New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-07-24
Troops Burrow
UnderLimerick
To Cut Off Foe
Tunnels Dug by Both Sides
During Week of Desperate
Fighting Before Position
OF Rebels Was Turned
Bombing DueIs Frequent
Fleeing Republicans Fire
Castle Barracks; Famine
Averied by Free Staters

LIMERICK. July % by The Assoei-
atcd Press. From the beginning Of the
operations. which ended with the cap
ture OF Limerick on Friday BY the
Free State forces. the irregulars out
numbered the nationals. Not more than
ZOO Free State troops were engaged,
while the republican forces reached al
least 1000
T,s whole center Of the city was in
voived IN tho battle zone. the line Of
the national troops extending the
length Of Thomas and William streets,
and az some points the combatants
we're separated b. less than ten yards.
Both Sides Dig Tunnels
The fghtlng during the week con-
sisted mostly OF rife and bombing
duels Each side tunneled from house
% house 90 that entire streets were
Transformed into miniature .fortresses.
The irrerulars from the outset oecu-
pied the strongest positions and their
final defeat was due 20 the division Of
their forces b. the isolation Of two
important stronghods. the Strand and
Castle Barracks. by means Of an ar
tillery assault and the threatened en-
circlomcnt OF the irregulars, who were
obliged 70 cvacuate their positions in
order % avoid the cutting OF Of retreat
% the south.
Before their flight, the Republicans
set FIRE 20 an the barracks by exploding
mines. and the flames spread with such
rapidity that 10 was useless 10 attempt
10 subdue them; hence the destruction
was most serious. The new barracks.
great block Of buildings erected
around a square Of about 200 yards,
were lcvelled 20 the ground. Castle
Barracks was completely destroyed,
with the exception Of the thirteenth
century tower Of King Johns Castle.
Ono OF the two blocks comprising the
ordnance barracks and the Frederick
police barracks were also destroyed.
Free Staters Feed Civilians
The civilian population suffered
acutely during the fighting. Many were
made homeless and az times there was
grave menace OF starvation. Famine
was averted By the Free State General
Brennan. who supplied food 10 10000
people distributing -four, bread, sugar
and similar necessaries and operating
the bakeries under military control.
Nothing definite Is known about the
leaders Of the irregular forces, except
that Liam Lynch, the so-called Chief
Of staff. directed the operations in the
early stages. then returned 20 Clon-
NELL The lrrcgulars were extremely
we'll armed and had an immense supply
Of high explosives. They fed In great
haste AZ the end. destroying roads and
bridges in their retreat
The burninrs included some business
premises and factories In William
street. O'Conncll Street and the neigh
bcrhood and also several homes IN
Catherine Street The burning OF the
rev barracks involved the destruction
OF the church the military hospital and
gymnasium, an within the barracks en-
closure.
Normal conditions are returning.
Postal service has been resumed and
business rs proceeding after three
weeks Of almost complete suspension
Rebels Seek Mountain Cover
DUBLIN. July % (By The Associated
Press. - Telepraphic communications
between Galway and Athcnry are re-
stored tonight. thus permitting com
munication.
The Galway irregIlars burned the
Dunmore. North Galway, police bar
racks yesterday morning and then re-
tired in the direction Of Ballinasloe,
from which place IL is reported from
the irregular field Of headquarters they
have Withdrawn from Castelar,.
This rs held here 20 indicate that
the irreCulars intend 70 abandon
County Mayo ard retreat TO the noun
tains. which would afford them ample