities
directing
in
as southern
recognised
morning
taken
after,
with
on the
This
that
we were
the
in.
top
of
disclosed
position
roused
Stoney's.
by an
news that
I.R.A.
the
was incredible.
Nearing
the
at
night
alarming
It
Raphoe.
and rushed
scrutiny
late
tower
the
of
village,
the
a machine-gun
dominated
the
We dressed
we saw two
Protestant
mounted
whole
Free
town,
church.
there
and from
302.
it
our
raked
the
with
church
We were
and were
now using
disturbed
by this
Hall
Masonic
we were
post,
We decided
other
of
at
when the
Staten
Volunteers
Free
outside
was set
then
pattern,
without
our
to
snipe
in
case
at
any
the
we pushed
Late
that
then
turned
motorised,
evening,
on their
stealthily
within,
prisoners
and whisked
of
guise
civilians
tower
was made to
our
west
towards
a few
on bikes
interfere
south
Dromkeen
for
poets,
in
position
with
with
us in
Raphoe
evacuation.
towards
section
fire
then
Convoy,
and Glenveagh.
and a big
and
unprovoked
squads
cover
preparations
we moved out
a
by
suddenly
Republican
armed
and to
them
who approached
on minor
a few
four
followed
two treacherous,
attacks
ahead
Rockhill
seized
being
place
church
at
Hall
by Free
and made the
We put
attempt
shot
hall
These
anger.
Stewart
the
the
the
at
upon and
The attack
unexpected
roused
were
from
troops
rushed
challenge.
entirely
while
in
and the
treacherously
who approached
sleeping
Staters
on
on the
Hall
State
four
of
to Letterkenny.
similar
our
delay.
posts
Stewart
attacked
A garrison
"civies"
They
to
without
email
our
by Free
and taken
sentry
victim.
in
had been
night
in
advantage
fired
of being
- one at
Letterkenny
Letterkenny.
sanctuary
every
Square
Raphoe
two of
that
Rockhill,
the
during
the
fearful
evacuate
to
news came in
outskirts
and
Holmes,
tower.
church
the
Then
seize
to
it,
much
of
part
church
As we moved through
ruthlessly.
from
on the
for
disregard
the
of
and occupied
We were
faith
determination
a callous
showed
of
breach
night,
approval
church
as a fortress.
it
their
moreover,
and,
the
had seized
authorities,
the
or without
with
troops,
the
During
aghast.
be
could
door
and next
Hall
Masonic
gunfire.
State
Free
the
in
posts
on foot.
We were
303.
The
The van
care.
of
southern
the
departure
from
Gladstone
bag
the
officers,
packed
lost
I
Incidentally,
contained
Div
in
-
ties,
collars,
stuff
and automatic
in
I
until
van
on leaving
a few
to
days
and I
no avail.
I
his
precious
but
I
mine
when I
made frantic
felt
like
to
this
was the
over
efforts
to
all
travel
only
loss
trace
it
more
intriguing
bag
lost
in
the
to
the
of
after
-
all
on finding
burned
the
again.
the
did
Newton
The disappearance
day,
a period
saw it
never
discovered
Isaac
of
by me and deposited
on gravitation
documents
was helpless.
mystery
I
.45
items
contained
was locked
Stoney's
disconsolate
was very
It
gear,
some loose,
correspondence
It
1922.
also
shirt,
ammunition.
and personal
1917
the
a spare
personal
and toilet
shaving
notes,
socks,
confidential
from
letters,
photos,
cherished
my most
the
in
had a small
I
Stoney's.
I kept
which
items
at
H.Q.
bags.
belongings
my personal
all
travel
motley
each
of
belongings
personal
in
or four
and three
van
a large
of
consisted
transport
ashes,
bag
a
is
since
evacuation
of
Raphoe.
some forty
Numbering
and halted
west
miles
from
mounted
large
In
to
time
the
they
tea
and eggs
and
two issued
the
whole
the
-
After
were
the
to
I.R.A.
Comdt.
farm
provided
latter
each
party
the
the
was drawn
the
Daly
After
addressed
fire.
the
men were
of
in
two
and smoked
the
breakfast
up in
of
dozed
en masse
Republican.
barns
before
daybreak,
seven
transport,
we visited
night,
with
on slowly
about
officers
kitchen
boiled
Charlie
hills
men in
The
the
during
and sentries.
relays
outside.
in
the
we parked
farmhouses.
stretched
time
guards
Here
we pushed
so,
in
night
and billeted
adjacent
From
the
Raphoe.
guards
as they
for
or
roused.
bread,
a large
pot
breakfast,
parade
on the
road
them as follows:
3O4.
were
"They
in
attacked
It
guns.
behoved
new enemies
would
to
welcome
quite
to
be coerced
for
asked
stay.
re-affirmed
on oath
Republic.
Later
conference
For
the
their
That
was resumed.
retreat
it
on the
remain
strictly
State
attack
and endeavour
In
and to
line
cover
in Tyrone
to
Jim
of
involve
all
strongly
at
the
attack
no time
and posted
sentries.
where
into
I
found
Mrs.
met
forces
the
Free
units
civil
war,
State
army,
the
to
move rapidly
over
the
a
British,
the
border
Crown Forces
and so try
war.
Anglo-Irish
in
command of
this
in Castlefin
Here
to
in
potential
and arrived
Incidentally,
Castle
armed A.S.
Free
were
Castlefin
Irish
and the
of
in Clady,
British
the
the
Clady
midnight.
solemnly
avert
the
and I
Q/M,
our
assembled
to
were
All
against
enemy,
back
Volunteers
Republican
fighting
when we planned
quietly
lodge,
I.R.A.
a resumption
about
We slipped
gate
to
We wasted
daybreak,
defensive
to
-
operations.
the
keep
Stators
officers
that
Irish
darkness
Brigade
secrecy
until
the
was swiftly
them in
Cotter,
I.R.A.
traditional
crafty
and there
column.
in
between
column
striking
for
attempt
up re-united
the
against
under
a desperate
begun
Div.
to
the
Glenveigh
the
was decided
would
intact.
to
towards
evening,
against
eventualities
ranks.
allegiance
and drew up plans
present
already
the
man
No one was or
earnest
all
and for
left
Free
the
and only
remain,
the
-
fight
and go home.
out
drop
None
to
Republic
any sacrifice
prepared
to
Irish
soldier
Any I.R.A.
arms."
and willing
ready
the
of
in
British
using
troops
Republican
loyal
Republic
who was not
there
was
every
the
defend
now to
State
by Free
Dublin
had been
The Republic
soldiers.
Republican
we decided
strike
to
rest
and
suddenly
a few
miles
away.
House
(Mrs.
Fife-Young's)
I
Fife-Young
called
in
herself
to
the
and her
305.
neat
of
whiskey
2 a.m.
round
both
in
and tumbled
dark
falling
We then
retired
our
to
a few
snatch
Big
House,
hours
for
me
where
we
We
upstairs.
going
table
bed-side
on a little
watches
We sat
called
Cotter
the
before
sentry
to
awoke
with
a start
on the
floor
near
see a couple
door,
of
Calling
and ran
All
sleep.
saw a number
the
Free
what
was
them.
angrily.
"Who's
not
other.
think
"What
were
sir,
the
these
were
you
is
after
truth
Free
an N.C.O.
sent
answer.
the
the
"Irregulars",
answer.
soldiers
I
in
There
Moreover,
decided
at
"We did
threateningly,
the
alarm.
place,
The Colonel
and second-in-command
Donegal,
"Down in Castlefin,
now"?.
did
asked
adjutant
us.
sir",
House,
occupy
in
forces
Irregulars".
the
State
Sweeney's
Glennon
I
to
whistled
State
Big
towards
looked
nervously,
anyhow?",
us up here
I
Joe
Free
Colonel
of
here
soldiers.
demanded
I
They
the
I
or molest
mean?"
replied
me,
seemed uncertain
but
threaten
this
in
State
We rushed
here?".
charge
doing
General
of
does
was anybody
Glennon
was Major
in
Then
was the
"Where
"What
there
"Colonel
sir"
to
the
some trees,
beneath
hand.
out
on my pants
pulled
rifles,
do and made no attempt
we reached
each
gun in
and
beside
- Free
figures
something
up in bed
room
asleep
lawn
carried
They
jumped
pillow,
on the
of
rattle
the
across
the
beneath
uniformed
Staters.
to
run
had come up,
too,
Cotter,
I
my head,
Out
of
loud
who was dead
Cotter,
downstairs.
the
at
figures
my gun from
snatched
I
seized).
a tumbler
and quiet.
I
to
stuff
or more until
placed
undressed,
me with
an hour
the
inspected
and regaled
boycott
(Belfast
for
talked
and
me in
She welcomed
maid,
not
was no doubting
it
was obvious
recognise
on maintaining
that
we
a
that
306.
as the only
bold front
we wore,
The situation
and I,
Cotter
were,
in the
in hand,
did
in our shirts
know what
serious,
State
to make of
us.
Manor House were our
column men, armed
but
all
our
evidently
too obvious
otherwise
surprised;
it
that
A strong
was,
himself
chasing
"Irregulars",
and all
of
my watch?",
time.
seemed
of
forward
off
enough for
loudly
is
there
"You go back to
shamefacedly,
to Cotter
else
anything
to warn
the
and take
had not far
to go.
State
approached,
officer
by his
I ventured.
I replied,
against
rather
"I.R.A.
forces",
"Establishing
Government"
as firm
-
curt
understood
the
arrived
back opposite
and hurried
to the
Glennon"
I ordered,
towards
N.C.O.
We
us were three
As they
I recognised
Colonel
the
Glennon",
you?" "O'Donoghue",
of a column operating
he said,
"Is
"What is your
business
hereabouts,
the
of
authority
situation,
the
the
was the answer,
We had turned
house,
senior
"who are
and my demeanour was that
of
"and see if
"Oh",
and stiff
control
coming
I turned
Commandant in charge
the British
first
I whispered
the house"
Cotter
"You are
he answered,
"Yes",
the
says a soldier
by some soldiers.
tabs,
aggressively,
ask?".
just
coloured
for
such an atmosphere
in
me curiously.
regarded
our
predicament.
to hear,
me to Colonel
followed
away
were now trapped
they
around
inmates.
as
Colonel
half-mile
speaking
Coming up the avenue
officers
they
those
missing",
sleeping
"Come along
Free
sir",
watch,
or been
slept
army under
their
question
was
as it
asleep,
a short
demanded Cotter,
your
us in the
have been invaded
State
unaware of
a ludicrous
"Here's
tension,
Behind
from the house in which
them blissfully
who
- how to extricate
Our problem
"Who took
It
the Free
was down in Castlefin
warriors
sleeping
of
revolvers
troops
had either
our room would not
force
Glennon
a entries
we
There
with
and pants,
of a squad of Free
in which
corner
tight
us was mighty
for
midst
not
from the
escape
Just
that
so?"
may I
Free State
My manner was
of one in complete
and by this
then,
time
a number of
had
307.
figures,
half-dressed
appeared
in
his
view
full
a strong
them for
and his
how many armed
to
"all
men were
by us to make things
Belfast
to
Free
the
Commandant
but
for
hot
the
a refuge
Northern
Hotel
in Bundoran",
category
who wish
that
Free
cards",
put
I
it
up to
with
if
Glennon.
General
Sweeney,
and
vouchers
Daly",
can
then
"Very
I watched
I'll
him
go there
may do so and
"I
I
said,
am returning
be back
have
full
make full
go and,
"I
said
I'll
later
in
I,
shortly
"I'll
"I'll
you know later
to
see him,
the
see if
for
the
I
all
he does",
now to
with
evening
from
to discuss
that
can arrange
Stranorlar
on me
"No!
he inquired.
be waiting
afterwards,
(the
we
Then he turned
instructions
arrangements
fellows
and admission
let
"Well,
to
Great
I answered,
anxious
Glennon.
I'll
well",
and
you?"
is
defenders
your
tickets
Bundoran".
agrees",
any of
"Right"9
with
moments,
"We have
"and
Sweeney
Daly
a few
he said,
for
Daly
replied
charlie
requested
and we
Charlie
him",
Pogrom
the
to Divisional
spoke'
down in the
travel
-
winced.
semi-naked
refugees
themselves
opt
Comdt.-General
things
right
them will
"Is
earnestly:
to
organised
Then he
around,
them with
fellows
its
with
said,
during
for
nothing
they
Specials
Glennon
it
that
I
been
and the
Belfast".
so
lads",
who have
run
a moment.
for
the
tough
British
Six-County
provide
thought
how many of
Why?"
for
will
State)
are
house
scattered
provided
in
"They
He said
scene,
own forces
and he could
army and become adjutant
State
the
He had no idea
tone,
and had left
himself
was impressed
place
the
from
Joe Sweeney,
surveyed
and his
the
had done
and organising
Glennon
house),
on the
actually
He was from
join
in
Volunteers
them are
the
fiercely.
fight
Six-County
some of
of
ready,
(Cotter
men inside
on a conciliatory
took
manner
ready
defence
the
windown
the
our
rousing
at
rifles
carrying
some of
at
in
thoroughly
job
were
and
Comdt.
those
Sweeney
meeting
for
meet
with
you here".
saw the
Free
State
308.
soldiers
I felt
exultant
and optimistic
curious
In I
to
went
had
way things
the
with
attackers
greater
column
service
defensive
at
largely
of
Bundoran
than
a danger
would
as
Six
unarmed
else
train
in
the
unit
and at
least
were
some 25 miles
Mountains.
and were
arms
they had the
the
more of
were
army
to
them and
us;
those
G.N.
go
and,
moreover,
Bundoran
to
them resented
I myself
but
it
Hotel,
embarrassment
an
Some of
them away from
driving
situation
Counties
camp in
who chose
to
the
Six
that
vouchers.
presented
away
(who had no
refugee
Those
them that
Derryveagh
the republican
to
a mile
the
Castle
informed
they
travel
choice
we were
confused
the
active
the
about
told
in
rugged
But
to a strong
house
British
Counties
themselves.
Hobson's
the
were
to
being
be given
if
the
anything
to
the
Glenveagh
of
heart
travelling
as,
the
potential
and members of
of
had been
material.
fighting
Squad and
whole
to
followers)
camp
option
the
impress
the
a mere
- these
The armed republicans
back
from
The refugees
the
off.
in
to
him of
retained
House
Big
withdrawn
rear
the
and tell
Cotter
as
quietly
against
to retire
the
relief.
interview.
had only
armament
the
campaign
west
in
had been
was now called
north
Cotter
the
Now, we reassembled
ordered
out.
toughness
of
position
offensive
to meet
conspicuously
their
part
proposed
house
garrison
themselves
displaying
the
of
I was both
of my bluff.
about
turned
defence
skeleton
the
success
the
at
a huge sigh
I heaved
withdrawn.
being
felt
was a very
refugees
were
evening
with
offered
a sanctuary.
Colonel
vouchers.
Glennon
He was surprised
"Volunteers"
nothing.
came along
for
His
the
chagrin
refugee
at
in
the
fewness
the
H.Q.
was obvious
in
and
of
Bundoran,
the
but
he was angry
the
Six
he
at
County
said
the
309.
"token"
outwitted
and
for
arrangements
Cotter
and
I
Comdt.
Gen.
the
Joe
call
morning
State
in a big
Lancia
driving.
We went
in
in
day
through
the
glances
directed
at
in
Free
State
their
having
holsters;
There
in
Drumboe
Drumkeon
we sat
off
us with
down around
the
avoiding
Charlie
Daly
Jim Cotter
and myself,
and Daly
and Glennon
ordinary
Free
the
in
lanyards
while
delay
State
thigh
in
our
called
to
pistols
Sweeney
of
as
0/C.),
the
travelling
the
of
village
civil
of
his
O/C.),
Frank
Comdt.
Free
Joe
O'Donnell
Mick
side,
(Div.
(Bde.
O'Donoghue,
second-in-command
to Charlie
did most of
the
talking.
On
room there
of
possibilities
State
was
officers.
in Donegal.
McGurk
via
Daly
Churchill
the
war
the
road
In a large
Hotel.
and explored
the
back
and brigade
Wilkins'
to
Div.
(acting
(Brigade
Sweeney
In
and Glennon
acting
in
-
had our
pair,
again,
a table
Fitzgerald
then
with
some divisional
extension
Sweeney
I
curious
the
Castle.
we adjourned
arrival,
and
We
crowded.
- Sweeney
car
It
Castlefin.
save revolvers
secured
was a short
to Rockmills.
for
waiting
and
the
to
himself
and many were
and Cotter
uniform
Webleys
we were
Then
were:
in
four
the republican
we,
pockets.
H.Q.
the
from
to
us up as
Joe Sweeney
and cattle
to
would
and Cotter
town was
the
Glennon
picked
duly
Daly.
whom we were
H.Q.
car,
We had no firearms
"civvies".
pair
and
carts
return
Stranorlar
through
Stranorlar
crawled
full
touring
the
and a safe
myself
Glennon
However,
charlie
Glennon
to take
had
it.
like
with
to Daly's
H.Q.
arranged
was fair
conduct
escort
been
We completed
it.
Colonel
8 a.m.
at
Free
Stranorlar,
and
and
guide
not
and discussions
safe
a
Swueney
as
do about
meeting
guaranteed
accompany
next
and he did
he could
He
solution.
proffered
out-manoeuvred
was nothing
there
his
to
response
Present
Comdt.
Jack
Q.M.),
Comdt.
0/C.),
Div.
Engineer,
Daly.
Glennon
and
I
310.
at
contributed
awestricken.
I,
share
after
were
exchanges
on.
return
unmolested
I.R.A.
men to
offer
as
to
the
that
the
in
Free
State.
from
the
was one of
issue
proper
Daly
only
authority
that
we were
determined
desultory
and
last
and,
addressing
the
time
our
All
the
little
village
As Sweeney,
door,
France
Jim
and Salonika
army and
later
had
Clonakilty,
in
served
as such.
that
became
into
strolled
awaiting
Cotter
a veteran
out.
tea.
or
Sweeney
have
to
around
of
outside
the
I dallied
as a machine-gunner
of
the
with
rose
be going.
at
who had fought
corps
three
Sweeney
the result
and
and
in Donegal,
given
loafed
the
Republic
disintegrate
would
the machine-gun
on their
was the
Irish
they
Glennon,
forces
State
Conversation
a cup of
to
that
recognised
were
forces
insisted
position
to
this
protracted
Free
said
eagerly
Daly,
Lane of
in
me,
men armed
be
our
began
joining
the
was the
Refreshments
groups.
declined
After
Sweeney
was stalemate.
conference
the
little
and Glennon
in
This
I.R.A.
us when he declared
to uphold
to
agreeable
the
- that
of
which
listen
molest
and must
all
not
State
was reached,
Donegal
transport
posts
Free
them.
we would recognise
may.
four
not
any of
southern
the
against
Authority
for
spoke
come what
at
in
authority
Charlie
or
arrest
an impasse
negotiations
the
or
posts
to
the
were
however,
did
part
in Donegal
by the republican
surrender
acts
on their
went
the
would
my
and the
arms and their
Daly
I.R.A.,
hostile
any
latter
occupied
The
than
discussion
allow
evacuated
Charlie
effect
to
their
republicans
in
the
the republicans
with
Donegal
more
spoke
hours
homes and
county.
meant
For
allow
their
the
it
refrain
if
to
leave
on condition
held
to
in
The atnosp1ere
preliminaries.
friendly.
quite
offered
Sweeney
they
the
opening
somewhat
had experience.
and Glennon,
Sweeney
and
silent
were
already
having
perhaps,
Messrs.
to
"talking"
others
the
intervals,
talks.
the
in
British
Tommy
311.
and beckoned
northern
me over.
startled.
bloodthirsty
of
I told
to
your
took
said
"No",
Sweeney
beyond
and he
conduct
this act
costs,
the
the
at
group
to
others
the
hold
us
the
and undisciplined
it
Churchill
out
others.
to
We emerged
on the
you
coming
the
said
I
stay
without
so.
"Oh,
other
I as
for
were
off.
here.
us".
it
It
was the
and
street
his
to
take
his
Sweeney.
"Sure,
make
ye'll
He looked momentarily
we'll
of
be off
we could
"Sorry
them goodbye,
was a kind
him
entered
asked
too?",
right-o!
silent.
