Roll of Honor
Incident
In December 1918, information that there were plans to move a consignment of gelignite from Tipperary British Army barracks to the Soloheadbeg quarry reached those wanting to acquire explosives. Plans to intercept the consignment were drawn up until further information was received that the consignment was to be moved around 16th January 1919.
Those planning to ambush the consignment anticipated that there would be between two and six armed escorts, and they discussed different plans.
Each day between 16th and 21st January, the men chosen for the ambush took up their positions from early in the morning to late afternoon and then spent the night at a deserted house. On 21st January, around noon, they received word the transport was leaving the barracks. The consignment of 160lb of gelignitewas on a horse-drawn cart, led by two council men and guarded by two RIC officers armed with rifles.
When the transport reached the position where the main ambush party was hiding, the men stepped out in front of them with their guns drawn and called on the RIC to surrender. The Constables could see at least three of the ambushers. One Constable got down behind the cart and the other went for his rifle.
The ambushers opened fire and both RIC officers were killed, with Constable McDonnell being shot in the left side of the head and through his left arm.
Constable McDonell was a widower with six children. He was born in Belmullet, County Mayo.
This incident is widely considered to have been the first in the Irish War of Independence.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-GB-RIC-ACF2BBCE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 8, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable McDonnell served with the Royal Irish Constabulary.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable McDonnell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable James McDonnell is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In L, 592 of 749 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 79% of this state's fallen. That is 24.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Royal Irish Constabulary, 519 of 642 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James McDonnell's cause is highlighted.
How James McDonnell Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James McDonnell is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Others Who Wore This Badge
641 officers from Royal Irish Constabulary are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
