We return to a harrowing and tragic scene today to mark the latest "Tríd an Lionsa" programme (now available on TG4's online player). This programme uses several of our "Bodyke Eviction" and "Vandeleur Evictions" shots - and these fine Lawrence photographs make worthwhile viewing.

The discussion on today's image covered so much that it's hard to summarise - We learned that it was taken near Moyasta in Clare in 1888, probably at the home of a tenant of the Vandeleur Estate named Thomas Bermingham. While there's so much more to say about it, for now we'll add the explanation, as provided John Spooner, of the image's title (from Freeman's Journal report July 1888)

 The battering ram is no stranger to Irish evictions [...] from the centre hangs a chain which works a huge beam with an iron ferrule, and moved by ropes pulled by 17 or 18 Emergency-men [...] they hammered and hammered with but little result. The captain of the Emergency troop, at each swing of the ram, cried out, "Back, away with them. Back, away with them." Just as sailors cry "Heave ho."

Photographer: Robert French

Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection

Date: Between 1860 - 1890 (though refined to 1888)

NLI Ref: L_ROY_1771