National Army Soldier (Sergeant) John Burns

National Army Soldier (Sergeant) John Burns of Macroom (Macroom)

Date of incident: 12 Oct. 1922

Sources: CE, 17 Oct. 1922, 12 Oct. 1923; II, 21 Oct. 1922.

Note: Sergeant John Burns ‘was accidently shot [on 12 October 1922] while imparting rifle instruction to his men. During the instruction the safety catch of a rifle became undone, and a bullet in the breach was discharged. Burns died in the course of half-an-hour. He was a splendid soldier and very popular.’ Burns was attached to the Macroom Reserve Force of the National Army. He was buried ‘with full military honours’ on 14 October 1922 in Macroom. ‘The cortege was largely attended and offered a striking demonstration of public sympathy with the deceased’s relatives in the loss they have sustained.’ See CE, 17 Oct. 1922.