Irish Medals

13/04/1918

On Saturday the 13th of April 1918 two men were shot during a raid on the Police Hut at Gortatlea, County Kerry. The Police Hut which was at the railway station was raided by a group of up to six men at about 10.30pm. The Hut was manned by four Policemen, two of which were on railway duty on the nearby platform, the raiders struck one of the Policemen in the Hut, the Policeman staggered outside calling for help, the two Policemen on the platform fired several shots hitting at least two of the raiders. 

Richard Laide, Volunteer, Ballymacelligott Company, Irish Volunteers. He was employed as a farm labourer. He received a wound to the back the bullet perforating his intestines, he was able to walk to a nearby labourer’s cottage where he was kept under watch by Police and Military, he was removed to Tralee Infirmary where he died on the afternoon of the 14th. 

John Browne. 2nd Lieutenant, Ballymacelligott Company, Irish Volunteers. He was employed as a shopkeeper in the family grocery shop. He was shot through the head and died a short time later outside the Police Hut. He had been a member of the Irish Volunteers since 1914. His brother Robert Browne who was shot and killed by British forces atKnockalougha, Knocknagoshel, County Kerry on the 8th of February 1921.

The Irish War of Independence began on the 21st of January 1919 and ended with a truce on the 11th of August 1921.

20/01/1919

On the 20th of January 1919 Sergeant Daniel Joseph McGandy, A Company, Derry City Area, Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was killed in Derry, the circumstances of his death were not established but it was reported he was removing  bombs from Craig's Engineering Works, Derry when he was discovered and attacked by members of British forces.

On the 3rd of March the Irish Times reported on the death of Derry postman Daniel J. McGandy. Mr. McGandy had disappeared six week ago and was not heard of until his body was found floating in the River Foyle. The deceased went off duty at 10pm on the 20th of January, an hour and a half lateer a postman’s bag coat and cap as well as a fully loaded six chamber revolver were found on Derry Quay, it was stated in evidence that McGandy did not have a postman’s bag on the night of his disappearance and postal witnesses could not explain where the postman’s bag came from. The jury returned a verdict of death by drowning.

21/02/1919

On the 21st of February 1919 Patrick Casey Volunteer, C Company, 2nd Kerry Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was shot and killed at  "Lump of Beef", Kenmare Road, Derrycunihy, County Kerry. Casey was killed while acting on an order issued by GHQ Dublin that if a non-Volunteer was in the possession of a gun the gunshould be seized by Volunteers. Casey went to disarm John Lyne, Gamekeeper for the Earl of Kenmare, and was shot in his attempt to take a rifle. He was born in 1893 and aged about 26 years old when he died, he was a native of Kerry.

06/04/1919

Robert Joseph Byrne

On the 6th of April 1919 Robert Joseph Byrne, Captain, 2nd Battalion, Limerick City Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. died in an attempt to rescue him from Limerick Hospital. He was arrested in April 1919, went on hunger-strike and was removed to Limerick Hospital. An attempt was made by the local I.R.A. unit to rescue him from Limerick Hospital in which he was fatally wounded. It was reported that Byrne was shot by Constable Spillane Royal Irish Constabulary.

11/05/1919

On the 11th of May 1919 Volunteer Michael Walshe, Waterford Brigade, IRA died from wounds received on the 25th of April. Walshe went to the local RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) barracks following a request by his cousin a bar tender in order to get the RIC "to quell a fight between British sailors...who were very much under the influence". Walshe was shot on approaching the barrack door. PC O'Mahony stated at the inquest into Walshe’s death that the "police assumed that it was a feint for the purpose of drawing them prior to the attack". O'Mahony further states that Walshe "was deliberately shot in daylight". Walshe was born in 1896 and employed as a fisherman, he was from Ballinagaul, Ring, Dungarvan, County Waterford.

19/12/1919

19/01/1920

On the 19th of January 1920 Volunteer Michael D'Arcy Cooraclare Company, 3rd Battalion, IRA drowned in the river Cooraclare River (also known as the Doonbeg river) while being pursued by Crown Forces after an ambush. He was born in 1901 and employed as a farmer at the time of his death.

12/02/1920

   

Seamus O'Brien is buried at Ballyvaldon cemetery between Blackwater and Kilmuckridge

On the 12th of February 1920 Officer Commanding East Wicklow Brigade Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. Seamus (James) O’Brien was shot dead outside his shop in Market Square, Rathdrum, County Wicklow. O’Brien was a partner in the business O’Brien and Walsh and had just recently been married. O’Brien was standing outside his shop with two other men when two R.I.C., constables Mulligan and Dougherty, passed. At the inquest into O’Brien’s death the R.I.C. men stated that as they passed a shot was fired hitting Constable Mulligan, both R.I.C. men returned fire and reported seeing one of the three men fall. The inquest returned a verdict that O’Brien died as a result of a bullet wound inflicted by one of the police men and they were not satisfied that the policeman’s wound was caused by a bullet and not satisfied that shots were fired at the police. Matt Kavanagh in his statement to the Bureau of Military History stated that O’Brien was shot in an ambush of the R.I.C. men. He was a Volunteer with A Company, 4th Battalion, Wicklow Brigade, I.R.A. and had fought in Enniscorthy during the 1916 Rising. 

25/02/1920

On the 24th of February 1920 Vice Commandant Martin Devitt Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was killed in action when taking part in an ambush of R.I.C. men, the ambush was arranged on a regular R.I.C. patrol in order to relieve the R.I.C. men of their rifles and ammunition. The ambush took place on the road between Fermoyle and Inagh County Clare.

