27 DECEMBER 1919, Page 2

The men who tried to murder Lord French on Friday

week made their attempt while he was driving through Phoenix Park to the Viceregal Lodge. They assembled at a public-house near Ashtown Station and openly prepared an ambush. One man climbed a tree to watch for the train. Some lined the hedges. Others began to drag a farm cart into the narrow road from the station. A policeman who came up was warned bo go away, and on refusing was knocked down and shot as he lay in the road. This incident delayed the men with the cart, and before they could block the road the Viceroy's motor- 3ar came swiftly past them. As it approached the gang opened Ire with revolvers. Lord French happily escaped injury, but s detective beside the driver was wounded in the hand.