DETAILS OF THE COUNTY CLARE RIOT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6118, 27 June 1881, Page 6

DETAILS OF THE COUNTY CLARE RIOT.

On the 3rd June 80 policemen proceeded to Bodyke to assist in evicting a tenant. Bodyke is a small village between Scarnff and Tulla, where some troops are at present garrisoned. While proceeding to the place of assembly, in small parties, the police were attacked in detail by the people, under command of the county Inspector. The police were conveyed from Ennis by ambulance. On the way a hive of bees was let loose, and, attacking the horses with their stings, the beasts were maddened, and became unmanageable, one of them dashing himself against a wagon, and was killed. Mounted orderlies were despatched for military assistance to Tulla. Meanwhile the united police force proceeded to the house, whence the tenant was to be evicted. It was situated on a hill, and as they ascended it, they were attacked by armed men, who, from a covert of fences on both sides of the road, poured a galling fire into the ranks of, the constabulary. The latter deployed in skirmishing order, and. returned the fire, killing one man, and wounding several. The police reached the house, and broke in the front door. The rioters rushed, through the back door, but several were arrested. Some who attacked the police from fence coverts' were also arrested. Possession was taken of the house, and its occupants cleared out. While returning with their prisoners the police were again fired upon, and one of their horses killed. Mounted men despatched for the military had to run a gauntlet, a determined effort being made to prevent them, reaching Tulla. However, they rode into town despite the obstacles.