5/03/1920

On Friday the 5th of March 1920 the Irish Time reported on an Inquest into the body of a man found in a coffin in a bog at Clooney near Ennistymon County Clare on Tuesday. The body was identified as that of a local man who was killed while taking part in an attack on the RIC in the Inagh district at Fermoyle Cross a few miles from where the body was found. The dead man was Martin Devitt of Cahersherkin Ennistymon, he was 25 years old and the son of a local farmer. The body was identified by his brother. The verdict of the Inquest jury was “That Martin Devitt died on February the 24th from a bullet wound received while fighting for the freedom of his country, which freedom is prevented by misgovernment and we tender our sympathy to his relatives.”

04/04/1920

On the 4th of April 1920 Lieutenant John Byrne, IRA died as a result of burns received during the burning of the RIC Barracks at the Old Protestant School, Luggacurran County Laois. He received the burns because another member of the IRA Active Service Unit cracked the match at the door before John Byrne had finished the job of sprinkling the petrol over the desk containing the paper records which was in the corner trapping him in the flames The charges he laid went off earlier than planned and with the force the door slammed shut and couldn’t open it poor Byrne was burned to death. He was from Gracefield, Ballylinan County Laois.

14/04/1920

On the 14th of April 1920 a group of young Sinn Fein supports were celebrating the release of hunger strikers from Mountjoy Prison, the celebration was taking place at Canada Cross in Miltown Malbay County Clare. A group of R.I.C. policemen and soldiers from the Highland Light Infantry attacked the crowd killing Volunteer John O’Loughlan. Two civilians were also killed in the same attack, the civilians were Thomas O’Leary and Patrick Hennessy.

16/04/1920

On the 16th of April 1920 Thomas Mulholland, Dundalk Battalion, Dundalk Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was shot dead by RIC Sergeant Joseph Bustard when Mulholland along with nine other men attacked an R.I.C. patrol of three policemen. The incident happened on Bridge Street Dundalk near Walsh’s Gate, the policemen noticed that half the gate was opened, which was unusual, and as they went to investigate they were attacked by ten men.

Thomas was born in 1887 at Carrickrobin, Dundalk, County Louth. He and his brother Patrick were involved in the 1916 rising along with 70 other Dundalk men. They were both members of Sein Fein since the early days. On the 16th April 1920 Thomas was on active duty along with most other Dundalk Volunteers to obtain weapons from the local RIC Barracks as they had very few weapons (he was Quartermaster of A Company).

They lost their weapons originally in 1914 when the National Volunteers split and kept all the rifles. It’s alleged that there were as many as 100 rifles and revolvers at this stage. The weapons that they collected again by 1916 had to be dumped at a derelict house in Dunboyne in early May 1916 after the rising failed.

Thomas never married. He kept greyhounds and won many national races. In the beginning, prominent IRB members were encouraged to keep dogs, as the race meetings were used as a cover for IRB meetings in Dundalk.

The man that shot him was Sgt Joseph Bustard. He said at the inquest that he feared for his life as 3 RIC members were ambushed and killed weeks earlier in Tipperary. After the inquest, Sgt Bustard retired and went on the run to Belfast where he lived with his wife and daughter until the summer of 1923 when he went by boat to Canada. He settled straight away in Pennsylvania and died sometime after 1940. I haven’t found his death record yet. He worked as a gardener aged 67 in 1940. His daughter Louisa Bustard only died in May 2005. He had no other family. (Text and image supplied by Sean Daly, Dundalk).

18/04/1920

On the 18th of April 1920 while ambushing three R.I.C. men who were on their way to mass in County Clare Volunteer Séan Breen Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was shot dead by one of the R.I.C. men. Breen had shot dead R.I.C. Sergeant Patrick Carroll and was pursuing Constable Martyn, as Breen closed in Martyn drew his revolver and fired hitting Breen in the forehead killing him instantly.

09/05/1920

On Sunday the 9th of May 1920 Francis Aidan Gleeson Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. who also went under the name Redmond died from complications after an appendices operation at the Mater Hospital Dublin, the complications were a liver infection as a result of a hunger strike undertaken by the dead man in Mountjoy. Gleeson had been sentenced to two months in prison for possession of firearms and a further month for not answering to his bail conditions, he was 25 years old, single and employed as a clerk.

11/05/1920

On the 11th of May 1920 Lieutenant, Michael Nolan, E Company, 2nd Battalion, Kerry Brigade, IRA was shot dead in County Kerry. Resident Magistrate E M P Wynne was on his way to causeway Petty Sessions when at Knockbrack about a mile and a half from Causeway he was ambushed by a group of about eight men. As the horse and trap he had hired was rounding a bend near Young’s Forge the group called on the drive to stop and two shots were fired. Wynne returned fire and as the trap fled the scene Wynne saw one of the attackers fall to the ground. Born in 1894 Michael Nolan was from County Kerry and employed as a farm labourer.

12/05/1920

Two IRA Volunteers died during the burning of Ballybrack RIC Barracks which took place on the 12th of May 1920, although details of what happened are sketchy it was believed a bomb being used to destroy the Barracks exploded prematurely.

• Volunteer Thomas Dunne died on Friday the 14th of May at the Mater Hospital; he was admitted to the hospital at about 11.30pm suffering from burns. Thomas Dunne was 22 years old and employed as a grocers assistant.  
• Volunteer Patrick Meaney from Carlow died of burns and shock on Friday the 21st of May, he was admitted to the Mater Hospital Dublin on the 12th of May. Evidence was produced at the inquest into his death that he may have been involved in the burning of the abandoned Police Barracks at Ballybrack County Dublin. A large force of Volunteers attended the Funeral of Meaney who was buried at Tomard about three miles from Leighlinbridge County Carlow. The coffin was draped with a republican flag and the mourners numbered around 3000 which included at least 3 marching bands.