I bade
hands
back,
had
Then Daly
ready
and
threats,
prevent
Glennon stood
along
and
Sweeney
threat.
he,
the
until
Jordan
his
his
none of
that
with
But
conduct,
wheel.
more
They
safe
the
Glennon
we shook
of
carry
such treachery
to
of
believe
hardly
Sweeney
right
spoke;
he could
stoop
see
He was
outside.
desultorily.
all
up things",
parting.
such a thing
talking
"Cotter
I,
way back
worried.
and
was danger
him to
to
and
still
"Aren't
seat.
there
by side
side
Sweeney
and
all
was reckless
that
attempt
Churchill
motor
At
himself,
moved out
stay
any rash
I rejoined
safe
a pledge
he ordered
outside
republicans
from
of
afoot
could
Jordan
and
bravado
and
honour
soldier
that
Lane,
gone,
put
and asked
what was
and dishonour
realised
Calling
that
of
any republican
and disgrace
of
Daly
The soul
to
not
Approaching
aside
recklessness
for
reputation
a few moments.
for
appalled.
given
Sweeney
ambush
I was
to me.
Lane whispered
of honour,
and
to
threatening
a pledge
the
some of
and
in
Slouched
Brigade,
"Jordan
foiled.
Charlie
Briefly
too,
Cork
I would
word
must be
I called
that
are
Sweeney
our
in
treachery
excused
went.
callousness,
trusted
door,
I
Jordan's.
We had given
him,
the
way back"
Knowing
West
in
outside
fellows
him on the
plug
had
column
famous
Barry's
I am not
lame
last time
so" not
fix
sure
embarrassing
I
saw Sweeney.
312.
We walked
back
He was furious
loudly.
that
and Glennon
returned
his
probably
did.
by a Free
four
A day
a general
of
the
was held
in
Engineering
Counties
find
of
back
thrown
services
I.R.A.
in
with
his
to
lot
the
comrades.
Brigadier
Sean
yet
Daly
having
the
Free
Government
in
of
State
remaining
I.R.A.
South
army
Derry
into
Second
in
The object
on
themselves
a week,
that
the
I.O.
men
McKenna had
army and offered
suppress
his
having
neutral,
was away
0/C,
new situation.
the
activities
and
Vice
and
sent
Curran.
to
Jack
Dan McKenna
committed
confirmed
part
State
to
McGurk,
0/C.
Bde. 0/C.
attitude
Among
myself
men were
Free
I.R.A.
Brigadier
with
Div.
the
Joe
Q.M.
brother),
the
had not
was
operations
Div.
information
the
future
were'
within
Larkin
returned.
of
Churchill,
presided,
contact
their
at
Daly
Incidentally,
Curran
no further
after
Charlie
and Brigadier
they
with
the
Jim Cotter,
of
Provisional
to take
had not
to
Staff
this
the
Castle
of
Intelligence
what was
issue.
Treaty
He hardly
Divisions
fame),
(l940-45),
out
and
Daly?
shooting
the
plan
(Peadar's
gaol
and Tyrone
- up to
Ulster
were
Cork
Chief
return
conference
to
present
Comdt.
War period
was to
the
Castle,
O'Donnell
(of
Derry
abortive
and 2nd Northern
respectively.
(afterwards
in
Frank
and unharmed,
Charlie
Dromboe
meeting
officers
McNeilus
World
the
(West
Fitzgerald
Denis
after
Glenveagh
0/C,
Brigade
in
Sweeney
a prisoner-of-war.
1st
Divisional
the
safe
he ordered
later,
reorganisation
combined
to
I felt
unsullied,
unmolested
he owed his
me for
at
and
Daly
was
Drumboe,
day
squad
months
or two
to
fateful
firing
Both
honour
know that
months
and raging
Daly
project.
safely
that
State
him
kept
life
seven
For,
callous
ever
Sweeney
Charlie
was cursing
Jordan
Outside,
our republican
very relieved
Joe
Wilkins'.
with
his
frustrated
having
Did
to
slowly
-
he was
in
Dublin
his
former
decided
quitting.
and
313.
A hotel
Lake Gartan,
beside
turned
over
O'Connor,
who had come from
over
took
mBan,
home for
A thorough
out
Volunteers
Donegal
was
off
sent
Free
State
low,
but
under
back
that
forces
near
firing
a few
This
at
the
loss
We considered
rubbishy
but
the
of
Consisted
Clifford,
two others
(about
- and
Rosses
"Paddy
Daly
of
was
of
Tyrone
Derry,
Patcheen
Kerrymen -
Dinny
dusk
This
from
and
O'Sullivan
Lane,
command.
serious.
Castle.
Christy
at
furious
a military
by six
men (Jim
down Glendowan
improvise
ammunition.
as a riddance
fighters
Murphy"),
in
as
and
Glenveagh
Dan Enright,
West Cork
handker-chiefs
were
Glenveagh
lost
weapons
strengthened
After
rifles
so intrinsically
20)
State
on the
rifles
core
later
vicinity.
their
We in
hard
and Charles
marching
they
the
Two days
of this
part
had no stomach for fighting
moved out from
six
(alias
of
was
on masso using
of
the
morale
by Free
so many prisoners
and
Seamus Quill,
Conny Crowley
myself
of
Their
officer.
performances
armament,
both
harry
surrounded
tops
R.U.C.
amount
column
and Donegal
the
loss
the
Another
with
precious
camp followers
advantage,
force
on the
or
to
the Ballybofey
showed that
State
of
been
and
Manus O'Flaherty,
and Specials,
surrendered
shameful
column
- Free
anybody
in
they
tied
carried
was
with
service
30 Tyrone
Comdt.
area
Valley
had all
shots,
and shirts
republican
Finn
Cearc
Slieve
flags.
about
was an experienced
they
incapacitated.
military
command of
R.U.C.
the
O'Flaherty
hospital-cum-convalescent
Glenveagh
of
composed
the
the
to
army and
we learned
white
unit
service
and
nxe-txuce
Cumann na
other
of this
Una
home.
were sent
Anective
in
Johnstone,
Mrs.
hospital.
two
sick
our forces
of
those who had not
Volunteers
with
the wounded,
screening
and all
the
Dublin
and management
care
the
of
property
an improvised
into
was taken
and
the
John Donovan,
Jim
Calvin,
We set
off
Cotter)
west
on a Saturday
to
night.
314.
toothbrush
I wore.
cabin
near
the house,
of
daughter
sight
of
Irish
town except
the
In the
walk
at
me to
in the
stay
the next
There,
too,
were affected.
others
with
Poor fellow,
and efficient.
the
play
at
patients
being
fiddle,
the
fiddle.
and nurses
Frank O'Donnell
ointment.
an old
with
tin
whistle
Musical
participating.
I.R.A.
already
his
were kind,
could
sing,
O'Donnell
were the order
There
lungs
a few short
patients
or mouthorgan.
evenings
injury.
with me from
he was to die within
the
centre
back
myself
washed and disinfected
a harmorrhage;
Some of
me
I found
The Cumann na mBan nurses
pulmonary T.B.
was always
both
had suffered
Willie
now
back to our "rest"
whom I had brought
Healy,
me
He
with
Volunteer
bed to me! he had trouble
was Willie
no longer
I could
I had refused.
my feet
sulphur
But,
had already
advised
Next day
away,
smeared with
was in
cheerful
15 miles
our march.
that
a local
leaving
behind,
in bed with
hospital
Cappoquin.
to hospital.
on her
well.
to continue
Daly
the
wonder at
and Letterkenny
Derry
pain.
Irish
the
been in any
She had never
to have me brought
about
and copiously
years
return
instructions
Gartan,
eyes opened wide with
she knew Glasgow fairly
agonising
and then
ordered
with
with
of
She knew nothing
became so sore and swollen
my feet
to rest
in Glasgow and
we got ready
evening,
except
in a hospital
to pass through
but
head and
of 20 or so, a
rifles.
Lee-Enfield
way to Scotland,
alas!
and her
situation
a small
girl
home on holidays.
then at
political
working
strips
the boots
of us entered
and five
on by a lovely
We were waited
ulcers
of
friction
road where we had a meal of pig's
the
cabbage.
small
into
the agonising
day was Sunday,
Next
out
and I had to wear linen
my socks to soothe
inside
just
had broken
my ankles
pus and blood,
discharging
contracted
using another
was septic.
Column
(through
and my mouth inside
by mistake)
around
"itch"
before
the
I had
road.
the mountain
the gums some time
of
pyrrhoea
of
side
by the
heather
in
and slept
dawn, we rested
before
Doochary
Nearing
was some
with
315.
and
flirtation
were
and O'Donnell
of
share
I could
be as amorous
did
feel
tell,
I
but
about
not
me.
Right
young
I
enough,
on from
passed
scattered
Free
they
disarmed
town
evacuated
into
the
to
by its
about
in
by our
(a
then
in
sores
scabies
or
'column
itch',
was the
most
a most
unusual
republican
the
officer.
remedy
(Dixon)
copious
amounts
on my heels
of
as we called
it.
and persistent
in
the
flying
occasion
a head-on
in
soaked
recommended
Letterkenny,
mouth.
Rest
ointment
sulphur
and feet,
and
wool
cotton
gums and dirty
on this
experience,
doctor
I was
to be out
my sore
disagreeable
soldiers
lady
Staters
and Dunlewey
back
Hospital
the result
This
the
around
Free
Gweedore
arrived
they
Lakeside
the
bring
and dangerous
plus
incapacitated
to
by way of
time
some
These
remained
drastic
rather
with
found
they
who had retreated
gums with
septic
While
the
in a brush
republicans
had
They
Glenveagh.
my infected
the
republican
the
Dungloe,
failed
but
By the
up somewhat
and attention
and remained
garrison
The
returned
healing
the
State
and admirer,
friend
had cleaned
care
two
Bathing
chloroform
a
as
I think,
soldiering.
to
Entering
hills.
fussing
again.
angels
made some prisoners.
they
Free
Castle.
and
fretting
forces
State
and released.
to Glenveagh
me,
where
to Dungloe
Doochary
They
ministering
with
only
returned
column
the
a day or
combat.
the
officer.
surrounding
for
Dungloe
to
Truth
even as the best,
on ceremony
somewhat
stood
old
hardbitten
regarded
part,
their
more than
or
next
any of
concerned
man,
a week
Within
to
Healy
aloofness.
cynical
as the
their
senior
serious
of
attracted
for
They,
cupid-proof
cold
a veneer
maintaining
the
I acted
attention.
too.
courting
men and got
ladies'
both
feminine
soldier
innocent
light-hearted
skin
and
was
of
disease
from which
affliction
columns suffered.
in
the
conflict
hospital,
with
I had
another
316.
Charlie
was a source
publicity
of
Charlie,
to
but
Justinia.
with
angry
the
arms
the
her
house
and
their
to
property,
aided
local
too,
He,
of
I believe
the
republican,
Getting
up from
Webley
revolver
walking
stick,
I
my overcoat
hobbled
two miles away
Arriving
to
there,
down
In
friendly
the
along
at
act
in a raid
other
in
by one of
to
tyranny
the
part
two helpless
delay.
the
a long
old
me.
on the
being
Johnstone
by the
ways
company captain,
With
end of
towards
hotel,
had,
of
she and
this,
without
I dressed
myself,
the
I was welcomed
her
1918,
it
pocket.
the
and bitterly
lakeside
moreover
bed,
to
daughter,
disposed
local
investigate
my convalescent
in
her
who reported
victims
0/C.
with
Despite
was the
such a high-handed
resented
I made up my mind
ladies.
it
this
Johnstone's
when I was told
named Ferguson,
Presbyterian
a strange
about
-
typewriters,
with
man from the
Mrs.
as a hospital,
I.R.A.
department.
inadvertently
giving
I was furious
them.
Volunteers
a young
the
in
Volunteers.
were
a
with
activity,
such an act.
from
apart
all
it
was much upset
shot
aspect
extreme
the
divisional
would satisfy
lady
Justinia
this
to
took
she lived
had been
by the
daughter
the republicans
too,
old
for
Johnstone
on his
especially
where
sceptical
I "codded"
propaganda
some rooms
us
of
rest
this
Nothing
republicans
Major
husband,
over
commandeer
Naturally,
of
A publicity
take
residence
manoria1
private
to
and
up and equipped
set
named O'Donovan.
Propaganda
his
utensils,
came along
H.Q.
a Corkman
for
office
and duplicating
Dublin
with
the
highly
magnanimity,
on diligently
kept
idealist
and
propaganda
he gave
attention
the
and all-embracing
a publicity
paper
the
of
value
any military
warfare.
and
He had
of
most
We were
Division.
about
romanticism
to
amusement
unmercifully
I.R.A.
smile
Northern
as being
publicity
Charlie
of
the
of
officers
of
of
on and advocacy
reliance
Daly's
put
of
aid
a
residence,
avenue.
lady
herself,
a
317.
a gentle,
whole
when
surprised
act
-
of
the
be troubled
would
with
so grateful,
for
me and
Donovan's
presence
She got
insisted
most
enjoyable
drawing-room,
whole
of
bottles
the
for
I,
me by Justinia
was
of
full
fair
the
my way back
fantastic
saw the
rare
lady
with
He was haughty
than
he.
and his
words
only
two
friendly
asked
and his
activities.
I
thought
ladies,
disposed
him for
at
it.
of
behaviour
mother
propaganda
and
towards
Alas
for
I never
the
poetic
for
fellow,
or
his
on an old
lady.
I was much younger
with
interfering
him
in
officer
republican
the
weedy-looking
impedimenta
I told
with
and we had a
an explanation
daughter
the
-
Donovan,
my question.
He got
his
estate.
youth
I
my mind
acquaintance
hair,
for
out
her
and as
uncertain,
but
and black
a
mother,
dark,
Johnstone
my authority
a republican
after
tall
filled
of
insistence
propaganda
and bridled
He demanded
what
name of
I
type.
himself
face
gaunt
courses
I accosted
day
with
We spent
of
impressionable
He was a fairly
long
intellectual
billeting
of
refreshments
carpeted
heavily
drank two
my life,
renewing
the
of
Next
again.
encounter.
skinny
heiress
of
man
evening
a
and a little
dreams
imaginings
whole
in
in
long
not
much relieved
alacrity.
size
the
last,
haltingly
the
Justinia,
at
at
romantic
with
time
small
herself
I made my leave-taking
wended
first
champagne,
no I.R.A.
prepare
the
a warm fire
around
it
to
daughter
I did
tell,
nothing
knew
she would
that
and that
on my staying
to
time
her
-
H.Q.
She was very
house,
unauthorised
republican
competent
see to
officer
She was more
household.
Division
I would
truth
which,
the
that
on her
she
them,
and that
me the
a republican
was a wanton
it
Northern
her
be billeted
and
for
First
I assured
it.
that
she learned
She told
so.
on her
that
man Donovan
by this
authority
like
himself
force
60 or
she was that
and how surprised
story
should
woman of
grey-haired
who,
in
forcing
a few cutting
in
the
occupied
by
himself
on a house
moreover,
cause
him
were
and had already
318.
area
from
knowledge
his
Mrs.
of
and had
of
competent
the
work
the
the
gun if
that
if
interfered
active
me hear
that
Johnstone
never
units
women.
helpless
he ever
home,
his
gun play
and not
or
himself
Many years
after
prominently
as a Local
Government
It
I believe,
was,
He had waxed
Donegal,
the
reaching
in
top
Back
enforcing
in
Glenveagh
of
the
meal,
sugar
and
stuffs
too.
Apart,
from
the
supplemented
around
But
the
way we got
be starving
The deer
skinned
junks
for
was shot
while
and
appeared
want
yet
stewed
on the
in
hot.
that
bare
of
and served
a taste
the
of
morning,
It
meat
taken
was then
evening
table
the
in
cut
the
political
man from
on
'publicity',
for
supplies
in
into
large
dry
the
mountains
then.
need
you could
our
dark-red
We
until
into
of
and dried
you would
before
by the
acquired
scarce.
venison
day.
him
years,
deer
and next
He
figured
preserved
up,
to have
apparatus.
stores
by shooting
cooked
not
My contempt
tinned,
eaten
terrorising
or near
We had ample
I had never
it
of
meat was very
bacon,
meat rations
Lough Veagh.
purpose
a big
in
on food
with
tea,
men
O'Donovan
grew with
Boycott.
flours
fighting
and prominent
we lived
Belfast
the
publicity
administration.
stunting
him
next
chief
use
to
taunting
my 'propaganda'
powerful
public
and his
'propaganda'
his
he was
that
was a warning
saw where
I
did.
controversy,
the
showed himself
again
either
for
him out
hesitate
mockingly,
shot
My parting
not
begir
in
there
H.Q.
furiously
was with
place
to
tyranny.
and kick
he would
even
there,
up his
set
I laughed
or
swashbuckling
gun and swore
a
this
authority
go personally
with.
service
of
to
from me and that
he wanted
the
I would
the
authorities
republican
He produced
no orders
without
tried,
he attempted
that
place.
He had come into
behalf.
such a display
by
if
him that
Johnstone's
taking
in
Dublin
publicity
I warned
on our
sacrifices
made great
quarters
joints
to
eat
it.
and
or
The venison
hunks.
It
was carved
319.
with
On the
difficulty.
and
tasteless
ex-soldier
of
- to
and
I
did
that
for
a while
besides
a deer.
within
sward
men took
deer
careful
and
the
others
pulling
out
air
the
staggered
We were
at
Conneen
who,
instead
in
we got
to
be used
it
raw
almost
anything.
vitality.
amazing
and
two others
for
an hour
grazing
set
One of
and
bounded
away.
We advanced
to
ran
.45
and stood
astride
deer's
the
gun to
forward
by this
several
for
restoring
deer,
to
the
dead.
but
There
of
deer.
having
the
then
ahead.
uproariously
up bewildered
an
given
At any
form,
the
into
It
laugh
himself
of
him to racing
head.
many more yards
had picked
Con was accused
a bullet
forward
head
strides.
do anything
time,
started
we saw Con tossed
itself
to
surprised
the
the
The
tired.
motionless
to
on a
quietly
animal
instant
out
or more we got
nearest
the
in
of
Con Crowley
dragged
the
enough
stopped.
bursting
of
even
deer
The next
had happened.
succeeded
morning,
of
drunkenly,
too
injection
had
deer
all
by what
Webley
or
the fallen
then
muzzle
he fired.
the
after
years
a mountainside.
As we approached,
convulsively,
animal,
have
as
and an
for
capable
or four
of
slope
- as well
months
we ate
stalking
three
at
kicking
and
lower
booty.
the
of
aim
our
his
tender
myself
filled
it
experience
cooking
only made the stuff
for
were
tough
careful
range
collect
Pressing
mighty
and it
Not
be hung
then
I found
ex-sailor
deer
becomes
stomachs
After
on the
dropped
it
Con Crowley,
250 yards
green
the
And to think
being
One morning,
shoot
of
should
before
our
But
Glenveagh.
The deer
venison
as meat.
human food
for
flesh
rope.
staff
smoky and more unpalatable.
learn,
buried
was meat
cooking
knife
sharpest
tarred
army who had army
the
grill
more
blacker,
the
, we had an American
British
the
of
it
by our
Attempts
Cumann na mBan girls
roast
But
indigestible.
bellies.
aching
tested
chew a piece
as well
and one might
it
plate
rate,
Later
was no hole
of
he
that
a .45
320.
in his
bullet
off
the
head.
bone or horny
thick
had,
amazingly
last
frenzied
galvanised
of
instinctive
burst
little
convoy travelled
was a kind
We planned
Staten.
Arrived
there
rested
completely
no rifle,
with
I had of
H.Q.
bed quite
exhausted.
discussed
the
A land
proposed
side
stranorlar
road material.
of
the mine-laying.
of
Our attacking
force
cars
fighters.
Charlie,
still
early,
off
to eat
some of
the
breakfast
having
sent
Quinn of
in the
parties
Kerrymen,
all
nearest
Corkmen went no further
of action
loose
stations
houses.
than
usually)
and a
were expected.
five
or six
experienced
everything,
in battle
Jim Cotter
the road on the
with
tenders
Ulstermen,
those
in
on a
I lay
with
500
Glendowan supervised
five
inspected
made
We
about
on our plan
was set
ahead as scouting
eight
it,
and myself
I carried
.45.
and camouflaged
of
we
me keep up
on a hillside
(Crossley
consisted
West Corkmen and about
very
J.
Two lorries
touring
to help
On reaching
detonated
"Captain"
at Dromkeen.
even though
ambush and decided
the village
the
by the Free
a heavy Webley
Daly
for
I was almost
trek,
farmhouse
Charlie
electrically
mine,
couple
long
of Dromkeen village.
west
evening.
march cross-country,
walking-stick
in a large
in the
force
morning.
course
in the
Letterkenny
F.S.
night
the
used a stout
but
the rest.
yards
after
State
Castle,
that an armed
column searching
this
early
Free
reports
were called
surprise
the
in
crippled
our battle
to
or so on the
halfway
way later
I.R.A
to
in Dromboe
patrol
a ten-mile
after
a while
for
the
18 of us -
Letterkenny.
