On the 12th of May 1920 the R.I.C Barracks at Ballybrazil, outisde of New Ross, was burned by the Campile company of the South Wexford I.R.A. The Barracks had been vacated by the police previously on the 14th of November 1919 (Freemans Journal 8th July 1921) but Mrs. Flynn, the wife of Sergeant Flynn, whom was previously assigned to Ballybrazil, still resided in the barracks with their children. The Irish Times reported how on the night 40 masked men took part in the event (Irish Times, 14th May 1920). They were however courteous to Mrs. Flynn and her children and moved them to a neighboring house before setting fire to the barracks. They also removed every article of furniture from the building, to spare it from the fire. Included in this were ‘… 2 hatching hens and their eggs.’ which were ‘… in a small house near the main building and were transferred to a secure place’ (New Ross Standard 21st May 1920 p4). During a court case compensation claim for damages Mrs. Flynn recalled how 40 men were involved in the burning, arriving at 1 a.m. and had brought petrol with them (New Ross Standard25th June 1920).
There had been a barracks in Ballybrazil since 1880 with the building rented from a James Murphy for a yearly fee of £22 (Freemans Journal 8th July 1921). Following the burning James was awarded £420 compensation in the courts. In the same sitting Sergeant Flynn got £80 for damaged furniture and Mrs. Flynn £60 for damaged articles. James Murphy later sought an increase in the compensation he received to £2500, appealing the decision in court (New Ross Standard, 25th June 1920). However he would be unsuccessful in this attempt (Freemans Journal 8th July 1921).
The barracks at Ballybrazil was a two story building constructed of stone with neighboring outhouses and sheds. It would have had enough room to house several constables and possibly the sergeants family also. No attempt was made to rebuild the barracks after it was burned and its ruins can still be seen today.
Sources
The Irish Times 14th May 1920
Freemans Journal, 8th February 1921
New Ross Standard 2st May 1920
New Ross Standard 25th May 1920
New Ross Standard 9th July 1920
South Wexford Brigade Activity Reports