19/05/1920

On Wednesday the 19th of May 1920 Joseph Saunders Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was shot dead by the RIC on Patrick Street Cork City. Saunders was 35 years old and employed as a dock labourer, he was an ex-British Army Soldier.

28/05/1920

Liam Scully

Liam (William) Scully was shot and mortally wounded in an attack on the Barracks in Kilmallock County Limerick. Scully had to be buried at midnight to avoid the attention of the Black and Tans. Scully held a B.A. degree and was a teacher with the Gaelic League. He is buried in Templeglantine. Born in 1891 he was from Glencar, Caragh Lake, County Kerry. He joined the Irish Volunteers in 1914 and had served as captain with the 1st Kerry Brigade, at the time of his death he was serving with the East Limerick Brigade Active Service Unit (Flying Column).

06/06/1920

Peter C McCreesh of Aughanduff, Armagh, was shot dead at Cullyhanna, South Armagh when with a group of about seven others he attempted to hold up a Policeman. The Policeman was fired on and hit but managed to fire seven shots at McCreesh, killing him. The incident happened after what was described as a Sinn Fein rally. The Policeman, Sergeant Holland, died later from wounds received. 

18/06/1920

On Saturday the 18th of June 1920 Thomas Brett aged 25 of Moyaliff Drombane Thurles County Tipperary died from gunshot wounds in the Mater Hospital Dublin. Brett had been admitted to the hospital on the 8th of June. The inquest could find no evidence of who had fired the shots that resulted in the death of Brett but it was reported that a large number, as much as 3000, Volunteers, ex-soldiers, Sinn Fein Club members and Cumann-na-mBan attended the funeral. There was a large military and police presence monitoring the funeral, after the police and military left the cemetery a party of Volunteers fired a volley of shots over the grave of Brett. 

18/06/1920

On the 198th of June 1920 IRA Volunteer Patrick Loughran died in the Royal Hospital, Belfast, County Antrim from wounds received in an attack on Crookstown RIC Barracks, County Tyrone on the 16th of June. He was born in 1892 and from Dungannon County Tyrone and had served with the Irish Volunteers/IRA from 1916.   

22/06/1920

Frederick Kenny, 2nd Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade, IRA died from pneumonia at St John's Hospital, Limerick. He was wounded in March 1920 by British forces and wounded again in attempting to rescue John Collopy from the RIC Barracks at Newcastle, County Limerick. Cause of death attributed to wounds received on active service. He was from Limerick and employed as a Tailor's Cutter, he was born in 1884.

05/07/1920

On the 5th of July 1920 I.R.A. Volunteer James Dunne of Ballintray, Gorey, County Wexford was shot dead by R.I.C. Constable Henry Lenihan at Dunbar’s Public House in Ferns. An inquest into Dunne’s death returned a verdict of wilful murder against the R.I.C. Constable. Constable Lenihan was charged with murder, at his trial was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to seven years penal servitude. Lenihan was a native of Cork.

20/07/1920

On the 20th of July 1920 Company Adjutant Patrick Hassett, E Company, 2nd Battalion, West Clare Brigade, IRA died from wounds received on the 12th of July at Kilmore House County Clare. There is some confusion as to what happened, his pension application says he was raiding for arms while other accounts say he was involved in enforcing a Sinn Fein Court ruling while newspaper reports of the time report on a dispute with worker on the Kilmore House Estate. The steward of the Estate Alexander Martin was wounded during the attack during which he used his revolver to return fire. Patrick Hassett died at St John's Hospital, Limerick, he was born in 1876 and employed as a Farm labourer and Fisherman, he was from County Clare.

21/07/1920

On Wednesday the 21st of July James Cogan was shot dead by British Soldiers when a military check-point he was stopped at came under fire. Cogan was an Irish Republican Policeman and had two men in his custody, the men were suspected cattle rustlers.

22/07/1920

On the 21st of July 1920 I.R.A. Volunteer Michael Conway was shot dead on the bridge in Ennistymon County Clare when he and two other I.R.A. Volunteers attempted to take revolvers from two British Army officers of The Royal Scots Regiment, one of the officers drew his revolver and shot Conway dead. Conway was unmarried, 22 years old and had been employed as a baker.

23/07/1920

On the 23rd of July 1920 Volunteer Michael Kennedy, 1st Battalion, 1st Tipperary Brigade died at St John's Hospital, Limerick from wounds received following an ambush on Borrisokane RIC Barracks, County Tipperary in June 1920. The attack on the Barracks took place on or about the 2nd of June, although the building was completely destroyed the seven RIC men inside refused to surrender. His death was recorded as Michael Gleeson at the time by the family as they did not want the authorities to know he was dead. Kennedy had served in the British Army up to 1919 when he joined the IRA.

12/08/1920

On that the e 12th of August 1920 I.R.A. Volunteer Edward Nolan died accidently when he drowned while swimming in the Slaney River while on an I.R.A. weekend training camp. Nolan was a native of Askamore, Ferns, County Wexford. He was employed as a Draper’s assistant and an active member of Sinn Fein, the G.A.A. and the Gaelic League. He was 21 years old and had served time in prison for wearing a Volunteer Uniform at the funeral of Seamus Rafter.

