James McDonnell

In December 1918, information that there were plans to move a consignment of gelignite from Tipperary British Army barracks to the Soloheadbeg quarry reached those wanting to acquire explosives. Plans to intercept the consignment were drawn up until further information was received that the consignment was to be moved around 16th January 1919.

Those planning to ambush the consignment anticipated that there would be between two and six armed escorts, and they discussed different plans.

Each day between 16th and 21st January, the men chosen for the ambush took up their positions from early in the morning to late afternoon and then spent the night at a deserted house. On 21st January, around noon, they received word the transport was leaving the barracks. The consignment of 160lb of gelignite was on a horse-drawn cart, led by two council men and guarded by two RIC officers armed with rifles.

When the transport reached the position where the main ambush party was hiding, the men stepped out in front of them with their guns drawn and called on the RIC to surrender. The Constables could see at least three of the ambushers. One Constable got down behind the cart and the other went for his rifle.

The ambushers opened fire and both RIC officers were killed, with Constable McDonnell being shot in the left side of the head and through his left arm.

Constable McDonell was a widower with six children.  He was born in Belmullet, County Mayo.

This incident is widely considered to have been the first in the Irish War of Independence.