Knocklong Ambush

The Knocklong Station Ambush – May 13, 1919

On this day Dan Breen and Sean Tracey led a daring ambush at Knocklong station to release their comrade Sean Hogan, who had been captured the previous day. A furious gun battle took place in the train and along the station platform. Two policemen were killed and although Sean Tracey and Dan Breen were seriously wounded, they were successful in their mission and all volunteers made good their escape.

The rescue was a great morale booster for the Republican cause and was celebrated in song and story. Here is a link to a short video clip about this historic event and a link to a great version of the song ‘The Station of Knocklong’ by Johnny Donegan.