14/08/1920

On the 14th of August 1920 Volunteer Patrick Lynch, A Company, 2nd battalion, East Limerick Brigade, IRA, was taken from his home shot dead by British forces at Hospital, County Limerick. The military took Lynch from his home and he was found dead about 100 yards away from the house, the military claimed they had shot him when he failed to halt after attempting to escape, several witnesses reported they heard the military call halt before hearing shots. Patrick Lynch died from a bullet wound to the head. Patrick Lync was born in 1868 and was employed as a harness maker.

15/08/1920

On the 15th of August Volunteer Francis MacNeece, Maghery and Annaghmore, IRA, was shot dead at Derryinver, Portadown, County Armagh. MacNeece was one of a party of IRA members coming from a meeting in Lurgan which was ambushed by members of the Special Constabulary (B Specials). He received a bullet wound to the neck, according to his death certificate he was shot by "...person or persons unknown" he was 21 years old, worked as a framer and was from Armagh.

15/08/1920

On the 15th of August 1920 2nd Lieutenant Joseph McMahon (rank recorded as Captain in some records), C Battalion, 3rd Brigade, Northern Division, Irish Republican Army was killed when a bomb he was testing exploded in his hands, another Volunteer, Patrick Roach was wounded in the same incident. They were testing a time-fuse bomb when it exploded prematurely due to the fuse being wet. He was from the parish of Kilmaley in County Clare and was buried there with full military honours in Kilmaley graveyard.

16/08/1920

Patrick Clancy

IRA Volunteers Jack O'Connell from Kanturk, Cork and Patrick Clancy from Limerick, were both shot dead by the Military at Derrygallon County Cork. On the morning of Monday the 16th of August both men were sleeping at O'Connell’s house. The alarm was raised as the Military approached and both men attempted to escape. Accounts of what happened differ, some say both I.R.A. men attempted to fight their way out but were killed in the ensuing battle. Other accounts state that both men were unarmed and were shot while trying to escape. Evidence given at the inquest by Doctors Collins and Linehan stated that Clancy died from shock and haemorrhage caused by a severe wound in his back which was 9 inches long and 2 inches deep inflicted, they believed, by some sharp instrument such as a bayonet. O’Connell died from shock and injury to the brain probably caused by a bullet. They found a hole about 4 inches long in the temporal area. Bones were broken and the brain was slightly injured. The injury would be such as would be caused by a ricocheted or flat nosed bullet. The Military suspected both men of being involved in an incident where a Military plane had made a forced landing about four miles south of Kanturk on the 14th of August 1920, the local I.R.A. attempted to ambush the guard on the plane they were spotted by a sentry, the sentry was shot dead but this raised the alarm and the ambush plans were abandoned. 

22/08/1920

After the killing of RIC Sergeant Maunsell at Macroom County Cork on Saturday 21, August 1920 a lorry load of police, including the RIC county inspector drove to Macroom from Bandon the next morning to investigate the incident. They passed through the village of Lissarda on the way. After this was noted a group of local volunteers made preparations to engage them on their return. As the police drove through Lissarda on their return journey they were forced to stop by a cart which had been positioned across the main road. They were ordered to surrender but immediately opened fire on the ambushers. In the ensuing gun battle a number of the RIC were wounded with Sergeant Runane being the most serious. The I.R.A. ambush party lost Michael Galvin, quartermaster of 'H' Company, who was shot through the head while leading the attack. Father of two Galvin was a brother of Edward (Ned) Galvin who later became Bishop of the Maynooth Mission to China.

29/08/1920

On August the 29th 1920 Lieutenant Tim Fitzgerald was Killed when a party of I.R.A. Volunteers led by Sean Hales were attempting to ambush a joint British Army RIC patrol at Brinny County Cork when the ambush party were discovered and attacked be a British Army patrol from the Essex Regiment. During the ensuing gun battle Fitzgerald who was from Gaggin Bandon was killed.

29/08/1920

On the 29th of August 1920 John Murray A Company, 2nd Battalion, Belfast Brigade (Willie Orr Sluagh) Fianna Eireann died from gunshot wounds received during a riot between the Marrowbone and Ewart's road Belfast. It was reported that a crowd from the Marrowbone District had attacked the Loyalist district of Ewart’s road. John Leo Murray was from Belfast, born in 1900 and was employed by Belfast Corporation, he had been a member of Fianna Eireann since 1919.

01/09/1920

On the 1st of September 1920 Volunteer Patrick McKenna, Castleblayney Company, 4th Battalion, 2nd Monaghan Brigade was shot dead during a raid for arms at Dungarvan, County Monaghan. McKenna was carrying out orders from GHQ for an All-Ireland Arms Raid. He was shot dead by an individual named Fleming a member of the Special Constabulary. He was about 24 years old and lived at Church Street, Castleblayney in Monaghan.

01/09/1920

On the 1st of September 1920 Lieutenant Bernard Marron IRA died as a result of gunshot wounds received while raiding for arms at Corcreagh County Monaghan. He was a carpenter by trade and from Monaghan, he was about 29 years old. He was found in a field at Coreagh about one mile from Shercock on the morning of Wednesday the 1st of September badly wounded to the head with a gunshot wound, he was taken into the house of Mr. Thomas McKenna and survived for several hours.

01/09/1920

On the 1st of September 1920 Volunteer John O'Brien, 1st Battalion, 3rd Northern Division, IRA was killed at Carrick Hill, Belfast while engaged in picket duty. He was born in 1871.

