South Longford town commemorates Battle of Ballymahon

As Ballymahon looks back on 2022 one milestone will be the recognition of days gone by. Earlier this year the town marked one of the most pivotal moments in South Longford's military campaign during the War of Independence with a solemn ceremony.

On the 102nd anniversary of the first major War of Independence engagement to take place in the souther part of the county family members of the combatants, history enthusiasts, locals and political representatives gathered for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the site of the Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks.

The campaign to install the plaque was instigated by Rónán Ó Ceallaigh, with assistance from the local Leo Casey Historical society. Also contributing were historian Sean O’Suilleabhain and county archivist Martin Morris. Leo Baxter and Anne Molloy, whose fathers were instrumental in the raid, performed the unveiling.

The raid came at a crucial time in the War of Independence. Following assaults on Drumlish and Ballinamuck Barracks led by Seán Connolly and Seán Mac Eoin the local resistance campaign was gaining momentum.

A daring raid by Mac Eoin's and five other on the Upper Military Barracks in Longford (now Pearse Park) on August 18 yielded 11 rifles, 550 rounds of ammunition, grenades and other equipment.

Not a man to rest on his laurels, Seán Mac Eoin met Seán Connolly and finalised arrangements for an assault on Ballymahon to take place the following night. Ballymahon Barracks, on the town's Main Street, was manned by 15-20 RIC/Tans.

The organisers recognised the contribution of Harry and Colette Skelly, the proprietors of the Old Barracks building for giving permission for the plaque, John Nally of Nallys Courtyard, for sponsoring this plaque and The Glenside Ceili Band for performing at the unveiling.