During the War of Independence Newport was the scene of various incidents including the shaving of a woman's head for keeping company of policemen and the burning down of several business premises (Cullen's Shop and Daly's Public House) and houses (Clareview former Charter School). The RIC barracks moved from the center of the village to Clareview. On 15 May the Newport brigade planned an attack on District Inspector Harold Biggs. He was ambushed at Coolboreen returning from dinner at the Barrington family shooting lodge, Glenculloo Lodge, on the river in the foothills of Keeper Hill. He was shot and killed in the ambush together with Winifred Barrington, daughter of Sir Charles Barrington of what was then Glenstal Castle and now Glenstal Abbey. Among the members of the raiding party was Patrick Ryan, after whom the Newport GAA pitch is named. On being reprimanded by another female present who was present in the car for shooting at a woman, Lacken replied "It served them right, and only for the b***h being in bad company, she would not be shot. Also killed were Sgt John Walsh of the RIC and Patrick Gilligan a former soldier was shot on 22 May 1922. This was after the treaty had been signed.