WARFARE IN IRELAND.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15211, 12 April 1923, Page 5

WARFARE IN IRELAND.

LIAM LYNCH DEAD.

SUCCUMBS TO HIS WOUNDS-

ATTEMPTED RESCUE PAILS.

Australian and N.Z. Cabie Assn. LONDON, April 11.

Liam Lynch, chief of the Irish irregular forces, died at Clonmel, Tipperary, as the result of wounds received during a fight with 'Free State troops, who captured him after he had been seriously wounded. The story of Lynch's capture will be told in Irish homes many years hence. The Republican executive had arranged to hold a meeting near Newcastle, at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains. A farmhouse in the heart of the country had been chosen for an occasion of the gravest importance, as the purpose of the meeting was to make the final decision in regard to a proposal to make peace. One by one the Republican leaders managed to reach the appointed place, and on Tuesday morning, including De Valera, were there.

Outposts were thrown around the country lest the fateful gathering be disturbed by inquisitive patrols. Every precaution was taken to keep the date and place of the meeting secret, but whether by accident or design, National troops appeared with dramatic suddenness. Fire was opened on some Republican scouts, who seem to have lost their heads. Then a pitched battle developed round the farm-house. The National troops seem to have been outnumbered by the Republicans, who subjected them to a fierce and prolonged fusilade to cover the retreat of the leaders, whose arrest had to be avoided at every cost. A stray shot struck Lynch. De Valcra and Breen did their utmost to take him along, half carrying and half dragging him. The troops, however, were following so close that they were forced to abandon their comrade, who later was removed to a hospital. Every effort to locate the others failed.