I.0.
from
by a roundabout
as we of
"Irregulars",
to
located
of a motorised
a
into
animal
- about
from Dromboe to
daily
returning
morning,
It
was then
We had learned
Stranorlar.
stricken
situated
from Stranorlar
in Go. Donegal
H.Q.
head and
the deer's
flight.
of Dromkeen,
road
main direct
the
we moved off
later,
village
shot had ricochetted
of
material
enough,
A few nights
the
Con's
Apparently,
and it
being
in the village
The Kerrymen and
the village
pub and
32l.
little
the
of
couple
the
hours
brightly.
Then
away in
heard
- it
John
Quinn
scurried
could
from
touring
car
with
spotted
the
they
car
of
fence
shots
wrecked
car.
two very
the
Hearing
up as
before
right
tore
away
their
ahead
lower
portion
reached
unfortunate
of
see their
could
trained
Quinn's
the
in
an hour
Free
State
or
aid were sent
Back
for,
to
in
but
of
But
we remained
to
two of
the
Free
the
It
where
slowed
the
mine
50 yards
Then,
Staters
swung
and
leaving
east,
was a callous
away,
Quinn's
Lewis
gun muzzle
alert
awaiting
comrades'
Staters
party
a shot.
fired
medical
Free
car.
accelerated
on the
village,
lorry
they
hill
never
their
State
gun had been
fate.
they
were
cover.
to
the
front
in
village,
the
raced
the
ran
and
the advance
the
dust
burst
were wounded,
Raphoe,
and
coming
the
The
into
firing
Free
under
their
rifles
the
crashed
of
of
'spot'
As they
village.
so after,
in
towards
a cloud
levelled
reinforcements
none came,
mined
cowardice.
then
four
rear
the
men were
comrades
on Dromkeen
For
to
byroad
furiously
exhibition
But
further
the
A ragged
a machine
20 men with
passed
on.
a large
meantime,
a large
roared.
they
companion
other
shooting
a narrow
along
and his
the
head,
the
As it
Our men ceased
out.
a mile
and where
they
drunkenly
the
fence when
"Halt",
half
neared
they
was laid
the
16 or
about
following
swayed
was!
at
rifles
them.
further
The driver
In
about
containing
was upon
some yards
rang
through
badly,
it
with
opposite
men inside.
The car
as more
shot
dead,
armed
fire.
to the
men in
a turn
aped on to
rifle
six
motors
But it
position
The Cork and Kerry
road
the
reached
was
land-mine
places.
on the
pub out
had hardly
They
their
and
of
so soon!
the
with
morning
be irritating
drone
convoy
a
for
be along
calm
would
the
manning
to
the
ready.
F.S.
section
helter-skelter
rushed
boys
distance
the
not
clear
The waiting
be the
not
and his
was a lovely
It
yet.
sun shining
irksome.
would
The Staters
Office.
Post
and
died
rescue.
spiritual
on the
322.
roadside
after
of
Seamus Quill
later,
and a few
ammunition
wounded
Free
the
one of
overcoat
rifles
rifles
my right
stick
to
help
a bullet
my poor
feet.
through
the
arm was in
a sling.
complained
of
a young
and
throat
in
my questions
defiant
a British
lad,
the
forearm
to
and seemed
likely
His
companion
did
I learn
appearance.
"Irregulars"
speak
at
of
lurid
in
his
Swilly,
shot.
tortured
I was curious
a wellknown
West
head
our
and hurried
Cork
voice
rang
was too
down and diverted
afterwards
terrified
the
bloodthirsty
he was being
led
he was already
As we
main
body
"Hallo,
away to
suffering
trudged
halted
on painfully.
out:
a
so scared and
weak.
about
lad!
body.
answered
way,
Only
imagination).
I noticed
main
the
The other
his
to
maintained
generally
stories
(Poor
He was
by the
prisoner's
that
slightly
I talked
of
any moment, he was
and he was convinced
then
rear
the
kept
young
was but
he
than
much better
fear.
demeanour.
the
and his
though
and,
him contemptuously.
He had heard
many deaths
them,
drop
the cause
and
way ahead.
to
my walking
by bullets.
with
and
intelligibly,
looked
be tortured
up Glen
few words
revolver
shoulder
so,
veteran
war
an insolent
not
though
frightened
west
in
gruffly
the
an
was wounded,
Staters
19 or
of
army
I used
strong
lad
himself
shocked and beside
we
far in
them as
straggled
along
tough
left
to walk
severely
The
had a loaded
the
he was able
much pain,
on the
I
and
tough
and wore
my shoulder
beneath
breast
I had
as prisoners,
the
with
One of
He was
The other,
myself.
while
hand,
in
back
moved
two slightly
the
along
over
to
and
bandoliers
with
rear
slung
a withdrawal
column
day was now warm.
the
though
with
As the
up the
soldier,
republican
by profession.
ordered
whom we took
captured
to
grazed
five
revolvers.
Staters
ready
with
Daly
I brought
order,
a Kerry
from
Charlie
We captured
Glenveagh.
aid
a chemist
Listowel,
Two hours
battle
first
getting
along
little
As I reached
Mickeen.
323.
still
You've
self
in
Jim
Lane,
to
the
the
were
I.R.A.
Limerick,
still
column's
in
march
Now he was with
on.
rock
and
him in West
utmost
and we all
Cork
The whole
column
our
in
base
now resumed
followed
sense
new
with
who had
his
all
as a
served
with
he inspired
daring,
the
withdrawal
the
on horseback
farmed
farther
on the
Swilly.
He stopped
as we came up and addressed
he noted
the
and equipment.
shooting
away on yon hill
rifles
a fight?".
there
the
rout
There
of
the
we had won the
"though
last
Free
Letterkenny
to
join
the
I hated
any
of
the
Friels
turning
over
senses
by now!"
to us and by his
the
Free
and we told
State
motorised
of
mine
left
(I
think
the
column.
I hope
State.
by his friendly
denunciation
of
his
scrap
and
he,
in
to
when he went,
was
heard
Was
said
he has
as
He was glad
and went
that
the
"I
morning.
him of
I was wild
Staters.
(?)
this
here
of
us cheerily
am a republican",
"I
I was struck
bitter
Dromkeen
banks
Swilly
on
he cried,
"Hallo!",
was,
fight.
week a lad
to
near
up Glen
A little
Castle.
Glenveagh
we met a middle-aged
that
of
confidence,
towards
of
to
was as solid
ways,
his
after
through
a
Lehane,
Among us,
and who admired
soldiers
Kinsale,
felt
For
merry
well.
so it
or
ambush and he had
and relief.
as
clear-headed
ago,
he had learned
There
and lighthearted
humour
us
and north
Dunkinee]y
where he knew the
to
Castle,
Dromkeen
us again
confidence
security,
boyish
the
who had left
Mayo and Sligo
Bay and across
Glenveagh
Daly,
command his
Galway,
occupation.
to
ages
way back from
Clare,
to
Donegal
to
the
Sean,
Dublin
again
all
on Donegal
wild
through
of
on foot
Cork,
Mullaghmore
the
he was back
tramped
Counties
in
Lehane;
Charlie
with
laughingly
and Jim Cotter.
Galvin
Army convention
Here
seemed.
chatting
Sean him
was Sean
It
itch".
bloody
there
flesh,
Dinny
go to
having
the
got
the
name),
come to
his
manner
apologetic
own son.
for
I
noticed
324.
our
to
we swung north
houses
escorted
the
happened
to
frightened
"has
This
and stiff
naked
as
to
darning
as
on the
the
but
wincing.
I had
to
probing,
He then
try
in
again
We then
with
us to
us.
They
the
locate
than
hole
and
searched
was no exit
have
suffered
in
of
sweat
formed
a murmur,
the
dressed
the
remarking
that
bringing
our
wound,
flesh
on his
even
doctor,
medico
was exhausted
wound;
intense
raw
never
so had the
the
a
low beneath
poked
bullet,
erect
no thicker
bullet
stoicism,
other
chest
he himself
after
The
were
doctor's
house
with
prisoners.
midnight.
his
the
his
(there
without
he,
stood
believe
the
left
council-of-war
our
all
said
had to
from
the
he would
daylight.
a large
to withdraw
it
to
and
drops
the
some iodoform
nails
exposing
He must
jabbed
big
to admire
failing
bullet
the
who
Munster
as
slithered
flinched.
slug;
he bore
I really
desist,
locate
needle
the
of
length,
probe
I
of
ferocious
probe
the
the
Doctor
notice
like
you",
shirt
steel
As the
questing
trail
a fine
and
scant
hard
New
in
Dispensary
and turned
his
entered
man never
forehead,
At
removed
doctor
to
trying
Daly
He daubed
lad
young
With
shoulder.
wounded
pain
doctor
the
needle,
the wound,
the
Charlie
these
fight
an ex-Tommy,
the waist,
left
the
of
latter,
the
to
billeted
chicken
mammy, laddie".
your
skin
grazed
out
supper
He took
night,
between
village
local
"A young
going
to
the
man.
Stater.
young
casualty.
to
be a Tipperary
Go back
on the
Fitzgerald,
two prisoners
no business
men.
the
Then Jack
around.
a hearty
We ate
and Churchill.
Mills
a small
Templemartin,
That
We moved on.
him strangely.
eyeing
prisoners
Sean
a few
in
house,
the
Lehane
hours
two Stater
asked
would
to
Glenveagh
smoked and
prisoners
they
It was
presiding.
rest
Then we rested,
He were
village.
quit
prisoners
a hurried
held
decided
and to
chatted
release
until
were
then
brought
the
Free
State
round
before
army.
325.
the
The younger,
of
chance
He flatly
Asked
why,
to
army and he would
that
were
they
to
go where
that
if
they
Back
in
the
one
route
led
there
Surrounded
the
glen,
wooded
other
and
the
secure
in
Gartan
to
Gartan
he insulted
angry
that
we
State
of
in
again
to
its
inaccessibility,
miles
in a narrow
avenue
winding
but
all
we had there
on all
on the
impregnable,
a safe
kinds
"Reds"
who were
the
down
Moreover,
We were
aiding
his
and
of
But
Kilmacrennan.
Mass in
sheer
away on all
miles
moods and tenses.
to
deep
between
deep waters
eight
irreligious
bog and
of
attack.
surprise
fortress,
went
We trained
on whose
Cumann na mBan who were
never
easy
things
Lough Veagh
Lough Veagh's
all
Free
the
troops.
mountains,
lasted,
the
sternly
Off
and once to
Chapel
were
conscientiously.
to Mass on Sundays
denounced
the
taking
habitations
supplies
one Sunday
Glenveagh
and
with
through
rugged
a narrow
nearest
We went
base.
fear
was a veritable
food
our
Owing
little
by high
the
place
as
transport
was
amazed
they
them
at
shrift.
in
and that
it
on one side
side
As long
into
approach
cliffs
sides,
P.P.
entirely
only
swam and fished
army.
their
that
operating
chores
military
to
warned
Lehane
Free
the
was situatod.
Castle
mountainside,
in
and
we boated
the
our
told
we rested,
move of
next
State
no matter
duty
Then,
and
short
expect
Castle
Glenveagh
and did
earnestly
could
other.
and he had sworn
fellow.
caught
Free
the
do his
But
again
and he evidently
soldier
cigarettes
pleased.
ever
they
as we waited
banks
given
they
were
forces,
duty,
a brave
He was truly
of
out
get
he was a regular
free
State
or
one
the
Not so the
him.
he said
cost,
surprise,
asked
captors
at
He grasped
he thought)
(as
to desert
refused
allegiance
only
his
and expressed
up visibly
alacrity.
and salvation
life
do anything
would
what
do so with
to
readiness
his
cheered
"softie",
us.
church.
Then
so
326.
a young
regular
I think)
came along
and had
come from
St.
O'Connell
about
Dublin
or
ease.
We all
felt
as the result
of
He was a Wexfordman
little
of
much better
Fr.
us and gave
our
and our
Costelloe's
and any
were
set
at
was much higher
morale
visit
us all
we had
position
denunciations
by clerical
in
fighting
scrupulosities
implications
Rev,
the
he had seen
Whatever
aroused
(Augustinian,
us and reassured
He comforted
qualms
Orders
the
Glenveagh.
where
the religious
doubts
one of
us in
to
Absolution.
Conditional
felt
from
priest,
to
us
succour
spiritually.
The
filled
up with
down in
and
Kerry
itch
including
then
we heard
their
nurses
and he too
about
yarns
were
of
their
their
sicknesses
got
riled
at
of
the
were
him.
na mBan,
He repeated
them
candidly
rumours
he had heard
assured
them that
was no ground
hospital.
the
loose
for
stories
nursing
from
Dublin
to
them
of
the
complaint
in
staff
-
(Sean
"goings
full
into
could
very
their
were
and
Lehane,
solace
Div.
0/C.,
inspection
and myself
four
order,
five
Cumann
a room where
we were.
or
be very
on" at
confidence
in
kind
ship-shape
-
and
Jim
Fitzgerald
in
full.
persisted,
He made a sudden
Jack
was
patients
sanctuary
Sean
hospital.
talk.
the
the
woman-hating
everything
he had
We listened
the
Daly,
He found
some of
The
that
who had sought
in
he called
Afterwards,
fun
maladies
The place
up.
great
of
Charlie
hospital.
with
others
the
lie
there.
fellows
for
all
the
having
and one or two
critical
had to
of
went
the
one of
Clifford,
by a combination
over
and broken
a haemorrhage,
after
Patcheen
again,
lake
whom I had brought
Healy,
got crocked
Gartan
injured
hurts
sick,
Willie
knocked
got
lads,
Lane
back
at
The hospital
by.
spirits.
Cappoquin,
be nursed
to
passed
our casualties,
health
me from
with
in
summer days
in
the
the
hospital,
them and that
management
some embarrassment
blunt)
of
there
the
as Sean lectured
327.
them on the
ethics
as
"courting"
that
the
for
in an
it
distractions
that
hospital
no cause
to
was provided.
said
that
that
matter.
and
They
to
of
in
way from
this
to
their
in
Lehane
rumours
refute
nurse
had raised
and scandal
them indignantly,
diversions
The nurses
minds,
some
silence,
The chief
Sean
of
and that
Cumann na mBan
or
all
see to
them to
strict
and amorous
criminal
Great
were
went
back
War experience
in
a paid
find
What
for
money and hunt
them 24 hours
we concluded
which
an outlaw's
do with
Others
them away.
It
be gone out
and plunder.
wanted
and about
criminals
the
was eventually
country
too
hot
for
at
them
the republicans
We
question.
strip
but
all,
were
with
to
at
After
A few wanted
the
publican
sovereigns.
they
paradise
of
that
type,
had become
them was
them.
loot
knew
They
had no firearms
a few
including
heard
Glasgow,
Scotch
trenches.
sailor
knives,
while.
to
to
They
Scotland
to
they
come from
by
30 and
about
They were
the
liberally
a little
shoot
but
army
sheath
thoroughly,
to
Ireland.
and
force.
and cash
from
had
They
in
brought
of
specimens
the republican
large
flying
it
class,
themselves
them
men were
strange
tough
them thoroughly.
notes
and hoping
two
They were
join
have
grilling
spies
a chance
same day,
helped
we searched
debated
aware
was not
soldiers
in
were
to
I.R.A.
large
too,
wanted
was
a little.
They,
was
especially
flirting
by asking
to
Comdt.
the
and had wide
£100
listened
two reddening
patrol,
said,
did
or
on the I.R.A.
that
that
obviously
they
cuddling
no time
work.
I.R.A.
the
or
glad
long
Later,
they
-
civil
were
they
long,
their
the
war
Cumann na mBan first,
were
a very
bitter
and routine
The muses
they
whispers
of
discredit
and one or
bashful,
he emphasised
discipline
bring
of
but
And he ended
hospital.
I.R.A.
fond
he admitted,
man,
- a time
He was as
hospitals.
military
any white
present
romantic
of
to
them as
try
them of
decided
under
their
to
penalty
give
of
328.
if
shot
money and all,
released,
to
shocked
Ireland
from
away
get
in
look
face
the
in
Ireland,
and told
that
they
or
die.
I
of
the
after
found
were
they
in
his
had a noticeable
cast
saw them again.
Some days
a description
carried
fled
I think
to
as
were,
This
Republican
Army which
in
in
Britain
and
Lehane
with
the
a sticks,
of
the A.S.U.
(after
him unarmed.
as a temporary
He was
the
That
night
Kincarrow,
and
sore
But
I
with
got
the
Next
group
of
Leo Enfield
with
to
column
as
it
as
long
day we rested
four
or
five
legs
that
night
column
as
from
of
some
Irish
the
the
from
the
rifle
towards
Glenveagh
with
walking
and,
in
it
rested
Monaghan to
from
"column
Sean
hospital.
Glendowan.
serve
and banished)
in
had been
leaving
Shields,
I gave him my Webley
crestfallen.
he would
or
feel armed as
a
soldier.
through
away
south-west,
legs
after
the
I was stubbornly
as
I could
at
Kincarrow,
cabins
in
would get
that he
available
otherwise.
becoming
down Glenfowan
my ulcerated
used
may
as he was assured
20 miles
nearly
they
man-in-the-stree
moved out from
captured
we marched
Berwick-on-Tweed
to
idea
lake-side
back
so that
especially
consoled,
first
a bit
weapon
our
the
I now took
He was
but
ordinary
courtmartialled
being
my rifle.
given
in
who had walked
Shields,
at
"Volunteers"?
lurid
ulcerated
hospital
joined
paper
corresponded
by the
way
confusion.
column
the
two
our
the
with
days
flying
I left
aid
Frank
a few
spent
Churchill,
the
of
days
by the
murder
Glasgow,
descriptions
I was crippled
Again
itch"
those
in
they
was held
pained
We never
daily
for
men "wanted
illustrates
incident
the
who,
fellow,
an English
be hiding
the
had one day only
They disappeared.
later,
Were
Ireland".
they
extent,
to
They were
remember
still
smaller
eye.
of two
and believed
have
that
the
get
the
mountains
I felt
first
6 or
determined
my feet
a wild
mountains
under
primitive
of
to
crippled
7 miles.
to move
me.
desolate
mid-Donegal
329.
near
Fintown
or
stirabout,
the
cows in
from
at
of
and quaffed
and
nervous
of
but
the
the
intercept
the
of
precaution
the
roadway
in
the
mailcar
was escorted.
round
appeared
the
were
scared
Then
consigned
Cotter.
of
to
Fintown
of
was
in
the
addressed
letters.
to
a Mrs.
of
shape
with
first
I.R.A.
column
us the
bottle
to
Ballybofey
offensive
hairpin
bend,
back
positions
About
8 a.m.
a jaunting
car
one
solitary
and took
to
kept
the
where
job
was
the
the
rather
present.
the
of
and kept
by Jim
the
any value
as
It
case
quantity
to
I opened
we told
a small
contained
parcels
men of
about
stamps
were
the
information
neatly
from
and driver
censoring
among the
later
of
of
A large
was confiscated
or
Car
for
prisoner
in
It
occupant.
possession.
Kincarrow
cigarettes
unusual
was his
or
and distributed
nothing
and chatty
it
a narrow
at
he was
friendly
taking
parcels,
P.O.
the
first
joked
came along
us tackled
the
opening
received
otherwise
parcel
five
At
whiskey
We entered
convoy
he was being
Quantities
gladly
There
or
and
letters
that
it
us.
main
of
of
State
with
back
brought
driver
four
bend
We halted
mailcar.
and all
the
ones.
away towards
a Free
case
in
while
manning
the
a bottle
of
I believe
liquor.
We waited
mailcar,
up the mailcar
as we smoked and
became more
a little
after
three
among those
thirsty
leisure
customers
serving
were
on
and had arrived
road
price
the
was no tea
down
morning
who served
and moved further
whiskey
taking
our
house
for
paid
We left
men.
the
suspicious,
when he was
experience
at
pints
man of
the
a man for
hold
a collection
we made up the
yellow
salt,
there
to
down on the
Making
pub.
porter
our
were
we
a drink,
and a pint
with
6 a.m.
next
early
except
There
believe
We planned
Fintown
roadside
us who took
of
district.
potatoes,
as luxuries.
I don't
whole
to
of
few eggs
milk.
Before
a small
a
inaccessible
almost
spot
consisted
little
Ballybofey
road.
food
with
and
bread
hungry
poor
our
Here
on foot,
meal
- a
column.
or
fastened
six
small
330.
various
buns of
a box of
sweets
and
child's
writing.
tenth
from
presents
with
myself
I read
as
Connie
Crowley
not
I could,
and wrapped
parcel
outside
of
that
horse
the
as
the
the
to
returned
it
parcel
evening
and put
it
mailcar
man was
miserable
of filial
the
back with
the
gratitude.
in
things
was visible
address
as the
and
utterly
away all
the
him as well
parcel
act
so that
and tobacco
cigarettes
a child's
I packed
was almost
I
and
ruffian
a child's
was
I
a few
so disgusted
I.R.A.
