THE IRISH WAR

THE IRISH WAR

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Items of the Situation

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National Forces Occupy Ballina

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(Western People, 5^th August, 1922)

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FTER three days of anxious expectation by the people of the town the National Troops arrived in Ballina on Saturday evening , 29^th July. An advance party of six cyclists were the first to enter. They came by way of the Station road, down Francis Street, by the Post Office, and into O’Rahilly Street amidst great rejoicing by the people. The crescendo of applause which burst forth spontaneously from the crowd that quickly collected on the street was followed by a sensational incident which almost created  panic amongst the civil population.

   “A man rushed forward from the Post Office lane, in Knox Street, and fired two shots from a revolver. It is stated by some people that the shots were fired as a signal to a party of Irregular troops to clear out of the town while others state that the man was seen to kneel down and deliberately fire at the National troops. Whichever of the stories is true, the fact remains that for a few minutes after the shots were fired the people were in a state of fright, thinking that an attack was opened on the troops. The sangfroid of the advance party, however, was in no way disturbed. They immediately dismounted from their bicycles and walked down the street with the coolness of hardened veteran, smoking cigarettes. At 5.45 p.m. the main body of the troops arrived in Crossley tenders, motor cars and motor lorries, followed by a big field piece.

   “A few minutes afterwards they had taken possession of all the main streets and guards were mounted at different vantage points. Patrol parties were also sent out to the outskirts of the town. Subsequently they proceeded to make numerous arrests and amongst the prisoners taken were—Messrs. T. Coen, J. Garrett, M. Forde, P. Forde, P. Galvin, J. Cassidy, J. McShane, J. Keaveney, --- Kielty, J. Doherty, J. Beirne, P. Garvey, M. Fox, M. Cahill. M. Carr, P. Brogan, P. Loftus, J. Williams, and J. McIntyre. Subsequently the following prisoners were released—J. Beirne, P. Loftus, M. Fox, P. Garvey, J. Williams, M. Carr and M. Cahill. Mr. Martin Curry was arrested on Monday in the Post Office, where he works, and on the same day Mr. M. Farrell was also arrested. Other arrests were made in teh rural districts, but many “wanted” men succeeded in making their escape. The troops were billeted in several houses in the town, but the main body took over the workhouse, where they are now quartered. All the prisoners are, so far, incarcerated in the workhouse, but, it is stated, they will be removed to Athlone for internment. They are being well cared for, but the sleeping accommodation is not that of a first-class hotel. They are strongly guarded and numerous sentries are post in different parts of the ground.

   “Nothing out of the ordinary has occurred since the arrival of the troops. The town is being patrolled by strong parties both day and night, and the utmost precautions are being taken against a surprise attack. The probability of an attack, however, is rather remote. All public houses in the town have been put out of bounds for the troops, and a proclamation has been issued by General Lawlor stating that any publican found supplying a member of the National Army with intoxicating drink will have his premises closed for an indefinite period. About 50 of the troops have been accommodated with quarters at St. Muredach’s College, where they are being well looked after by the staff. The Irregulars who left Ballina are stated to have massed in strength on the Ox mountains, Bonniconlon, which is only five miles from Ballina, is stated to be their headquarters.

  “On Sunday the troops occupied Belmullet, Ballycastle and Killala without a shot being fired. In Killala a child was wounded by the accidental discharge of a rifle. The towns of North Mayo are now completely cleared of the Irregulars. It is expected that their resistance will collapse in a very short time. Nowhere in the victorious march of the National troops in North Mayo have they met with resistance, with the exception of the minor ambush at Coolnabinna. Desertions are numerous from the ranks of the Irregulars and Commandant Sean Langan, of Lacken, has resigned his commission. Demoralisation in the ranks is widespread, and, it is stated, it is only with the utmost difficulty that anything approaching discipline is being maintained.

  “The trains are again running from Dublin to Ballina. The first train since the 28^th June arrived in Ballina on Sunday. The mail train left Ballina as usual on Monday. The full postal service has been resumed, but owing to the telegraphic installation in Ballina and all the sub-post offices being destroyed by the Irregulars, the telegraphic services are still paralysed, and, it is feared, will remain so for a considerable time”.

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