Clonfin Memorial Ballinalee

The Clonfin Ambush was the most significant action to take place in Longford during the War of Independence (1919-1921). 

At Clonfin, the IRA’s North Longford Flying Column, under the command of Seán MacEoin, ambushed a party of the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). These auxiliaries were ex-British soldiers employed to support the police and the Black and Tans in fighting the IRA.

On their way from Granard to Longford town, the auxiliaries’ patrol consisted of two troop transport vehicles known as Crossley tenders. The first of these Crossley tenders was blown up when it hit a mine on the road. The ensuing shoot-out lasted about 15 minutes before the auxiliaries surrendered.

Four of them, including their commanding officer, Francis Worthington Craven, were fatally wounded. Eight others were injured. MacEoin and his men organised medical assistance for the enemy and allowed the dead and wounded to be taken back to Longford.

The 21 members of the Flying Column were moving away from the scene when British reinforcements arrived. In the skirmish that followed, one of the IRA party was slightly injured. British forces withdrew as darkness fell.

The Clonfin Memorial is located on the roadside of the R194, from Ballinalee to Granard and is accessible to the public.