"seizing"
remorse.
spoil
her
a downright
felt
me with
to
the
with
I
my wave of
I had done
As carefully
I never
felt
"store".
my activities
"rising"
and sending
grannie
letter.
of
packet
in a
note
a little
on her
girl
was from
It
her
her
the
improve
what
Late
all
in
crying
did
to
a
paper,
was a little
it
In
read it.
writing
in
wrapped
snuff.
I
birthday
little
at
shapes each
the
censored
postage
on the
censored
letters.
and
his car
released,
but
mail,
and
stamps
the
minus
Postal
Orders,
That
great
the
it
evening,
previous
with
to
Annie
Willie
were
lodged
Tintown
"Pride
Frank
Clifford
day
the
patients
all
the capture.
from Kerry.
and brought
in Mountjoy
Curragh.
put
round
before
were
made prisoners
who were
by sea
being
some days
the
gunboat
to Dublin,
shifted
on
those
his
to
and
I.R.A.
all
Cumann na mBan,
and "Wee" Joe,
aboard
in
Lake
Gartan
I had moved out from
Amongst
After
forces
at
came along
Killult",
O'Donnell
State
hospital
after
occupants
staff
Free
base
the
of
they were
on the
that
our
very
nursing
confirming
Letterkenny,
Lough Swilly
the
the
Healy,
"Patcheen"
-
Letterkenny
Coyle,
a dispatch
the
All
column.
and
personnal,
surrounded
morning,
the
brought
in
had
strength
we learned
too,
Later,
bike with
a
taken were
brother,
also
incarceration
"Helga"
in
There
they
internment
in
331.
The
the
day after
Kincarrow
under
cover
of
Ballybofey.
At
dawn,
we left
continuing
main
advance
guard
window.
There
over
the
road
the
Finn.
road
reached
door
of
was a crash
find
the
were
in
to
end of
two
Free
were
and several
the
hostile
The
house,
within
voice
went
two young
that
were
blank.
One bedroom
annexed
were
but
young
ladies
- one of
unlock
it.
She refused
In
the
three
house
the
at
was
There
were
out and
thrown
searched.
and
I
rooms without
were
in
the
people
very
the
place.
a
few army
trench
coats
the
bedrooms,
too,
we drew
daughters
indignantly,
or
doors
firearms
I ordered
locked.
the
up,
These
any
gun in
by some of
accompanied
there
rear
was a sittingroom
there
included.
they
When all
Fitzgerald
Daly,
where
promptly).
was
hands
and downstairs
nothing
the
door,
marched
Lehane,
were
to
men in
those
to
Lehane
pub.
quarter.
and the
girls
room yielded
that
of
side
that
be bombed out.
were
upstairs
We
the
round
their
would
kitchen
bedrooms.
(these
with
officers
the
to
back
forward
the front
to
surrendered
on them.
and denied
sitting
place
State
found
Then we
result.
of
the
searched
carefully
a loud
and come out
Those
Five
Noarms
advanced
minutes
no bombing.
open.
Lehane
in
of
I was sent
in
south
reported
windows
upper
any retreat
out
door
the
hurried
Volunteer
a
from
men scuttled
Lehane
wounded
the
and our
on the
shots,
As they
out
rang
We were
off
cut
position,
Calling
open
the
shots
the
as
morning
Village.
Cloghan
glass
surrounded.
house
one man to
of
to advance
continuing
autumn
a pub,
cover.
on from
with
hand
for
fence
A slightly
had been
ordered
on the
towards
warily
two
into
Finn and
River
the
over
was a lovely
It
along
dividing
road,
and smaller
road.
On hearing
investigate.
the
crossing
other
the front
approached
and marched
night
larger,
the
east;
the
along
the
one,
sections,
we moved away from
raid
mailcar
saying
one of
of
the
that
the
house
if
angry
- to
was the
332.
bedroom
of
robbers"
"Irregular
door at
to
the
as
I
I
I felt
nothing.
else
back
the
under
exposed.
All
the
time
I turned
on them now.
betrayed
what
Two of
ladies'
furious
The
off
then
other
intervened
One was
the
of
on the
our
-
forbid
the
ear
side
his
hat.
not
keep
of
his
What were
them.
a furrow
head.
we to
We could
it
up and
of
greatcoat
for
to
of
nature
clothing
the captured
of
the
type
it
strip
Sean
myself.
any seizure
from
guns in
went
We
thoroughly
I wanted
I coveted
or any
the
officers.
prisoners.
captains.
wounded
slightly
escape
do with
bring
by the
as a bullet
skin
searing
The other
not
their
ladies.
ranks.
others
men had been
and burnt
army
names andranks
One had a miraculous
pub.
his
it
a private
a commandant,
Two of
British
whom was
"hiding
lined
have
I
gentlemen",
one of
were
gave us the
Interrogation
and
Free
to
of
property
loaded.
were
Webleys
the word
confiscate
me.
the
ladies,
and higher
were
revolvers
must
mortification,
Staters
hot.
them and my look
I emphasised
by colonels
him and
Lehane
five
young
One had a lovely
searched.
worn
the
bedclothes
triumph,
had been watching
"Officers
with
and
beds",
outside.
at
All
fired.
at
scornfully
particularly
I looked
of
yell
Webley
girls
I was thinking.
them had been
snapped
Four
sheet
two
the
back
sheets were
an exultant
With
the
Lane searched
the
Yes,
Daly
threw
I
and
eyes
damsels
angry
and Jim
bed.
her
by Charlie
the
furniture.
the
too.
I ripped
to
Lehane
bed and
the
something
felt
courteous
the
I was about
in
fury
followed
in,
smashin
as it
and
have
not
to
threatened
hate
strode
and
she would
of my rifle
me with
door.
and under
around
butt
and callous).
I was stern
I
it.
at
(who was as apologetic
and
sister
the
She looked
unlocked
her
rifling
raising
once,
do so.
then
and
herself
prisoners?
them with
out
and hair
had a bullet
those
shots
us.
the
from
top
downwards
hole
through
We could
We detained
333.
them
a while,
for
Then we
6 or
Co.
from
Donegal.
for
searching
up Glenfinn
that
long
side
of
That
night,
a little
thank
hands
and there
kitchen,
there
wooden
structures,
it
although
to
bed.
our
and
intrusion
their
offered
her;
not
all
to
get
snatches,
dressed
then
herself
of
the
if
and their
ever
they
floor
in
girl
the
the
turf
was to
least
dozed
without
any
after
home-made
turf
fire
a few
about
having
we would
lie
on the
for
of
the
not
us.
only
the
door
mother
taken
off
for
the
We would
a rest.
shyness
lady
was
them or
The old
presence.
old
stools,
the
disturb
floor.
and get
by our
dawn,
sign
both
- her
chemise
a
was all
We apologised
a meal
At
It
a big
one were
about
daughter
cabin.
here
cabins
when we entered,
fire
alarmed
in
Two chairs,
be inside
off.
stayed
Galvin,
from Brockagh.
billeted
near
her
women that
we would
I
Two beds,
room.
up and prepare
be the
shrift
50 and her
about
and accoutrements.
we wanted
seem to
were
all,
was dark
It
young
and that
sleep
threat
final
lives
up Glenfinn
and a small
table
told
usual
south
prisoners
their
and Dinny
autumn.
early
around
rifles
coats,
short
the
occupied
by the
We sat
but
occupants
be seen.
opened
of
no other
being
a large
furniture
in
only
was still
a dresser,
the
for
10 miles
A widow
the
road
the five
we turned
Con Crowley
36 men in
roughly
so were
on the
mountain
I.R.A.,
All
again.
about
around.
to withdraw
Mountains,
own way with
expect
soon
We decided
up the
only
in
H.Q.
along
Bluestack
dusk,
the
us,
with
cabin
The column,
At
could
they
our
being
we marched
army
be expected
of the
heart
Finn.
could
into
18 or
the
State
officers.
them go their
but
freedom,
in
missing
River
let
they
fell
their
circumstances.
we were
Cloghan)
(or
Vree
the
could
forces.
such
in
Brockagh
-
Large
afternoon
the
at
Stranorlar
into
and
that
Here
moved off.
7 miles
loose
as was our wont
woman
not
allow
They
did
We talked
in
got
or notice
up and
of
our
334.
so as not
outside
in
went
Before
house
noon,
Jim
they
the
house
Charlie
where
whole
it
in
their
stern
the
It
duty.
moving
about
freely
with
young
smashed
But we
to
was why Charlie
to
I.R.A.
and their
of
the
amazed
the
locals,
"Reds"
and
would
they
be
'so
every
a sup of
such
and sundry
sense
lofty
as
that
ordered
all
impress
Jim'S
was in
it
got
school
wanted
(by
learned
that
poteen,
going
near
much to
spilled,
me
told
had been
and he also
presence.
the
old
woman,
much as
girl,
blessings,
18,
bad
knowing
tea
never
of
dreamt
hard'
on the
of
nothing
took
We moved further
of
the
Fitzgerald,
two-storeyed
I tried,
Free
the
We left
I learned
that
State
be
near
house
(the
the
Galvin,
only
in
Jim Cotter
one in
the
only
the
many
boy,
and the
her
River
Finn.
and myself
whole
area)
own son.
we reached
later,
the
a lad
The mother
I.R.A
of
from
a great
an egg,
Stranorlar.
comrades
of
a word
them with
A few nights
source
coax
eat
her
between
soldier
up Glenfinn,
Dinny
army
difference
us to
Glen
I had to
woman
I was talking
not
cake,
griddle
the
I could
though
by the
we left,
Before
Later,
joined
Staters,
head
and
abashed
somewhat
our
parting
Jack
children
in
with
the
of
Jim
still
waste.
reeked
up and dressed,
luxury,
Free
still
wilful
our
a poteen
That
"Irregulars"
We got
of
presence.
of
industry.
poteen
the
unaware
came in.
poteen
the
about
milk.
certainly
the
that
of
morale
high
the
it
the
bottles
measures,
with
and
around
even
that
The
stayed.
thought
district
and
if
off
The woman went
by a ccident
quite
orders)
I too
as
Lane and a few others
they
Daly's
disgust.
us a meal,
giving
and then peeled
relish
on
with
and out
inside
We
she dressed,
while
girl
evacuated.
just
had located
that
house
bed
the
it
We ate
the
into
of
the
embarrass
and milk,
and wont
the
to
us went
of
The three
one,
young
The woman insisted
again.
stirabout
work
the
called
then
presence,
Lehane,
chose
a larg
as a billet.
335
Inside
were
three
Two of
them were
They were
hostile.
sprinkled
holy
They. did
not
about
addressed
Lehane
When
speak.
them
Cork
Gaelic.
They
knew no English
at
spoken
him in
was
Irish
home where
Their
name was MacAloone,
English
who were
the
Civic
Guards.
We rested
too
clear
that
people
and scouts.
Next
dawn.
morning
at
lie
for
low
Guides
miles
in
Stack
due
all
groups
challenged:
"Dail
troops".
firing
it
the
were
bogland
had put
sentries
Round
a chat
to
shouts,
"Dail"
Who goes
ye",
the
there?"
Two rifles
running
troops
in
the
two
about
billeted
with
out
and
turf-ricks
- a wise
two
I.R.A.
the
of watch,
tedium
darkness
from the road
Back
barked
came the
out
and confusion.
- the
districts,
They were
10 o'clock,
break
and
Donegal
across.
McGurk and, about
quartered
in
men approaching
"Halt!
following
us
lead
direction.
road
out,
"Who are
Shrieks,
from
of
Glenties
for
the
South
to
Joe
with
McNeilus,.
the
turned
and posted
Bluestack
Mt.
MoAloone's
Daly
They
who had met
They
again.
off
cross
at
night
around.
as
precaution
in
was only
it
Lough Esk and Mountcharles
the
the
no risks
in
us with
regarded
to move down into
Charlie
on in
houses
bogholes
observed
that
passes.
further
sentries,
We were
in
house
and they
I believe,
but
night,
an
be possible?
it
one,
home;
in
foot
was no surprise.
to
among them Denis
three
the
We looked
discovered,
that
We took
There
awhile
were
20 men,
there
of
we decided
day,
from
away
West
was it.
Gaelic.
Could
Sean
of
That
I had set
time
I afterwards
and hostility.
apprehension
Blue
the
first
unknown.
as
had a few brothers
Gaelic.
but
lady
blank.
a goad tongue
nothing
spoke
was the
the
old
as we ontered.
looked
they
mother.
the
for
kitchen
he had
and
It
and
to,
in
answered
They
them curiously,
sentries
doorway
barefooted.
their
obviously
us as evil,
regarded
on the
women were
the
other
the
30,
They
water
All
no men.
women,
name by which
answer'
again
and
Scattered
the
Free
State
336.
Charlie
his
into
rushed
out
using
the
from
their
the
of
houses
who were
Staten
preliminary
by the
night,
to
into
the
as cover.
They
scattered
come under
broken
and
continued
for
some minutes,
regrouped
his
column
road
Joe
and counted
Div.
could
they
the
sped away
enemies.
pursuit
slowly
Charlie
of
to
the
roadside
facing
In a short
up
of
through
the
in
fight
time,
the
their
losses
three
killed
that
in
the
by a setter
dog
the
turf
They accused
the
republicans
Staters.
with
distance,
west.
Scouts
Charlie
darkness.
and his
his
Daly
we,
escape.
ricks
Sean
up strong
were
sent
and his
We held
preceded
of
recounted
a hurried
the
he retreated
hearing
to
all
on the
positions
forward
State
awaited
Lehane,
retreating
Daly
down
Free
their
reformed,
took
Rapidly,
crouched
was no pursuit,
under
all
appeared
deceive
column
As there
Meantime
the
to
clergymen
then
and
of
midst
between
Daly,
the
before
until
fashion
our H.Q.
shooting
surrounded
them,
as
in
were
comrades
away at
themselves
them
amongst
and blazed
setter.
Glen
my assistant
fought
severe
accompanied
zig-zag
scouting
disguising
the
stack
Charlie
surrendered.
They reported
a priest,
a turf
by the
and then
their
away.
men missing,
They
Free
us on the
and were
open.
suffered
wounded.
contusion
round
and
six
Stators
died
McNeilus,
billet
the
was exhausted
The Free
or
into
escape
ammunition
five
isolated
the
emerged
The shooting
McGurk and his
Department.
a small
in
trapped
Three
bogland,
from
confusion.
away nearer
and Denis
Q.M.,
Engineering
.
losses
from
gradually
a mile
half
his
Div.
McGurk,
then
and equipment,
as they
somewhat
subsequent
ordered
cries,
surrounding
fire
to recover
the
rifles
their
Seizing
beginning
surprise
and
shooting
billets
their
stacks
turf
themselves.
roused
Daly,
men out
they
described
sometimes
forces
investigate.
column
the
loomed
features
council-of-war.
337.
It
that
was apparent
us in
between
from
Glenties
eastwards,
too
had acted
were
of
source
off
that
the
which
great
the
the
mountain
range
that
had with
us one
the
sheep,
but
in
eering
by night;
was to wait
the
Free
our
I.R.A.
It
State
column
was not
Sean
But
endurance
of
them all
their
or
temptation
a narrow
the
any
glen
most
1 a.m.
men to
would
the
with
side
surely
they
to the
Bluestacks.
The alternative
see us caught
in
liquidation
of
up to
essay
words
were
bring
be,
trek.
Finn,
to
the
our
outlined
spirit
and,
might
river
the
courage,
They
on the
who
Donegal
of
total
sharp
the
limit.
mountain-
of
result.
probable
test
here
up stray
choice.
the
and equipment
whatsoever
led
would
a few clear
how exhausted
which
south
when we formed
in
It
clothing
item
that
rats,
the
Lehane
the
South
from
We
mountains
rounding
we had little
like
as
yet
at
country
trap,
night
the Bluestack
He had no experience
had a guide
daylight.
delay,
who knew the
before
in
from
was fine
further
without
route
daytime.
dawn.
of
the crossing
republican
and objective.
discard
the
no guides,
for
crossing.
march
and
by this
the
or
guides
But,
moon had risen
night
clear
pretty
a position
way out
we also
knew intimately
was
it
routes,
few miles
a
our
try
column
we
But
glen at the
enemy forces
fight
very
and who had c rossed
a deep
to
to
local
plan.
into
We decided
and clear.
the
see us crowded
would
time,
up Glenfinn
The Glenties
up in
strong
be impossible
would
By this
with
squeeze
- one column
striking
east.
spoiled
two escape
only
morning
it
River
the
Bottled
danger.
Finn
the
blocking
and
precipitately
in
still
us from
trailing
other
the
to
planned
columns
two Stater
Glenfinn
Stranorlar
had
Staten
Upper
moving
from
Free
the
and
with
what the
matter
they were not to
no
Off
we started
here
just
down
a mountain
338
torrent
Lehane and the
Bluestack.
in
followed
body
Charlie
and riding
single
the
weighted
down like
Finn
faced
and
solid
the
reached
a boggy
about
wet
turf.
of
being
able
in
the
Pulling
with
what
the
and another
I
shoe.
there
was
was no hope of
on,
doing
and all-in,
perspiration.
to
sank
I failed
the
recovering
my best
my grit
with
as well,
I lay
Charlie
shoe
there
it
the
In
our calves
the
and began
to despair
almost
the
to
my aid.
foot
a moment or two
for
foot
in
knees
my feet.
out
pull
I draw my left
the
was
It
as we
and a sine to
clear
that
but
without
mountain
in that
engulfed
swamp
darkness.
one shoe remaining.
as my strength.
down on that
Daly
and
halted
to
A rest
fast.
we
breath.
was now killing
I
I hauled
leave
and
we
for
weary
Then
held
pull.
I had to
I was losing
overcome
in
terrific
struggled
But
right
fairly
higher,
It was the
Here
r had left,
strength
felt
the
and ploughed
Re saw my plight
Daly.
of
was
rocks.
with
We sank
I was stuck;
peat.
was heavy
first
at
rose.
deadly
on.
struggle
Charlie
but
clear,
as
to
anyway
I
stream.
The going
myself
stockings
We crossed
and gasping
swampy waste.
I felt
sticky
I called
the
the
in
boots
with
As we mounted
the
Finn
perspiration
to
nor
labourer.
on.
River
deference
a few personal
beside
We moved on.
3 a.m.
floundered
soft
in
soaked
rested,
the
rear
bandolier
and we laboured
table-land
the
My overcoat
Interspersed
struggled
main
the
long
rifle,
of
face
with
leggings
The going
heather
started
bog where
mountain
shoes
low
stick.
gorge.
and
In
Calvin.
containing
the
climbing
and fell
was in
Lee Enfield
10-lb
up the
slipped
as usual
a hod-carrying
up through
Then
I,
my walking
haversack
ammunition,
the way,
I had neither
breeches;
and with
file;
on the
glen
led
I was wearing
ankles
I had discarded
frieze
rift
two guides
Lane and Dinny
Jim
Daly,
my ulcerated
and
a deep
of
down out
rolling
came back
seeping
and
Feeling
bog steaming
implored
me to
339
struggle
I
if
that
on;
a few
exposure.
After
floundered
on through
to
began
Galvin,
but
stuff,
It
as
it
it
the
south
Hours
the
sustained
I'm
At long
last,
head
of
a wide
The
glen
Jim
sure
out
We reached
on a hillock
the
floor
off
turf
before
it.
with
the
the
and fell
into
and milk.
fire
and cheerful
fire
going
the
o14
The other
We were
We ate
roused
with
the
The man of
donkey,
and
to
bed.
to
to
lay
of
and what
thatched
rest!
house
or
boreen
and the
house
track
one room
was away bringing
We stretched
But
sleep.
on the
and
here
and a woman and two
kitchen
the
and myself
structure
partake
relish.
a small
the
gurgled.
relief
inside
Cotter
home-made
two
stream
she said.
tried
and consoling
scrub trees
the
to
we came to
seemed no road,
burned
moved around
from
on our
dozed.
bellies.
entered
There
A turf
insisted
slumber.
and our aching
Oh! what
two others
heather.
children
led
home the
of
house.
three
which
and
myself
bright
a valley
with
some cabins.
vigour.
southern
fine
11 a.m.,
fiery
breath";
a renewed
a mountain
a valley
into
the
in
was around
it
m
habitations
limbs
weary
down which
glen
opened
Lane,
from
our
sups of
with
the
of
flask
down the
day,
of
outline
was
a few
felt
The sum came up bright
passed,
there.
