AT ABOUT two o’clock yesterday morning 50 armed and masked men went to Daisyhill House, situated between Clogher and Fivemiletown, the residence of Major Stewart, J.P.

They broke into the house, sprinkled it with petrol, then looted it and took all valuables, even the sheets off the beds.

Some valuables were found in the avenue afterwards.

The first intimation Major Stewart got was when armed rebels burst into his room and took him from his bed, covering him with revolvers.

They marched him to the garage, tied him to his motor car, courtmartialled him and sentenced him to be shot.

Four of the rebels were left to shoot him. Two were for allowing him off, which they eventually did.

Mrs. Stewart and her children were also taken out. Major Stewart told the rebels he was afraid to be shot if his wife and children would be spared. They replied saying they would be safe. Major Stewart received some cuts about the face.

Brutal in their conduct

The raiders, who were not disguised, were in large numbers and came from over the mountain. They were very brutal in their conduct and used shocking language.

When the house was set on fire before the inmates were aroused, some of the raiders shouted: “Let the brute burn”, and declared that that was the kind of person they wanted to get rid of.

They had the drawing room on fire before they entered the bedroom of Major Stewart. It was a disagreement between his ‘executioners’ which saved his life.

Mrs. Stewart, barefooted and with scanty covering, ran for help and found a Special Police patrol near the village of Clogher but they were then of no avail to effect the prevention of a blaze.

The beautiful house at Daisyhill was left yesterday a smouldering mass of ruins.