Premiere of film about attack on Ballymahon RIC Barracks

Premiere of film about attack on Ballymahon RIC Barracks
Ballymahon Library hosts inaugural screening on the 103rd anniversary of the encounter 

Press Release
11 August 2023

Ballymahon Community Library will host the first screening of a film entitled The Assault on and Capture of Ballymahon RIC Barracks at 7.30pm on Saturday, 19 August. The event will take place on the 103rd anniversary of the action, which saw the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) surrender to the Irish Republican Army (IRA). All are welcome to attend. The Glenside Céilí Band will provide entertainment at the premiere. 

The film is the brainchild of Rónán Ó Ceallaigh, a local man, who organised the erection of a plaque to commemorate the incident last year. Mr Ó Ceallaigh has been working with Ballymahon filmmaker Michael Conlan to bring the project to fruition. The film includes interviews with historians – both local and academic – as well as dramatisations. The project is funded by Longford County Library, Heritage, Archives and Arts Services through the Decade of Centenaries Programme. 

The attack on the barracks involved IRA battalions from north and south Longford, and was intended to generate activity in the south, which had been quiet until then. It was the first time that the RIC surrendered a barracks to the IRA in Longford.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Colm Murray, welcomes the film. “I warmly congratulate Rónán, Michael and all involved in this project. The attack on the barracks was an important event in the War of Independence in Longford and this film will enable people  to learn more about it”, he says. 

Longford County Council Chief Executive, Paddy Mahon, agrees. He says, “It is great to see initiatives such as this coming from the community. Film has a way of engaging people, and I am sure that this one will generate a lot of interest locally.”

Rónán Ó Ceallaigh, the project organiser, is excited about the premiere. “We have met amazing people along this journey, who have shared their stories and information with enthusiasm and immense pride. It's known without doubt that historical events in our home town of Ballymahon were forgotten, over time”, Mr Ó Ceallaigh reflects. “These community projects ensure that this will never occur again, and a legacy of information remains for the next generation”, he adds.

The film will be available on the YouTube channel of Longford County Library, Heritage, Archives and Arts Services.

For further information, check out Longfordcoco.ie or follow Longford County Council on social media.