Great interest in Drishanebeg Train Ambush
THE Drishanebeg Train Ambush Commemoration Project Committee’s special publication ‘Worth the Wait’, about the 100 year old happenings at the Glebe Railway Cutting on the approach to Millstreet Railway Station, is a terrific read and is available at local outlets.
Regarded as one successful engagements undertaken by the Millstreet Battalion of Volunteers during the War of Independence, arms seized at Drishanebeg proved to be of immense help for later engagements at Clonbanin and Rathcoole.
The centenary of the ambush was acknowledged in February 11, as a meticulously planned operation was recalled. In terms of historical significance, the committee was keen to preserve the story of the ambush and to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of the local Volunteers who were involved, together with the Women of Cumann na mBan who supported the cause.
On doing so, the committee ensured the memory of the event would be best preserved by compiling a record of all available information on the ambush and publishing it as a book for future reference, titled ‘Worth the Wait’.
The contents include the story of the people behind the ambush, its operation, the support of Cumann na mBan and Volunteer sympathiser Fr. Joseph Breen, a chaplain at the nearby Drishane Convent who was forced go on the run.
Additionally, the placing of an information board near the site at the Railway Bridge in Drishanebeg outlines the ambush and a number of significant events relating to the War of Independence. Its an impressive feature, graphics designed by Declan Crowley, the frame completed by Seamus Buckley and Tim Murphy lent great help towards planning.
Of course, a public commemoration event was at an advanced staged for the Centenary but, owing to Covid 19 regulations and restrictions, this is postponed until some normality returns.
Over recent months, the Drishanebeg Train Ambush Commemoration Committee’s request for help was supported by generous donations from the public and grant aid from Cork County Council to allow the completion of the book and Information Board.
Copies of ‘Worth the Wait’, at €10 each, are available at Wordsworth, The Square; Coleman’s Centra; Herlihys Centra; Supervalu, Millstreet; Anglands Filling Station, Dromagh and Guerins Filling Station, Ballydaly.