Martin Savage Memorial Monument

On a cold December day in 1919, a tense scene unfolded near the Martin Savage Memorial Monument. This monument marks the spot where a daring ambush, aimed at the British Viceroy, Lord French, took a dramatic turn. The Martin Savage Memorial Monument stands as a stark reminder of the Irish War of Independence and the sacrifices made by those fighting for Irish freedom. Martin Savage, a young officer in the Dublin Brigade of the IRA, played a key role in this pivotal event. He was a dedicated volunteer from County Sligo. He had joined the fight for independence early on, participating in the 1916 Easter Rising. He was known as a brave and trusted comrade. The plan was to ambush Lord French as he returned from his country residence. Savage, along with ten other volunteers including Dan Breen, planned to block the road with a hay cart and attack the Viceroy’s car. However, fate intervened. Unknown to the ambushers, Lord French was in the first car of the convoy, not the second as they had been led to believe. The first car sped through. The ambushers attacked the second car. A fierce gun battle erupted. In the chaos, Breen was shot in the leg, and Savage was fatally wounded, dying in Breen’s arms. His last words were a testament to his unwavering commitment: “I’m done, but carry on.” Despite the failed attempt on Lord French’s life, the Ashtown ambush, as it became known, had a significant impact. It further fueled the flames of the Irish War of Independence. The Martin Savage Memorial Monument serves as a poignant tribute to Savage’s sacrifice and the struggle for Irish freedom. It reminds us of the bravery and determination of individuals like Martin Savage who gave their lives for their cause.