I
The clear
faraway
it
top
a naggin
as we plodded
daylight
last
some smoking.
"went
it
my veins,
Bluestack.
Mr.
and
weather
in
through
as we at
the
while,
I drank
me as
choked
darkness
clammy misty
produced
me a swig.
coursed
of
a short
was,
up and
myself
Over
of
downhill.
moving
t
almost
was now broad
slopes
or
think
I
die
inevitably
breaking
watershed0
for
rested
and offered
whiskey
Dawn was
the
of
The
morass .
the
ourselves
we all
Here
yet
find
to
heavenly
Dinny
summit
I dragged
minutes
a little.
lighten
the
reached
up now I would
gave
a meal
clothes
of
bean-a-tighe
peeled
and were
floor,
on the
soon lost
on,
potatoes,
The man-of-the-house
off
had
and
salt
34O.
returned.
'great
of
away
republicant'
and
of
boots
the
our
and black.
A few yards
was the
near
"priest"
taken
a fancy
asset
as
Denis
waited
safe
of
ascent
for
and
to
rest
a few sheep
a British
and joints
He learned
low
for
distributed
some days.
mountain.
sheep.
in
us.
meeting
among the
did
night
lads
the
now
and
and almost
early,
we shot
in my billet,
and hung up the
gutted
the
billets
we had faced
that
morning
evening,
NcNeilus
he was
Next
That
had
and an
Here
secluded
and
bog,
we had gone,
that
skinned
State
some reason,
after
where
One of
"ambush"
him.
followed
up and lie
hand.
He
Free
that
hours
a council
on the
one
leave
NcAloone's
and then
ex-soldier,
of
not
right
a liability
anything
despite
the
the
for
who,
coat
dog.
coloured
across
setter
We held
area
inaccessible
carcase
to
daybreak
at
"Irregulars"
escaped
he would
Bluestack.
Sound.
planned
but
back
got
setter
big red
highly
hillock
black
in his
trail
The dog was, both
him.
him away,
the
a
the
faithful
a companion
drive
the
to
at
rifle
Seizing
with
complete
NcNeilus,
to
was heard
up the
strolling
we
us we were
and dogs barking.
There,
the
A commotion
.
evening
He had
by the
accompanied
to
He told
according
accounts.
newspaper
communal
food.
leading
Glenties,
of
kind
for
sheep
him trotted
before
them belonged
the
the
leggings,
-
general
of
mind much if
was Denis
billet
a lot
sheep
people
out.
we rushed
mountain
the
and calling
whistling
rifles
in
relative
get an old
him would
was now late
It
outside,
to
two of
of
us that
told
a
"I'll
plenty
he was a
that
was a priest,
were
"master"
the
house,
I thought,
district
the
We asked
welcome .
our
of
one or
killed
"Good!",
There
that
slated
there
householder
people
ownership.
that
there".
and the
around
we learned
him,
in a big
him.
visiting
his,
pair
to
miles
three
lived
with
Chatting
sheep
.
was cut
We retained
up
a leg
341.
for
in
and later
cabin
our
- one used
cabin
the
we all.
sat
children
the
around,
to boil
us and the
a solid
and we ate
too,
the
pot
night
and
wife
his
man,
of
feed
largest
That
meal.
yellow
of
four
in
down to boil
it
put
spuds with
mutton
and
of
plenty
I'd
broth.
ever
tasted
feed
of
meat
of
leg
boiled
killed
and rare
and tough
We all
felt
better
the
Next
near
in
Frosses
and wine
and
the
house.
the
fuss
I
"Master"
(Principal
(a
young
and myself
state
of
We went
back
to
civil
refused
the
who not
gave
denunciation
the
our
clergy
war,
to
it
in
morale
visit
accepted
moral
Irish
general
against
was consoling
impose
religious
sanctions
Our host
It
and to
importance.
bitter
republican
and
and education
a Catholic
meet
as Christians
the
Despite
on the
my
was an
standing
individual
of
much better
feeling
and the
to meet
present
because
us "Irregulars"
the
the
war,
of
the
Lehane
in my new-found
people
Hierarchy
his
Sean
Daly,
heightened.
the
friend
I suppose
night
support.
in
ladies
house,
developments..
attitude
republican
the
school),
civil
future
that
to
us wide
by the
the
-
whiskey
with all
too
we seemed to arouse.
of
Charlie
so),
I basked
billets
only
parish
my views
- and
front
the
treaty,
to
and our
who appreciated
also
30 or
experience
clergyman
in
the
a lot
optimistic
encouraging
of
the
education
university
but
N.T.
and probable
deter
seemed to
more
in
a few
the
flattered
which
admiration
to
galore,
were
there
amused and
outside
discussed
dinner
from
over
dropped
Refreshments
tea, as
high
man of
Ireland
and myself
welcome.
us and the
sitting
Afterwards,
priest
a regal
was somewhat
about
a Christmas
McHugh ( a teacher
Calvin,
Donegal)
afterwards
freshly
mutton1
was like
was,
had a decen
it.
Lehane,
South
We got
"Master".
as it
household
time
that
Glenveagh,
of
Daly,
day,
first
that
To us who had not
mutton.
we left
since
was the
it
say
universal
fulminations
army
priests
I.R.A.
in
this
who
342.
Some days
dawn and
divided
under
We marched
day
after
four
from
miles
by our
remained
a church.
our
with
our
Mass for
Eucharist.
Afterwards,
Absolution
and blessed
glen
of
to
a week or more we
and valley
Lough
consisted
at
Esk.
the
We rarely
moving
largely
occasional
of
meals
of
1920.
the tensions
Most
of
the
of
Of civil
us made our
Then our
Penance.
the
priest
rifles
Blessed
gave us General
we left
the
and arched
little
away
sun shone brightly
own world.
in
foot
more
secluded
Bluestack
than
oatmeal
from
this
of
by night.
mutton
in
navy
as nails,
and
our
Lay low
potatoes,
being
remembered
He was as
The morning
always
name.
in
Riots
a body before
spent
was his
and bad
sacrament
southern
c1ütside.
U.S. navy,
(1914-18)
the
God's
the
War
Mass over,
in
to
country
Great
confession.
.
I
American
us and we received
billets
seemed right
same billets,
with
our
curates.
the
for
us in
us
with
Derry
we shouldered
Outside
back
in
for
local
in
Deeney
anxieties
turn
about
chapel
across
20 years
and a s hard
the
Creator
said
confessor
For
the
autumn
rifles
he never
that
guard.
Mass parade,
the
rifles.
served
during
as we waited
and all
the
fine
arranged
the
the
of
spent
the recent
we forgot
Inside,
one of
we stacked
as a cat-burglar
acrobatic
country
as we marched
sections
He had
I.R.A.
a small
was unaware
guarding
during
of a
Mass bad been
at
advance
morning
with
guy who boasted
waters
gaily
friend
who had
inside
chapel.
Holy
sailor,
tough
to
was)
a small
with
early
there,
A real
peace
it
Here
the
outside
the
the
was mobilised
column
whole
sections
Arrived
A Derry-born
war
in
I understand,
church.
joined
arms
visitor
commanded one of
Irish
two
us.
clerical
The P.P.,
the
into
I think
(Wednesday,
the
this,
two nights
area
to
of
the
in
west
the
Food was scarce
and
and yellow
stirabout
the
wild
meal
mountain
sheep
which
we ourselves
until
billets
the
broad
vicinity
at
of
hay
I never
though
I was always
dawn even
around
me.
houses
and
it
often
did
succeed
did
shivering
More often
turf
in
in
straw
than
not,
was heavenly
it
in
In
cold
with
the
the
But
to
lie
in
in
outhouses;
shelters,
bay.
deepest
morn before
early
comrades
snoring
we had to
new
arrived
luxurious
sleeping
the
enter
and slept
rare
as shelters.
ricks
-
were
with
buried
though
We sheltered
straw
not
we usually
though
night.
or
We did
cooked.
daylight,
late
barns
and
shot
all
make do
turf
with
- which
rained
when it
down under
sort
any
of
roof.
many of
By now,
and underclothes.
I bad
since
Paddy's
Templecrone.
a minimum
us with
I believe,
the
still
Socks
May.
wool
socks
a pair.
them by their
man in
every
column
erratic
and uncertain.
wayside
shops
and
Often
we had not
those
were
columns
South
one night
times.
us daily
consultation
Donegal,
to
Sean
replenish
of
a
cabin
and heaviest
at
sixpence
women who knit
the
5d a pair).
Practically
we replenished
stocks
'fag'
for
Brian
supplies.
second
of
in
seizure
cigarettes
Rumours
Leharie
bank
for,
MoGurk,
of
and kept
with
paid
Jo
finest
cash
at
store
socks,
the
in
weeks
had provided
which
Supplies
paying
'butt'
and
them from
smoked.
taverns
a
as
4d or
Usually
worst
reached
After
in
our
at
of
Cope's
Buncrana
every
Cope bought
or
store
of
banknotes
in
own firesides
the
shirts
the
socks
shirts,
overcoats
on now for several
general
strong
in
be bought
the
footwear,
Paddy
no difficulty
the
(Paddy
of
some from
presented
could
at
co-operative
Lehane
held
of
need
same shirt
west
ration
by Sean
QM
the
back
it
got
I
in
bad no trenchcoats
Several
any description.
ever
us were
where
were
from
we could.
a couple
round-ups
of
days
by Free
State
us on edge.
Nonahan
decided
Local
to
I.R.A.
descend
scouts
Brigadier
Mountcharles
on
supplied
by Brian
did
the
the
town.
Our
- mostly
and underwear
commandeered
and myself
invited
for
weeks
and a sked
no questions
cash was a Godsend
which
cigarettes
the
in
night
drew
in
quarters
bringing
with
whichwas
rationed
out
food
scanty
It
were
rained
an
around
directed
small
in
driving
As we huddled
our
to
to
the
by the
the
cabin
by the
roadside,
This was
condition
of
We entered.
misery
Jim
and myself.
as we would
contrary
not
of
to
compelled
lane,
Dinny
We told
disturb
of
them.
knocked
and we
area
Bluestack.
allocated
we shivered
for
but
heat
We raked
in
off
a billet
in
in a
before
occupants
our
and shelter.
the
Deeney,
people
rain
blinding
Mt.
tactics,
Galvin,
the
stayed.
and
up the
seek
usual
billeting
the
off
usual
us to
the
being
told
new
some bacon
where we
assigned,
us,
our
to our
the
of
most
we with-
supplement
out
The
remaining
Bay towards
billets
Four
lots
Mountcharles
before
roadside,
clothes.
buy
cabins
keep
Donegal
seeping
dawn.
the
could
particular
time.
as we reached
skin
across
the
as wearables,
as we evacuated
No clothing
3 a.m.
squalls
in
odd in cash
Mountcharles,
to
They
Kincarrow
an
northwards
billets
In
pounds
After
of
miles
the
to
to
round.
as well
us,
heavily
soaked
six
available
supply
it
was
It
away back
smiled
Galvin
Dinny
Then we traded
us five
paid
occupation
morning
or
five
the early
had seized
all
-
middle-age.
relish.
to us as we used
undisturbed
near
Footwear
boots.
Office.
of
they
though
we shared
and bootshop
fashion
Post
in with
ladies
The good
premises
Jim Cotter,
ladies
re
stamps
344.
we occupied
leather
army
local
We joined
the
before.
the
to
friendly
tea.
all
cash
shirts
heavy
off
hurried
us to
soft
new brown
Then Con Crowley,
here.
by two nice
occupied
In
to
myself
10 o'clock
was a drapery
concern
first
I helped
Here
About
and guiding.
reconnoitring
the
Yankee ex-sailor,
cabin
the ashes
not
to
stir
from
the
345.
turf
and stood
fire
red
embers
the
seeking
the
A tremendous
our
sensation
I limped
back
in
to
"I
called,
my right
and sock
and bared
pullet's
egg showed below
It
the
hearth
So the
from
produced
mystery
light
a
hot
ashes
more
the
probably
The injury
cause
was
me any
at
lounged
But
the
heavy
frieze,
saved
his
up.
For
case
took
arms
five
ague.
foul
weather
or
copiously
- hot
cigarettes.
At
outside
He had only
and cold.
exchange
Jim
continued
six
days,
all
hot
events,
whiskey
in
us as we
door.
and poteen
in
and Mesopotam-ian
He got
or
not
who bad
a weliworn
little
or
and did
Salonika,
the
the
my leg.
Mediterranean
for
into
who had fought
I gave
to
itself,
struck
cottage
to move with
he ate
ten
Crowley,
the four of
fever.
his
fire
Con
soldier
from
temporary
milk,
the
down with
the
rapidly
a snap of
swamps around
a legacy
with
life.
it,
out
dropped
over
round
bullet.
The bullet
day,
as a
bone.
a rifle
evidently
containing
Next
Macedonian
in
it.
an ex-British
malaria,
It
shin
boot
A search
A bullet
The wound healed
under
of
as he bent
exploded
was stricken
He shivered
against
heat
camera,
Lane,
mud,
of
solved.
slight,
ease
deserts,
bouts
was
Inconvenience.
Jim
Flanders
brass
case
off
lump as big
on the
almost
it.
stiffness.
pulled
down,
empty
metal
a small
acquired
sat
flying
What happened?"
the
bandolier
the
a numbing
was no bleeding.
Nobody noticed
where
then
there
leather
'fag'.
a sharp
but
explosion
Deeney's
my knee
Bang!
I felt
A Reddish-blue
my leg.
was raw and ugly
I
our
us.
you hit?
I think".
am,
from
ashes
shin,
"Are
warm
and white
turf
blinding
door.
the
red
the
a little.
and talked
the
temporarily
faces,
stinging
voices
and
explosion
a cloud
in
arose
Steam
smoked
over
crouching
hearth,
heat.
We smoked and
clothes.
Into
around
recurrent
campaigns.
trench
coat
a
him my overcoat,
trench
us,
coat.
refusing
but
nothing,
with
plenty
a week he was ship-shape
It
to
lie
drank
of
again.
346.
to
We moved along
for
a week
so.
or
for
and arranging
round
district
a sojourn
for
Shove
little
(which
village
as
afternoon
was early
I with
MacElroy
(I
Sullivan
and John Donovan
they
made for
feed,
Cotter
of any
Our guard
radius
of
covered
with
with
of
the
hood and a Tyrone
with
girl
- who were
with
us,
excused
the
man.
guard
overcome
with
on the
main
The afternoon
danger
in
rifles
across
in
long
the
the
grass
fields
and
behind
for
was a steep
hill
Charlie
and
the
was quartered
Daly
I were
comrade
this
went
they
road
to
I let
me for
for
Frosses
from
and peaceful
them go.
towards
romped with
the
the
Off
road
to
chum up
be
to
permission
to a house
tea
neighbour
As I talked
to be allowed
asked
by two
joined
- a boy and a
McHugh children
delight
a
and south
east
west
warning
McHugh's.
named McHugh from
was drowsy
offing.
of
wall
and a
rouse
would
his billet.
was a warm afternoon.
of
while
the
McElroy
a couple
duty
immediate
I
As
duty.
a sleep
for
garden
where
teacher
It
McHugh and his
valley
the
column,
a young
the
me to
and heather
gorse
sentries,
and played
Behind
guard
him that
the
It
most).
Christy
be had north,
could
two miles.
the rest
other
view
in
at
Dan Enright,
send him
against
was a hillock
post
a clear
From it
shots
in
house
named
away
assured
a few
Volunteer
outpost
mile
me to
told
a few rifle
their
a half
I laughingly
danger.
him with
Jim Cotter,
a farmhouse
jokingly
houses
an Inishowen
from
days.
few
I with
teacher's)
ten
comprised
relieved
think)
local
(the
wild
gone a
were
and r elaxed,
McHugh's
seeking
that
in
column
They
and loafed
in
was staying
others
Fitzgerald
Glencolumbcille
into
the
League.
we rested
Meanwhile,
the
west
and a few
Jack
with
south
off
men went
Donegal
Lehane
Sean
where we hung out
district
Ballymacawl
across
Glenties.
and there
they
a mile
youngsters.
went
away.
seemed no
with
their
I
The boy
lolled
347.
me to
beseeched
the
to
his
child,
of
workings
the
called
to
his
McElroy,
a
quiet
was
duty
rural
one
children
back
fire
away
the
rifle
and,
slipping
door
to
stay
We located
where
two
tapped
inside
shouted
to
were
into
kitchen,
the
their
boots
firing.
I
"and we'll
said,
runs
in
We extended
front.
the
rough
Out
to
outflank
and
from
enemy and between
the
beyond
which
We reached
to meet
surprise
the
ground
a wide
another
the
bank
the
5-ft.
bank
rhythm.
road
The two
the
street
village
As
I burst
on
pulling
by the
lads
their
before
us raced,
I
across
obliquely
about
out"
and
McElroy
intending
to
2000
yards
a swampy valley
fields
high,
I
"Come on",
"Get
We were
back
heavy
happening,
east,
small
the
"Get
Frosses
hurriedly
us and them lay
about
furze-covered
north
in
the
billet.
advancing
besiegers.
rose
was
defence.
two
of
north
the
out
ran
had been alarmed
our
six
The
was besieged
what was
the
catch,
continued
on the
were
too,
Cotter
towards
hillside
lads
to rescue
out" .
over
Cotter's
They,
told
ammunition
the
I jumped
suit,
down and a cross
and the
try
Sentry
wrong?".
That
a meal
to
and clothes.
Quickly,
gun.
And then
mother
"What's
up a stout
We raced
Jim
the
safety
followed
shots.
for
fields
the
The shooting
two
putting
the
He
him.
east.
north
frightened
safety.
went
McElroy.
the
back
The house
sentries
through
to
I ordered.
firing.
and tore
their
by one or
the
the
as
Inside",
with
atmosphere.
McElroy
them to
bring
answered
volleys
breech.
in
I let
it.
rudely.
rifle
the
mysterious
as ho eyed us.
warm happy
that
of
scampered
in and
I
in
into
hold
to
the
wonder,
him soldiering
watch
was Shattered
grabbed
with
smoked silently
sort,
forgotten
peace
slipped
to
I was explaining
Lazily,
He asked
weapon,
sister
A burst
up,
the rifle.
him
eyes opened wide
show
to
the Frosses
stretching
extending
west-east
Rd.
away north
down
348
the
hillside.
moorland
in
Immediately
sloping
gently
away down to
Frosses
road.
We took
McElroy
and
to
along
the
All
Two fields
machine
a little
north.
the
time,
the
I endeavoured
to
horse
the
attached
stood
half-cut
meadow - probably
scuttled
for
his
back
to
I thought
I
discern
uniform,
equipment
- he seemed to
be firing
I judged
range
cover.
me pressed
could
the
workman
until
shoot
away our
rock.
I
I was
I
back
three
more
down into
McElroy,
wasting
loud
the
apparently
near,
sir"
saw McElroy
I
stood
believed
up warily
house.
he
I adjusted
the
bank
I would
not
to
rifle
fence,
my left,
ready0
hand and as I
the
more
bank,
I crawled
I hissed,
up the
are
"what
"I
did
not
give
a email
beside
a few yards
that?".
it
I would
fired,
at
Perhaps
dropped
shots
quite
drain
you firing
fire
to
at,
at all,
simply.
I was dumbfounded.
hardly
towards
my rifle.
I
the
front.
like
he
when
of a man with
enemy soldier?
close
a
When I had a spasm of
out
to
of
house.
machine.
the
and military
yards.
beside
idiot"
ammunition
he answered
drain
on my left
"You lloody
your
reports
wide
above
up on the
close
driver
fence
if
roared
middle
figure
aim.
Moreover,
a shot
so,
a mowing
the
I lowered
I clambered
us,
a rifle
2000
cover.
to
leggings
was an
this
sure.
position.
thought.
the
and took
taking
As I did
Two or
be about
Was I sure
Conscience.
was the
to
range
to
besieged
the
bank,
situation.
the
in
the
extended
at
by the
make out
close
on my rifle
sight
abandoned
I could
up the
and nearer
house
still
size
boulders
the
along
who were
others
scrub
us and
between
vantage
over
continued
and large
valley
of
of
shooting
down from
with
boggy
up positions
I forward
the
the
of
stretch
rooks
moss-covered
with
interspersed
was rough
front
him.
He saw by the
"I
against
did
the
not
fire
fence
look
at
and,
on my
all,
using
I
that
face
he repeated.
six",
a projecting
349.
rock
on top
the
examining
rang
out
ear.
