ROINN COSANTA. BUREAU OF MILITARY HISTORY, 1913

BUREAU
ROINN
COSANTA.
OF MILITARY
HISTORY,
STATEMENT
DOCUMENT
NO.
1913-21.
BY WITNESS.
1.195
W.S.
Witness
Potrick
Doherty.
cloone,
carrick-on-shannon,
co. Loitrln.
Identity.
and later
commandent
letina
vico-cormendent
1st Battalion
south leitrim
Brigade
Subject.
clnone
cxpery
tuath
leitrin
Brigade,
1917-1901.
Conditions,if any, Stipulatedby Witness.
Dil
File No. S.2507
Form B.S.M.2
STATEL1ENTBY PATRICK DOBERTY. C.C.,
Cloone.
place
school
there.
It
I was then
established
sixteen
about
relative
Bernie
Ryan was the 1st
of mine,
2nd Lieutenant.
Peter
a fortnight
was then
joined.
who was
Haguire,
and John Donoghue
Lieutenant
and
Brady was Company Adjutant
The Section
commanders
John Lennon and
John Mulligan,
Donnelly,
then.
Company Captain.
Company Quartermaster.
were Michael
there
when I
Frank
of age.
years
a near
John Harte
in February
There was a company organised
Cloone.
was only
Volunteers
the Irish
dI joined
is my
I went to the local
and where I now live.
native
which
Co. Leitrim,
I Was born in Cloone,
1917 in
Co. Leitrim.
Carrick-on-Shannon.
James Mulligan.
The strength
all
ranks.
initruction
He had
of the company was then
Capt.
Maguire
we got and took charge
had some previous
National
then
military
of our drill
a few of our members had revolvers.
were
generally
'Bull
in secret.
garrison
seem to
carrying
The R.I.C.
in Cloone
'catch
on'
but they
principal
activities
strength
increased
recruits
to the
All
had a small
did
not
this
slightly
organisation.
time.
by the
were
parades
and
barracks
interfere
with
Drilling
which were numerous,
at
usually
one on
weekly,
to our activities.
of dispatches.
the
Such revolvers
twice
Sundays and one on some week-night.
held
with
more or less
type
We had parades
Dogs'.
parades.
We had no arms except
that
old
fortyfite,
the
imparted
tralnine
or Redmond volunteers.
of an obsolete
about
us or
and the
were our
As time went on the
taking
We did
not
in of
take
some
any oath
2.
or make any promises
when we joined
whatsoever
dances
and concerts
or brigade
just
In order
then.
but Well
in
funds we organised
to get
There was no battalion
and suchlike.
of companies
or the nucleus
touch with
at
in South Leitrim
orgenisation
companies
or reservations
each other
this
time
in different
and co-operating
areas
where
necessary.
went on like
Things
early
of which
part
Our membership
the
on into
this
of this
influx
fell
to us in 1919.
were
to one hundred
and twenty
were
to fight
everyone
and training
were
During
seat
there
in July
for
they
hurley
Shin
taken
the
sticks
punctured
their
pledge.
Drilling
no special
otherwise
to meet the menace of conscription.
by-election
Fêin,
the
Maguire
were held
but
and had nearly
East Cavan, which took
in
won that
1918 and at which Arthur Griffith
to assist
and Capt.
went around
were intensified
precautions
place
also
and the Volunteers
a good sum of money for
the anti-conscription
sign
members.
individual
in collecting
The Volunteers
There
mentioned
previously
was started
conscription
instrumental
this.
to
belonging
arms.
regarding
was none execept the few revolvers
A fund
number
came we
crisis
conscription
same position
and a few shotguns
down a large
but moat of. them came back again
away,
When the
in the
still
extensively
had died
the crisis
After
came upon us.
now increased
of the Volunteers
and soon we were from a hundred
strong.
crisis
conscription
in the
1918,
about
twenty-five
local
men.
took
which
they
cycles
They travelled
On reaching
charge.
up by a party
Volunteers
of military,
were carrying
by putting
went over
on cycles
Bailieborough
who took
off
bayonets
the
them and
through
the
3.
However,
tyres.
in
the electoral
All
and to have their
managed to proceed
and they
repaired
cycles
they
did duty
three
They were away for
area.
booths
on the polling
days.
got back home safely.
In August 1918 a brigade
being
for
was held
appointed
Gorvagh for
Joe Beirne,
who was later
and others,
and Frankie
was,
I think,
Battalion
and our area
Battalion
Adjutant,
Quartermaster
and Vice
The companies
comprising
"Packie"
Coagrave,
Capt.
'C'
McIntyre,
Capt.
John Joe McGarry,
"F" (Feargiass),
McEnroy,
Capt.
'E'
John Lee,
The position
Frank
the
country
D'
Magui.re,
"G" (Drumeela),
Patrick
armament remained
the
election
and in our area,
(Cornageeha),
Brian
Capt.
Capt.
(Carrigailen)
Keville
same.
was held
as elsewhere,
meant a huge amount of work for the Volunteers.
which
Sinn Féin was the political
side of the movement,
organisation
conducting
the Redmond or National
the election
party,
checking
collecting
polling
subscriptions
registers
campaign
the Volunteers
of the spade work and were busily
voters,
Magee
Peter
Capt.
Kirwan,
"H" (Barnacoole),
'A'
were:
(Drumreilly),
In December 1918 a general
throughout
Barney
Commandant of the battalion.
Capt.
as regards
Battalion.
and Johnny Conlon
(Aghavas),
Capt.
(Cloone),
seán
Battalions
0/C,
the battalion
'B'
0/C.
became the 1st
Battalion
was
Adjutant
Brigade
Quartermaster.
was appointed
Briody
Vice
Gorvagh with
at
was appointed
of Volunteers
Ned O'Brien
occasion.
killed
Sweeney Brigade
were now organised
SEAN
this
0/C and seán Mitchell
Brigade
Connolly
A big mobilisation
South Leitrla.
at
came into
organisation
employed
for
the
and suchlike.
this
Although
was the
against
did
most
in canvassing
election
fund,
On polling
day
4.
did
they
those
in
They also
the return
had also
R.I.C.
went off
clashes
1918.
There were
aren
The night
escorted
one R.I.C.
were now obliged
every
for
the
this
I.R.A.
the night.
collection
for
At least
householder.
subscribers
them
with
man
This
end of this.
to the
and later
force,
to an oath
declaring
All
Republic.
members
of allegiance
as the elected
now floated
government.
Club handled
A number of
were
on they
a public
a £1 was subscribed
the Sinu Féin
loan
We
loan
was made by the Volunteers
The Sinn
members of
and took
assembled
oath and we had no losses.
The Dáil
subscriptions.
Dáil
Irish
and a house-to-house
were also
company
Carrick-on-Shannon
the Volunteer
and the Dáil
our men took
and accounting
in
where a
him do so.
to 1et
to subscribe
to the Republic
were now the
for
to travel
1919 the 1st
them to be the army of
receipt
in the area
from the R.I.C.
the responsibility
every
and there
boxes to Carrick-on-Shannon,
refused
In January
All
the polling
ended the Volunteers
man named Ward tried
resigned
over
at
in nearly
branches
boxes were leaving
the Volunteers
later
The
guard was mounted on them throughout
When the ballot
way
in the area.
organised
the polling
the ballot
Volunteer
but
small
in
and in this
peacefully
anywhere
Cwnann na mBan was also
votes
their
candidate.
men on duty
some of their
were no serious
record
or dead,
Féin
of the sinn
that
to ensure
in some cases,
in,
indulged
but everything
stations,
could
who were absent
voters
personating
ensured
Sinn Féin
sympathy with
freely.
stations
the different
at
duty
issued
received
by
the money
the Volunteers
All
organisation.
with
a temporary
an official
receipt
5.
the
from
in an effort
not
of
to force
the
to supply
any sort.
