The Burning of Killaloe Railway Station

Report in the Nenagh Guardian issue, February 24 1923:

Between 1.30 and 2am on Saturday armed men visited the residence of Mr Moriarty (the Killaloe station master) and demanded admission.

The station master and his wife and family were in bed at the time, also a sister-in-law of Mr Moriarty who was on a visit. The latter answered the call and asked who was there? The reply was, “We are IRA men”. On gaining admittance they inquired for the stationmaster, and on his coming forward they told him that they had come to burn down the station as a reprisal for the company's carrying armed soldiers on the Nenagh branch trains the previous day. They then obtained the keys of the safe and took away a small sum of money. The stationmaster and family were then given fifteen minutes to clear out, when the goods store, waiting rooms, and booking office were sprinkled over with paraffin oil and set on fire.

The goods store was completely destroyed. At the time, however it was fortunate that it held only a small quantity of goods. The engine shed was also demolished and the engine considerably damaged. The booking office and waiting rooms did not suffer much damage as the fire burned out in a short time, which accounts for the fact that the station master's quarters escaped injury.

From inquiries made it would appear that the raiders acted throughout with the greatest courtesy, towards Mr Moriarty and his family who found shelter for the night from Mrs Ramberry.

The fire was seen for miles around and the inhabitants of Killaloe and Ballina were greatly alarmed for the safety of Mr Moriarty and his family, and intense relief and joy was manifested when it was ascertained that they were well and safe.

As an official, Mr Moriarty has few equals. Since his advent to Killaloe Railway Station he has been noted for his courtesy and business abilities and many are the kind and sympathetic inquiries made by the general public after his welfare.

The passenger coaches were also sprinkled over with oil and set fire to, but as in the case of the booking office, the fire went out after a short time and little damage was done them in consequence. The train service was resumed on the Monday following the occurrence.