Padraig Vahey

Robeen (C) Company

Padraig Vahey was a 17-year-old Volunteer from Clooncormack in Hollymount who played a pivotal role in the Tourmakeady Ambush. Padraig worked at Birmingham's shop in Ballinrobe where the RIC got their provisions on the days they went to Derrypark. He was also the scout that would bring Maguire and his men word when the British forces came into the shop. It took about two hours to purchase and load the supply provisions, so Padraig had time to cycle to Tourmakeady to let them know the convoy was coming. This Padraig did, getting the message to Tom Maguire in the nick of time.

Having delivered the vital intelligence to the waiting Flying Column, Pake, as he was known in his family, could not return to Ballinrobe and was forced to hide out in the mountains. He eventually made his way home after 5 days out on the mountain. However the exposure had taken its toll and he suffered a severe bronchial infection to which he succumbed and died a few weeks later. He was just 17 years old. Pake Vahey was accorded a Military Funeral by the Ballinrobe Battalion of the Old IRA under the charge of Comdt. Tom Lally.

On his death bed Pake received from one of his comrades the words of a new song that had been written about the ambush and Michael O'Brien. Before his death Pake passed the words on to Henry Stagg, who was a fellow volunteer and was married to his sister. Henry sang the song at every opportunity throughout his life. This is a recording of him singing it in the 1960s that Seoirse Ó Staighe has kindly let us post on the website. Here is the link https://www.cltme.ie/local-stories/ballad-henry-stagg