R.I.C.
of
had been growing
between
the R.I.C.
which
associated
no longer
them in any way and they were
and treated
a few exceptions
A void
and the people
and the people
witih them or spoke or assisted.
of course,
to
did.
they
and ordered
or foodstuffs
were now compelled
which
traders
force
provisions
supplies,
avoided
All
resign.
commandeer their
generally
to be carried
the R.I.C.
the Volunteer
with
The R.I.C.
was now accelerated
Dáil.
the
them to
by members of
were visited
of
a boycott
ordered
G.H.Q.
out
of Finance
Department
There
as outcasts.
to this
but
rule,
were,
generally
The
as an alien
force was treated
enemy force.
the
that it was hoped and there
boycott had not the effect
were no mass resignations.
did
pollee
Patrick
Conbtable
Towards
a general
raid
Volinteers,
where
it
that
the
end of 1919
for
arms was ordered
This
masks,
area
supply
of different
types
ammunition
even a sporting
and there
that
a big
wear
for
same.
rifle.
were no shooting
barrel
picked
of
percentage
therefore,
masks in order
type,
and a small
up a few revolvers
amount of
We got no service
affairs.
to
a big number of
and a small
The raids
the area
were arms of
was necessary,
and single
and calibre
house in
there
We collected
We also
The
by G.H.Q.
every
should
identity.
of cartridges.
assorted
visited
Orangemen and it
both double
shotuns,
and
in the harvest-time
contained
our men when raiding
their
P. Carroll
Constable
was known or suspected
loyal
conceal
not
on
the local
Curran.
wearing
any sort.
Unionist
later
resign
two of
However,
went off
Generally,
weapons
peacefully
and
6.
a matter
them for
of asking
and raiding
at
his
we started
to collect
also
up before
up all
to take
intention
about
the
started.
same operation
of the
information
arms in the country.
seventy-five
shotguns
and were
of them were unserviceable
then
was soon apparent
It
had previous
our headquarters
We collected
arrived.
they
the arms
all
kept
them and had the area
a jump ahead of
we were always
enemy's
them with
the arms the R.I.C.
to perform
started
to
be persuaded
had not
forces
after
some of the
but
Things were quiet
own house.
by the British
and military
hat
had to
The Company Quartermaster
mostly I think,
but
cleaned
guns,
methods such as threatening
do so by rougher
a revolver.
their
was only
it
Population,
elements
and Unionist
Protestant
Shortly
the Catholic
amongst
particularly
only
but a big number
In fact,
scrap.
they were dangerous.
In
All
1919 a boycott
were
traders
firms.
or firms
the
Generally
with
trading
pope in this
traders
the
Mohill
and here
valley
below the
boycotted
continued
and,
of
road.
into
bread
successfully.
polie
duties
polide
force
I was detailed
to
to
them.
listed.
although
One trader
warned,
continued
bread-van
bread
named
of bread
supplies
get
the van,
to do
between
and all,
That ended any attempt
into
the
to bring
Cloone.
couris
The Siam Féin were
very
Belfast
to us and stopped
our men met the
and upset
with
who were black
Counties
notified
bakery
One day six
to trade
not
were loyal
firms
willage
from a Belfast
so.
instructed
in the Six
goods was started.
Belfast
of
now organised
were now performing
The Volunteers
in conjunction
of Volunteers
to take
with
and functioning
the
was organised
charge
of
this
A special
courts.
for
force
this
purpose.
in our area
7.
and was given
mmen for
five
was in
settling
others
to have their
The people
and the British
Féin
courts
was very
were very
and easily
secret
to the
Three
as judges
latter
the
of
before
sentenced
a Sinn Féin
the medical
expenses
area
The R.I.C.
did not
to Mohill,
while
tricolour
barracks
we did
barracks
flag
at
not destroy
his
kiving
evacuate
at
Farnaght
orders.
in the
The R.I.C..
This
Generally
with.
barracks
The Sergeant's
before
also
and the
time
wife
a
the ruins.
Another
1918.
evacuated
was not destroyed
the
until
which was
up and put
of
point
Commandant at
barracks
and also
and one of our men,
climbed
hot,
or
He was
withdrawal,
burned
over
The. man was
the local
had been evacuated
this.
Harte.
of detention
and easy to deal
still
were held
of a dispute
out
which he paid,
on the highest
Agharas
as the Battalion
out
were
and Mr.
and tried.
we. had the premises
the walls
in
farmers
large
Foley
an hour of their
Within
they
the man he assaulted.
of
was a peaceful
1920.
Cloone
in a place
Court
a fine,
to undergo
were held
first
by Volunteers.
guarded
inexpensive
we had to make an arrest.
the year
case arising
unknown destination
taken
Mr.
and, what
were
men of standing
man was kept
This
property.
The Sinn
people,
at
Courts.
well
very
decisions
evacuated
Mr. McKenna,
This was. an assault
July
ordinary
The courts
local
part
Courts
in their
but when the R.I.C.
ated
this
fair
available.
in public.
In
Sinn Féin
were almost. deserted.
Courts
importent
by the Sinn Féln
cases tried
to the
reacted
and in convincing
between people
disputes
work
Our principal
the duty.
their
either
failed
and family
to carry
were still
Commandant was too thender-hearted
to have them thrown out and the house burned.
8.
Prior
to the
who was now Brigade
Seán Mitchel,
the
funeral
Mohill
at the
attack
on Cloone
flu
local
R.I.C.
which was raging
I did not
I attended,
but was in
rank
of police.
charge
I knew all
in
police
the
was to be known about
there
their
barracks,
consisted
of five
Sergeant,
who was married,
to the
barracks.
around
the
this
meeting
than
trying
at
as drill
to take
as yet
it
sandbagged
to our
I put up a plan
the barracks
by a ruse,
by an attack,
the same time
yards
at
rather
which was adopted.
out on to the
always
carried
to barracks,
to Pope's,
which was
each evening
from the
door to where I live.
returned
wire
were wont to go to Heeran's
two hundred
looks
house next
a small
instructor
the meeting.
to capture
at
in
The
but the windows were heavily
who acted
Two of the R.I.C.
publichouse
lived
There was no barbed
Company, was also
two R.I.C.
The garrison
and a Sergeant.
Constables
barracks,
Brennan,
the
and armament
strength
and movements generally.
and habits
mission
at which
officer
hold
of the
A meeting
time.
although
next
in 1918 from
Mick Brady was the
of the Company was held
as yet
Ryan was now
Bernie
then.
at this
an
to prepare
had died
Maguire
officers
about
garrison.
sent word with
0/C,
barracks.
Company Captain
Frank
and 1ts
of a Volunteer,
0/C of our battalion.
the
a
barracks,
of our Company, whom he met in
Lieutenant
1st
it
to capture
had been formulated
plan
of Cloone
evacuation
and which
barracks
The window of my sitting-room
back of Heeran's
revolvers
and,
publichouse
The
yard.
when they
two more would leave
another
is
on a similar
in the
town.
9.
Heeran's
R.I.C.
men entered
and disarm
Heeran's,
and whistles,
returning
to barracks.
picked
because
in
police
the
feign
and kick
from the
Our party
dragging
their
was hoped to get
remainder
Sergeant
the Sergeant
front,
All
them,
in this
and,
were to lie
low until
of their
comrades,
there
and one Constable
Sergeant
to
arrangements
and all
men detailed
their
allotted
positions
got a revolver
occasion.
The Vice
his
bring
for
on the
would be
the
this
back of the
in
house.
the
off
the
and
time.
ruse were
job had taken
night
set
for
the Brigade
was a six-chamber
revolver.
up
the
Commandant of the Battalion
from Sean Mitchel,
This
had gone
number at the wall
in
of
in the barracks,
at
up position
the
the assistance
to
it
way,
Meanwhile
second two police
ready
the
to the barracks,
house and a simllar
adventure.
uniforms
to proceed
would be in his. own house at
to keep the
two
and they would
aid,
When the
Two men were to take
Sergeant's
at least
to the barracks.
of our party
assistance
assistance
and their
was opened and then rush
the
only
with
admission
comrades.
to the
was hoped that
were then
prisoner
for
calling
up and detained
They were
place.
would come to their
taken.
their
It
barracks.
be held
barracks
in the
shindy
army deserter
as a British
whistles,
police
done so, Were to
having
Brennan
up a general
likewise
the
and,
to dress
were then
physique,
Frank
more Constables
to keep them from
Two of our men, speciafly
uniforms
to blow their
them up
belts,.
uniforms,
etc.,
of their
arresting
were to bold
they
their
them and take
revolvers
two
in my house and, when the
and others
yard
in
was to have some men concealed
The plan
0/C,
had
for
He.
