War of Independence
1919-1921
| — | Kenmare Heritage Town | — |
Cumann na mBan a throid ar son Saoirse na hÉireann
a tógadh an leacht chuimhneacháin seo.
the women of Cumann na mBan who fought for Irish
independence and who supported the struggle for freedom.
The Headford Ambush, March 21st 1921, was one of the most notable
military engagements between Óglaigh na hÉireann and British troops during the War of Independence. Following intelligence given by
Kenmare Cumann na mBan member Petty Tangney, Kerry No. 2 Brigade
Flying Column attacked B Company of the 1st Battalion, Royal London Fusiliers, at Headford Junction railway station. The Flying Column
included five men from this area,
Tom O'Connor Scarteen (Kenmare),
Dan Patsy O'Sullivan (Kilgarvan)
Pat O'Shea (Lauragh)
The other Irish Volunteers involved in the ambush that afternoon were:
Daniel J. Allman O.C., Tom McEllistrim V.C.
James Bailey, John Brosnan, Peter Browne, Paddy Burke,
Con Cahill, Moss Carmody, James Coffey, Giles Cooper,
Din Bar Cronin, Jack Cronin, Pat Cronin, James Daly,
Michael Doherty, Tom Fleming, Moss Galvin, Dan Healy,
Jack Herlihy, John B Lenihan, Dave McCarthy, Neilus McCarthy
Johnny O'Connor, Tim O'Donoghue, Michael O'Leary,
Denis Prenderville, Jack Shanahan, Denis Sullivan, Peter Sullivan
During the fierce fighting, which lasted nearly an hour, Commanding Officer Daniel Allman and Volunteer Jimmy Bailey were shot and killed. Three civilians were caught in crossfire and died from their wounds. Eight soldiers of the 1st Battalion were killed. Following this guerrilla attack in Headford, the Fusiliers carried out intense searches in the Kenmare area. On May 1st 1921, Lieutenant Denis Tuohy of Óglaigh na hÉireann was captured during a search in Gortalassa, Kenmare. Lt. Tuohy was taken to a temporary military barracks at Kenmare Workhouse, Kilmurry, where he was interrogated for several hours before being killed - having remained steadfast and true to his comrades.
women of the Kenmare area who took part
in the struggle for Irish freedom.
This memorial was unveiled by the Transition Year Class of
Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine 2012, Senator Mark Daly and the
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltecht Jimmy Deenihan TD.
[1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic in English and Gaelic]
Topics and series.
this page online
Location. 51° 52.826′ N, 9° 35.027′ W. Memorial is in Kenmare, Munster, in County Kerry. It is on The Square (National Route N71) just north of Henry Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is on the west side of the Fair Green. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Kenmare, Munster V93 CY93, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fair Green (here, next to this marker); James Joyce Pub Award (within shouting distance of this marker);
Also see . . . Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 16, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 722 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 17, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
