Calendar of Events
Capture of Carrigtwohill RIC Barracks
Plaque Unveiling
It will be recalled that Carrigtwohill & District Historical Society had planned a weekend of events, for
the 14th/15th March, commemorating local activity during the War of Independence. Sadly, these events had
to be postponed due to the arrival of that virus!
The main event of that period in Carrigtwohill, was the capture and destruction of the local RIC Station,
3rd January 1920. It was the first barracks in Ireland to be permanently decommissioned, with
the approval of IRA GHQ. The unveiling of a plaque commemorating this event was a central part of the
proposed activity.
As time was marching on, with the winter months to be soon upon us, and the marginal lifting of some of
the Governments restriction in relation outdoor gatherings, it was decided we would conduct the unveiling
ceremony with restricted numbers in attendance. Consequently, it was not advertised as usual with no guests
being invited, and took place, 22nd September, ‘Socially Distanced’ as best we could of course.
Our sincere thanks must firstly be extended to Mrs Mary Burchill, and her daughter Elaine with who’s kind
permission, we were permitted to fix the plaque to the wall of their property, Kate Murphy’s Shop, from where
the attack on the barracks began. Without this, our commemoration would not have been possible.
We must also thank in the first instance, Cork County Council for financially supporting this undertaking
through its ‘Commemorations Committee’, and secondly for the kindness of Mayor, Mary Linehan Foley, who
performed the unveiling, who was accompanied Councillor, Anthony Barry. Also, in attendance were Councillor
Alan O’Connor, members of our committee, and a few passers-by.
Throughout the short ceremony the Tricolour was held aloft by a local schoolgirl, Laura Barry, at the door of
this house. At the conclusion of ceremony Jim Barry (Chair) and Mary Linehan Foley presented Mrs Burchill a
bouquet as our thank you for her kind support.
There are still a limited number of DVDs available fully documents the capture of the barracks, researched by
John O’Mahony, and produced by our society. They may be obtained from any of our committee members, or ordered
through our website
Photo Gallery
