British forces will not be commemorated at Kilmichael Ambush site

Two West Cork historical organisations redeveloping one of Ireland’s best-known War of Independence sites have strongly denied that Auxiliary troops will be commemorated in the new project.

It was reported in recent days that plans to revamp the Kilmichael Ambush monument in Co Cork would include an “Auxiliary acknowledgement area” including the name and ranks of the auxiliaries shot.

Tony McCarthy, a member of the Tony Kennefick Commemoration Committee, had reacted with horror to the plans — describing them as “an affront not just to the people who were at Kilmichael on the day but the people of West Cork”, as the auxiliaries were responsible for “countless killings and burnings” of homes across Cork and brought “little honour to the British army”.