Ned Fitzgerald was an engineer in UCC. While in his final year, he approached Martin Correy to offer his services in the struggle for independence. He was sent to the bomb factory in Blossomgrove. Having seen this operation he found that it was not being run efficiently. he made recommendations for change but they were ignored. He then decided to set up a new factory in Knockraha East. In setting up the factory, it was important to keep it secret. It was decided that the dug out would be 35 feet long by 8 feet wide. it was dug 9 feet deep. Horses were used to draw away the earth into a furze-brake so that people passing wouldnt see it. Hundreds of tons of earth had to be removed. At the top of the dug out a shoulder was cut into the ground 3 feet deep around the top of the whole. This was used to place the beams in and to support the roof. Railway sleepers were used that were found on a local farm where they were used to cross over drains. These sleepers were put side by side to support the roof and 2 feet of earth was put on top along with a sod of grass so it wouldnt be noticed. A hole was then dug to make an entrance. This was sloped into the factory and was big enough for a man to pass. Steps were made from the hole down to the floor of the factory.
