CAPTURED BY STRATEGY.

It is learned unofficially that the operations in South Co. Dublin were preceded by the advance of a party of National troops from the city to Glencullen, the route taken being viâ Enniskerry. At about half a mile south of the bridge, at Glencullen, the troops discovered an outpost of four Irregulars, and these they arrested. Almost immediately afterwards they came upon a motor-car, in which were five Irregulars, including a well-known Dublin man, Mr. Noel Lemass. All five were disarmed and arrested. The troops, dismounting from their cars, proceeded on foot to Glencullen Bridge, preceded by three soldiers, who met the leader of the Irregulars in the village. To the leader they gave the Irregulars’ password, and then learned that his men, whom he brought out from concealment at various places, were ready to blow up the bridge. The National troops surrounded the party of Irregulars, numbering about 31, and made them prisoners. Another party of Nationalists, operating at Glendhu, captured two Irregulars, who formed an outpost near Brook Cross roads. This party proceeded along the Pine Forest road until within 300 yards of Glendhu Bridge. Here they left their cars, and, continuing on foot towards the bridge, they found an abandoned motor-car loaded with picks and shovels. Taking possession of this the party went on to Frockenham Bridge. They were heavily fired on, and the troops then deployed and advanced gradually. The Irregulars, however, retreated hurriedly to the nearby forest, and in the darkness they got away, with the exception of one, who was captured. About midnight a patrol of National troops proceeded to Finglas Bridge and discovered four Irregulars in the act of laying a mine. On the approach of the troops the Irregulars put up their hands and were made prisoners.