The Death of a Fenian & a Fierce Encounter at Clonfad

 

Snippet from the East Galway Democrat 08 July 1916

‘Fierce Encounter

Between Police and People at Clonfad.

Many Injured on Both Sides.

Mather’s Stock Driven Again.

A fierce conflict took place at Clonfad between civilians and the police on Tuesday arising out of a cattle drive.  There were many injured on both sides, and one policeman named Rabbitt is in hospital as result of injuries received.  Three rifles belonging to the policemen were taken from them and broken.  It was rumoured freely that shots were fired at the crowd, but this is not corroborated.  It was rumoured freely that shots were fired at the crowd, the policemen used batons and the butt end of their rifles, and the crowd sticks and stones.  A policeman who took part in the encounter said it was of a most fierce nature, and that groups of men lay round on the ground.’

The death of John Beirne who fought in the 1867 rising 

‘The burial has taken place of Mr John Beirne, Lecarrow, Ballintubber, aged 78.  He took part in the ’67 Rising, and was a personal friend of Ned Duffy, a leading spirit in the movement.’

From East Galway Democrat, 8.7.16