FIVE HOURS’ BATTLE AT IRISH POLICE BARRACKS

ATTACK BY 150 MEN.

ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP BUILDING WITH DYNAMITE FAILS.

Telegraphing from Thurles, county Tipperary, a correspondent says: Drombane village hall, commandeered and occupied about twelve months ago by the police, was the scene of a daring affray on Sunday night, when an attack was made by an armed party of about 150. An unsuccessful attempt was made to blow up the building with dynamite, and the effects of the explosion were such that the gable was cracked and shattered, part of the roof blown awry, a stove inside driven into the middle of the floor, and a large hole made in the soft earth beneath. A fierce and incessant fusillade of bullets rained on the barracks for four or five hours, the police returning the fire vigorously. There were, however, no casualties on either side. The besieged received reinforcements of police and military about two o’clock on Monday morning, but before their arrival the attackers had dispersed, leaving no trace. The reinforcements hurrying to the place from Tipperary, Cashel, Templemore, and Thurles, found every road blocked by huge trees, which must have taken a considerable time to cut, and were placed miles from the scene of the attack. The Thurles contingent had to walk four miles owing to their transport being unable to get through, but the Cashel and Tipperary detachments had provided themselves with cross cuts and hatchets, and hewed a way through for their wagons. The cement walls of the station bear numerous bullet marks. The jambs and glass of the windows are completely shattered, and the solid steel shutters indented and pierced in many places, while several bullets lie buried in the walls. The building is in the centre of the village, and it is remarkable that nobody was shot. Houses great distances from the scene were struck. Sergeant O’shea, who was in charge of the station, giving an account of the affair, states that at 8.40 on Sunday night a whistle sounded, and the next thing he heard was a burst of rifle firing – about 150 to 200 discharges. The attack came from the front and rear. The police, who numbered thirteen, at once took up their places and returned the fire. While the attack was in progress some of the party crept up to the eastern gable and placed two bombs in position, a loud explosion following. After four or five hours’ firing the attackers withdrew, but the police continued their fire for another half-hour. Yesterday morning three unexploded bombs were found near the building, evidently intended for use after a breach in the gable had been effected. During the firing one of the constables said he heard digging going on outside the gable wall. Some of the police have scratched faces from flying glass splinters. Sergeant Mcdonnell and Constable Mcloskey, who happened to be out at the time, but not together, were captured and held prisoners while the fight lasted, being told not to move, from the place after the raiders left if they valued their lives. Several houses were searched yesterday, but there were no arrests. Constable Mcloskey made the following statement at Drombane Barracks: “A little before nine p.m. I went about 200 yards to the rear of the station. While there I saw two men with service rifles. They were civilians. I stood still, and I heard one say, ‘We are going to attack now.’ It was dark at the time, but I followed their movements. Then I saw the station was surrounded by men – the place was black with them, all armed. I blew my whistle and shouted, ‘They are going to attack.’ Instantly a fusillade of shots rang out. The police and attackers did not see me, for I lay on the ground and tried to crawl to the barracks, but I suddenly came upon three men with service rifles, who were wearing civilian clothes, and a voice shouted, ‘Who goes there?’ I had no cap on, and, owing to the darkness, they could not discern that I was a policeman. They drew nearer, and, seeing my uniform, levelled their rifles at me and said, ‘Hands up.’ I had no arms, and there was nothing for it but to put up my hands. The officer who appeared to be in charge ordered another man to search me. In course of the searching, when he came to my trousers pockets, I told him there was nothing there, but he replied, ‘We want ammunition, not money.’

ARMS AND LEGS TIED.

After that the man in charge ordered me to be tied, and instantly my arms and legs were tightly tied up with handkerchiefs. All this time rifle-shots rang out uninterruptedly. After a time they loosened my legs and requested me to come to another fence further on, as I was in the zone of fire, and in danger. I was then about 240 yards from the police station. When I came to the other fence my legs were again bound. I was lying in a wet place, and soon, owing to the exposure, my arms and legs became benumbed. I asked to have the bandages removed, but the man guarding me said if he did so he would be shot himself. While I was lying there an armed man came to me and gave me some stimulants which revived me somewhat. Three armed men subsequently arrived, and had a consultation, and I heard a voice say, “My God, is that true?” They cut my bonds, and released me, ordering me to follow them, and, having gone some distance together, they halted, saying they were going back to renew the attack and capture the station at any cost. They directed me to a hayrick near by, with the warning that if I stirred from it I would be shot. I remained in the hay till day broke. I was not bound. 1 could not hear the firing then. All was silence, and the first thing I heard was the cock crowing, which was to me the most welcome and sweetest music I ever heard in any life.” The police state the station will probably be evacuated, as owing to the firing it is practically unfit for habitation. An unsuccessful attack was also made on Sunday night on Holycross police hut, but there were no casualties. Great police and military activity in the district prevails.