Events planned to mark Selton Hill ambush
On Thursday March 11, Mons Liam Kelly will celebrate mass from St Mary’s Church Aughnasheelin at 8pm. Streaming will begin at 7:50 pm.
Plans are in place to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Selton Hill Ambush in Co Leitrim.
The significant historical event, which occurred March 11, 1921, was one of the most significant events in the War of Independence in Leitrim and resulted in the largest loss of life on the IRA side in the county during the conflict.
To commemorate the event, the Selton Hill Committee, with the support from Leitrim County Council, have repaired and refurbished the Selton Hill Monument near Ballinamore in time for the commoration taking place.
A number of events to mark this anniversary will also take place. Due to COVID-19 restrictions the events have either been pre-recorded or will be live-streamed, available to view at www.seltonhill.com
On Thursday March 11, Mons Liam Kelly will celebrate mass from St Mary’s Church Aughnasheelin at 8pm. Streaming will begin at 7:50 pm.
The launch of a recently published book on the events surrounding the Selton Hill Ambush by local historian Padraig Leydon will also be streamed via the website on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
On Sunday evening, March 14, a Centenary production will be streamed on the website at 7pm. Commemoration events for this production include a wreath laying ceremony along with the raising of the flag. Historians will also provide detail and perspective on the events of 100 years ago.
Other lectures and resources will be made available on the website.
The Selton Hill ambush, and it became known by historians, occurred a week after the the Sheemore Ambush on March 4, 1921, near Carrick-on-Shannon.
The ambush was carried out by the IRA's South Leitrim Brigade on a British Army and Auxiliary Division convoy.
The Black and Tans later undertook reprisals in Carrick-on-Shannon, including burning the Temperance Hall in Gowel.