I
The
as cover,
terrain
near
and a
bullet
back.
slid,
behind
me in
you,
fire
3 or
big
then
I'll
let
a grenade
men in
in
from
column
the
their
the
a firm
footing
fired
rapid.
swinging
and
I hurled
that
forward
drain
the
of
life
or
We were
our
all
the
drain
and
were
about
they
reported
north
back
that
where
if
alarmed
us .
up to
where
to
away
they
a half
had
mile
the
of
land
and moving
I cocked
of
and
sign
no
fallen,
anybody
on the
hillside
down into
to
three
reached
them.
out
the
other
men coming
towards
our
was no movement
really
When we
seen a body
sprawled
Then a
and the
north.
I
passed
We crouched
Cotter
behind
front.
bomb had
firing
the bomb-pin
down into
There
were
shouted.
extent,
it
and
minutes
the
I
was.
myself
out
scrub,
It
'in'.
my throw
McElroy
there
when a bunt
80 yards
about
there
Five
I unscrew-ed
fullest
flung
explosion
rocky
carried
I pulled
its
to
As I
or more.
to wonder
scrub
slunk
bank.
move.
out
activity
immediate
hillside
at
beginning
in
there
the
them on the
- we saw nothing
to
momentum of
the
a minute
for
and aimed
rifles
With
for
"Fire"
bank,
the
type
undetonated
out,
my strength
was a deafening
there
silence
grim
all
of
rang
hand back
my right
on top
belly
shots
of
"Mills"
was
that
took
(Most
20 seconds).
the
of
McElroy
the
detonator
of
side
mechanism
than
the
side
As the
bomb with
lees
if
check
on the
boulder.
large
in
each
to me,
bombs of
the detonating
be fitted
to
it
in front.
out
bomb".
bombs were kept
-
safety
head
grenade
McElroy
that
- these
of
could
separately
and handed
home-made
carried
haversacks
considerations
I got
haversack
his
the
my
fired
being
close
at
at
McElroy.
"We are
rapid
them have
rock
I ordered
rocks
4 rounds
the
from
to me now,
and those
"When I tell
boulder,
scrub.
the
a splinter
clear
boulder
the front
to
As I did so a shot
carefully
me a grenade",
"Give
that
I peered
knocked
was fairly
situation
on from
bank
of
them,
over
They
the
350.
it
thought
that
coming
up to
but
aid,
As Cotter
were.
God!
heads,
a trap,
we were
Bullets
One of
our
lads
the
through
was hit,
Our enemies
must
or cautious
nervous
obliterate.
to
must
They
we came,
I
As Cotter
and his
I and
face
The
of
the
Staten
of
direction
no hostile
the
We were
valley,
too,
more a
Warily,
drain.
the
the
of
corn
wounded
second
fire
their
would
as
Ballymacawl
fire".
the
along
drain
closely
to
being
to deliver
that
shot
ceased.
I withdrew
in
is billet
stand
we moved in
Volunteer
time
our
extended
now helped
I was
Down across
seemed quiet
the wake
along
ourselves
Across
and at
along .
the
once
of Cotter
finding
order
in
keenly
We saw no enemy,
at.
upright.
the
the coup-de-grace?
gaze
day,
All
and
Were
happening?
assault.
being
had
Cotter
we ventured
the
final
no longer
Mac and
as
What
as we swept
rifles
shooting
Reaching
off.
expected
unobserved,
standing
reply.
and
and pressed
on us and about
our
For
stir.
mystified,
the
in
closing,
We clenched
the
drain
the
in
were too
they
back
knew
bank.
bad eased
shooting
crawled
see no
they
down low and don't
"Keep
from
slowly
if
advantage
to
times
a shot
fired
"Back
leg
I could
otherwise
us,
And Yet!
comrades
left
heels.
our
The few
else
home their
Cotter,
his
trapped
or
squelching
at
level,
deceived
seen
the
our
into
blindly
alarmed.
certainly
they
over
drain
of
never
have
three
rose
McElroy
the
Free
said to
calf
ground
some
or what
in
colum
the
men
screamed
the
as mice,
press
be so concentrated.
not
to
been
have
of
the
in
getting
quiet
were
bullets
edge
We were
attackers.
the
stretched
my head over
we remained
But
shot
I as
to raise
our
the
of
rest
We bad rushed
the drain
along
legging.
I ventured
of
whined
of
they
of
enfiladed.
down in
We lay
ooze.
a shower
the
sight
where
uncertain
spoke,
with
Daly
had lost
they
now and were
minutes
it.
be Charlie
might
the
field
the ready,
Thus we reached
351.
of
the
village
and
the rest
relieved
(he
to
Ballymacawl.
of
the
find
us
A
.
up froth
Charlie
Daly's
main
and a couple
fields
of
Free
flanking
which
a large
discern
skirted
the
in
group
apparently
tied
but
together,
not
be sure.
100
in
view,
forbade
any
firing
anyhow,
and
then
at
in
that
would
and realised
in
Staters,
that
we would
an all-out
we gave
when we sized
(we were
attempt
rapid
up the
The enemy columns
Sean
returned
from
to
advance
idea
wake
halt
for
up the
cross
to
hardly
Glencolumbcille
range
on
our
chances
the
Free
by 5 to
almost
1 at
in
a
tail
remain
out
with
least)
two miles
on the
of
of
of
the
on the
sight
his
of
Staters
odds against
to
two
to
some time
keep
and decided
were
the
than
Daly
of
out
hitting
of
outnumbered
have
defensive.
Lehane
the
more
Charlie
see.
We discussed
attack.
be
- we could
numbered
probably
of
and
seemed to
as hostages
exposed
they
We could
200 yards
not
wore
through
the centre
they
column
danger
by moving
but
village
successful
being
republican
assumption
Frosses
was the
there
lads
as
State
- they
them
obviously
our
rescuing
Free
in
road
the
along
east .
- about
range
towards
southwards
formation
prisoners,
defensive
slowly
on the
near
hillock
move.
formation
road
over
We withdrew
strong
State
more whom we did
probably
any
up
moving
close
that
The whole
men who were
discourage
at
extended
parties
two civilians9
morass
next
in
body
on the
covered
we saw them marching
after,
the
flosses
on the
the
-
two missing
to a heather
took
State
Free
ceased
to be quite
we
loss
had
shooting
There
as we awaited
and without
by the
captured
seemed
Daly
He was immensely
safe
showed only
village
Charlie
array.
H.Q.
or
The
billet.
Shortly
the
the
at
out
comrade.
slowly
battle
again
and - everything
road
positions
in
quick roll-call
McHugh and his
flosses
back
us wiped
had believed
forces)
column
found
we
There
mall
when
party.
352.
I
a full
Sean
gave
As a consequence
as
it
of
was evident
we arrived
Here
billets,.
Next
inhabitants
- men,
and would
not
and bitterly
allow
their
"Reds"
than
in
later
in
it
ever
reaching
which
just
then
had arranged
consumed
next
the
a mile
in
from
curiosity
entered
the
"street"
a young
girl
moving
about
across
the
road.
scented
the house
(the
yard
17 very
the
yard
with
-
Co. Waterford,
area
up the
of
one
boreen.
the
a sprong
Nathan
- about
no reason,
So,
dressed
some
Meehan -
Patrick
- a large
a mystery.
scantily
faith
I remember
He gave
in front
my
I posted
impoverished
us.
one house
if
and depressing
Commandant
for
and
away.
hostile
but
and wet
started.
Cappoquin,
miles
the
-I
I approached
of
of
I.R.A.
us to approach
with
in
secluded
local
and Galvin,
garments
horn
day
and billets
shelter
had forbidden
of
destination
to a quiet
away where
quarter
its
not
Now, we
I had little
though
They
did
home to
wrote
war
civil
hostile
as much
just
I
houses
Mass.
day was cold
evening
Office
them were
to us.
within
the
their
to
ouractions
theirattitude
seemed thousands
We moved off
Coagh district
going
The
the
to
from
since
Post
all
prevented
That
people,
Bruckless
we kept
of
eyes.
dawn we went
At
- confined
confinement
letter
it
miles
our
the
my first
mother,
darkness,
Most
their
hamlet
away.
Mass.
us or
however
Not,
a little
miles
but
and
forces
our whereabouts,
of
and anti-cleric;
of
in
We felt
more,
of
Sunday,
being
State
Coagh,
6 or 7
go to
them
opinion
proved
to
events.
day's
Ballymacawl.
women and children
us as "Reds"
of
miserable.
not
day was
the
Free
of
out
cover
under
the
but
Glens
resented
bad heard
were
the
to
once
of
now aware
were
they
at
with
by bog and mountains
surrounded
improve
brush
our
that
south-west
away
account
precise
on moving
Sean decided
to
and
with
in
Cotter
As we
house)
in
I was
we saw
coarse
her
hand,
tagged
Appendix 6
National Archives Act, 1986, Regulations, 1988
ABSTRACTION
OF PART(S)
PURSUANT
TO REGULATION
8
Form to be completed and inserted in the original record
in place of each part abstracted
(i)
Reference number of the separate cover under
which the abstracted part has been filed:
(ii)
How many documents have been abstracted:
297
(iii)
The date of each such document:
(iv)
The description of each document:
1958
19 August
WS 1741
Midel Vo Donoghue
in divided
P361
named
and P354
(Where
appropriate, a composite description may be entered in
respect of
two or more related documents).
(v)
Reason(s) why the part has been abstracted for retention:
(c)Would or might cause distress or danger to living persons on the ground
thatthey contain information about individuals, or would or might be
likely to lead to an action for damages for defamation.
(These will he the reasons given onthe
under Section
certificate
3(4).)
Moloney
Name:
(J. Moloney.)
Grade:
Col.
Department/ Office/ Court:
Date: 7 March 2003.
353
Seeing
she
us
us as
the
of
solution
mind
Meehan's
(these
poor
and living
in
seek
of
A lame
by.
I
steps.
In
this
for
having
the
poor
excuse
In
Meehan's
next
He had carried
the
had won unwelcome
cause
by
his
specifically
of
nature
To his
credit,
learnt
that
and
in
Now I was hurrying
area.
along
South
His
retraced
instructed
at
on his
guerilla
At
for
and
to
me
an I.R.A.
to
the
was
campaign
any rate,
he
He was now
our
join
a post
column
Brigadier
office,
when he had
Brian
and when
activities,
prosecute
own in
the republican
looting
Donegal.
he was promptly
along
only
dispatch
It
counsel
for
night.
an urgent
notoriety
dubious
our
ignored
and
that
depredation.
raiding
he had come
had reported
appeared
I got
commandeerings.
with
we were in
been
felt
we were
that
own house
Area.
and dubious
charged
said
O'Donoghue"0
lawless
seizures
I
have
deliberately
on activities
Ballyshannon-Pettigo-Donega).
In
so poor
was
The accused
courtmartial.
and
them)
my
woman and apologised
as prosecuting
morning
across
would
it
as we turned
enough
Com. Michael
to appear
more
and
one day,
locality,
addressed
from
household
stayed
that
the
once,
wore
shelter
to
spoke
her
disturbed
passing
our
I
and
conditions
myself
At
flashed
prohibition
widow
or
food
his a dmonitions.
having
-
people
ashamed
thoroughly
mysterious
her.
behind
to meet
and advanced
doorway
house
the
such wretched
to
barbarous
into
ran
girl
A strong
wild-eyed.
fright,
the
in
woman appeared
middle-aged
in
back
started
placed
him.
under
arrest.
Monahan
354.
was a large
The Court
kitchen
Charlie
officers.
Jim
Comdt.
with
intent
raid
Cotter
of
from
the
the
I.R.A.
the
to
of
report
the
his
were
cause
(the
and
Around
freely
from
the case
into
from
and findings
A fun
were
know if
this
account
the
I.R.A.
and availed
the
was ordered
was ever
At
of
to
supplied
the
to
hostile
bitterly
all
I.R.A.
I do not
organs)
expulsion
taking
But,
the
sent.
of
every
P.O.
found
He was
he was
property
was
his
account,
P.O.
it
criminal
of
Donegal,
suspended
to which
or any
a sentence
for
time,
and often
from
the
But,
as my stomach
cause.
and weak,
I
Moreover,
oozed
from
it
at
my mouth
to
published
they
times
the
republican
to
opportunity
during
and Charlie
medical
attention.
attitude
towards
Daly
with
a handkerchief
me -
as any
of
column
was preparing
with
my sleep.
began
advised
angry
We moved down to
next
to
that
the
was
which
foul
a
sleeping
lie
their
Killybegs
had
stench
with
me.
up and get
solicitous
I was as tough
day to move away,
I got
my head
blood
avoid
me to
and
too
under
dirty
There
gums was
consumption.
and resented
protesting
the
was affected
I was breeding
I bled
again.
of
if
both
I got
break
- pyorrhoea
mouth
and my comrades
Lehane
them,
night
to
began
was saturated
morning
my breath
my health
seemed as
slept
every
which,
from
against
proceeds
some cash).
and
this
real
thin
accusations
them.
vilify
the
charges
and the
press
to
prosecutor,
I pressed
the
the
all
the
and
Donegal
newspapers
all
and
courtmartial
be restored.
the
over
etc.
of
guards
motives
I pressed
raid.
ranks
South
in
press
orders
features
and column
major
any selfish
and banishment
extenuating
reduced
the
He handed
P.O.
I.R.A.
defended.
denied
postal
(stamps,
in
I was
presided.
admitted
vehemently
a farmhouse.
witnesses,
think)
(I
whatsoever,
guilty
the
Daly
vigour,
him but
in
were
adjoining
of
parlour
area.
Lehane
and strong
As the
ordered
355.
As Cotter,
the fail-in,
dawdled
and myself
off
numbered
"Fall
in
the
in
all
laughter
to
dense
From the
miles
boats
the
people
moving
we,
could
be seen
us from
We. had heard
and
night
searching
that
there
Free
was to
State
troops
the
"Hughie"
Brady,
Killybegs,
had gone
in,
and
came back
a lot.
I
'Donovan'
did
not
the
publicity
north
in
the
which
notice
of
of
type
thought
much to
on the
a Crossley
dance
(an
Glenties,
road
house
back.
truck
all
strong
of
in
night)
we moved vest
A high
was the
probability,
Free
Staters
the
to
earthen
would
early
lay
back
selected,
home town
"Hughie"
himself
fancied
me too much of
suppressed
a lot
based
of
back
him thought
on information
be returning
dawn of
after
overlooking
school
that
the
to
Monday morning
an ambush for
The
position
his
in
vanity.
"Hughie's"
Acting
would
leader
and
whom I had
Lehane
evening.
all
and Ardara
and news.
reminded
'nabob'
Glendowan.
added
he
to
that
republican
soldier
As we
Killybegs
and reconnoitred
republican
with
heather
in
Glenties
intelligence
him -
like
local
streets
there
be a big, dance
from
see
wondered
town,
But no
the
We lay
three
we
and purple
grey
over
afternoon.
warm heather,
eyes.
scouted
a lot
with
was a conceited
of
enemy
be there,
and the
was Sunday
the
bog we
we could
that
sunny
by any one down in
background
that
a mountain
harbour
It
and smoked in
we had a wonderful
conceal
the
and fro.
to
lolled
too,
in
anchored
and
have
it..
Though we were
Killybegs.
day was so clear
the
fishing
if
of
port
we would
that
of
slopes
of
The description
humour of
see the
heather-covered
the
and
to
loudly
out
was a roar
ourselves.
us so aptly
fitted
not
down on the
away,
lazed
We laughed
called
There
Privates".
Crowley
as we rarely
Galvin
Dinny
body,
Divisional
Privates"
be very
looked
main
the
Conneen
Fitzgerald,
in hesitation
somewhat
round.
"Divisional
Galvin,
them on their
the
road
occupied
at
a school
the
356.
about
70 yards
back
downhill
which
rose
anther
the
bushes
scraggy
of
this
flanking
parties
at
isolated
spot
of
the
to
this
rear
the
of
experience
lone
crag
would
emergency.
I asked
passed
smoking
and little
and settled
the
and
face
of
ground
inside
the
and
bushes
as
supports
behind
the
cover
and cold
cramped
eased the tension
in
the
field
of
a sniper
of
and which
a retreat
by the
as a rifleman
McElroy
All
were
down to await
was
who had
I was
the
length
men s tood
against
the
bank,
Hence. they
tried
to
hold
themselves
brow
and stiff
in
by allowing
the
of
support.
He
in
readiness
about
the
their
in
It
banks.
upright
on the
sloping
soft
attacking
the
of
roots
the
positions
They
uneasy
berths.
Fretting
was difficult
the
firing
relays
often
time
their
use
lorries
was no
stirred
bank.
them in
State
There
of
an
in
Free
bank
in
boreen
positions.
any
If
the
oppressive.
firing
for
'put'
Hence
south
the left
dominated
besides
its offensive
fresh
behind
the
to
bog which
The men on the
the
in an
the
silence
to
I was
in
bank.
was nil.
potential
small
100 yards
a bit
and steady.
leant
so with
actions.
talk.
prone
inside
limbs
cool
positions
rearguard
cover
for
down into
remain
about
sloping
of
and we lay
(a.m.)
An hour
to
also
himself
4 o'clock
rocks
ambush position
potentiality
had proved
of
and on the
or
3 feet
A few
and boreen.
I was reputed
position.
of
schoolhouse
a clump
in
had plenty
posted
the
back.
and about
in attacking
40 yards
of
spots
grassy
outside.
grew atop
of
side
further
inside
on the
riflemen
a front
for
east
our
placed
fance
along
surface
and elder
thorn
houses
on the
more high
road
rough
Lehane
inside.
or
green
broken by
three
ran
track
or
on the other
stream
two or
field.
this
a boreen
field
hillside
with
patches
than
this
The bank,
level).
of
fence
mountain
steep
road
(below
roadsi4e
of
a winding
was 8 feet
The bank
higher
corner
to
and cultivated
field
was the
long,
southern
From the
a small
of
northern-corner
to
began
to
get
Lehane
stretch
and restless
their
from
357.
and Daly,
a weeping
was heard,
coming
A big
vehicle
dark
fire,
open
vanished
loomed
and Daly.
truck
passed
of
sight
past
it
a companion
cooped
Staters
from
Killybegs.
He could
boreen,
He did,
Then,
to our
ar6und,
mounted
two of
Killybegs.
Our men dare
whole
and position.
a bike
for
fleeing
the
dark
fled
in
fifteen
him to walk
turned
out
figures
terror
explanation
him concealed
taking
away
to
back
before
be a local
up before
took
them for
under
guard
enough;
in
the
Soon enough,
that
the
coming
As he came
on
wind
would
it
local
mad in
towards
give
seized
away, our
an old
rattler
Volunteer
guides
the
of
pursuit
Con was back with
him and knocked
was convincing
no chances.
like
jumped
(he
the
our
minutes
He had overtaken
forced
captive
by one of
tore
In
cyclist.
captive.
and
and
us)
as
No
to halt.
him
he turned
the bike
him like
fire
him,
him
bike
him at
the
boreen
of
Free
that
when
he had
His
we detained
the field
State
bike
The
so scared
nevertheless,
corner
the
so he said).
ghosts,
his
from
and all.
who had been
the
and
on0
appeared
scout.
men called
Con Crowley
along
(brought
scouting
not
think
cyclist
as,
driver
the
to
to.
hardly
had
over to Lehane
We waited
beginning
surprise,
and away with
signal
unmolested
only
cabin.
our
intense
It
I ran
with
he an advance
the
Lehane,
to pass
lorry
came slowly,
It
when
us when a lone
fooled
had
plans
truck
We were
immediately.
silence.
school
front
the
up,
the
of
the
up in
showed
truck
Free
of
the
distance
ambush position.
from
in dead
was a commercial
apparently,
abreast
whistle
the
the
in
alert
the
of
and
was
It
my post.
greyness.
came abreast
He had allowed
further
the
up in
the
out
On the
Lehane
was cold
It
noise
purring
Killybegs,
It
expected
I
Instant
Every
from
to
back
I vent
to
over
strolled
as dawn came.
when a deep
no lights.
showing
I
crag,
fog,
sunrise
before
the
a little
We chatted
clammy with
still
at
and waiting
watching
as we were
enemy would
358
learn
of
broad
daylight.
to
our
The
As the
morning
was now most
and
two men were
the
of
hard.
They
had a little
to
had managed
been
left
ere
sun began
a large
duck
(both
It
was very
eggs
in
the
were
carried
them.
our
food
only
There
they
have
must
on them
pockets
a hard
-
man. on a long
a hungry
to
restorer
rock
boiled
we breakfasted
in
an hour,
In
eggs)
was the
way
column.
the
between
welcome,
bucket;
away
energy
for
bucket
It
too.
back
sent
maybe.
and hen
eggs
salt,
out.
were
some butter
and
warm.
would appear;
lorries
State
It
and
light
some grub
collect
to
bringing
a great
egg is
boiled
poke
6 dozen
5 or
and what
eggs
got
Two scouts
cake
back
fun
was
Free
any
position.
our rear
bread
We expected
It
on in
at
hill
that
air
the
advanced,
unlikely
we held
up the
time,
morning
the
through.
struggle
stun
and
was clearing
fog
was
it
By this
and disposition.
presence
march.
