Gunfire ripped through New Ross during major attack on RIC barracks
REGARDED as perhaps one of the most formative and vital periods in Irish history, we are currently in the midst of marking the centenary of the events of the War of Independence (1919-1921). Local archaeologist Barry Lacey from Ballycarney has been looking at some of the key events in Co Wexford, in particular ambushes, raids, the burning of police barracks and other activities.
On this occasion, with a little help from Myles Courtney of New Ross Street Focus, Barry looks at a major attack on the RIC barracks in New Ross, which heard gunfire echo all over town. For more stories from Wexford’s War of Independence, visit wexfordwarofindependence.com
At 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 1921, the evening silence in New Ross was broken when a bomb was dropped into the yard of Mr. D Evoy, situated near the rear of the town’s RIC barracks. The resulting explosion could be heard several miles away and tore a large hole in the yard. Splinters from the bomb damaged the surrounding walls and rear door of Mr. Evoy’s house. The blast was immediately followed by the sound of gunfire on the barracks, the garrison inside responding with machine gun from the front and rear.
The attack on New Ross RIC Barracks was undertaken by about 22 men from C company (Cushinstown) together with members of B company (Rathgarogue). Initially plans were set in place for members of B company to attack a police patrol, while C company were to provide covering fire on the barracks from the high ground in front.
However, the police patrol failed to show and instead B company threw a bomb towards the rear of the RIC barracks. This was the signal for C company to attack and upon hearing the explosion they commenced fire on the building. Two outposts were also set up to prevent B company from becoming surrounded by the police or military. One was located on Henry Street and the other on Cross Lane.
On the night, members of the public were out walking and upon hearing the commotion and the gunfire, fled in all directions for cover. Some found shelter in the nearest building, while others lay prone on the ground as bullets whizzed in all directions. Some stray bullets struck the houses in Jones Hill and William Street, while others found their way in through the windows and inside the homes.
On the opposite side of the river Barrow people walking along the Waterford road reported hearing bullets passing close overhead with some striking the railway bridge between Rosbercon and Chilcomb.
Inside the barracks, the head constable had a lucky escape. Shortly after he left his room, its light was smashed by a bullet. The gunfire lasted for around half an hour and miraculously no injuries were reported on the night. Afterwards, the military and police proceeded down South Street and onto North Street, telling people to clear off while men where held up and questioned.
The old RIC building still stands on Priory Street today and gun loops are visible on both gable ends. These would have allowed flanking fire down both sides of the street. Markers are said to have been positioned at set intervals along the roadside to allow the gunners at both ends determine their firing distance.
The high ground to the east of the barracks chosen for the attack today contains houses, but in 1921 was a green field. Bullet marks can be seen at the rear of No.6, the building opposite the barracks, which would have been in the direct line of fire. This brief attack on the RIC barracks was the first in New Ross during the period. It was a daring operation to attack a barracks in such a large town and would have likely had a demoralising effect on the garrison, who up until this point had experienced little resistance there.
At a meeting of the New Ross Harbour Board a few days later in April, it was noted a new military regulation required people to go by the quay instead of passing the police barracks from there on.