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There was a slack period
in military activities in North Clare from the spring of 1920 to the autumn
of that year. Two factors, in my view, contributed to this. Firstly, the Vice
O/C of the Mid Clare Brigade, Martin Devitt, was killed in an engagement with
the R.I.C. at the end of February, 1920, and secondly, the R.I.C. were withdrawn
from all the smaller stations about the same time and they were concentrated
in the bigger villages and towns which did not then render them to be so vulnerable
to attack. On leaving the country districts, they rarely visited them after,
except in strength and when using fast transport. With regard to Devitt, it
had become recognised even among his own men that his name was a synonym for
trouble for the British authorities. He was fearless, resourceful and eternally
on the alert for an opportunity to strike at the foe. He regarded his position
as an I.R.B. centre for North Clare as one which demanded from himself unceasing
example in ridding the country of alien rule. His loss was a big blow to our
brigade, and it is very doubtful if it was afterwards made good. Devitt was
replaced by the O/C of the 5th battalion whom I succeeded. My place
as Battalion Adjutant was filled by Peadar O’Brien, Ballykeale, Kilfenora.
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