The pangs
of
hunger
and set off
position
mountainous
country
across
The oral
got
worse.
chronic.
Yet
I rejected
medical
treatment.
(Kilsale)
making
joined
their
comrades;
way from
as
Dublin.
I coughed
to
a burden
pus and mucus and blood,
"look
my head.
longer
take
on our
bands
he continued
here,
you along
in
Donegal.
brutally,
Sick
"and
to
in
he said
lie
abed
a dirty
and
up and have
after
This
my
sat
want
a burden
a sick
man.
watch.
evening
of
mixture
on the
bed at
"we can no
abruptly,
don't
men are
you are
awhile
Bay after
column.
often
us and we
with
for
on guard and keeping
Lehane. came
Mickeen",
to lie
Donegal
republican
spitting
low
and Tommy Mullins
over
do my turn
on the
and coughed,
advice
I began
the
was becoming
Sean Larkin
crossed
having
I was unable
I was becoming
Lehane's
all
ambush
we lay
haemorrhage
Brigadier
us,
Here
Bruckless.
the
and bog to
moor and glen
above
My health
we abandoned
relieved,
you dying
to
here
us now",
You must
get
359.
rest
and hospital
towards
east
tonight
before
somebody comes along
that.
Here's
It
may come in useful".
with
a few items
was right.
I took it
and souvenirs
shared
so many excitements
resign
myself
to be wrenched
bound by so much friendship
this
bloody
Dinny
and all
which
Bridge
in
They all
those
the Cork and Kerry
leave
his
of me.
of parting.
had gone,
and Oh! so miserable.
to escort
Webley
revolver
me as long
brought
with
as I stayed
by the
Free
in murder
by name) after
expect
little
me, but
Stators
verdicts
me.
-
captured
words
cane along
Volunteer
I had kept
the gun with
of being
A Derry
jury
many of us southerners
fracas
in Donegal.
my
had
him to leave
I had a dread
the Newtowncunningham
mercy if
There
broken
Sean Larkin
in Tirconaill.
against
war began.
I sank back weak and dejected
I entreated
in Donegal
on Lifford
escapade
mutter
district.
with
came
rifle
was a sad faresell.
the Dunkineely
loaded
- the
the civil
only
and
the column.
the rifle
a local
fully
to
Crowley
Sean Larkin
of
later,
me back to
remonstrated
captured
Hours
Connect
drunken
It
and I could
they
whom
I tried
Lehane shook hands
lads.
days before
was a lump in my throat
After
I had
back in Bandon after
Ulatermen
from him after
theIr
took
from the
and with
and comradeship.
mad confused
was a
It
as privations.
came and I gave him over
I had taken
He
away from the men to whom I was
and Jimmy Donaghy and the other
Jack Shields
value.
from the column,
Daly came and Jack Fitzgerald,
Galvin
away In my wallet
sentimental
see you again
Mickeen, We'll
beo
war Slan Leat, Mick".
Charlie
days
few
arrange
I'll
I can spare.
it
so long
as well
a
and depressed.
lonely
whom I had soldiered
comrades with
"Good luck,
and put
to be parted
experience
heart-breaking
you.
all
of much
I was terribly
But
for
from Dublin
near
you can be
You may be waiting
- £6 odd - it's
a few quid
you back
until
up safely
in Dublin.
to hospital
brought
I am sending
Esk.
tough
where you can rest
Dunkineely
The column is moving off
at once.
treatment
in May.
had
(some
We could
360.
I
found
He was
house.
the
from
the
well-dressed
all
a returned
food
I kept
the
boy of
8 or
so in
with
curiosity
was dying
mother
visitor.
the
Finally,
boy who was craving
next
few
fast
friends.
sat
the
days,
by the
&
at
dreaded
the
first
with
asked
the
all
would
child
the
every
the revolver
sound
sorrow
that
was in
touch
with
Lehane
out
into
the
happy
ricks.
I advised
of
and ammunition,
arms
The rest
and
I picked
and care
up quite
and fear
would
firearms
better
the
the
We became
and
night
bit-eyed
as a kitten
the
force
and
I
house.
me to
and disturbance,
household.
where
hayfield
For
spend hours,
which
in
bring
at
kitchen
was
the
my side.
leave
I ate
There
he came,
approaching
and brought
him on the
her
let
In
the
and peaceful
he had dumped the
company's
and
about
I was as nervous
a raid
and bring
every
he
days,
man in the room.
three
tales
tall
hardly
voice
of
before
mysterious
boy would
possibility
to
After
me to
into
out
or
U.S.A.
my pillow.
time.
Webley.
worse,
ventured
the
The little
fire.
started
to meet
I ventured
fondling
admiring
her
under
house.
the
lady
attended
good and appetising
revolver
at
him -
kept
in
and salt
fine
A
so,
experience
water
was surprisingly
relish.
I had a large
35 or
of
over
Dorrien's
quietly.
resting
American
hot
of
In
where.
kitchen
She had had nursing
me a mouth-wash
a little
the
led
which
farm,
Dorrien's
a few days
for
the place
but
The only approach
was by a track
away)
skirted
lay
woman,
The
meal,
His
I
my wants.
and gave
with
(a mile
I.R.A.
the
of
in Dorrien's
Bruckless
beyond
inaccessible,
almost
to a room off
Here
bed.
over
captain
and which
I was confined
to
and
road
main
a bog stream
cozy
local
secluded
was very
and rest
shelter
if
use
not
Dorrien
Captain
me bits
of
Dorrien
showed me where
(all
care
shotguns)
and
safer
I got
at
Dorrien's
banished
a bit
in
the
spell
short
I
news.
I
under
hay
concealment
melancholy
my
stayed
there.
361.
Then one night,
a hefty
home,
stranger
a fisherman
of
or
year
in
Lehane
Dorrien's
a cottage
I felt
lonely
where
fried
found
the
about
upwards
we were
Dublin
a mile
had
five
or
small
mast
to cross.
six
and sail.
The owner
went
be
early.
of
breakfast
at
harbour
St.
driver
being
in
family
fishing
the
of
Arrived
land(luscious
at the pier,
moored
there.
This
was the
was up the
and helped
day
following
a hearty
acres
boats
I.R.A
Division,
We rose
Each
cows.
I
and
I was
The cows were
morn.
a few
a dozen
the
little
away.
was
Cumann na mBan would
for
the
I
latex.
wrd Western
the
Still,
was reached
not
to Dublin.
the early
McCullough
if
away.
who had cared
rose.
house
Dorrien
the
Staters.
my spirits
we set
and kept
of
Free
up and ate
a little
carried
cows.
in
the
McGullogh's.
my going
good people
myself
half
around
mostly)
the
of
at
in
peninsula
to
tears
by 4 p.m.
Estate)
me by train
Off
be milked
pasture
which
escort
of
to
narrow
farewoll
McCullough
H.Q.
Una McDermott
and spruced
many houses
those
trek
long
was midnight,
It
Divisional
point
to
boat
bed.
the
was in
thanked
when the
to
the
I bade
my guide,
mackerel.
John's
I
me up at
pick
long
fellow
(Gore-Booth
to
shaved
In
as
earlier,
for
with
the
Miss
waiting
I
too
along
Lisadell
at
little
He had
Bay.
and,
to
instructed
end of
bay.
Donegal
Bay to Mullaghmore
me from
straight
to be in
the
the
exhausted
utterly
once
in
active
Donegal
and harboured
I trudged
went
Into
out
me so well
at
leave
the extreme
and
household
as
to
a
Re had
home.
and Torn Mullins
Larkin
me across
now
across
fro
He had been
convey
near
far
jutting
Sean
himself.
I was
Sligo.
and was
son
the
who had spent
point,
and was now back
and
to
safely
and
John's
metropolis
republicans
across
brought
the
Dorrien
the
was McCullogh,
It
St.
In Dublin
two working
transporting
Sean
from
in
my arrival
after
appeared.
family
service
I.R.A.
6 days
5 or
hill
him on the
we
One large
vessel
driving
job,
while
in
in
362.
I
saw down on the
in
the
sea air.
strong
Six
and began
examining
morning.
The mackerel
intent
and
McCullough
arguing
talking,
to
boat
the
back
fiercely
man the
to
better
With
the
back
to
boat
let
to
pointing
me,
"must
is
The men murmured
was not
fair",
yesterday
as well
That
settled
oars.
Out
Donegal
quite
took
lurching
roomy.
At
first
after
I sat
the
I
said
nothing.
mackere
objected,
"after
losing
"Somebody
that's
in
places
the
Atlantic
the
Webley
gentle
may lose
more valuable".
pushed
amidships
man",
day's
men".
it".
says
midday",
and we
stroke
"This
sourly,
steer
every
about
another
their
enjoyed
man in
he losing
"and
into
rapidly
"you
each
no more time
and death".
other
men.
and
gun to
the
the
I
he walked
me back
we headed
south-west
Bay.
over
men took
handed
Himself
they
I, thought
followed,
before
life
McCullough,
Four
McCullough
aboard.
slight
it.
of
would
bringing
threatened
life",
I
with
there
a matter
they
"It
his
be over
as
gun,
hand,
them muttering
that
fishing.
right
and lose
there
some of
"It
McCullough.
boat
when McCullough
as he knew his
situation,
pointing
work.
fellows
him the
men.
their
latter,
bloody
I banded
his
These
Webley
me".
in
boat
me that
"these
the
wore
"Lend
earnest,
dour-looking
that
The men demurred,
I was.
about
angry
he ordered,
into
"get
They
on with
get
were
chance,
fishermen.
to
folk
two went from
was all
it
where
swinging
sulky,
you and you",
turn,
for
other
autumn
fishing
last.
The
back
what
him handle
revolver
the
to
in
he asked
came at
the
turned
two,
local
the
had the
they
to
earnestly
or
was a lovely
and
down
sauntered
fishermen
animatedly.
strode
it
It
boatman
to wonder
won't
craft.
while
I was beginning
a minute",
seven
"in"
sun and breathing
morning
or
were
rather,
talking
a minute
after
their
catches"
on "big
the
soaking
pier
and
the
at
boat
the
I stepped
off.
rollers
rocking
of
the
oars.
between
the
oarsmen,
and
of
the
The boat
was
as we left
363.
from the
and encountered
waters
shore
the
initial.
my
Atlantic,
of
feeling
the
really
bad
on the
seat.
I lay
of
seized
to vomit
the
in
there
across
Donegal
at
point
the
boat
Bay by a crew
of
my revolver
with
or
attack,
to
sling
assault
crew
embittered
mackerel
state
I don't
so feeble
in
then
had now put
mackerel.
fish.
vague
Whether
not
miserable.
physical
called
in
Bit
pangs
out
out
to
band
I
by hit,
and discomforts
look
McCullough
at
a large
It
of
in
the
my spirits
the
helpless
be for
my
go back
to
in
and
did;
their
my
sun
if
they
felt
down
shone
A couple
me.
of
voracious
a squirming
silver
or
with
watching
men with
a little
the
lines,
less
and my
Then McCullough
away
as
Into
out
I
recovering
off,
Helga",
it
of
be tossed
myself
gunboat
that
bottom
the
sunshine
easing
was the
opined
for
I felt
found
of
pulled
technique
gradually
commandeered
the
Bay,
baited
they
taken
I,
any resistance,
and body.
spirit
no notice
lines
As I
being
to
they
the
soothing
fishing
but
by Ballyshannon.
learned,
in
took
was the
the
say,
and
mid-channel
it
interest
mind
few moments
Every
I could
in
offered
if
something,
was
I felt
this,
a damn
hang over
the
to
be a relief
have
The rowers
splendour.
thought
give
I'd
and dejected
As we reached
I
and
vomit
me of
would
and
felt
came.
end quite
it
length
struck
the
athwart
How easy
to
heave
fishermen
seasickness
would
not
think
Here
hardy
lying
as
it
I would
the waves.
tried,
that
of
to
thought
me overboard
Even
fishing,
woebegone
the
I
it
Nothing
stomach.
full
boat,
and let
vainly
my position.
utter-ly prostrate
against
open trying
misery,
of
danger
the
out
impulse
up my head
my tortured
anguished
extraordinary
of
bottom
An overpowering
my mouth
up from
anything,
the
I lifted
me.
with
gunwale
lay
down in
by a
and a
headache
stretched
I
brand.
"hangover"
in
swelling
was succeeded
rest
Then came nausea
miserable.
superlatively
rollers
big
dreamy
uneainess.
vague
the
in
the
distance
we afterwards
was a Free
State
vessel
364.
arms and supplies
discharging
Ballyshannon
the
of
being
captured
I felt
that,
Suddenly,
freedom
sweeter
into
pulled
on the
far
friendly.
more
hand
though
were
they
others
were
all
Donegal,
to
for
roving
them
same men had to
to
take
the
got
in
cash
up from
and wished
out
the
I handed
return
it
bands,
admiring
to
to be in
full
hold
to
haste
which
at
a loaded
I guessed
Importance
and newly-bestowed
doubts
time
to
revolver,
from
his
manner
to
the
boat
back
Impress
first
the
authority.
neighbours
us
I
of
them
me
last.
him to
way he took
I had grave
the
was the
enjoining
eager
of
with
vigonously
Webley,
I believe,
to
day
Then as each
McCullough
it,
weapon
that
which
and fondling
the
earlier
these
all,
for
By the
to display
After
Hannon's
my faithful
get
and
Indignant
meal
and Godspeed.
he showed to
I offered
six
hands
himself.
Such temperance
whole
shook
of
the
pints;
on the
they
possession
fishing
I Insisted
quid".
was,
the
me.
gun-point
Lehane.
It
right,
drank
surprised.
"few
over
wore
on the
fishermen.
Lehane's
table,
Sean
so,
doing
all
of
me luck
To him
ever
Finally,
down to a substantial
sitting
paid
oars.
at
dozen
them
They were
I was more
be compelled
home to
with
me across.
refused.
emphatically
back
six
they
hotel
came all
surprised
ospeci1ly
ashore
the
when we
or
five
They
Two of
This
in
get
a drink.
abstainers.
of
espair
was around midday
them up to
to
an hour
d
caught
at
and
was sweet
As we stepped
anxiety
a little
shivered
abject
had
The crew
for
I
life
It
Mullaghmore.
was unusual
pay
all,
invited
of
I called
grounds.
after
lines.
I
Hannon's
hillside,
sea.
again.
myself
Mullaghmore.
mackerel
at
in
enemy garrisons
Camp.
Gone was the
still.
I was almost
ago,
and Finner
Barracks
thought
the
for
in
it
in
of
his
his
his
life
have
and to
and from
the
that
with
he longed
his
365.
at
I waited
from
away at
20 miles
about
impatient.
semi-derelict
Off
Round If p.m.
Miss
of
Ford
disposal.
O'Rahilly
I
Finally,
As the
ancient
we panted
into
his
car
a
at
where
gone a little
while
my
and Grange
Cliffoney
3rd Westearn H.Q.
She had just
McDermott.
put
via
Sligo
on I got
who possessed
to
vintage,
miles
some six
wore
evening
Hannon,
towards
republican
Lisadell,
Camp,
importuned
we rattled
to
transport
None came.
town.
Sligo
for
Hannon's
I asked
for
before
Seamus
of
as she
She would be returning
T.D.)
again
Devins,
shortly1
she did
she was awaiting
had mentioned
that
my arrival.
but
I decided
to go after
two Volunteers
not come.
taking
her,
in along
walking
with
me to
on a hill
learned
from
1ady
had passed
too
had been
with the
much for
wounded
to a Dublin
It
a large
local
farmer
the
back
with
were
I went
great
group
An armoured
of
farm
car, the
until
back
in
into
other
camp.
"Queen of
the
long
my
I
that
car
came
who recognised
Arrived
serving
the
a mile.
A motor
Camp.
buildings
my
and was to be escorted
The latter
the
But
of
so
no sign
but
I explaining
them,
or
an hour
camp.
after
McDermott.
the
and another
Sligo
the
we
Here
and tensions
to Rahilly
to H.Q.
a republican
sundown,
to
health
one Volunteer,
back
go and
towards
named Clarke.
as we travelled
let
Devins
by my comrades
a wounded man back
carry
Mrs.
between
by Miss
was halted
along.
that
I collapsed
me and
and broken
hospital
Sligo.
anxieties
me along
helped
companions
from
faced
We tramped
she had taken.
miles
outpost
I
(wife
we reached
slowly
the
Then
health
day were
in
at
Devins
until
guards
by walking
Una McDermott.
enfeebled
the way
three
I.R.A.
I waited
earlier.
of
about
the
Mrs.
Drumcliffe
through
outpost
with
me along
guide
on and on,
road
the
the driver,
was asked
I was put
sitting
with
the
sitting
Clarke
and his
here,
This
to
Clarke
consisted
of
Gore-Booth
West", was parked
car
the
Estate.
in
the
great
366.
barn
the
with
The 3td
hay.
officers
as well
occupied
the
mattress
on the
as officers
main
in
advised
me to
Div.
0/C.,
Miss
McDermott's
return
That
there
in
the
night,
of
positions
of
North
Connaught.
life
the
prime,
a
fire
comfort
and
a kind
social,
was great.
It
and
contribute
his
only
of
My version
forth
bogged
and
stool
I
clean
my discomfiture
Among those
my old
friend
republican
I could
not
my voice
two,
veteran,
leaders
in manhood's
It
was
declaim
as an encore.
north
But
the
well.
of
Katmandu"
I launched
But,
leaped
so I
air",
fairly
the
on
good God Six
a "straight
has
singing
was called
as the
to
I had
had to
stranger,
sing,
the
off.
Much encouraged,
Kid"
of
around
There
Idol
the rest.
forgot
round
alas!
I got
from
his
company enjoyed
it
as my declamation,
that
night
Town Clerk
Harry
were
me out
Seamus Devins,
Bradshaw,
manner
All
I could
"Ragtime
wood tire
started
many months
with
Yellow
who bad helped
Camp) erpedition,
grey-haired
passing
a big
and gay
and recitation.
Dan McGrew"
there
for
the
style
veterans
resistance
merry
time
"One-eyed
as well
all
and entertainment.
I,
the
in
republican
received.
down after
which
was
or
on "Dangerous
of
ceili-cum-concert
fun
was enthusiastically
I.R.A.
fear-an-tighe,
first
army
Pilkington,
and await
night
and natural
equipped
the
a bed,
of
some stretched
soul
a recitation
ventured
hearth
Pilkington,
Brigade
morning,
gathering
With
do a turn,
wisdom
the
the
something.
to
by Billy
in
great
fiddling
step-dancing,
Sligo
Billy
them that
were
of
of
with
was a big
was the
had such a night
section.
there
and
some sitting
blazed,
stay
the
of
and
staff
I was given
this
Un the
kitchen
huge
and units
farm residence.
floor,
Divisional
Western
Benson,
with
Bde.
of
Brian
0/C.
Sligo,
McNeill,
the
Gormanston
Sligo
and
Protestant
Tom McEviliy,
Div.
Adjt,,
(R.I.C.
T.D.,
and
old,
whose brother
367.
was killed
have
neighbouring
and
Ballintrillick
and
Sligo
Next
I assumed
alone
compromising
documents
small
packet
which
safely
for
in
Ireland"
and
1st
of
hand,
seal
my fate
Peadar
in
I passed
if
hill
an air
straight,
I could
avoiding
river
and
Every
moment. I expected
patrols.
river,
the
as
military
I met none.
I got
the
to
'wind-up'.
I
Court
and
encounter
the
of
Div.
Engineer
Captain
,ssession
on the
But,
which
would
from
Meshan's
Leaving
road.
I met few
sauntered
the
to
the
with
town,
I went
right
bridge
I could
State
over
town.
military
not explain
up
by the
the
the
on
as
along
swung right
flee
Deny
nut identity.
sligo
in
Justice
disclose
Nr
route
Why
it.
them).
Courts9
Lemass,
document
would
muster,
Nearing
High
Northern,
as
barracks,
the
Four
a
keep
for
send
was a dispatch
on the
the
the
into
with
part
1st
no interest
I would
to
was a treasured
It
on me which
post
himself
by Noel
dangerous
Adjt.
I.R.A.
and aroused
nonchalant
to
the
them up in
O'Donoghue,
signed
Another
Div.
last
Michael
loath
whatever
of
Courts.
captured.
O'Donnell,
the
the way
Pour
the
Pass
Seal
and
Div.
was a highly
it
I had nothing
Great
Comdt,
I was very
and
other
the
to
2nd Northern
of mine
to
the
with
issued
Guard
the
a "Permanent
long
all
and tied
or until
on the
Meehan's
at
Paddy Meehan
to
Dublin.