10.
I and another
our house,
man named Harte
the
awaiting
five
started
or snapping
him to be careful,
that
answered
He pressed
bullets
was all
or pulled
shot went off.
I
the
he had actually
that
or hitting
lodging
which
find
of the house and told
at
and he
loaded,
and a
and
deliberately
from the
lead
of the
round
bullet
and 1 saw the direction
at
the
shouted
was no danger.
this
no trace
anywhere,
now came into
and then
once too often,
he did
the gun was pointing
My mother
there
removed the
as I could
previously,
I
gun was still
trigger
believe
revolver
trigger.
right,
of
The Vice
from the
the
the
that
it
the kitchen
fun to start.
Commandant took
pulling
were in
the
kitchen
him never
shot went off.
the
time
in
him out
and ordered
to come near
the
place
again.
The game was now up,
hear
the
the
sitting
that
it
shot
in the
at Rogan's
off
house.
of barracks
the
The police
they
that
did.
that
we would have another
never
after
got another
daylight
was at
Gorvagh,
time
on, another
shot.
after
This
that.
was evacuated
as we
chance to put
our plan
to the
we burned
barracks
in broad
a force
some few miles
burning,
the
at
We
later
try
activities
the barracks
as soon as the
this
the matter.
the man who fired
this,
As stated,
of the
and discussed
away from all
did not
We met later
night.
decided
Shortly
boys in Heeran's
This
night
man was kept
went to
and to meet later
that
but without
easily
and to disperse
Rogan's
night,
could
police
I immediately
barracks.
room window and told
was all
come out
as the
the
police
had left
of British
Cavalry
away from Cloone.
we were having
the
a general
test.
town.
There
camped at
On the
oelebration
night
at
11.
where we used to hold
Hall
pope's
While
the
were in
celebrations
named Theresa
Sweeney,
Hall
and told
us that
lived
on the
in her
bare
About twenty
thanks
in
feet,
before
little
girl's
been all
the
horses
were proceeding
heard
them coming while
from her
Hall.
only
Other
frightened
to venture
especially
in
those
of a pair
same girl
on the
times.
saved
and bogs,
They fired,
at
in evading
them.
There
books.
let
Volunteers
afterwards,
of the
refused
about
succeeded
to
for
some shots
into
Curran's
this
burn all
into
fifteen
house.
rate
his
his
who was 0/C of Aghavas Company.
fired
the
enemy movements.
to hand over
the Volunteers
She
by using
named Curran
ordered
enemy
rounds-up.
but she always
when a number of them went there
Paddy Charles
times
enemy lines
were
books, and Curran
He would not
made her a
of their
scale
collector
The Volunteers
district.
collection
was a rate
and their
at night,
and warn our men of the
her a few times
She had
age would have been
our men by warnings
the
the
her,
pace.
position
road
were large
this
some distance
Several
would make her way through
fields
for
The Volunteers
actions.
when there
approaching
of her
children
out and
for
at a walking
the
but,
we would have
of shoes as a token
of her
appreciation
not
they were still
out
night
Fortunately
own house and realised
intentions.
present
were it
She
and a half,
to get
and intelligence,
bravery
in
that
had time
we just
the
to warn us.
troopers
Cloone
arrived.
they
caught
were coming.
of the
entered
troopers
girl
came into
years,
and had run a mile
front
to her warning,
disperse
this
aged eleven
side
a little
progress,
the troopers
Gorvagh
etc.
meetings,
house
under
The
The
12.
matter
was reported
he ordered
that
whom Curran
put under
had insinuated
arrest.
Sean Mitchel,
0/C,
the Volunteers,
was with
There was some sort
Curran
and
and a man named Murphy,
the Volunteers
between
spleen
to the Brigade
be
of private
and Murphy,
neither
were placed
under
of whom were
Volunteers.
The Volunteers
the
Cosgrave,
went to get
Battalion
0/C,
We arrested
Murphy.
whole
lot
to Cloongrange
Staff
were there,
Volunteers
for
were taken
The Volunteers
to the Volunteers
there
and released.
court
that
In
tried
about
road.
A system of
signalling
down it.
road
at
a very
with
shotguns
were
also
high
the effect
the habit
to Carrigallen.
time.
There
of a shotgun
to come.
sent
that
via
with
in
the
party.
of the
There
We lay
our scout
from Carrigaflen
Aghavas to Mohill.
the R.I.C.
side
by
men, armed
slugs.
Eventually,
up a signal
picked
on the
were twelve
filled
were made
Signals
the barrel
of revolvers
the lorry
which was being
was to
at this
and cartridges
hill
to take
had been worked out and was
bad bend.
up on the
tried
on the
wese in
We took up a position
a couple
for
from Cloone,
of R.I.G.
and by using
blowing
waiting
a mile
from Mohill
road
area
the
blasts
by bugle
an ambush was planned
A lorry
that
in
and handed
He was later
there.
1920,
of travelling
operating
in Longford
Volunteers
him.
September,
Carrigallen
other
to
Seán McBoin was a member of the
at Racullen,
place
from the
were allowed
Three
Murphy to Ballinamuck
the
The Brigade
questioning.
go homeand Murphy was detained.
him over
Volunteers
Murphy and brought
and statements
and Murphy.
and I took
and six
myself
and Pat
arrest;
had been to
The signal
13.
a man.
Carrigallen
and arrested
a certain
number of calls
we could
that
not
would endanger
the R.I.C.
Patrick
adjacent
hill
with
their
passed through
Next day we learned
0/C,
of the
top
the
that
Bohan.
and returned
one time,
in the
man had spent
This
America
at
was living
here.
owned a business
Bn.
for
himself.
to get
to try
wearing
customers
and warned
under
them,
to trade
with
startes
a boycott,
Bohan's
gang raided
Tiernan
and abused Tiernan's
matter
at
time.
to Cloone
with
his
In this
and,
with
premises.
to Bohan's
brother.
house.
After
named
This
Company Captain
0/C,
some other
he
way,
and mother.
to him.
the matter
He
to Mckenna's
of Mckenna's
I went to the Brigade
came out
lived
peaceful
of severe
threat
I was the
some
premises
means.
masks,
father
to me.
and reported
proceeded
through
the house of a Volunteer
Mitchel,
and I
were now
business
Mckenna.
so to speak,
was reported
this
had,
which
in Mohill
more forceful
a gang who went,
not
uncle
premises
this
organised
penalties,
in
some money through
He was unsuccessful
and decided
means,
These
William
by a man named McKenna who had
and now thought
leyacies
0/C in lieu
time
Bohan's
premises
Bohan had come into
it.
to
a man called
area
had gone down, and was sold.
bought
prisoner.
a considerable
to live
owned and conducted
and, while
was dispersed
their
homes. Cosgrave had been appointed
of John McGarry (deceased).
There
some
was our Battalion
prisoner
Our party
Cosgrave.
as we
from our position
We withdrew
and were up on the
there,
of R.I.C.
party
by
now
We realised
who was probably
prisoner
Volunteer.
important
was conveyed
or blasts.
ambush the
the
This
Sean
Mitchel
Volunteers,
Bohan at
this
an investigation,
he
time
14.
by us and brought
Bohan was arrested
house where we kept
was then
he paid
Before
Mohill
and moved in
Mohill
to collect
tailed
to do either.
to attend
area
and I held
with
grabbed
was behind
on the
road
It
us.
me.
top
from him to give
hill
that
the bullet,
close
under
my coat
my arm,
and under
my breast
in
the
detachment
the
9th
R.I.C.
