Abbeyfeale, Monday – In a shocking turn of events, Mr Chambers, the Manager of the Provincial Bank in Listowel, fell victim to a daring daylight robbery near Abbeyfeale. The incident occurred today around 11 o’clock, as Mr Chambers, accompanied by an assistant, was en route to the Branch Bank in Abbeyfeale. The assailants, five masked and armed men, intercepted them about a mile from the town on the Kerry side.

The robbers, displaying a brazen level of planning and execution, cut the harness from the horse attached to the victims’ car. This forced the assistant to make a desperate run on foot to the police barracks at Duagh, while the perpetrators seized the money intended for local transactions at the Gale and General Markets.

The raid took place at Burnswood, a location approximately a mile and a quarter from Abbeyfeale, strategically chosen for its secluded nature. The assailants, cleverly disguised, ambushed Mr Chambers and his assistant in an old passageway leading from the public road to the river. Revolvers drawn, two of the attackers confronted Mr Chambers, while the others covered his assistant. The victims were compelled to dismount, and under the threat of the gunmen’s weapons, they were driven about 200 yards in the direction of Duagh.

The exact amount stolen is yet to be determined, but initial estimates suggest it falls between £500 and £1,000. The stolen funds comprised a cash box containing a mix of gold, notes, and silver.

Following the heist, the assistant ran to Duagh Barracks, as communication with Abbeyfeale was cut off. Meanwhile, the robbers swiftly made their escape towards Kilcara wood. The police from the surrounding districts quickly mobilized, but as of now, no arrests have been made.

The Provincial Bank’s local branch in Abbeyfeale was closed today due to the incident. Concerns loom over the safety and security of financial institutions in the region, with the audacious nature of the robbery leaving the community in shock.

This unexpected event has dominated discussions at the market today, with the district witnessing an unprecedented level of sensationalism. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and various theories are circulating within the community as they grapple to understand the foreign nature of this crime in their usually peaceful region.

The police are actively investigating the incident, and local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community remains on edge as they await further developments in this audacious daylight heist in County Limerick.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Monday 02 June 1913