Emily Whitford-McDonald, a grandniece of RIC Constable John Cantlon, who was killed in the ambush, stands on the spot where her granduncle died. Also in the photo (from left) are Len Gaynor, nephew of Brigadier Sean Gaynor, Brendan Sheehan, Chairperson Cloughjordan Heritage Group and local historian Ger Heffernan.

Descendants meet at ambush site - online presentation planned

Published: Wed 2 Jun 2021, 9:50 AM

A century ago on June 3rd, the police (RIC) were on their way to a Petty Sessions Court in Cloughjordan when, just after 10am, they were attacked by the Active Service Unit (ASU) of the Tipperary (No 1) Brigade, Irish Republican Army, on the road between Borrisokane and Cloughjordan. The ASU initially expected just twelve RIC on bicycles but were alarmed when the lookouts signalled a larger contingent of twelve cyclists plus four cars each carrying four armed policemen. A total force of twenty eight well armed police. The ASU strength was 20, plus eight local volunteers from Cloughjordan ‘C’ Company, 2nd Battalion. Despite the large increase in RIC strength, the IRA decided, after some heated discussion, to go ahead with the ambush. The ASU was commanded by Jack Collison (2nd Batt. Moneygall ) and Brigadier Sean Gaynor (1st Batt, Nenagh) o/c Tipperary (No 1) Brigade. The RIC were led by District Inspector Edmund Fitzpatrick (Roscrea barracks) and Sgt William Jones (Borrisokane barracks). The IRA opened fire and four RIC constables were killed - James Briggs (Scotland), John Cantlon (Carlow), Martin Feeney (Roscommon) and William Walsh (Laois). The engagement lasted less than an hour before the IRA withdrew without casualties. The ambush was the last major incident in Tipperary during the War of Independence.

PRESENTATION

A free online presentation by Ger Heffernan takes place at 8pm on this Thursday. Details at https://www.macdonaghheritage.ie/weekend/