Audacious Raid at Carrigadrohid
The village of Carrigadrohid, between Coachford and Macroom, where the attack took place.
In mid-June 1920 a sustained attack was made on the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks at Carrigadrohid, a small village about four miles from Macroom. Numerous precautions were taken by the IRA prior to the raid, including the blocking of roads with fallen trees and barbed wire.Trenches were also dug across all roads leading to the village. Thus the raiders were effectively protected from a surprise attack by British army cavalry units and military cyclist corps based at Macroom.

The attack began in earnest at 11pm and continued unabated for almost six hours. Rifle fire, grenades, incendiary bombs and other explosives were directed at the barrack from all points. The raiders managed to take possession of the adjoining post office and its occupants were evacuated. A large hole was made in the roof of the post office and from there petrol was sprayed onto the roof of the barracks, which was then set ablaze. Petrol was also directed onto the front of the building by means of a hose.

The muffled sound of explosions could be heard in Macroom, and from midnight Verey light signals sent up by the defenders were visible in the night sky. With no aid in sight, the position of the the sergeant and the eight constables inside the barracks became more pre­carious, as the flames gradually began to destroy the roof. It is said that at the height of the offensive, one of the RIC constables put aside his rifle and began playing his violin.

By the time the raiders withdrew at 4.30, the barracks was burning fiercely. The aim of the assault was to render the barracks uninhabitable and in this the Volunteers were successful. Later, curious sightseers were shocked by the sight of a building which bore graphic evidence of the pro­longed onslaught.