100 years on: remembering the Modreeny Ambush

The Modreeny Ambush was a major military engagement in the closing stages of the War of Independence. It was a factor in progressing the negotiations that led to the signing of ‘The Truce’, which brought an end to the war in July 1921.

Throughout the War of Independence, making the country ungovernable was part of the strategic plan to force the British Government to negotiate with the rebels. The Modreeny Ambush took place on June 3, 1921 when the North Tipperary Flying Column, under Commandant Seán Gaynor, surprised a convoy of RIC and Black and Tans as they made their way from Borrisokane to a Petty Court Session to be held in Cloughjordan. After the ambush, which lasted 45 minutes, the Flying Column safely withdrew, leaving four RIC fatalities.

After many months of planning the Cloughjordan Heritage Group with the welcome support of the community of Cloughjordan, Tipperary County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media has erected a marker to remember the event in its centenary year.

We are finally in a position to gather at the ambush site to unveil the marker on this Saturday, October 2, at 2.30pm. Members of the public are invited to attend, especially those whose relatives took part in the events of 100 years ago. A short ceremony will take place with contributions giving details of the build up and aftermath of events 100 years ago.

Please take care if attending and observe appropriate social distance measures. Note also that the event is at a road junction and extra care is needed.