Bandits invade Ruan, gunfight ensues (30-Dec-1821)

[Paddy Casey]

Ruan in Co.Clare, situated among green fields near the forest of Dromore and the upper reaches of the Fergus river, is a delightfully quiet little place. Well, it wasn't always quiet. The Derby Mercury (Derby, England), Wednesday, January 9, 1822; Issue 4670,tells us of a report from the Limerick Chronicle to the effect that, on 30 December 1821, 200 bandits - 50 of them on horse - came to town to carry off cattle and goods to prevent a seizure for rent. The visit ended in a firefight with four policemen headed by Major Warburton (stationed at Crusheen), the local landlord William Butler of Bunnahow, and a detachment of the Revenue Police with Mr Anthony Craigg, the Revenue officer, at their head. Six of the bandits were taken prisoner and committed under the Whiteboy Act.

Reading this, and bearing in mind that there were no telephones or radio communication at the time and that Crusheen is some way from Ruan, one wonders how this gallant little band of defenders was able to respond to the invasion with such rapidity. Had they been tipped off ahead of the raid ?

Paddy