IN COUNTY DONEGAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 8

IN COUNTY DONEGAL

ROUT OF REPUBLICANS. A THRILLING INCIDENT. (Received July 2, 5.5 p-m.) LONDON. July 1. Tho “Daily Express” Belfast correspondent states that County Donegal, which has been infested with Republicans for months, was practically cleared by a surprising swoop yesterday. Large numbers of irregulars were taken prisoner by Free State troops. McKean, tho blacksmith of Ballina, interrupted his 'honeymoon to take charge of operations. He surrounded the Finner camp at dawn, and when the Republicans awoke they found themselves hemmed in by a ring of steel. Escape was impossible, and they were given an hour to surrender, but refused, so McKeon, after a two hours’ fight, took the camp at the point of the bayonet. Two Republicans were killed and ten wounded. LONDON, Juno 30. The Free State forces are rounding ttp the rebel strongholds in the country. The latest activities are directed against Letterkenny, Bunorana and other centres in Donegal. Troops attacked Ballymacool house, Letterkenny, with bombs, mnchine-guus and rifles. The rebel occupants surrendered and were taken prisoner after lively exchanges, with their arms and munitions, and stolen motor-cars. Irregulars at Buncrana surrendered without a fight and handed over a large quantity of ammunition: The Free State forces are occupying the telephone exchanges, post offices, and railway stations. The casualties are unknown, but. are believed to be slight-