1920,
of them,
barracks
of November.
them came to the County,
the
holding
he,
having
Donnelly,
asked
discovered
had passed
by Brady,
a piece
ripping
O'Donnell
a shot
and I then
fired
accidentally
In November,
first
off
to get
When we got up to the
was,
me what had happened to my coat,
brother
the money and,
way.
where Donnelly
bright.
brother
While
to us.
with
Bohan go his
we let
and quite
me where I was still
returned
come upon
might
Bohan's
the money, Brady let
behind
of the
time
I
a watch
keeping
forces
the
Donnelly
and Brady
him;
was on a hill,
at
way
and trap.
a horse
by the head and held
O'Donnell
got it,
they
We were armed
Glebe.
Drumarkin,
5 p.m.
on his
Michael
Owen Brady,
Bohan, went to Bohan's
was away getting
but
him,
and,
a man who worked with
and who was with
accidentally
rearrest
funeral
case any British
John O'Donnell,
horse.
or to
mother's
was about
the £9. 0. 0.
fine
Donnell
in
in
We asked the Volunteers
He was driving
horse
a house in
he bought
fine,
Bohan came out to the Cloone
him up at
the
this
afterwards,
revolvers.
He
guard.
£9. 0. 0.
there.
the
his
back to Mohill
two weeks under
him for
and fined
tried
to a disused
out of the
cloth
of
pocket.
the Black
arrived
in Mohil.
There
and Tans
and took up quarters
I think
was quite
and they
or the
it
was on
a big number of
established
strong
15.
in
garrisons
all
the
now became very
had remained.
Things
men immediately
became very
the R.I.C.
where
towns and places
and those
nasty,
to raid,
and started
active
The day that they arrived
hold up and abuse people.
Mohill
The first
in
they raided Cloone that night.
who were both in the
brothers
near
bullets
in
took
lodged
the Reynolds
escape
the
and then let
and punches,
visited
a Volunteer,
John concealed
himself
at
the
fixed
big
him,
three
they
other
took
an escort
into
in escaping.
houses that
night
a ravine
down on their
brother
also.
the
not hit
oldest
two or
At Donnelly's
just
who was a Volunteer.
knees and, told
and
They raided
out two young boys, who were
and an older
arms.
to him,
him but did
after
with
John was a
out his
flung
to
the door.
to pull
who were close
liberty
They fired
and he succeeded
the
they were about
John until
man and he suddenly
by.
and his
The Tans searched
the men of the escort,
close
Company
time,
and were searching him off.
down and made a dash for
river
them
the bedroom door
John out and put him between
beyonets,
knocking
having
opened the door to
when one of them happened
powerful
the
the
behind
time.
house but did not discover
They took
They
questioned
John Hartw's,
who was not
which was ajar
leave,
they
was in bed at
Harte
Quartermaster.
them.
heads.
their
them go.
The Tans next
brother,
kitchen
out of the house and,
brothers
them a few kicks
given
under
the
as one of the
from death,
bolster
The two
it.
in
in a settle-bed
the
entering
into
shots
several
were sleeping
and had a very
Before
Volunteers.
the Tans fired
house,
of James and John Reynolds
was that
raided
house they
past
school
age,
They put them
boy to give
up
-16.-
his
The boys'
guns.
nightattire,
you will
set
the house on fire
for
about
then
a mile
released
who was standing
it's
guns or information
If
said,
for,
looking
mother,
get
and took
him.
away.
lorries
stopping
leading
to the house.
It
in
of terror
about
road
July,
four
the
local
to
surprise
way,
worked
actually
four
a fight.
quantity
they
the
the
place.
this
dirty
a lorry
1920,
and disarm
were out to
all
Soldiers,
broke down and
Some of
night.
and hurriedly
this
The Volunteers
catch
the
soldiers
off
of ammunition.
a
start
on the Carrigallen
returning
The Volunteers
had
the people.
of British
people
the time
captured
They then
prepared
planned
from Mass and,
the alert.
Some of the
a wash at
they
not
them who was who.
the
having
on the walls
work unless
with
right.
was a lane
The Tans could
there
them.
of the
pictures
The lorry
spotted
in
succeeded
and Tans smashed up
were travelling
night.
two
Both the
to frighten
attempt
had to remain
out all
other
but not
lights
There
roads.
the new force
and to
Volunteers
come along
but
them and to
that
on a Saturday
soldiers
this
all
or five,
the
fire
house.
the house and the
to guide
In
the
The R.I.C.
wrecked
was apparent
reign
into
on the
have accomplished
the R.I.C.
the
and
purposes,
by the Tans where they
They had spotted
getting
and generafly
them
mother and the
the
stopping
were Volunteers
furniture
boy with
identification
visited
a number of shots
young Brady's
eldest
damage was done.
was then
Brady's
the
in
you are
The Tans then
here".
the
Meanwhile,
considerable
fired
for
or so,
two boys had succeeded
until
neither
by in her
This
and yielded
rifles
burned
in
plan
were
soldiers
to
without
and a
the lorry.
17.
It
was members of the
off
this
About fifteen
revolvers
area
but they
So intense
as the
out another
by the
did not
episode
They visited
visited
Canning
of terror
the
Owens brothers
The tans
a rope
the youngest
up
the
from the
have been choked.
next
went
to Pat
they
also
tried
saturated
them.
they
it
The
just
to burn his
McKiernan's
had their
and,
house
him,
all
having
house.
put this
in the
and. put
neck and hung him
recovered
cans of petrol,
abuse,
otherwise
tied;
McKiernan's
The
They were all
Lucky for
The lad
with
the dwelling
the ground.
brother's
had been faultily
rope
at home either.
gave them terrible
arm of a tree.
there.
They also
burned
were at home.
Volunteers.
around
to
out-offices
The
was the Battalion
They now went to Owens's where they
house and all
at
roads
at home to them.
the time.
at
he was not
but likewise
became
to Aghavas and carried
but Cooney was not
Adjutant
it
on them.
patrols
reign
Cooney was Battalion
Quartermaster,
that
or to use the
a visit
in their
Cooney's,
Canning's.
in capturing
succeed
enemy had continuous
in
enemy to recover
was enemy activity
and Tans now paid
three
was no
There
part.
to go anywhere
impossible
R.I.C.
McEvoy.
was immense enemy activity
in an effort
around,
anything.
all,
took
types,
there
this,
rifles,
almost
of Captain
whatsoever.
After
their
in charge
brought
men, some of whom were armed with
of various
shooting
the
and were
capture
Company that
Drumreilly
right.
on
They
abused him.
refused
they
to burn for
down to the fact
consecrated
knot
he would
Although
it
the
that
to the Sacred
Heart.
About twenty
of the Aghavas Company had previously
18.
in a camp and this
established
themselves
a number of
the boys not
to their
called
being
houses that
into
shotgun
and trap
of the
the Tans
The Volunteers
night.
whaels
and in filling
slugs
Aghavas company had sixty
cartridges.
double-barrel
homewhen
on making mines or bombs from
in the camp concentrated
the boxes of cart
at
for
rccounted
and twenty
guns were taken
single-barrel
in raids
Most
shotguns.
and ex-R.I.C.
on Protestant
men's houses.
Extensive
was now carried
the
curtail
out
trauchad
this
the
and trees
and baatins
the G.H.C.
North
Roscommon.
house looking
far
meeting
in
for
at
the
the village.
outaide
wanted
the
outside.
at
all
fron
this
the way from
He inquired
in
but was not
a company
room of a publichouse
duty
and he came in and told
Leitrim
He
He came to my
holding
who was accompanied
time.
Lowgford
who was our Brigade
I want out and walked
to meet Connolly,
connolly
tap
and
in the area.
Caen Brady was on picquet
publichouse
named Guckian
arrived
him I was not
in the
Despite
from
O/C North
me and met my mother.
time
them.
seán Connolly
we were actually
away.
Roads
activities
He had walkad
told
to
of the day.
him to come to me.
me and my mother
very
up their
Seán Mlitchell,
had directed
them.
across
Brigade
staff,
came to my house.
for
1921.
who was formerly
in an effort
and to harass
kept
21st,
first
O/C,
the area
were the order
On Februaty
and now of
by the Volunteers
were felled
Tans and military
Longford,
roads
throughout
ensmy novecenta
were
raids,
of
blocking
town.
