Shocking Tragedy at Ashbourne

Galway Pilot, May 6th 1916

An appalling tragedy has taken place at Ashbourne, a village of about 250 inhabitants, in the County of Meath. It appears that County Inspector Gray, District—Inspector Harry Smith and 50 Constables left Navan in motor cars for Ashbourne, where it was stated, a police barrack had been attacked. On coming near the village, the police left the motor cars to march into the place. The insurgents managed to ambush the police force, and then called on them to surrender and give up their arms. The County Inspector refused and was shot dead. The police force took whatever cover they could, and fought till they expended their last cartridge when they surrendered. As a result of the fighting, ten policemen, including an officer, were killed and eighteen wounded.