The raid of the Black and Tans

This house was a typical dwelling of a small farmer in the late 19th and early 20th century, with small farm sheds nearby. The roof was originally thatched and the remains of an orchard may be seen behind the largest shed.

John Francis McHale, born in 1900, was the eldest of the large family of James and Ann McHale. His neighbour Anthony Browne was leader of the local Sinn Fein club in the parish and young John Francis spent many evenings his neighbours, listening to the 'talk of a new Republic' and being fired up with enthusiasm for the cause of Irish Freedom. While only eighteen he became an IRA volunteer rejoicing in missions on his bicycle delivering secret communications or out drilling at night with the other 'volunteer lads'.

However, reality struck fast and hard when a combined Black and Tan and RIC patrol led by Inspector White of Ballina raided his home. The young volunteer and his father were dragged into the large shed and the old man was told they would shoot John Francis, unless he gave them names of other IRA sympathisers. Unwilling, the crown force men grabbed his son and forced him into a barrel of water until he began drowning. With the protests of his father, the police threw him onto the floor and struck him in the head - opening a wound that would last all his life.

John Francis McHale survived and would find himself interned in Tintown camp, in the Curragh during the Civil War. Afterwards, he emigrated to America, marrying there. His futile attempts to get a medal or pension led him to have a lasting disenchantment with the Irish state, whom he felt betrayed the memory of the ordinary volunteers who had suffered for it. A view shared by many unhappy veterans who joined him overseas.