Community notes Jan 9th

Community Update

 At this stage, you are all probably aware of the level of restrictions we are faced with once more. It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this position again but we hope this will be for the good of all. We are not sure what the next number of weeks will bring with people possibly having to self -isolate, so this is just a quick message to say there are people to help and support our community. It’s certainly a strange time and it’s so important that we, as a community, are here for each other. As always, we have a great number of people willing to help so please reach out to us if needed. Stay safe. If you feel that you need help of any kind, please feel free to contact any of the following three community volunteers to arrange assistance. You can be assured of total discretion. All it takes is a call. Please reach out if needs be.   Shelia 086 8375555 ;   Helen 086 6066872 or  Eamonn 0868518335.

100 Years Ago

As already stated, there was a lot of activity on both sides in the Timoleague area during the month of December 1920. This resulted in the loss of family homes and businesses, coupled with the loss of lives unfortunately. Attacks on RIC barracks in West-Cork was common place but not always resulted in success. On New Year’s Night, Kilbrittain Barracks was the target. Members from the local Kilbrittain Company were joined by volunteers from Ballinadee, Ballinaspittle, Timoleague and Barryroe on this mission. The main attacking party was assembled at Clonbuig at about 10pm. A mine made by Peter Monahan (we will mention him again later) made for detonation by electricity (it was also fitted with ordinary fuse and detonators) was used. About 30 in the main attacking party arrived into the village at about mid-night. The remainder took up positions at roadblocks on the roads at the outskirts. Having reached the village, members of the main attacking party removed their boots and four in stocking feet, accompanied by Peter Monahan carrying the exploder which was attached to the mine, crept up to the building. He carried the mine on a trestle up to the barrack’s door and placed it in position. There was no explosion. The fuse had also been lit but there was still no explosion. Neither method was successful unfortunately. An additional effort was made to explode the mine by throwing grenades but this was also unsuccessful. Several volleys were fired by volunteers who were armed with rifles, revolvers and shot guns and were in position in houses across the road and by others who were around the building under cover of fences. Fire was returned from inside the barracks. The RIC constables sent up Verey lights as a signal that they were under attack. Intermittent shooting continued for some time. The attack was then called off as there was no hope of success. All sections were ordered to withdraw and return to their home areas.