Mallow to commemorate centenary of barracks raid
CEREMONY WILL MARK ANNIVERSARY OF IRA CAPTURE OF ONLY MILITARY BARRACKS DURING THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE
THE centenary of arguably one of the most significant engagements of the War Of Independence will be commemorated at a moving ceremony set to take place in Mallow this coming Sunday.
On September 28, 1920, Mallow was the scene of a daring incident that resulted in its military barracks bring the only one to be captured by the IRA during conflict.
A century later, the raid and subsequent reprisal by Crown Forces that came to be known as ‘ The Burning of Mallow’, is currently being recalled through a fascinating exhibition taking place in the local library.
To coincide with 100th anniversary of the engagement Mallow Sinn Féin will also hold a wreath laying ceremony at the site of the former Barracks at St Patrick’s Place on Lower Emmett Street this coming Sunday at noon.
The event will be of particular significance to Mallow Sinn Féin member James Curtis, who only last year found out that an ancestor of his played a pivotal role in the successful raid.
His great-great grand uncle was James Bolster, a carpenter, along with painter Dick Willis, were employed on the civilian maintenance staff at the barracks, which was occupied at the time by the 17th Lancers.
The duo, members of the Mallow IRA Battalion, were able to observe the daily routine of the garrison and formed the opinion that the capture of the place would not be difficult.
Acting upon the intelligence they gathered, the Cork No 2 Brigade Flying Column, strengthened by members of the Mallow Battalion including Bolster and Willis, carried out the successful raid.
Three waiting motor cars pulled up to the gate and into them were piled all the rifles and other arms and equipment found in the barracks. In all some 27 rifles, two Hotchkiss light machine-guns, boxes of ammunition, Verey light pistols, a revolver, and bayonets, were taken away.
The whole operation had gone according to plan, except for the fatal shooting of RIC Sergeant Gibbs.
However, the raid led to frenzied repercussions by Crown Forces as they subsequently rampaged through the town, burning and looting at will, destroying many landmark buildings and businesses and forcing terrified townspeople to flee through the blazing streets in search of refuge.
James told The Corkman that he only discovered the role his great-great uncle, who is buried in the Republican plot at St. Gobnait’s cemetery in Mallow, played in the raid last year during a discussion with family members over Christmas dinner.
“To be honest I was surprised when I heard about it. You often hear about how other families have links to the War of Independence and the Civil War but was totally unaware of my own family links to the time,” he said.
“As someone with strong Republican feelings myself, it is something that I am immensely proud of. I also feel strongly that, even in these extraordinary times, the raid is an event worth commemorating,” he added
Those planning to attend the event are reminded that it will take place in line with Covid-19 guidelines and protocols and people are advised to wear a face mask or visor.