I decided
started
stopped
my possession
my return
included
sealed
in
I
I had collected
I banded
me (until
The packet
I
At Drumcliffe
and had a drink.
publichouse
Off
Dublin.
of
to
and McNeill,
Pilkington
reach
was no sign
As there
she had returned
with
to
town.
Sligo
Dublin,
surrounded
Benbulbin
of
storied
from
Free State troops
slopes
early.
that
conference
on venturing
to
I was about
morning,
a long
walk
in
Longford.
Una McDermott,
After
them
were
to a man by merc1ess
slaughtered
of
six
later,
on the
whom I
and many others
Mayo,
and Benson,
Devins
McNeill,
in
a few days
Alas
forgotten0
Including
Tans
the
fighting
Garavogue
as no
368.
enemy was in
shortest
way
then
bridge,
casually
and
turn
He looked
"Good luck"
He was gone.
With
A few people
idled
due to
in
leave
I bought
pit-a-pat,
easliy,
I got
to
around
my third-class
ticket
and
waiting-room.
Then
I got
forced
driver
of
looked
a round
and spied
once
to
the
the
night
noticed
moment,
I moved up to
the
on the
came in,
I
strode
as
Staters
found
the
class
to
took
the
The train
their
I
the
on the
narrow
right,
in
The lighting
a few
scraps
and pulled
out
I
made for
the
do now.
adjust
to
door
my
attire
no Free
me and
facing
two carriages.
was poor.
Its
into
The train
was made.
No Clarke,
myself
of desultory
He
his
and found
as
the
of
back.
My Decision
between
I
sat
in
only
down.
bright
I open
firstoccupant
She Smiled
conversation
the
last
saw that
boldly.
the
the
he
out,
platform
to whom I spoke
lady
whistled
walked
out
I thought
I drew
(pretending
space
he went
gave as a view
seats.
entered
doorway,
now at
I bad best
what
the
round.
peeped
my
Clarke
orifice.
platform.
emerged
toilet
Good!
in
and
then
in
detected
which
the
pacing
wondering
compartment.
pleasantly
a quiet
a
being
up and down the
view.
was an elderly
of
a window
me,
left,
looked
myself
was
sat down in
a shock,
looking
I moved quietly.,
out from.
in
door
Fearful
Passengers
I did)
unchallenged.
train
ticket-window
without
was
door.
turned
back was
toilet
me.
Clarke
passed
the
The Dublin
appeared
before,
the
platform
had not
platform.
I reached
station
platform.
understand
20 minutes.
of
at
the
the
say "I
to
bridge"?
he said,
"No",
seemed
going
corner
the
which
my heart
walking
and,
a tone
in
the
on the
me keenly.
at
him the
on over
"Any military
a
a mato
him for
I asked
"Straight
he said,
left",
smoking
me,
my nerves)
steady
station.
railway
Inquired,
then
bridge
the
to
(to
towards
him and asked
stopped
a cigarette
lighting
Then,
I
a bucket,
and carrying
pipe
a man coming
I met
sight.
followed.
sunshine.
369.
I
with
sighed
Dublin
and
exchanged
the
At
relief.
all
danger
small
talk
from
"gentry"
puzzled
me was shy
she did
not
take
he said,
wish
his
passed
"I'll
on,
soldiers.
For
armed
State
Free
to and
class
were
view
soldiers
piled
I
vanished.
quite
safe.
third
class
attenuated
It
so that
most
The
checker
reserve
of
was a fatal
hand was seized
next
full
there,
and
of
my first-
wide
Then
moved off.
and
"Oh,
change
I
would
eat
leave.
me with
too
myself
to a
I had
said.
far
the
My anxieties
imagined
I'll
station",
window
was concealed
platform.
ever
moved
war-kit,
much into
my
a few
only
Dublin.
next
As I stopped
station,
disembarking
from
at
halted
interior
on the
than
decision.
of a
the
as he
State
carriages
which
cash and
on reaching
handle
of
the excess
paying
was
semi-gloom
returned.
the
Free
on the rather
train
elated
at
a few people
the
the
more
the
outside
anybody
the
in
He consulted
stopped
with
and
you may
he said,
train
scrutinising
back
felt
six"
train
uniform
blinds
aboard
Collooney,
aside
for
of
the
and the
carriage
that
shillings
in
platform
drawn
partly
decided
few moments
soldiers
compartment
The
again".
compartment"
perhaps
I asked,
was swarming
I was you
from, the
at
the
"Irregulars".
"but
and
What
Certainly
a first-class
is
"This
manner.
me.
to
horrid
seventeen
pound,
station
fro on the
passengers.
those
"How much?"
be back
The
Ballisodare.
be so 'nice'
one of
excess".
"One
notebook.
should
and her
poise
one of
obviously
lady,
half-apologetically,
the
pay
old
her
came in.
quietly,
to
dear
accent
me for
The ticket-checker
the
with
she
safely
I was in
past.
her
bound for
aboard,
mood as I
an exultant
Ivan
last,
third-class
behind
I took
from
coach.
and
I felt
out
a few
the
on the
steps,
Jostling
and reached
train,
As I did
a heavy
platform
so,
my right
hand on my left
370.
two Free
would
I
"Vincent
O'Donoghue
College
in
those
the
over
the
with
They
a civilian
I noticed
down talking
earnestly
I had been
of
or
anything
in a corridor
around
me.
The carriage
was
nervous
and jittery
as
windows, and
military
the
were
and
interest
who
to
their
carriage.
of a window
out
Stators.
It
seized
further
was Clarke.
by the
military!
that
that
when
were
mistaken.
the
city
was got
that
show
identity
would
sat
was
the
at
time
I.R.A.
I would
smiled
the
ready
and
My
my innocence
I
smiled.
only
more.
by the
me cigarettes
I protested
satisfy
They
we passed.
and offered
Dublin
officers
soldiers
which
They
me to
State
the
through
the
reached
only
armed
enough
taking
Free
on
I was put
questioned..
four
they
All
were
They
Nothing
of
friendly
with
they
searched,
fun
country
refreshments.
any association
assumed
of
with
carriage
scanned
captors
and liquid
of
them back
I was further
seated
were
all
it.
me
feeling
me,
hands held
right
(their
my being
I was minutely
train,
my contention,
prove
a Dublin
and civilians
leaning
a group
explanation
I had no letters
me.
or
to
the
betrayed,
the
In
me between
pushed
Sligo?".
had searched
hands
disengaged
way,
was the
of soldiers
crowd
to
I looked
of
centre
going?"
mine"
to
I am sure
I was the
The officers
their
revolvers).
So that
and
in
with
night
you wounded and going
mixed
platform,
of
you
back
going
friends
heart
are
down here
Camp last
Rahilly
few moments,
to
curiosity
On the
with
I was flabbergasted
Hospital?"
all
you in
where
you doing
Mullamore
And weren't
Irregulars.
filled
in
are
You're
along".
as my palpitating
a student
Waterford,
of
the grip
come
names address,
"What
Dublin".
weren't
During
of
a holiday.
"Indeed;
your
in
myself
you,
as coolly
said,
"What's
permit.
"Spending
"We want
officers.
State
a mistake",
making
and found
I was swung around
shoulder,
I answered
them that
Some of
them
they
them were
371.
and
chatty
Then
another
At
through
of
spoke
station,
the
to
town
body at
least
crowded
with
farmers
and drovers
marched
through
were
company
farm
"Irregular"
Sean
the
McKeon,
idol
military
military
hour.
formed
the
Lehane,
hotel
Daly,
way to Dublin.
recognition.
queries
crude.
Rahilly
Camp,
to
along
- a proceeding
a Free
Farrelly,
months
Peadar
I
State
about
with
in
the
Farrelly
at
first
me for
Pilkington
of
in
officers
for
an
significance
but
corpulent
of
us were
a
in
one night
that
on our
He gave
was bullying
and Devins.
my
guard-room.
once.
information
the
room for
Truce
at
the
surprise,
whom I bad met
and a bunch
is
fair-
gates
guard
officer
the
the
times,
brandished
had much sinister
during
manner
that
their
orderly
officer
0'Donnell
the
my intense
interrogating
before
He grilled
the
him,
up by that
the
to
away
which
recognised
His
to
being
sticks
beaten
over
and,
Several
me with
I was kept
Who was the
to
tie entered
later,
gate,
I was taken
some time.
last
and marched
up again
State
hostile
being
and was handed
barrack
interrogation
Longford
when at
A few moments
Then
Colonel
of
bated.
fiercely
as anathema.
I was scared
and
and
evidently,
hero, bad gone Free
anyone
As we
I was a lane
were
Longford
men crowded around
barracks,
out
in
were
and creels,
and cures
quarters..
was regarded
guard-room.
back
all
the
main
and a shplants.
threats
throng,
midlands,
I was glad
day mob,
of
the
half-drunken
captors
time
carts
cudgels
some importance
local
of
threateningly.
for
of
that
"Irregular",
angry
day
led
The streets
day.
descriptions,
with
me from
captive,
at
an
End marched
train
us came the
was fair
It
over
fair
at
"Irregulars"
any
all
the
flung
of
Tipperary.
Two officers
Behind
them,
strong.
stock
the
off
Barracks.
Infantry
between
in
me.
I was taken
the
me prisoner
down south
experiences
awaited
surprise
Longford
way with
Jeers
their
no sign
and his
about
I clung
Sligo
to
and
my story
372.
and
protested
his
patience
had been
in
with
Irregulars
the
session
and
I got
was a large
guards'
on the
prisoners'
one room,
all
Comdt.
Scanlon
T.
from
of
and he recognised
the
and of
train
as
surprised,
out
smuggled
the
Results
spy and
informer
getting
the
innocence
to disavow
all
I refused
Longford
back
to
odd cigarette.
clear
State
captors
a small
I
then
That
me.
began
mattress
up in
off
I
slept
to
before
on
a note
He got
his
the
told
brother
in
tried
as a
This
country.
Scanlon
that
as a
of
persist
in my attitude
against
my arrest
I asked
he did
to
and
Scanlon
such purpose
their
doubts.
on the
floor
and a few
and
about
result
have
the
my.
me or anything
strike.
This
stripped
night
to
was
He was not
it.
on suspicion
on hunger
of
of
I
as a protest
and,
in
this
0/C.
my arrest
I.R.A.,
against
held
In
quartered
the
home and property,
out
Longford.
Food was brought
it.
his
from
exit
only
of
to
by the
from
being
knowledge
I was given
blankets.
suspect.
in
I was going
my Free
band
I was determined
tip-off.
injured
him my story
incriminating
I was only
that
Imprisonment,
that
I was yet
knew nothing
Clarke's
of
24 hours
usual
section,
building
main
and the
hospital
were
had been
and banished
the
1 had met Scanlon.
was seized
Clarke
while
captors
me and
from
secretly
Sligo.
happened
informer
of
The Prisoners'
treacherous
Clarke's
out.
This
was the
Leitrim.
I told
me
floor
military
town.
Sligo
another
of
it
bluff
40 prisoners
or
Sligo
after
prisoners'
stairway
About
quarters.
the
second
A single
quarters.
Sligo
my protestations
to
was the
Beneath
gates,
in
around
make me talk
in
he knew I
that
knocking
was determined
and put
away
dormitory
the
too
Be lost
matters.
boasting
me,
he'd
that
angry
I
innocence.
I was taken
at
Camp and had been
Rahilly
or two.
complete
facing
stoned
finally,
I.R.A.
of
ignorance
complete
evening
lay
fitfully.
to
bed,
All
the
prisoners.
smoking
next
day,
an
meals
but
were
cold
that
On the
water.
Captain
to him of
my case
were
told
that
him
stranger
their
midst
doing
Free
Fr.
So far
from
only
prisoner
he declared
further
and he
seventh
day,
Administrator
a spiritual
ended
be released
strike.
later,
all
the
other
a lone
treated.
I had the
up.
suddenly,
western
end of
the
a large
formerly
prisoners
republican,
views,
along
town.
there,
others
all
listen
night
of
him
the
Three
removed
of
to
days
and
Athlone
beside
I was ordered
There
four
the
I
I was well
guard
under
me I would
I abandoned
me day
to
dress
escort
from
the
Barracks
at
I was incarcerated
nondexcript.
to
against
the, Cavalry
locals,
was a
Cork)
nothing
a special
stable.
cavalry
hunger-strike
my case was being
of
Here
an angry
not
hospital.
one day,
me.
me that
the
to
of
Mayor
in
I was taken
eagerly.
and marched
hospital
other
I did
honour
abandon
assurance
were
day,
sixth
came in to
he provoked
hospital.
prisoners
prisoner,
Then,
it
to
On the
On the
found
On this
I was kept
was left,
get
they
forthwith.
hunger
and night.
if
whatso-ever
downstairs
I would
assured
Clarke
and that
investigated
(Lord
In a huff.
departed
nothing
and a few genuine
me to
interview.
in
"planted"
Longford,
persuade
McSwiney
the
Captain
in
was a
I
among a medley assortment
comforter,
to
Terry
That
suicide.
removed
I.R.A.
Scanlon
that
have
my hunger-strike.
arguments
that
me,
duty-dodgers
malingerers,
being
In his
scene.
would
I was the
the
Grey,
of
spoken
the
they,
my being
I was
I continued
casualties.
Rev.
knew nothing
and they
had
my protest.
support
day,
State
that
me
told
Governor,
surprise
they resented
nothing
Scanlon
Prison
Next
me.
Here
of
that
taking
food,
my fast,
State
to
nothing
spy on them,
do with
hospital.
Free
(I.R.A.)
and
to
day of
and expressed
the
total
I refused
third
the
Clarke,
prisoners,
to
to me but
brought
were
seven
some political
in
or
and
the
what
was
eight
prisoners
of
374.
My first
corner
all
I
barracks)
the
at
to
I had just
hospital
feet
from
all
the
walls
debris
and
cinders.
fusillade
of
to
pierce
the
of
bastards"
Wait
till
Then a voice
that
the
There
fellows".
out
of
and
friend
I got
up,
In
morning
would
confess
night
before.
challenged
to
found
out
in
the
crowd
that
comrade
peace
at
for
were
were
by the
were
only
three
and these
were
from
Ballinalee.
bangers-on
lawless
and disreputable
of
minor
criminal
activities
of
genuine
I
But
the
night.
the
of
me.
them
me the
my cheeky
Afterwards
republicans
The others
type
under
that
None of
success
there
like
attack
dirty
two.
"Stop
down to
there.
afraid
actually
lump or
The bombarding
of
the rest
the
you
murmurs.
dressed and advanced
in
"Stand
ye on one by
any tan
any rate.
lying
"Who are
door called:
treat
There
participating
riff-raff
republicanism.
the
near
up and tried
some of
to
a scattered
Then
the fellows
They
talk
take
coke
with
and bottles?"
I'll
I'll
I was emboldened
counter-attack.
I
and
too".
in
and
and
guts
of
another
throwing,
lumps
a shame to
'Tis
I was left
ceased
and
yourselves
the darkness
prisoner
I had one
stove
call
was silence.
and a republican
the
"Do ye
the
any
morning
blackguarding.
felt
"Ye're
of
the
a cowardly
stove.
throwing
ye have
up and be men if
sat
the
was a cessation
bullies
an
I
of
on the wall
was strewn
In a rage,
I yelled.
of
Then lumps
was thrown
bottle
missiles.
There
cowardly
one,
Another
the
comforts
me and my 'bed'
gloom down round
republicans?"
the
around
a
round
and dampness
burst
I was startled.
me.
assorted
the
a bottle
Crash
put
lying
misery
of
I thought
left,
away
struck
pack
me as
a
in
out. (in
lights
The cold,
I
were
others
After
sleep.
depressed
the
end.
other
tried
stable
a few
the
of
Most
my myself.
stove
large
which
and a few blankets
a pallet
I was given
bunch was terrifying.
by this
reception
night's
who indulged
the
cloak
of
were
in
375.
with
passed
vermin
- lice
abscess
gums. A
and dental
not be
Clarke
later,
released
the
walls
thick
using
a hole
boring
two mysterious
exercise
any
of
the republicans
should
callous
with
have
the
for
thankful
this
limited
cell
for
just
as
the
body
if
laid
stable.
the
fashion.
They
than
a month
were
Free
to
been
alive.
in
State
The
him.
cut
Free
one night
shot
dead
latter
near
for
the
Reddington,
them
were so
in
even
the
gloomy
world
our
efforts
excavating
Commanding Officer,
State
to
arm
agonising
with
from
the
as he walked
had been
Longford
the
dark
this
the
and his
outside
off
During
late
comrades
in
in
treated
They
world
kept
completely
Reddington,
rendezvous
surprise
hid
burled
Brigadier
(Leavy?).
a secret
ambush
with
He had been
by his
Longford
at
contact
One
shot
communicating
regaining
was brought
Longford,
in
without
later.
he bore
wonderfully.
they
of
but
where
who had
were
they
rose
more
day out
soldiers
spirits
hole
cell
wound had festered
flesh,
through
We succeeded
had been
But
hospital.
rotting
their
State
Longford
burrow
etc.
in
I would
Collooney.
been captured
When we succeeded
stoically,
through
our
mass of
to
day
fellow
sturdy
in
me o
Clarke,
that.
neighbouring
Free
for
luckily
at
pokers,
and had
in
-
guard
trying
medical
I
see Captain
the
confined
Keane's
brutality.
was a poisoned
pain
been
to
the
into
a fine
to
to
submit
medicals.
army
burst
my
from
infection
on suspicion
They were
them named Keane,
arm and
over
fork,
were
A large
me bluntly
us had been
3" diameter
whatever.
to
deserted
He told
arrested
prisoners
state
day I demanded
knives,
lice.
me to
advised
The abscess
a few of
infested
of
result
Free
came.
whom they
meantime,
the
I was handed
as
as a prisoner
the
release.
Then one
inside.
Two days
in
from
I became
especially
came and
doctor
demanding
on the
but
fleas,
nor cheek,
treatment
refused,
the
and
inside
formed
diseased
In
and no word of release.
Weeks
I.R.A.
mortuary
beside
a trap
into
Commandant
decoyed
where
Free
acting
the
to
of
a meeting
Staters
decoy
were
went
in
376.
ahead
alone
turn
In
days
I
pity
and good
there
lay
a little
food
only
Captain
(by
flattery
eternal
and no notice
taken
intentions
no doubt,
which
brought
they
After
Free
On the
ten
outside.
ambulance
was driven
warmer.
into
in
take
felt
gawking
After
a bed
a long
Next
at
me.
wait,
in
I was stripped
bed between
day an elderly
sheets.
officer
me in
the
rolled
to
a Red Cross
the
being
We were stopped
State
collected
military
naked,
round
where
the
a little
I was
hospital
washed and
I was given
came in,
officer
and felt
Athlone
the
a pitiable
in
and then
the stuff
we reached
strike,
and shivering,
Free
crowd
I drank
In a room by myself
Barracks.
a lovely
in
a curious
me
persuade
came in,
brandy.
As the
came in,
for
jolted
The back was opened
myself
of
me.
and worsened
and
and put
we stopped.
a drop
me the. brandy,
Custume
brandy.
I
off.
to
weakened
and weak
wondering
at
one-man
and dirty
eat
secretly.
Barracks,
tried
soldiers
with
me to
persuade
and again
night,
For
food.
wondered
up the
whatever
My comrades,
Cavalry
give
I
cookhouse
confab,
came again
and then
to
the
my condition
a pub in Ballymahon.
ambulance
0/C.
to
days,
I,
seemed,
I was asked
brought
to
me on a stretcher
ambulance
opposite
tried
They
a long
thirteenth
placed
blankets,
it
me.
from
State
In
The captain
doctor.
of
I was weak and lousy
condition.
at
mistake
gain.
no food
for
craving
my sufferings.
me and,
considerably.
put
not
strike
and took
mattress
and otherwise)
I refused.
on hunger
the
0'Callaghan,
down beside
hours,
dull
aggravated
sat
I went
my lousy
to
helped
Cigarettes
and
treachr7l
dead in
was shot
returning,
release9
stretched
stayed
in
did
smelling
who,
own men.
Now refused
That
(?)
Leavy
The Brigadier,
up.
by his
moot
to
medicine.
talked
to
put
and
me
377
for
long
a
the
time
nor
for
many,
1923.
I underwent
in
cells,
the
told
meI
I decided
hunger-strike.
then
and
but
to do so.
many months
later
many sufferings
my prison
day.
Signed:
Date:
Witness:
wouldbe released
life
But
on into
in
story
hospital
must
if
I gave up
I was not
of
the
spring
and later
wait
freed
another