Connolly
me I was
down the road
by another
I did
not
man
know
spoke to me and asked
19.
me did
I knon where
as "Sonny" among the
and then
further
short
he was not
an enemy,
He,
when he arrived
and bring
I returned
officers
there
0/C of the
started
at
on foot
for
off
asked me if
Connally
came this
He then asked
I
thew.
if
asked what
thgt
too far
which
attacked
Charley
the
for
Rynne.
ambush at
patrols
of them did.
To this
A meeting
he replied:
hand at
we contacted
the
"Wait for
was being
a shot
a wicked
held
the Vice
that
from a
dog
column at
The Brigude
as was also
and arrangements
Sheemore.
"nothing
see what happens".
he had in his
us.
fired
He next
and I said
to the column he fired
was there,
Dowd's place
plenty
shotguns".
Dowd's of Drumreilly.
Witcbell,
road
or military
that
and I
Company area.
Ballinamore
column was doing
few days and you will
which
I was Vice
we have no ammunition
is
En route
them to
Gonnolly
Drumreilly
the police
"No.
the
time.
the
they were ambushed or any shots
I an aware of".
revolver
the
said
and the range
and told
in my absence.
and I replied
road,
the
him there.
this
going along
on me
him whera
tell
I bad to go away and for
the business
Beán
him to call
the company meeting
battalion
When we were
at
to
that
on with
carry
I would
and that
a
to me that
me that
then told
had told
0/C,
After
him.
him I was the man he was
Connolly,
column was located
him for
I did
that
wihich indicated
I told
the Brigade
Mitchell,
I tins known
I replied
boys.
conversation
for.
looking
local.
asked me to get
Connlfly
was.
"Sonny" Doherty
0/C,
Seán
Q/CD James
night
at
were made than for
Charley
an
a
20.
Soldiera
to raid
known to be going
that
morning.
behind
or nine
eight
were
taking
a stone
O/C, was in
A party
of enemy forces
mostly
military,
of the month,
Friday
The column took up
place.
ditch
rifles.
Beán Mitchell,
was about
It
charge.
after
Fire
from their
our men.
A couple
and outflanked
One Volunteer
coat.
This
comrade and carried
flank
and the
and the
enemy fire
rounds per
without
suffering
ammunition
man.
was picked
lorry
in
up by
unmolested
saved our men on
eased off
someabat
was now doen to four
The column got safely
any losses
to the Aughnasheelin
area
in
the mountains.
and had expended
some valuable
Connolly
was not with
ambushing
On the Saturday
fte
night
and a few more of
or
away
or wounds and withdrew
no gains
witchell
of his
column now withdrew
The column's
five
incident
wall
escapes.
and succeeded
back to their
This
engaged
the can who nearly
wounded soldier
by the Volunteers.
that
hin
and
a aide
the collar
spotted
Geoiegan
party
cover,
got up along
through
and had a shot at
him.
getting
his
hia
taking
our man, who had some narroti
Volunteer
had shot
and,
Boldiers
got a bullet
to
The enewy stopped
lorries
of
on two lorries
was opened on this
and a numbar of them were hit.
dismounted
Tans and
the people
searching
coming out from Mass were returning
Carrick-on-Bhannon.
9 a.m.
of R.I.C.,
consisting
military,
There were
or fence.
can armed with
Brigade
at Gowel on Friday
the chapel
the First
being
uhen devotions
position
were
and Tons from Carrick-on-Shannon
They had
ammunition.
party.
follosing,
Connolly
and
the column came to Cloone
21.
and we went up to Humphrey's
and carried
out a raid
it
and I brought
others
to the
The following
one,
about
I was carrying
dismounted
the noise
quicks
myself
to walk
dark
at
of the cycle
another
this
at
in under
I coula
him "Is
and there
large
I
the
when I heard
me
tonards
I. snatched
the
at
the foot
of
the
I concealed
hedge also.
the
in civilian
at
the
the road and then
of
underneath
that
of
foot
dismounted
and dumped it
"yas" and dismounted.
leading
the
time.
whom I recognised
I shouted
was a fairly
was an enemy patrol.
it
and was followed
fast
two end
of about
at
in the hedge by the side
as best
the
took
coming down the hill
concluded
cycle
I
(Saturday)
by ten by five. inches.
now passed by. apparently
fairly
area.
I had just
of cycles
dumped the
and the
Connolly
on the back of my cycle.
Brae.
and immediately
battery
any trouble
The battery
fourteen
it
was pretty
without
a distance
and started
Gordon Short
It
night
miles.
being
an electric
Drumreilly
to Drunreilly,
three-quarter
to secure
home to my house.
retarned
battery
there
the battery
we got
battery.
near Eohill
sawmills
A man
hedge.
attire,
a short
going
distance
by
as Mitchell,
the Brigade
you Beán"?
He shouted
O/C.
back
was the man who was
Connolly
were four, more of
the column also
on cycles.
Seán Mitchell
collect
me.
arrange
for
there.
village
told
me they
They were heading
the
transmission
They wanted
and at
were just
for
Co. Longford
of some war material
me to have picquets
the four
going
different
posted
crossroads
to
to
from
in the
in my area
22.
as a protection
They said
night.
the picquets
I
ant
that
and one a.m.
twelve
then
when they noulci be returning
and that
could
two men at
arrived
and hand them over
were at
Eslin
cross
it
on duty.
and told
fire.
in front
side
of the road
and his
party
to be a signal
After
and his
some
decided
party
I was and what was the
My wen did not know anything
and I met then
One of
there.
of
They then
then.
it
came on to
the Esker picquet
Similarly
of them to
about
another
the crossroads
man
on the
of the village.
Connolly
was anxious
young Pope was on duty
drink
Connolly
after
posts
at Keeldra
centre
him I was in the village.
travelled
Pope's
their
the village.
asked where
bad come on in front
other
in
The two
and came on to Esker where my men were still
Connolly
of the
Cloone
around
in the
the fire
were
enemy forces
to chance
idea
They took
and scouting
delay
on at
when Connolly
burning
there.
the
as no one had arrived
instructions.
their
Lire
one
At half-past
remained
a turf
picquet
Two of my men
The men who had been on duty
was still
arrived
when the party
them to the next
morning
as per
had lighted
and this
that
in the
in the
and four
and so on.
crossroads
ticie.
back by
some of our man
that
crossroads.
men withdrew
men at
this
were told
there
the Keeldra
or quarter-to-two
these
each crossroads
were to precede
they
they were not
if
be withdrawn.
The picquets
village.
botweon
be returning
went and mobllised
immediately
placed
thoy would
that
lator
this
was a publichouse.
at Pope's
our men outside.
there
this
to get
did
while
refreshments,
not present
ant
any trouble.
we were having
our
was a sudden rap on the door
tas
a warning
that
as
by
something
was
23.
coming.
ws immediatell
The alarm
was a falso
for
for
the priest
who was dying.
an old lady
was a Volunteer.
this
Council
by trs.
held.
charge
of
and driven
Kate
it
the trap
that
of volunteers
a Black
and Tan patrol
and the
Captain
it
there.
commend or seán Connolly,
home
Mohill
for
of the
some hours,
as we went.
Patrols
were out
went
for
to Hohill
before
we went
Drumreilly
area.
town.
there.
Although
turned
following
the
this
job.
A small
to the
We took up a position
No patrols
the
column
under
and attached
no patrol
return
and ambush
Company and I,
street
side
were made
of the
Twelve
was placed
graveyard
was
meeting
contained.
ment_oned beforehand.
by means of a cable.
sweeney's
Company took
I had the battery
on the
Keegan.
Nichofl'a
arrangements
night
to go into
of Clocne
at
Council
of Cloone
in a pony
then Kitty
Donoghue,
and materials
Connolly
arrived
of the trap
the
of
that
to my wife's
The Captain
of
a meeting
for
where the Brigade
At the meeting
a party
and his
Connolly
the material
over charge
of Drummnamore
being
incident
had gone to longford
She had taken
crossroads
Harry. McKeon
Edward sweeney's
at
That night
driven
and trap
McKeon's
am Harry
Honday night
was held
Drumrpamore.
and Hitchefl
Gonnolly
Drusreilly.
On the following
Brigade
"I
the priest".
