A motor car party travelling from Limerick to a political meeting in support of Mr Eamon de Valera’s candidacy in East Clare encountered a dangerous and unexpected attack near the villages of Bodyke and Tulla yesterday.
The party, which included notable individuals such as Alderman G. from Limerick, Colonel Dub, and Mr W. Forde, a retired official, was proceeding along the road when they came across a significant obstruction. Large stones had been strategically placed across the roadway, forming a blockade that required immediate attention.
As the occupants began the arduous task of clearing the stones, shots rang out from nearby cover. The gunfire, originating from an adjacent ditch, created a chaotic and life-threatening situation. In total, approximately fifteen shots were fired at the group.
One of the bullets narrowly missed Mr Forde and Mr O’Brien, while another pierced the door of the motor car. A third bullet struck a tire, disabling the vehicle. Despite the barrage of gunfire, miraculously, none of the party members sustained any injuries.
The attack appeared calculated to intimidate and disrupt the political activities surrounding the election campaign. The perpetrators managed to escape before they could be identified or apprehended, leaving behind a scene of disarray and alarm.
A travelling bag belonging to Alderman G. was found to have been pierced by one of the bullets, a stark reminder of the potential severity of the attack. The swift reactions of the motor car party, seeking shelter and taking defensive measures, undoubtedly contributed to the avoidance of injury or worse.
Local authorities have been alerted and are currently investigating the incident. The attack has raised concerns about the escalating tensions and the potential for violence in the politically charged environment of the East Clare election campaign.
Mr Eamon de Valera, whose candidacy the party was supporting, has been a focal point of nationalist sentiment and political activity in the region. This incident underscores the fraught nature of the current political climate and the lengths to which some may go to disrupt the election process.
As investigations continue, the community remains on high alert, and additional security measures are expected to be implemented to protect candidates and their supporters. This brazen attack serves as a stark reminder of the volatility surrounding the ongoing struggle for Irish independence and the passionate, sometimes dangerous, opposition it can incite.
Evening Irish Times – Tuesday 26 June 1917
