Attack on Hollyford Barracks
Introduction from Chronology
On the night of May 10th, IRA attack on Hollyford
Barracks, Tipperary. This attack
results in the destruction of the barracks but without the capture of arms by
the IRA.
More Detail
The attack was led by Tadgh Dwyer (O/C Local Battalion i.e. 2nd of the South Tipperary Brigade) and
Ernie O'Malley, GHQ Staff Captain. Among those who took part in the
attack were Seamus Robinson, Sean Tracey, Dan Breen (all brigade staff 3rd South
Tipperary Brigade), Jim Stapleton (Mid-Tipp Brigade), Ned [O’] Reilly,
Jack ‘The Master’ Ryan and Jim Gorman (the latter was from the
local Hollyford company and had served in the Australian army). Also, a
few men from the Doon Battalion of the East Limerick Brigade took part.
Ryan and [O’]Reilly had earlier the same day
taken part in the attack on Sgt McDonnell – see May-10-20/4.
There were 12 constables in the barracks. When the barracks
catches fire, they retreated to a small shelter and could not be
dislodged. In his report to the IRA Adjutant General, Treacy (as V/C of
South Tipperary Brigade) criticised the men who took
part for shouting threats at the RIC men which, he felt, made them less likely
to surrender.