After
for
laft
party
for
I am going
brother.
cover.
A man named McKeon uae going
one.
him up and the old man said
held
for
out and took
rushed
mine
battery
on the
we waited
there
up and we had to
came out
night
that
night.
and the night
The column men returned
to the
24.
was the last
This
A few days later
food
with
apparently
and then left
the
Seán Connolly.
J.
intention
the
Baxter,
McPartland
two J.J.
put up at a house owned by lir.
They went
into
the
named lattimer
twice
by a local
as the
leave
but
nelghbourhood,
known to his
on him before
Dr.
in
the area
in Mohill.
about
Connally
Just
the
and Tans with
the
the command of
force
approached
on the
and was in a very
it.
from all
Behind
to stay
stunt
a
on and made
had been worked
who did
individusls
not
that
had a dispensary
Prinsle
day.
told
at
Pringle
and
Flynn's,
mtl itary
at Mohill.
mixed force
and machine
of military
guns came out
The Tans were
Hickman of Eohill.
sides
the
This
house where the
The house was under
road a few hundred
exposed
should
in the
apparently
cars
D.J.
they
individuals
men being
the column were.
from a hill
that
and Carrick-on-Shannon.
under
msn of
They were
a Protestant,
British
armoured
They were
being
of day a large
close
Glostrim.
district.
he attended
and his
informed
Eohill
that
Lattimer
Pringle
from
also
which
lived
at
that
in their
Pringle,
and Beilte
owing to there
decided
by peace-loving
want any trouble
Andy
by a Protestant
man named liurphy
Connolly
Gorra area,
the day.
place
safe
given
an ambush then.
O'Reillys
Fhynn
and Loyalist
pals
the
in the district.
was not
place
number of Protestant
it
the
who lived
for
Sweeney,
in
early
seen entering
apparently
told
place
were
they
of staging
Bernard
Rynne,
and visited
Drumreilly
Drummnamore, when
and refreshmants
alive.
I saw Seán Connolly
the. column left
house at
Sweeney's
time
position
yards
with
the house was an open valley
v lew
away
no cover a round
with
a river
25.
it.
through
rnnning
to make a getaway
find
or get
Connolly,
vallcy.
and Rynne were
A running
one of
Baxter,
the
immesilately.
escaped.
Sweeney was wounded in the
to the
of rusnss
the
his
hiding
for
Goma of the
him.
the river
that
a Black
and then
alive
the
to cots
they arrived
tans
Tuna and the
but
the
the
contingent
tans
on the
in
reached
buried
in
the
in the
load
this
majority.
Carrick-on-Shannon
vera
relatives
their
At
barracks
of Irish
to a fight
who resented
Connolly,
was still
a priest.
for
led
them were
of
Connolly
R.I.C.
at
the vast
back to their
were
own relatives.
Eoarly
R.I.C.,
including
given
and they
were
Lost
in Hohill
out and have a look
This
to Mohill
and brought
to be asking
called
had got.
wounded,
the wounded and dead were thrown
and Tan lorry
tha
were
of
and was heard
Cohill
to find
him from
rescued
on to Carrick-on-shannon.
dead before
The
again.
night.
The remainder
into
Volunteers
Gone
until
there
but failed
him extensively
a bunch
with
the water
was quiet
and all
boy
but managed
thigh
head and remained
enemy had departad
enemy searched
they
Mcpartland
and got under
river
O'Reilly
and Sweeney
was killed
to get
fight
two O'Reillys
The other
wounded.
badly
immediately
the boys making down the
in the open with
place
but were
to cover,
guns and rifles.
an by machine
now took
the house in an effort
man ran from
and his
Connolly
the enemy were approaching,
that
On learning
dead.
after
own parishati
pork
between
remark,
By the time
all
the
Their
bodies
a few days
with
their
26.
This
the
unfortunate
Eeadquarters
Brigade
was asked
whatever
of
Commandant of the
An officer
to organise
this
tima
for
to carry
failing
At this
of
the
meeting
brienie.
Gofva.
At this
Lord Leitrim's
A meeting
was held
at
Pat
our battallon
at
suspension
some orders
that
this
had been
McKeon was appointed
Harry
This
was decided
it
meeting
that
afraid
meeting
asked what battalion
the
or fonr
the Brigade
Brigade
man from
were nona to plentiful
Gorva.
were shotguns
had planned
to burn
Might
of
post
be
and
theirs,
O/C, mitchell,
would organise
I would and asked
at
it
was not at Gorva with
who, fortunately,
been lost
was a different
done.
At this
rifles
in lieu
Sweeney who was wounded and escaped
castle
was duly
Vice
was made Brigade
Quartorciaster
Brigade
by the eneny as another
occupied
Rifles
South
Eugene Kllkenny
Gweeney from Bernard
four
the
vacancies.
of Sweeney who had been arrestod.
this
staff
represented
out
and Pat Tiernan
Adjutant
at
the G.H.Q.
Headquarters
I
Adjutant.
to him.
given
0/C
of
as our O/C was under
naeting
to do
willing
to orgunise
the
of Drumreilly.
Tiernan's
at
and to fill
the Brigade
in any
was Brigade
and Beirne
down from Dublin
Brigade
the
Rynne bad been Vice
them.
Brigade
of
the morale
were as ever
named Paddy Morrossey
was now sent
Leitrim
but
disorganised
seem to be affected
not
rank and file
way and the
completely
staff,
did
Volunteers
ordinary
affair
All
others,
au ambush.
I said
supply me with
the column armed with
now as seven or eight
rifles.
had
we had in our battalion
and cartridges.
this
0/C to
the
ambush long
Eugene Kilkenny
before
the brigade
and I
ceeting
27.
and it
was only
from carrying
it
four
supply
We had planned
and slugged
never
without
after
at
but the
to do it
without
our men needlessy
again
to get
now refused
routine
Cu the
of us toot
up a position
road cutting
Gortnaraw
was a fair
on the
of the 26th
night
road was being
knowledge
it
by the
cut.
cut
they
previous
road.
the
who asked
they
R.I.C.
would allow
to the fair
stop
to
it.
at
The following
day
to the fair
day previous
R.I.C.
The
place
Some of the
Haturally
was they would
six
1921,
kay,
were taking
day in Cloons.
of such thing.
was not
such as parades
of guard or outpost
Mohill-Cloone
or market
on,
of roads end running
operations
and were approached.
night
later
This was in
went
dnties
man had been in Mohill
if
them.
1921.
dispatches.
but
us any.
to give
short
from the brigade
the rifles
the cutting
road
our retreat
only mean
and drills,
the
the attack
to cover
and it
rifles
the
would
Meanwhile
older
men with
shotguns
be useless
they
vihhie
four
not attempt
riflemen
four
armed with
to their
I triad
Adpil,
number of men on the
cwing
sacrificing
but
Red. Hill.
the ambush, as shotguns,
nould
range,
column
day.
at
patrol
Cloone,
We could
up.
least
at
nigjit
cartridges,
turned
the rollowing
the required
Thursday
of the
road.
Mohill
I mobilised
following
to arrive
to asbush an eneqr
on the Cloone
to
consented
0/C
to supply. four
rifles,
They were
us
prevented
the column men did. not like
if
or,
their
so armed.
The Brigade
out.
rifles
uith
partln3
of a faw rifles
the lack
denied
said
the fair
We vent
cut the
thom if
road.
that
any
if
the
to be held
out
the
28.
four
to see if
scouting
came out from Mohill,
on cycles
R.I.C.
for
range with
long
and Tans under
and their
road made back
town and the
of the
their
of
R.I.C.
in
They chased the farmers
the fair.
out
cattle
at
Hickman arrived
command of D.I.
and scattered
Cloone
still
Next day a force
spped.
the
we saw
They jumped off
shotguns.
all
with
Eohill
they were
them while
them round on the
and turning
cycles
at
of
apparently
hen
road was clear.
the
them coming we fired
very
road a party
the
our man were cutting
while
fair
not
could
be held.
this
The day following
was being
cut at
Protestant
this
a place
Minister
A cycling
nilitary
in Eohili.
there.
