Regarded as perhaps one of the most formative and vital periods in Irish History, we are currently in the midst of marking the centenary of the events of the War of Independence (1919 - 1921). Local archaeologist Barry Lacey from Ferns has been looking at some of the key events in Co Wexford, in particular ambushes, raids, the burning of police barracks and other activities.
On this occasion he looks at the grim discovery of the bullet-riddled body of a Wexford man, bearing the chilling message Spies and Informers Beware .
On Wednesday morning September 22, 1920, men cutting corn just across the Wexford-Carlow border on the lands of a Mr James Joyce made a grim discovery. Face down, covered by a few sheeves of corn they found the body of a man. Bullet wounds were apparent and a rosary beads hung around the victim s neck. Perhaps most notable though, was a placard bearing the words Spies and Informers Beware .