Clonfin Ambush centenary celebrations go online

Today marks the Centenary of one of the most important local actions during the Irish War of Independence. The Clonfin Ambush was carried out by 21 men of the North Longford Flying Column on February 2, 1921, during the Irish War of Independence.

It took place in the townland of Clonfin between Ballinalee and Granard in County Longford. The IRA ambushed two lorries carrying members of the British Auxiliary Division, sparking a lengthy gun battle in which four Auxiliaries were killed and eight wounded.

The Auxiliaries eventually surrendered. The IRA commander, Seán Mac Eoin, won some praise for helping the wounded Auxiliaries.

A monument was unveiled in February 1971 by General Sean Mac Eoin in the presence of eight surviving Column members. The Clonfin Memorial is located on the side of the R194 road, with a ceremony taking place there on an annual basis.

This year the centenary celebration will be online on the Facebook page ‘Decade of Centenaries Longford’, due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

On February 7 a ceremony will take place at 3pm and, on February 10, Sister Maeve Brady, a daughter of one of those who took part, will give a talk at 7.30pm.