01/09/1920

On Wednesday the 1st of September 1920 Lieutenant Thomas J McDonagh, C Company, 4th Battalion, Sligo Brigade, IRA was shot dead during an ambush of an RIC patrol between Ballaghaderreen and Frenckpark County Roscommon. Two policemen were killed in the ambush. He was 20 years old and was born in the USA, he moved to Ireland after his parents died when he was five years old, he grew up with his grandmother and uncle on their small farm. He trained as a stereotyper in the offices of the Herald Works, due to illness in the family he returned to working on the family farm.

02/09/1920

On the 2nd of September 1920 Patrick Seery of Cloneyhigue, Ballinafore County Westmeath died at the Mater Hospital in Dublin from wounds received during an attack on the R.I.C. Barracks at Clara, County Offaly on the 2nd of June 1920 during which he received a bullet wound to the Chest. He was Lieutenant with the Tyrrellspass Company 3rd Battalion 1st Offaly Brigade I.R.A. He was born in 1889 and worked as a farm labourer.

03/09/1920

On the 3rd of September 1920 Volunteer Neill Kerr Liverpool Battalion IRA died from the effect of a gunshot wound to the head accidentally received from an IRA colleague at 93 Scotland Road, Liverpool, England. The accidental shot was fired by Thomas Kerr, brother of Neill Kerr, information as to cause of death was given to the authorities in such a way as to try to avoid suspicion from the Liverpool police. Neill Kerr was 24 years old and had served with the Irish Volunteers at Jacob’s Biscuit Factory during the 1916 Rising, he was employed as a Marine Fireman and from Liverpool.

05/09/1920

On the 5th of September 1920 William Hegarty, Section Commander, B Company, 8th battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA was killed by British Forces at Ballymakeera, Macroom, County Cork. He was born in 1891 and employed as a shoe maker. The circumstances of his death are unclear as there are several different accounts of how he died.

Members of British forces came to Ballymakeera in a number of vehicles. Hegarty’s younger brothers were near one of the Lorries and he cycled towards his brothers to tell them to go home.

He was with his section of Volunteers when they attacked a military vehicle. His party rushed the vehicle in order to overpower the occupants. The vehicle however contained a concealed machine gun section which opened fire on the attackers.

08/09/1920

On the night of the 8th/9th of September John Mulvey (also reported as Mulroy) was shot dead at Galway Railway Station soon after the arrival of the midnight train from Dublin. The circumstances of his death are unclear but it was believed he was one of two IRA men who during an attempt to assassinate RIC Constable Krumm a struggle took place and Mulvey was shot during the struggle as was Krumm, both men were taken to the County Hospital where they died soon after admission.   

09/09/1920

On the 9th of September 1920 Seamus Quirke (real name James Augustine Quirke but known as Seamus) was taken out of his bed and killed by British forces in Galway. Quirke was killed in retaliation after RIC Constable Edward Krumm was shot dead in Galway railway station. Quirke was serving as Adjutant, A Company, 1st Battalion, Galway Brigade, IRA at the time of his death and was 23 years old, he was a native of Cork City and employed as a jeweller at Mr. Jerimiah O’Donovan’s watchmaking and jewellers on William Street Galway, his body was returned to Cork for burial.

12/09/1920

On the 12th of September 1920 3 IRA men were killed during the destruction of Ballinlough Barracks, County Roscommon. The Barracks had been occupied up to a few days before the destruction, it was destroyed to prevent it being reoccupied. At about 11pm while in the process of destroying the Barracks the IRA were surprised by a detachment of soldiers who were concealed behind an adjacent wall.  

• Company Captain Michael Glavey, South Roscommon Brigade, IRA, aged 36, he was employed as a tailor in the family business, he was from Cloonean
• Lieutenant Michael James Keane, 1st Battalion, South Roscommon Brigade, IRA, born in 1896, he was employed as a farmer, he was from Ballinlough.
• Commandant Patrick Glynn 1st Battalion, South Roscommon Brigade, IRA, he was from The Demesne, Loughlynn.

13/09/1920

The above memorial is at Stackstown Golf club Dublin.

On the 13th of September 1920 Sean Doyle was shot dead in the Dublin Mountains in the area of Power’s Wood. Doyle was part of a gathering of young men numbering between 40 and 50, a group of plain clothes R.I.C. approached and arrested up to forty of the men. It was reported that some of the young men attempted to flee the scene and shots were fired. Doyle was hit and died from a bullet wound to the lung. Doyle was 19 years old and lived at Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin. He was the son of Mr. P. S. Doyle T.C. Doyle was a member of the 4th Battalion Engineers I.R.A.

17/09/1920

On Friday the 17th of September 1920 Joseph Athy, Maree Company, 2nd Galway Brigade, IRA, died at St Bride's Home, Galway, from wounds received at Renvyle, Oranmore, County Galway on the 16th of September when as one of a party of four road workers on their way home from repairing roads Oranmore they were ambushed by a party of uniformed men believed to be RIC. Joseph Athy was about 20 years old and worked for the County Council, he was from Maree, Oranmore, County Galway. The three other men travelling in the cart with Athy were Patrick and Thomas Burke and John O’Rourke. Patrick Burke  a blacksmith employed by the  County Council, was also wounded in the incident.

19/09/1920

On the 19th of September 1920 Captain Patrick Culhane, Louth Brigade, Irish Volunteers died in the Mater Hospital, Dublin from cardiac failure due to being beaten by Sergeants Taylor and Bustard of the Royal Irish Constabulary in April 1920. He served as Battalion Officer Commanding in Dundalk from 1916 until his death. His father served with the RIC. Patrick Culhane was in the Dublin depot of the RIC for training when he contracted scarlet fever in 1914.