The picquet
the road-cutting
of this
party
fired
had his
of
Battalion
Irish
wotor
patrol
give
any warning
but dumped their
party
two I
the
the Volunteer
Guards Regimrnt,
think
guns and made off,
Bome
were captured
after
The two Worans (who were not
party
British
Volunteers
the
other
The man in
prisoner.
that
night
was a
an ex-member of
the
Army.
and would not go back to look
guns where
the
One man was wounded and subsequently
amputated.
so the Cloone
of
to be surprised.
Commandant and was also
night
the
cams out from
The men who ran away came to the
that
car during
to have informed
were wounded and taken
brothers)
charge
escaped
at.
leg
not
force
leaving
being
The local
and guard who were protecting
did
party
of this
approach
by in his
He was believed
operation.
the working
Satason.
called
passed
road
the Gorva-MobtU.
went over
Cloone area.
for
their
to the area
men had dumped them.
guns,
and found
Appendix6
National Archives Act, 1986, Regulations, 1988
ABSTRACTION
TO REGULATION
OF PART(S) PURSUANT
8
Form to be completed and inserted in the original record
in piaceof each part abstracted
(I)
Reference number of the separate cover under
which the abstracted part has been filed:
w.s. 1195 /A
(ii)
How many documents have been abstracted:
(iii)
The date of each such document:
(iv)
The description of each document:
W.S 1195 wilsen
Nameof
statement
6
14 Jean 1955
pain in Dobery
P29-33
(ind)
inresidenceAnd james
(Where appropriate, a composite description may be entered murespect of
two or more related documents).
(v)
Reason(s) why the part has been abstracted for retention:
(c)WouW or might cause distress or danger to living persons on the ground
that they contain information about individuals, or would or might be
likely to lead to an action for damages for defamation.
(These
will be the reasons given on the-c6jjifl
te upder Section 8(4).)
Pondoney
Name:
Grade:
(J.
Moloney.)
Cot.
Department/ Office/ Court
Dnrt:
7 March 2003.
29.
were non wade by our wan on the mails
Raids
and the excise
the
were also
offices
the excise
Aghavas Company raided
and removed all
rate
books wore also
the Aghavas and Cloone areas
Volunteers
or six
five
On the face
of
information
about
Protestants
livin
out.
it
it
in the area.
tunic
ourselves
in those,
while
them
We also
coats.
khaki
(British)
We were walking
the house.
to test
and a British
house we went to wag that
of Agavas.
on certain
of the Aghavas
officers
with
thorm
and I dressed
Donnelly
the
uniform
R.I.C.
The first
towards
tunic
on band caps and trench
Company put
fell
We decided
officer's
and Bichael
soms
aoweone was giving
our man, and suspicion
officer's
in
of Agtwvas.
parish
as if
looked
Ws had an American
had an old
out a round-up
and arrested
in the
The
from them.
taken
carried
The Tans and R.I.C.
it.
from
and documents
papers
coflectors'
wen from
Mohill
in
office
raided.
pants.
of
down the
road
was in bed but could
hear
the
tramp of our feat as we marched down the road.
Kiernan
Francis
and I were in front and we heard the
window of
rushed
short
the house bsing
in
bit
one on each side
off
the road.
or anyone escaping.
and could
see that
I went back to
was no light
voice
coming from
window of this
we
I went
and rattled.
of the
could
house,
not
which
was a
see any movement
to the back of
in
and rapped
the house
the house but I heard
one of
the rooms.
officer.
After
on the door.
normally
room and spoke as best
of a British
we
the window sash had been removed.
the front
There
accent
raised
a woman's
I wont to
I could
some tims
the
in
the
the
30.
woman dressod
were
thought
and admittad
herselt
two British
husband and she said
for
hin
have Bamad him for
She was not able
people.
about
her
in a friend's
who lived
of
her
named
up the
said
us some useful
she believed
of
She promised
us to be sure
he would
he there
and coma
and apologised
and then
She said
information.
for
the
°I
next
we thanked
her husband being
the worst
day and that
the previous
husband was at home he would be able
good deal
but directad
Volunteers,
to give
them had been arrested
they
to"you"
house
information,
the
us any information
give
girl
be able
who noulil
I
and that
information
husband or the local
us to go see a Protestant
road
to
road.
a number of
that
yesterday
giving
coming
gang"
on the
and she said
that
gang" had been arrested,
might
"wurder
the footsteps.
when he heard
asked why he did
was the
it
out
the oindz
he had pulled
her
for
I asked
officers.
and gone as he thought
she presmably
what
her
to give
us a
know that".
night
and for
profusely
disturbed
so,
left.
we now went to
and knocked
quietly
on the door and the man of tho house ansriered.
we
told
him we were officers
to talk
o him.
Kiernan
Francis
said
if
On no condition
said
"Give
ma your
the door
and broke
Donnelly
in in front
to show that
of the British
would
to ma "what will
he was a British
in uniform
unifora
he apologised
than
us.
we do?" and I
jamba and all.
in,
of me with
dressed
he admit
Both of us now jumped against
hand".
it
Army and wanted
I.
for
I put
a gun in his
hand
officer.
He was batter
when the
man saw the
not adnitting
us.
we
31.
him about.
questioned
"the murder
would be able
about
where
then
that
about
Battalion
She said
she heard
that
Coonay had a narrar
(our
men talking
Pat McKieran's.
the day of
not
the
could
to one of
the
publichouse
the day
got janes
Cannon
in a ditch
you tell
didn't
she replied
round-upflsnd
She also
I.R.A.
he had hid
said"why
to knon about
get
the house of the
we nearly
she uould denver
that
John Joe Cooney
in Brennan's
to any of the military
talking
promised
I
day
previous
in Farrelly's
that
Quarteraaster).
the
escape
and that
round-up,
that
near
us that
that
she was
day.
She
she
any information
"murder gang" or the
the
Protestant
another
her
whom she had seen
into
going
he was in
said
the
the
the big round-up;
Adjutant)
we chatted
bedroom.
us about
to tell
days before
Brennans.
of
houses
and she
were arrested
boys that
and she started
(our
and the
to
the
thrae
us something
tell
He called
and came down from her
dressed
to
she saw them going
entered.
they
us
He told
that
them but
not know much about
he did
gamg".
I.R.A.
family
in Aghavas
After
then and went to the
she also
said
that
mentioned
the poliee
had no trouble
the man put his
ho doin
the
as having
"I
head out
She also
information.
on the quint.
place.
we
Ohon we knocked
the window and asked who was
"military"
waen he admitted
am sure you are
"murder
whom
visited
at
in a munute
them we left
disturbing
house of
and, when we replied
there,
him:
for
apologising
he said
us I
proud and delighted
gang" we picked
up
he would
said
to
at all
Ho said
32.
tovnland
us
after
blackguard
we had left
but that
he wag dellhted
Patrick
I then
asked him what about Fr.
run at
this
around
Corriga
R.I.C.
would
tell
if
he did
the usual
and knocked
was a two storey
to
talk
to the
two girls
to talk
to the
boy of
that
it
was near
he would
he
I
bed.
He told
sat down
me he had no
given
now and I
daybreak
I
told
him to go
to come down
upstairs
a word.
without
went upstairs
daylight,
until
saying
him if
we were seen around
Donnelly
and he came down.
that
promised
he could
anything
find
the
out
send to us and we then left.
we prepared
and brought
it
to
a report
the Brigade
have.
and
received
to call
the house.
be had for
I waited
place.
I
who were in
the officer
would
us
Do went to
house and Donnelly
As it
tell
in flohill.
to get away before
up and tell
he could
to add to what he had already
the R.I.C.
wanted
Ryan wsa or we could
on the door and were admitted
wore information
be
see him
get any information
apologies
It
to
we should
us where Fr.
to the D.I.
After
could
he never
That was all
that
it
give
Ryan used to stay
and that
and said
Corriga
boy in
and promised
Ryan was on the
He gave us the name of an ex
daytime.
he would
the
try
in a book.
Ryan (fr.
