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The unknown solider of the Headford Ambush
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The unknown solider of the Headford Ambush
EXCLUSIVE
By Sean Moriarty
A grand-nephew of the unknown soldier who died during the War of Independence at Headford one hundred years ago today has vowed to get to visit the site as soon as restrictions permit.
Giles Baily left Kerry for Dublin in 1961 to study Dentistry and eventually set up his own practice in Castleknock.
He grew up listening to stories of the ambush, his grandfather was P.J.Baily was a brother of Lieutenant Jimmy Baily who along with Commandant Dan Allman were killed during the during the Headford Junction Ambush March, 21 1921.
An IRA brigade intercepted a train carrying British troops. The subsequent gunfight left 14 men dead, nine British soldiers, two IRA volunteers and three civilians.
The centenary celebration of the single biggest Irish Republican Army operation in Kerry during the War of Independence was due to take place this Sunday but has been postponed due to crowd-gathering rules connected with COVID-19 restrictions.
Allman was one of the leaders of the ambush. he and his colleague Baily were the two IRA man killed in the attack. However Baily’s identity was never released as locals feared revenge attacks from the British forces.
Contemporary newspaper reports, at the time said: “Over 20 priests were present at the funeral from Killarney Cathedral to Aglish of Daniel Allman and the unknown volunteer who died in the Headford Ambush.
“Growing up we were told about the Ambush with pride in our grand uncle,” Giles told the Killarney Advertiser. “The family history has it that Jimmy was not identified by the British, and was buried with Dan Allman to avoid the family been targeted by the British Crown Forces, and afterwards his body was exhumed and buried in a separate grave.”
Both Giles and his cousin Justin Bailey were looking forward to attending the now postponed event.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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