The Mayor of Waterford will lay a wreath at the site of the Burgery Ambush today.
It's 100 years since four men lost their lives when the IRA set out to blow up Tarr's Bridge to disrupt military movements during the War of Independence.
It took place 2.5 kilometres outside Dungarvan on the main road to Waterford (on what is now the N25) on 18th-19th March 1921.
According to the Waterford Co Museum, the IRA's proposed action for the night of the 18th March 1921 was to blow up Tarr's Bridge to disrupt military movements. The two local Companies, Dungarvan and Abbeyside, were to carry out this work under the protection of the Flying Column which left Ballymullalla to rendezvous with the demolition squad at Ballycoe. George Plunkett, a member of the IRA. G.H.Q., was with the Flying Column at this time as he was on a tour of inspection. George Lennon commanded the Flying Column. Also present were Pax Whelan, Officer Commanding of the West Waterford Déise Brigade of the Irish Republican Army.
At Ballycoe, as they were preparing to go down to Tarr's Bridge, the lights of military vehicles were seen coming from Dungarvan. After some discussion, George Plunkett decided that they should abandon the demolition operation and instead attack the military on its way back to town. At the end of a series of engagements, four people had lost their lives. IRA volunteers, Seán Fitzgerald and Pat Keating. Royal Irish Constabulary Sergeant Michael Hickey and Constable Sydney Redman.
Mayor of Waterford Damien Geoghegan told WLR News that he feels it is important the event is marked:
"It was a landmark event in the fight for independence here in Waterford and I do think it's important we do remember it. And I think it's important that I as Mayor would do it on behalf of the people of Waterford. I think we owe those men and indeed women who were involved in that particular struggle for freedom here in West Waterford, we owe them a real debt of gratitude".
THIS MORNING 100 YEARS AGO
RIC Sargeant Michael Hickey was executed in a field outside Dungarvan following the Burgery Ambush. A one act play by George Lennon O/C IRA Flying Column (pictured in 1970) describes the execution.
PLAY: https://t.co/7GuVg5sTxJ pic.twitter.com/UofTYdZscL— Waterford Co. Museum (@waterfordmuseum) March 19, 2021
The short video, created by John Foley Films for Waterford County Museum and the Decade of Centenaries Committee of Waterford City and County Council, provides a brief overview of the events around the ambush. Released on the 18th March to mark the centenary, it's a prelude to a longer film that the Museum hopes to finish by Autumn 2021 providing a more complete overview of events. The film was assembled remotely with voice actors, musicians and crew working from home during the pandemic lockdown.
Willie Whelan, from Waterford County Museum, spoke to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today this morning.
You can catch that interview again by clicking below here...
