20-1-1920 From the Times A Thurles Correspondent states that Drombane (Tipperary) Village Hall, which was occupied about 12 months ago by the Police, was attacked on Sunday night by an armed party of about 150. An attempt to blow up the building with dynamite was unsuccessful, but by the explosion the gable was cracked and shattered, part of the roof blown away, a stove was driven into the middle of the floor and a large hole was made in the ground. A fusillade of bullets rained on the Barracks for four or five hours, the police returning the fire vigorously, but there were no casualties. The besiged received reinforcements of police and soldiers about 2 O'Clock on Monday morning, but before their arrival the attackers had dispersed. The reinforcements, who hurried to the place from Tipperary, Cashel, templemore, and Thurles found every road blocked by trees, some placed miles from the scene of the attack. The Thurles contingent had to walk four miles, but the Cashel and Tipperary reinforcements hewed a way for their wagons. Sergeant O'Shea, who was in charge, states that at 8'40 on Sunday night, a whistle sounded, and he heard a burst of rifle firing-150 to 200 discharges. The attack came from the front and the rear. The police who numbered 13, at once returned the fire. Some of the attacking party crept up to the eastern gable and placed two bombs in position, a loud explosion following. After the attack three unexploded bombs were found near the building. Sergeant McDonnell and Constable McCloskey, who were out at the time, were captured and held prisoners while the attack lasted. Constable McCloskey stated that a little before 9 p.m. about 200 yards behind the station, he saw two men with service rifles, and heard one say, "We are going to attack now". The place was black with men all armed. He blew his whistle and shouted, "They are going to attack". Instantly a fusillade of shots rang out. He endeavoured to crawl to the barracks, but was captured and searched. A man who appeared to be in charge, said:-"We want ammunition, not money". McCloskey was bound, and becoming benumbed, was given some stimulants. Later he was taken further away by the men who said they were going to capture the station at any cost. A Policeman on his way to Holycross barracks was made a prisoner for some time, and a motor party from Cashel, pedestrians, and others were detained-all probably in connexion with the attack on Drombane station. During the attack the beseiged garrison threw up rockets, which were observed by the police about 5 miles away, and brought reinforcements. Mary