Comóradh Luíochán Thuar Mhic Éadaigh
Image Copyright Leonard Collection
Tourmakeady Ambush Centenary Commemoration
One hundred years on from the famous Tourmakeady Ambush (Luíochán Thuar Mhic Éadaigh), mounted by the South Mayo Brigade of the IRA on the 3rd of May 1921, the communities from which the Brigade were drawn, are remembering that much talked about event in the famous War of Independence in Ireland.
On the 3rd of May, 2021, a Committee of interested and committed volunteers from the catchment area will launch a ‘Year of Commemoration’ and will announce their series of commemorative initiatives and events to take place over the following twelve months, up to May 2022
Recent Local Stories
Upcoming Events
New Book on the Ambush
A new book has been written and published to coincide with the Centenary Commemoration of the Ambush. The full book title is:
Tourmakeady Ambush 1921 - Comóradh Luíochán Thuar Mhic Éadaigh
Written by Séan O’Luideáin & Tomás O'hEánacháin.
Visit the sites and travel back in time in our online walking tour
This account of the Tourmakeady Ambush will take the form of two walking tours, and will aim at providing, to the local or visitor, a guide to the sites and locations of a famous event that took place in May 1921.
The first, covering the Tourmakeady area, and focusing on the places that played a part in the ambush, is complete and available.
The second is to follow and will provide a similar account of the preparation phase by the Cross Battalion, how Brigadier Tom Maguire planned the ambush and trained his Flying Column as they hid out in the woods in Kildun, The Neale, and with the support of members of Cumann na mBan.
The eight points-of-interest on the below walking tour serve as a skeleton to allow the telling of a little of the history and organisation of the Volunteers/IRA in the local area.
This is not a definitive account. Like most situations encountered in life - there is rarely a clear-cut, black-and-white version of events. Life is messier than that and more inclined to teach us of the need for care in dealing with the incidents and experiences we encounter. So it is with the ambush - there are two sides.
The Tourmakeady Ambush was a military action designed to capture weapons as well as an attack on what was seen as an occupying force. People on both sides were killed and injured in the ambush and its aftermath. Reprisals were carried out.
War is awful.
The War of Independence is part of our history and informs what we are today.
It should also teach us of the importance of compassion and forgiveness.
- Seán O’Hogáin, 2021
Watch the video to experience the main point of interest, and click through on the button beneath to read a more detailed account.
Introduction
Setting the scene of the ambush with some geographical and historical context
Christ Church Tourmakeady
Point of Interest One
The Old RIC Barracks
Point of Interest No. 2
The Post Office
Point of Interest No. 3
Drimbawn Gate
Point of Interest No. 4
Hewitt’s Hotel
Point of Interest No. 5
Rectory Gates
Point of Interest No. 6
Gortfree
Point of Interest No. 7
Outside O’Tooles
Point of Interest No. 8
Turas an Luíochán as Gaeilge
Pointe Naoi
Turas na Sléibhte le Ceol
Pointe Deich
Join us in commemorating the centenary of this event by sharing your own stories.
Over the year, we are hoping to create an archive by gathering stories from everyone in the local area. If you would like to participate in the project, please contact us at the information below.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions or to send on any photos, poems, stories or other memorabilia related to the ambush.
Email
tourmakeadyambush@gmail.com