On Wednesday, 26 Aug 1914, the Tulsk Royal Irish Constabulary Police Force were alerted to the presence of a foreign man, allegedly German, near the ringfort in Rathcroghan. They arrived at the scene and arrested him. He had a sketch book and a box of water colours with him, and claimed to be only on a holiday and here to paint the ringfort. The Leitrim Observer reported the incident on Saturday, 29 Aug. It stated he was detained pending inquiries.
2nd August 1914
With the outbreak of World War One in 1914, there was increased suspicion in the counties of Ireland of any newcomer to the area. In several districts of County Roscommon, suspected spies were sighted, believed to be gathering intelligence for the Axis powers.
