Attack at Headford Railway Junction (near Killarney, Co Kerry)
The Column was moving into position when the train from Kenmare arrived early. (This train was carrying a ration party of about thirty 1st Royal Fusiliers on their way back to Killarney - they were transferring at Headford). A number of the column were hiding in the toilets but one of the Fusiliers came into the toilets and was shot by Dan Allman thus giving away the presence of the column. In the ensuing gunfight three civilians were killed (including a cattle dealer called Sean Breen) and several wounded - two IRA men (Dan Allman and Jim Baily) were killed as are a number (undetermined) of British troops. Overall, it would seem to have been a hastily planned action by the IRA with little regard for likelihood of civilian casualties. (O'Farrell says Column was under Tom McEllistrim and Johnny O’Connor.)
As with the memorial at Upton Junction, no mention is made on the Headford Junction memorial of the civilian casualties.