20/09/1920

On the 20th of September 1920 Volunteer Owen Keenan, Corcaghan Company, IRA died from a gunshot wound sustained on 31st of August 1920 or the 1st of September 1920 at Gortnana, County Monaghan he died on 20 September 1920. He was from Monaghan, born in 1899 and employed as a farmer.

20/09/1920

On the 20th of September 1920 two men were shot dead by a Black and Tan in a field 300 yards from the RIC Barracks at Abbeyfeale, County Limerick. The Black and Tan, reported as being named T.D. Huckerby. Huckerby stated at the Military inquiry into the deaths that the two men passed him at about 6pm, after bidding them good evening he claimed both me acted in a suspicious manner, he challenged them to halt at which both men started to run, he fired three shots killing both men. The two men were:

• Volunteer Jeremiah Healy, Active Service Unit (Flying Column), West Limerick Brigade, IRA. Born in 1901 he was from Abbeyfeale County Limerick, he was employed as an Apprentice Blacksmith.
• Volunteer Patrick Harnett*, West Limerick Brigade, IRA. He was from Abbeyfeale, Limerick and employed as a Postman and Labourer, he was born in 1894

*Patrick Harnett’s father received £300 compensation from the Wood-Renton Commission (Compensation (Ireland) Commission). It was very unusual for this commission to pay any compensation to anyone killed in Ireland who had any connection or suspected connection with the IRA or Sinn Fein.

20/09/1920

Shortly after midnight on Monday the 20th of September 1920 two men were shot dead at Balbriggan following the shooting of two R.I.C. men in a Public house. Head Constable Peter Burke was shot dead and his brother Sergeant Michael Burke injured. A large force of uniformed men numbering between 100 and 150 entered the town and immediately set about setting fire to building. Around 30 homes and business premises were destroyed and many of the residents were forces from their homes at bayonet point. The two men killed were:

• Seamus (James) Lawless aged 47. He was a hairdresser, married with eight children ranging in age from 18 months to 19 years old. He was dragged from his home and shot dead, the house was wrecked and his wife and eight children forced out on to the street.
• Séan Gibbon (Gibbons, John) aged 26. He was employed in the family business as a Dairyman. He was secretary of the Balbriggan Irish Volunteers.  

 22/09/1920

On the 22nd of September 1920 I.R.A. Volunteer Patrick Lehane died in a fire in Flanagans’ shop in Ennistymon, The R.I.C. and Auxiliaries had rampaged through the town looting and burning buildings after six of their comrades were killed in an ambush at Rineen. Patrick Lehane had played an active part in the ambush, his father Dan Lehane was shot dead by a mixed patrol of British Army and R.I.C. when he refused to answer questions about his son’s whereabouts.

01/10/1920

Lieutenant John Connolly of the Bandon County Cork Company was picked up by Soldiers from the Essex Regiment in a round up of I.R.A. Suspects in Kilbrittain, a few weeks later his body was found in a park near Bandon, he was from Shannon Street Bandon.

11/10/1920

Jeremiah Herlihy, Volunteer with the 1st Cork Brigade died from wounds received in an attack on Crown Forces at Waterfall, County Cork on the 4th October 1920. He was born in 1887 and employed as a Farm Labourer. He died in Mosaplier Hospital, Cork.

12/10/1920

Martin Roche 

On the 12th of October 1920 five I.R.A. men were killed and nine injured when a house which was being used as a bomb making factory exploded. The house which was abandoned for many years was on the Colclough Estate at St Kieran's, Saltmills, County Wexford. The bombs being made were explosives packed into six-inch pipes which when ready were shipped to Dublin in butter crates. In a letter dated the 25th of April 1924 from Commandant James O'Hanrahan he states "according to information...the explosion was caused by a lighted candle coming into contact with some of the material they were using...the affair was purely accidental". The five men killed were:

• Martin Roche, 2nd Lieutenant, C Company, 2nd Battalion, South Wexford Area, I.R.A. aged 30. He joined the Volunteers/I.R.A. in 1917. His brother was killed while serving with the British Army during World War 1.
• Michael Fitzgerald, Volunteer, C Company, 2nd Battalion, South Wexford Brigade, I.R.A. He was a farm labourer on the family farm.
• James Gleeson, Volunteer, I.R.A. Born in 1891 and worked as a farmer.
• James Byrne, Volunteer, 2nd Battalion, South Wexford Brigade, I.R.A., a native of Scar, Duncormick he was born in 1885 and worked as a gardener. He died on the 13th of October from wounds received in the explosion.
• Robert Walsh, Volunteer, South Wexford Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1884 and worked as a farmer.

 The nine injured men were:

• John Timmons
• Thomas Gleeson
• Stephen Barron
• Edward Kelly,
• Patrick Reville
• Thomas Kinsella
• Patrick Kelly
• Patrick Grady
• Michael Conway

All surviving men were arrested and detained in Wexford Military Hospital, after they were all sentenced to long terms in prison and deported to Dartmoor in England.

14/10/1920

On the 14th of October 1920 Brigade Officer Commanding, Seán Treacy, South Tipperary Brigade, IRA, was Killed in Action in a gun battle with British forces on Talbot Street, Dublin. Sean Treacy was serving as Brigade Officer Commanding, South Tipperary Brigade IRA at the time of his death. He was killed following an attempt by British forces to raid a meeting being held between Treacy and members of IRA GHQ and IRA Dublin Brigade GHQ in connection with a planned attempt to rescue Dan Breen from the Mater Hospital in Dublin. Dan Breen had been wounded the previous day when involved with Sean Treacy in an incident with British forces at the home of Professor Carolan in Drumcondra, Dublin as a result of which two members of the British forces and Professor Carolan were killed.

