IRISH REBEL COUP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18170, 16 August 1922, Page 9

IRISH REBEL COUP.

DESCENT UPON LOUTH.

CHIEF TOWNS CAPTURED.

DUNDALK AND DROGHEDA.

PUBLIC SERVICES SEIZED. By Telesraoh—Prees Association—'•Copyrijrht. (Received 8.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. Aug. 14. The Irish rebels are again in control of County Louth. All telegraph lines have been cut, and many of the civilian population have fled. This is the sequel to the rebels' swift and,-unexpected descent upon Dundalk and Drogheda. The rebels only recaptured Dundayk after severe fighting, through force of numbers, having isolated the town. They released prisoners from the gaol and took possession of all public services. "They aommaijieercd trains to cany a force to Drogheda, which was also seized. The destruction of a number of railway bridges prevented Free Staters from sending reinforcements. Heavy fighting is proceeding in the west. The rebels evacuated Fermoy, in Cork County, after burning the barracks and setting prisoners free. Free State troops have drawn a cordon around a stronghold in Munster occupied by rebels.

MR. GRIFFITH'S DEATH. A CALAMITY TO IRELAND. Eeuter. LONDON. An* 14. The body of Mr. Arthur Griffith will lie in state at the City Hall, Dublin, till to-morrow evening, when it will be borne to the pro-cathedral. There was an impressive procession in the streets yesterday", when the body was taken to the City Hall, including members of the Dail Eireann, bands, detachments of troops with arms reversed, and a large crowd of the public. The City Hall was draped with black. A military guard of honour surrounds the coffin, which is wrapped in the Free State tricolour. There is a constant stream of mourners.

Mr. Michael Collins, interviewed, said that Mr. Arthur Griffith's death was a calamity to Ireland. Malignant fate seemed to be dogging Ireland, and always at a critical period depriving her of a trusted and followed leader. "At present I am- a soldier," he continued, " but I think J can promise that if those against us accept the terms offered by the Government, our differences can be composed. It is not too late fori De Valera and his followers to honour the passing of a great patriot by now achieving, what Mr. Griffith gave his life for — a united Ireland and an frish nation."