British army knew in advance about ambush at Mourne Abbey

Historian Kieran McCarthy looks back at the ambush at Mourne Abbey.

(Left to right) John O'Riordan of the Mourne Abbey Heritage Association and Michael Looney, whose uncle Michael Looney is among those commemorated on the War of Independence memorial, at Mourne Abbey, Co. Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane

In early September 1920, the Flying Column of Cork IRA Brigade No.2 assembled at Island townland in the Burnfort Company area.

The column was under the command of Liam Lynch and representatives of nearly all companies in the Mallow Battalion. Ernie O'Malley was the Training Officer.