14/10/1920

On the 14th of October 1920 IRA Volunteer William O'Connell was shot and killed during an attack on an armoured car on the Phibsboro Road, Dublin outside the Munster and Leinster Bank. William O'Connell was born in 1899 with an address at 5 Tirconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin at the time of his death, he was a native of Glantawe near Mallow County Cork. He was serving as an apprentice engineer at Great Southern and Western Railway, Inchicore, Dublin. He was a member of D Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA.

The above letter was delivered to Cannon Corbett before the funeral of William O'Connell restricting the number of mourners allowed at the funeral to 50.

15/10/1920

17/10/1920

On the 17th of October 1920 Michael ‘Mick’ Fitzgerald died on hunger strike. He had been charged with the murder of Private William Jones of the 2nd Battalion The Kings Shropshire Light Infantry on the 7th of September 1920. The shooting took place when Fitzgerald as part of an I.R.A. unit ambushed and disarmed a party of Soldiers on their way to church at the Wesleyan Church Fermoy County Cork. Unable to find a jury the case was put back several times, Fitzgerald went on hunger strike in order to gain his freedom. The hunger strike lasted sixty seven days. Fitzgerald joined the Irish Volunteers in Fermoy in 1914 and had reached the rank of Officer Commanding of the 4th Battalion Cork 2nd Brigade.

He was the leader of 10 other men who started their hunger strike on the 11th of August, at the time of his death three other prisoners Joseph Murphy (died on the 26th of October), Joseph Kenny and Sean Hennessy were described as being in a grave state and close to death.

17/10/1920

On Saturday the 16th of October 1920 two men died as a result of wounds received during a raid on Banba Hall, Rutland Square, Dublin. Police had received a tip off that the gunmen responsible for the killing of Sergeant Roache on Ormond Quay would be present at the concert being held in Banba Hall that evening.

Henry Kelly, Volunteer, D Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Dublin Brigade, IRA. He was a native of Collooney County Sligo. He was a member of a unit preparing to go out to ambush crown forces when the hall was raided, the rest of the unit managed to escape but as Kelly ran out the back door he was shot. It was claimed that he was first apprehended by Crown Forces then put up against the wall and shot but all contemporary reports by military and civilian witnesses state that he ran from the hall shouting ‘up the Rebels.’ He was seriously wounded and taken to hospital when he died on the next day. A revolver with one discharged round was found in his possession. A civilian, Michael O’Rorke (O’Rourke) was shot in the same incident.

19/11/1920

On the 19th of November 1920 Second Lieutenant Patrick Clancy 3rd Tipperary Brigade IRA was shot and killed by British forces at Corbally or Ballylusky, Drangan, County Tipperary. He had been arrested on the 19th of November when he was found to be in possession of a gun. Accounts of the shooting differ with the British saying he was shot while attempting to escape. He had been a member of the IRA since early 1920. His brother Martin Clancy was shot by British Forces on the 6th of March 1921.

20/10/1920

At about 11.10pm on the night of Wednesday the 19th of October 1920 IRA Volunteer Michael Kelly, 2nd Battalion, Monaghan Brigade was shot and mortally wounded as he travelled in a motorcar with his brother Joseph. Joseph was brining Michael home after Michael had been involved in a car accident while driving Father Murray home after the funeral of Mr. J. E. Coyle they were involved in an accident in which the car they were travelling in overturned, both men received minor injuries and were suffering from shock. Michael’s brother was driving him home in another vehicle when the ambush took place. Joseph stated at the inquest that they were fired on by at least six men. It was also stated at the inquest that Michael had been threatened that if he travelled by motorcar he would be shot, this treat was believed to have been made by the RIC, the RIC attempted to stop the inquest and refused the allow RIC men to give evidence. The ambush occurred about half a mile on the Monaghan side of Tydavnet, up to twenty shots were fired during the ambush one of the shots hitting Michael on the right side travelling through his body rupturing his left lung and out the left side, he died from his wounds at home on the 20th of October. He was buried in Latlurcan cemetery

25/10/1920

On Monday the 25th of October 1920 Michael Ryan Curraghduff, Thurles, Co. Tipperary registrar of the local Arbitration Court (Republican Courts) was shot dead as he lay in bed suffering from pneumonia by a party of masked men who had surrounded the family home. Margaret Ryan, a sister of the Michael Ryan, was ordered at gun point to open the front door, one of the masked men demanded to know where her brother was. When she told him he was in bed she was forced at gunpoint to take two of the men to him, on entering her brothers room the candle was snatched from her and she was forced out of the room. Immediately after the bedroom door was closed behind her four shots rang out. From records we believe Michael Ryan was serving with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Tipperary Brigade.

After leaving the home of Michael Ryan the same men went to the home of Volunteer William Gleeson, B Company, 3rd Battalion, IRA/Óglaigh na hÉireann, at Upperchurch, Thurles, County Tipperary and shot him dead. Several men called to the house at 3.30am inquiring after John Gleeson a brother of William, as their father was arguing with the men William came down stairs, although one of the raiders  recognised William as not being the man they were looking for he was taken about 200 yards from his home and shot dead. William Gleeson was 23 years old and employed on the family farm. His two brothers John and Thomas were also members of the IRA/Óglaigh na hÉireann.

After leaving Gleeson’s the party of masked men then went on the Stapleton’s farm looking for James Stapleton, a member of the IRA, only James’s elderly father and his four daughters were home, the party shot seven geese and left.