Fr.
and Druuakeen
man at
and that
He said
time).
worst
Clawey was the
Charles.
livedin, which we noted
Charles
seen in the
the
a dispatch
a halt
to cut
and finally
to the
bait
on our night's
0/C,
activities
who ordered
A day later
executed.
from the Brigade
executions.
and then
to have her deported.
O/Ctelling
We intended
to tar
us to
me
as wail
and feather
her
further
was
Nothing
33.
done
the brigade
by
any of
without
arrived
punished.
about
wsa never
his
through
this
part
they
had been duped.
the
Cloone
was a cut
were
Volunteors
underneath
atone
the
their
lives.
returned
A big
the area
in the area
escaped
Frank
of
at
the
a firing
a few miles
They were
refill
compelled
the cutting
as previously
Lancer
and again
That wifl
did
amongst others
for
to carry
Donnelly
and he
later,
get any of
big
man
bridge
two brothers
own gravas
their
One of the
theo.
do you no good".
identification
stones
made another
not
in
place
to a
and brought
in the road which
mantionod.
Regiment
to shoot
party
distant
cutting.
wanted
them to dig
"Shoot away.
They were now plaâed
the
they
The only
out Donnelly's
and told
the
a "Kesh" or temporary
underneath
and John
and detailed
point
was Michael
They took
bog.
and reopened
Cloona road.
the time
by hiding
boys said:
stone
in
distance
the explosion
by the enemy now took
round-up
west
a safe
reached
After
and removed the
boys to run
to the
of bomb exploded
No one was injured.
cut.
in the
and shouted
or some sort
reopening
Sound come from
They had only
when a grenade
in this
The Company Captain,
heard a fizzling
who was closoby,
in
and two of the
flagstone
this.
removing
that
road
Company were
Cloone
They came upon a large
it.
have realised
The Tans had filled
Company area.
he
out and left
sold
on the Aghavas-Tenagh
and some man of the
cutting
for
They aust
being
the night
also
the country.
There
seen after
window.
went
of
concerned
the people
Truce
and the
the matter
purposes.
on their
backs to
had been re-opened,
on June the
round-up
9th,
in the
the men they wanted.
the
area
34.
horses
as they
After
that
led
Geoghegan and Earty
farmer
to their
deaths
for
himself
in his
of shots
from a revolver
windows and then
They took
after
Dr.
to London,
crushed
This
to death, by a car
Courts
people
believe
Rogan's
out
it
was planned
contirued
to function
gave them their
Fr.
over
Ryan,
house in Faughal
the police
on the day
and went
killed
by being
a wall.
against
quite
a number of
so.
the
support
despite
which were mostly
near
Cloone.
to fight
the
Sinn Féin
and the
successfully
of satisfactorily.
duties
hands up.
who was 'on the run',
the courts,
as trying
his
country
in question
full
a number
one of the
man's death
but
the period
were disposed
as well
the
or lorry
Throughout
involved.
presided
that
by
from the house and shot
where he was subsequently
may have been acoidental
people
in through
had loft
and tha other
and
possession.
came out with
Pringle
Connolly's
had locked
do so and fired
him away some distance
him dead.
and
Lattimer.
he had in his
lattimer
out
and when ordered
house,
a hand grenude
Googhegan threw
michael
to carry
Lattimer
our men to come out would not
first
by two mon from
identify
purposes.
the
the column,
were detailed
Company who could
protection
barricaded
in the
Two of
Boylan,
that
who had given
They were accompanied
execution.
the Cloone
was decided
it
would have to die.
instance,
also
death
Connolly's
iuformation
our hacds on their
lay
by where we were concealed.
passed
the Protestant
Lsttimsr,
the
could
I and some others
although
the risks
usually
held
in
Many cases
The Volunteers
enemy, had also
in connection
with
the
to carry
courts.
35.
The British
the
raided
forces
came upon us all
The Truce
still
was only
fight
of
nothing
would
last
for
home again
morale
and to get
of deaths
to day to get
Ammunition
for
about
being
and keep alive
from
forces
cines
A large
with
Cartridges
rifles.
scarce,
very
enough to try
barely
were
head slugs
were bard
from
of concrete
any
operating
the
land
in very
in the
mines and
boxes and metal
wheel
amount of cartridges
were emptied
and
which we made looally.
to keep,
being
casing,
with
subject
to swelling
consequent
failure
guns.
Intelligence
brigade
The column
however,
as they
from cart
from damp in the paper
to eject
indeed.
made to make munitions
attempt
construction
bombs or small
refilled
past
of
now.
was the
piping.
from day
and the days of capturing
on
The only
area
was,
were
The supply
armed with
mounds per wan
the enemy were
large
low
man all
the rifles
ten
and were hoping
was very
or seventeen
Our
date
this
and ammunition.
rifles
to get
our adverses
despite
higb
the fight
arms and ammunition
had sixteen
to be able
and our men at
and arrssts,
knew
the Truce,
it,
food and sleep.
proper
was still
to continue
anxious
that
but we were glad
long,
generally
1ts peak and was
were at work outside
Mone of us thought
our own scane.
the
we in our position
that
influences
the
surprise
coming at
reaching
Of course,
indecisive.
them.
any of
as a great
and go most of us was incomprehensible,
time when the
and locate
try
in capturing
succeeded
but never
courts
to
extensively
and battalions,
sections
but
were organised
by reason
of
inside
their
the
location
36.
about
information
and did
who were
of being
suspected
in the
local
but when the
went
and he was inclined
barracks
was evacuated
to us in this
who were not
as they were in
area
in sympathy with
the R.I.C.
Court
out
Clerk
the British
element.
It
his
John Cassidy,
job.
Brady and I were on the
On the first
it
use the
rood, while
to guard
us while,
up a posltion
hin.
P. Brady and I decided
"wanted"
the
other
at a gate
The othar
we Eade
Brady and I went
two did.
leading
to do the
revolvers
and could
we were doing
Qwen
run and we undertook
Armed with
came a1ong on a sida-car
on cycles.
was decided
books from
our way by a back way to Cloone Wood.
way as we were
1921
paid
being
routine.
Brady.
this
used to come
by the Loyalist
at a company meeting,
job.
The
was now Earch
now, except
up Coleman and take
to do the actual
the ond
and burned.
of such things
he came as per
Honday of Earch,
to hold
little
at
week of each month to collect
first
authorities
Yet
the hands of people
us.
and such.
was very
and
were of no value
by name Coleman
Eohill
dog licences
and there
to
flow
the R.I.C.
he resigned
now evacuated
barracks,
the
to be helpful,
in Cloons was situated
to Cloono on the
fines,
Offices
The Post
The Courthouse
of
ward of
barracks
to Canada
was
report
I know of within
that
There was a Constable
enemy forces.
persons
to the enemy
sympathotic
We had no agents
required.
They could
and on local
on whom a special
and on any individuals
in gaining
enemy movements.
proposed
on enemy patrols
check
of much value
they were not
and circumstances
not very
They were
the hold-up.
into
well
tho wood.
and escorted
two men of ours
by four
should
We took
Coleman
R.I.C.
have known
37.
Coleman had an escort
that
to warn us.
from
coming but could
little
distance
gate
we rushed
with
the
the
horse's
see the policemen
distance
back.
all
attempt
the
I fired
to
books that
them,
speed we could
follow
There
was no money in
the wood
comd't
(Investigator)
Barry)
The
and we destroyed
patrick
(Patrick
(Matthew
them
it.
Date:
Barry
at
They made no
parcel
sianed:
Witness: Matthew
back
band in the
two shots
ouster.
in the
as fast
I looked
us and we got amay safely.
we wanted were
and then
There was still
coming round a slight
from my gun and then we made up through
with
of the car
the gate
it
my gun
car and opened
head go.
we went for
the
the horse's
contained,
as we entered
and just
at
I held
centre
of books it
parcel
of any escort.
road a short
car arrived
Jumped up on the
the
side-car
which was soma
hand
or box in
I lot
as we could
to
my left
my pal
jumped off.
no sign
with
of the well
and seized
when the
see the
on the road and I grabbed
out
my right.
the lid
see the escort.
behind.
make any attempt
not
we could
our position
not
head by the rains
but did
Comd't
Doherty
Doherty)
14 June
1955