Easter Monday hike to commemorate Kilmeena Ambush

A famous event in Irish history forms the basis of an event on Easter Monday next.
The Kilmeena Ambush took place in May, 1921 when Michael Kilroy’s West Mayo Flying Column retreated back to the safety of the Nephin mountains after an attack on a large force of British soldiers.
On Easter Monday, March 28 at 10am an event will recreate part of that retreat.
Present will be descendants of members of the Flying Column and locals whose ancestors looked after the men in the column and led them to safety through the mountains, despite hundreds of soldiers – both RIC and Black and Tans, combing the area searching for them.
The day begins outside Brannans Bar in Newport at 10am where local taxis will bring people to Skirdagh, the village outside Newport where Kilroy’s men retreated to all those years ago.
At Skirdagh there will be a reading of the Proclamation from 1916 and an account of the events from the War of Independence in the area of that time from some of the locals.
A three to four kilometre walk will then take place, following the route used by Kilroy’s Flying Column.
After some light refreshments in line with what was on offer in 1921 it is off to the mountains or, for those who wish, a return to Newport via taxi at this stage.
On the hike to Birreencorragh (695m), organisers will be passing along the Irish flag to all who hike up through the mountain. After that it’s down to Letterkeen, to the bothy where homemade boxty will be given to everyone and taxis will return the walkers to Newport.
Later that evening there will be Irish music and a singsong in Brannans in Newport and a traditional Irish stew buffet. As places are limited anyone wishing to attend this event are asked to contact John at 087 6391777 or message the Wild Nephin Mountains or Nephin Beggers page on Facebook.
There will be a small fee on the day to cover the cost of taxis, food and music. Organisers say the event is non political and all are welcome.