Gort Barracks was the stronghold in South County Galway for the Crown Forces and held a company of cavalry, the 17th Lancers, one hundred strong (other eyewitness account state 50-70 strong), also about eighty R.I.C. (Royal Irish Constabulary) and Tans, with reinforcements of Auxiliaries from their headquarters at Lenaboy, Co. Galway, for raids and round-ups according to I.R.A. intelligence reports (It is important to note that other eyewitness accounts state there were 60-70 Lancers, and at least 30 RIC). The R.I.C. barracks at Kilbeacanty and Peterswell were evacuated in 1920 and destroyed by the I.R.A. during Easter. About 20 R.I.C. and Tans were stationed at Ardrahan, while about 20 Auxiliaries occupied Drimhasna Castle, Co. Galway. It was difficult for the I.R.A. to estimate the strength of enemy intelligence up to and including 1916 as, at that time, there was a strong Irish Parliamentary Party following in the area, many of whom did not hesitate to condemn the ‘new movement’ (the I.R.A.), thus assisting, unknown to themselves, the R.I.C. who were the eyes of the British Government in the country and helped to draw special attention from them on any who were suspected of organising or leading the I.R.A.
May 1917
The reorganization of the I.R.A. began in the Gort area very cautiously about May 1917. Members were enrolled, picked according as the organizers thought the best material, and all drilling was carried out in secret. During this period, Company strength was not to exceed twenty men. The Company area now was the parish. Formerly, units were formed in villages.[1] There were 9 companies in the Gort Battalion (or Gort Brigade); Gort, Derrybrien, Kilbeacanty, Beagh, Kinvara, Ballindereen, Ardrahan, Kilmacduagh and Kiltartan.
[1] Joseph Stanford Witness Statement, page 5
May 1917
The reorganization of the I.R.A. began in the Gort area very cautiously about May 1917. Members were enrolled, picked according as the organizers thought the best material, and all drilling was carried out in secret. During this period, Company strength was not to exceed twenty men. The Company area now was the parish. Formerly, units were formed in villages.[1] There were 9 companies in the Gort Battalion (or Gort Brigade); Gort, Derrybrien, Kilbeacanty, Beagh, Kinvara, Ballindereen, Ardrahan, Kilmacduagh and Kiltartan.
[1] Joseph Stanford Witness Statement, page 5