Recalling Limerick War of Independence ambush

Chairman of Anglesboro Historical Society, Pat English and Fr Pat Linehan, PP Cloyne, laying a wreath at the Daniel Shinnick monument in Glenacurrane, which is close to where the IRA ambushed a convoy of British troops on 17th December, 1920. (Picture: John Ahern)

1920 was a violent and bloody year in Ireland. Encouraged by their successes, the IRA launched ever more frequent attacks on British forces – the tactic of choice being the ambush. 

Located on the Mitchelstown to Ballylanders road, the topography of ‘Glenacurrane’ made it a prime ambush site. Having monitored troop movements for weeks, local IRA commanders from Limerick and Cork decided to pool their resources for what was expected to be a large scale engagement.

This incident, which took place on December 17, 1920, was recalled at a solemn ceremony, held close to the ambush site, last Sunday afternoon.

Coverage in this week’s Print & Digital Edition