Avenge
To avenge his death, the local IRA ambushed an RIC patrol near Keadue, resulting in two officers’ death.
The ambush and deaths enraged the Crown forces, who instigated intense patrols over a wide area locally.
On March 26, Joe Molloy, his father George and three brothers, John James (18), Paddy (16) and George (10), were spreading farmyard manure in a field behind their home.
After their father had returned to the farmyard for another load of manure, the boys saw the soldiers approaching.
Confusion and debate surround what happened next.
Patricia Molloy, Joe’s niece, gives the following account: “When the Molloy boys saw the soldiers lifting their guns as if to fire, they hit the ground.