THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Nationalist volunteers issue statement of regret after assault at Ballycastle

From the News Letter, July 21, 1914
Aul Lammas at BallycastleAul Lammas at Ballycastle
Aul Lammas at Ballycastle

At meeting of the Ballycastle detachment of the Nationalist Volunteers which had been held the previous Friday had issued a statement which had been passed unanimously at the meeting, reported the News Letter.

It read: “The committee of the Ballycastle Corps of the National Volunteers desire to place on record their deep and sincere regret at the occurrence of the 13th July, when an Ulster Volunteer was assaulted near the convent by some members of the Nationalist Volunteer Corps.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“On investigation the committee find that control of the patrol was assumed by those who were not appointed or even directed to be present, and the instructions given were disregarded and, in fact, the opposite course followed.

“The committee have taken the adequate steps, and the like will not happen again. The reason for the patrol on the night in question was that one two recent occasions the convent was interfered with and even efforts made to sash up the windows.

“On one occasion the crowd of about nine or ten men were outside the building, and on being spoken to from an upper window, jeered at the speaker.

“In the interest of peace, no publicity had been given to these attacks, and two of those in responsible positions in the Ulster Volunteers were spoken to.

“The matter is mentioned now in explanation as to the patrol, and not in justification in any shape or form of the assault on the Ulster Volunteer.”

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.