Information board erected at Millstreet ambush site
STORY OF 1921 DRISHANEBEG TRAIN AMBUSH NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT
THE story of the 1921 Drishanebeg Train Ambush marking its centenary is available in print and on a new Information Board erected outlining details of the Ambush and key events during the War of Independence.
Owing to Covid restrictions, events marking 100 years of the Ambush on February 11, 1921 have been put on hold yet splendidly captured in the publication “Worth the Wait” and a colourful Display Board in place just in time for the Centenary.
President of the Drishanebeg Ambush Commemoration Ambush Project Committee Tom Meaney spoke of the event as one of the most successful engagements against the Crown Forces by the Millstreet Battalion Volunteers in a meticulous planned operation.
“As a local significant and historical ambush, its important that we do not forget the local community and Millstreet Battalion District. We salute the bravery of the Volunteers who participated regardless of the position they held and we should never forget the unwavering support of the women of Ireland who helped to take us from being a colony to an independent nation”, he said.
For many weeks during late 1920, the Millstreet Volunteers had considered the viability of an attack being made on Crown troops who frequently used rail transport on travelling to and from Kerry. Some plans failed to surface on a run of nights prior to the actual ambush yet the column re-examined the feasibility of the proposals.
The plan entailed stopping the train at a point where the column was already in a position, that an attack should be made only on an occasion when the troops travelling were armed and the importance of protecting civilian passengers.
Trains travelling east or west were both potential targets, a position was selected at the Glebe cutting just over a mile east of the Millstreet stop. One of the volunteers, whose duty it was to inspect the train and board it at Banteer if it contained a suitable party of British forces armed, that was the green light for the attack.
Numbers were in place on February 11, the party of troops travelling was such as could be dealt with by the column. The Volunteer witnessed the arms as the train travelled to Rathcoole where an armed colleague was waiting and given the go ahead to board.
That allowed the pair of Volunteers enter the locomotive and at gun point, the driver proceeded west bound to the ambush position where the driver halted the train.
A long whistle blast was blown as a pre-arranged signal to the attacking party with a lighted bicycle-lamp placed on the track indicated the exact position at which the engine should stop.
The Column Commander called upon the military in the train to surrender but it was answered by rifle shots. Fire was then opened upon the carriages containing the military party and the battle continued for about fifteen minutes.
The slopes of the cutting were lit by oil torches prepared in advance by the column and thrown down outside the target carriages at the beginning of the encounter. The fight was one-sided from the start, the attackers having the advantage of cover and darkness.
When the Crown Forces surrendered one had been killed and most of the others were wounded. The column members collected fifteen rifles and a large quantity of ammunition and withdrew from the scene without suffering a single casualty.
NOTHWITHSTANDING the ongoing pandemic and the associated restrictions, good work goes on in local communities as groups and individuals continue to make a massive effort to make life better for all.
An example of this is the new initiative from Macroom and District Lions Club.
The Club has just launched its €2,000 Big Community Give-Back Campaign inviting people of all ages across Macroom and its districts to show you care by telling the world WHAT, WHO, or WHERE you are grateful for right now and nominating a deserving club or charity to receive €500.
The Club is ready to donate a total of €2,000 to four local charities or clubs (€500 each) that serve the Macroom & District areas.
People of all ages are encouraged to take part in the campaign by showing WHAT, WHO, or WHERE you are grateful for right now.
The Club invites entries in the form of artwork, photography, music, dance, poetry, or even an Instagram or TikTok video! Hard copies/physical entries can be dropped off at the following locations in Macroom town: Matt Murphy’s
Pharmacy; O’Leary’s SuperValu; Evelyn’s Shop; Macroom Credit Union. These hard copy entries will then be displayed on the windows of many businesses and shops in the town throughout March and April for everyone to enjoy. Macroom Lions Club hopes that the artwork will bring a splash of colour and positivity to the town. The closing date for entries is Saturday, April 17.
There are four categories for entries: Up to 12 years, 13 years – 17 years, adults (18years+) and Social Media (TikTok, Instagram or Facebook)
Each entry must include (1) name and contact details, (2)category being entered, (3) the nominated charity or club. Social media entries must also include #MacroomLionsClub and # the nominated club or charity (without the hashtag, entries will not be eligible). Group submissions are also welcome.
Please see the terms and conditions of the competition on the Macroom & District Lions Club Facebook page.
According to a press release issued by the Macroom and District, the club realises that the past twelve months have been “hugely challenging for everyone and we are very conscious of the impact of this on people’s mental health”.
“We want to remind people that our community is still strong and supportive. Even though we are all living so apart right now, we hope our Big Community Give-Back will show people that we are very much ‘ together’. ”
“Macroom & District Lions Club will also be raising awareness, throughout this campaign, of the many supports that are available for anyone struggling with their mental health. The Club encourages people to visit www.mentalhealthireland.ie where there are supports, resources and helplines available.”