Person:John Bergin (4)

John Bergin was an Irish rebel who was killed during the War of Independence. He is mentioned in the song "The Woodlands of Loughglinn." Bergin commanded an Active Service Unit/Flying Column, 1st Bn., South Roscommon Brigade, Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.).

Bergin was involved in several IRA actions in Roscommon including the Four Mile House ambush, the attack on Frenchpark Barracks, and the attack in Castlerea just prior to his death.

British forces had been tipped off to the presence of rebels at Loughglinn. As the military swept the area, Bergin and three of his comrades opened fire. All four were wounded, as well as one British soldier. Thomas Scally escaped, Joe Satchwell was taken prisoner, and Bergin and Stephen McDermott died at the scene. According to statements made by the British, Bergin and McDermott were both mortally wounded during the firefight. The IRA claimed that the pair had surrendered and were summarily executed. The doctor that examined Bergin's body found gunshot wounds to his spine and to the back of his head.

From the Court of Inquiry in lieu of Inquest - Civilians Stephen Wm. McDermott and John Bergin. Loughglynn:

"John Bergin admitted before his death in the presence of several members of the R.I.C., Military and myself that he was responsible for the shooting of Private Weldon at Castlerea the previous Saturday and wished to exonerate his two other comrades S. McDermott and Satchwell from all blame, stating that he had orders from his commanders to carry out several murders on R.I.C. and Military." - Lieut. S.F. MacKay, 1st Bn. The Leicestershire Regt.