The masked men then went on to the home of brothers James and Jerome Kinane (Kinnane) who were both taken out and told they were to be shot. After they were ordered at gunpoint to kneel on the ground they both knocked the guns from their captors hands and made a run for it, as they fled Jerome was shot in the lungs and arm, he was taken to hospital were he remained for four months. Both Kinane brothers were members of the IRA.

26/10/1920

Joseph Murphy, Volunteer, H Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA died in Cork Gaol after taking part in a hunger strike, he was on hunger strike for 76 days. He was born in 1897, he was arrested on the 15thof July 1920 by British forces and that he was detained at Cork Gaol where on the 12th of August 1920 he went on hunger strike.

26/10/1920

On the 26th of October 1920 I.R.A. Commandant Philip Breen of Main Street, Tempo, County Fermanagh was killed during an attack on Tempo R.I.C. barracks. Breen was a Commandant of the 4th (Tempo) Battalion, 5th Northern Division, Fermanagh Brigade. He was 27 years old and employed as a farm worker at the time of his death.

27/10/1920

On Wednesday the 27th of October 1920 Volunteer John Sherlock, Fingal Battalion, IRA, was taken from his bed a shot dead in a field about a quarter of a mile from his home. He was hon. Sec. of Saint Patrick’s FC and a popular member of the GAA in North Dublin. He lived with his parents Cabra Terrace and was aged 22 and employed as a farm labourer.

28/10/1920

On Thursday the 28th of October 1920 Michael Scanlan died from wounds received the previous day when he was shot by Crown Forces at Thomas Street, Limerick. He had been on the run for some time and was a wanted man, it was reported that he had been apprehended by Crown Forces and was shot when he tried to escape. He was taken to the Military Hospital at New Barracks Limerick he had been shot through the throat severing his wind-pipe and also received a bullet wound to his lower back. He was employed as a school teacher. He was a member of the East Limerick Brigade, IRA, his rank is variously given as Officer Commanding/Commandant/Captain. He was a member of the IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood) from 1909 and that he was appointed Commandant by Ernie O'Malley in 1920 at Bruree, County Limerick.

01/11/1920

02/11/1920

On Tuesday the 2nd of November 1920 IRA Volunteer James (Seamus) Finn was shot dead in an ambush at Auburn, Glasson, County Westmeath. The IRA ambushed two RIC lorries at Auburn at about 9.30am, shots were exchanged during which Finn was fatally wounded he was from Kileenbrack, Ballymore, Co.Westmeath. Finn was 21 years old and unmarried. RIC Constable Sydney Larkin died in the same ambush.

05/11/1920

On the 5th of November 1920 Volunteer John Joseph O'Brien, 1st Battalion, 1st Tipperary Brigade, IRA died as a result of being shot and bayonetted while in the custody of Crown Forces in Nenagh, County Tipperary. He was from Tipperary, born in 1899 and employed as a Cattle Dealer and Assistant Publican.

10/11/1920

On Wednesday the 10th of November Frank Hoffman, 21 years old, from Farmer’s Bridge, Tralee County Kerry was killed by Crown Forces. He was near his home when stopped by Crown Forces and asked his name, when he replied he was placed against a fence and bayoneted and shot to death. He was a member of the local IRA unit and known locally as a Sinn Fein supporter. He was a protestant and worked on the family farm. At his funeral several mourners were beaten with rifles. On the same day several farm houses and hay and corn crops were burned by Crown Forces in reprisal for the shooting of two policemen in a train at Ballybrack.

12/11/1920

Two I.R.A. Volunteers were killed at the Ballydwyer Creamery at Ballymacelligott near Tralee County Kerry. Some members of the Ballymacelligott I.R.A. were near the creamery when a large force of Black and Tans approached, as the I.R.A. men fled fire was opened and two of the I.R.A. men were killed, the two were

• John McMahon
• Paddy Herlihy

Two other I.R.A. men were wounded, they were Jack McEllistrim and Tim Walsh.

16/11/1920

On the 16th of November 1920 Patrick Lynch, Company Intelligence Officer, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade, IRA died as a result of gunshot wounds received on the 14th of November. He was walking with his wife in the village of Golden when they were followed by members of the British forces who shot Lynch in a lane way. He died two days later in the County Infirmary, Cashel, County Tipperary. He was born in 1869 and employed as a Farm labourer, he was from Golden, County Tipperary.

16/11/1920

On the 16th of November 1920 members of G Company of the Auxiliaries executed three Volunteers of the Clare I.R.A. and a civilian caretaker, the Auxiliaries accused the caretaker of sheltering the I.R.A. Volunteers and being an I.R.A. Volunteer. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Andrews the Auxiliaries surrounded Williamstown House capturing the three Volunteers and the caretaker, the four men were taken to the Lakeside Hotel Killaloe were the were tortured and beaten for several hours, they were then taken to the Killaloe Ballina Bridge were the four men were shot dead. The men, pictured left to right above were:

• Volunteer Alfred Rodgers.
• Volunteer Michael McMahon.
• Volunteer Martin Gildea.
• The caretaker Michael Egan.

18/11/1920

On Thursday the 18th of November following the shooting of RIC Sergeant James O'Donoghue on White Street, Cork, a group of armed uniformed men went on the rampage killing three people. Evidence given at the inquests as to the identity of the armed men was unclear, some at the inquests gave evidence that it was men in Army uniform and some stated Police uniform and some a mix of Army and Police, later evidence showed the group came from Tuckey Street Barracks which would indicate either Police or Black and Tans. The three killed were:

• Patrick Hanley, aged 19, 2 Broad Street , a member of Fianna Éireann.
• Eugene O’Connell 17 Broad Lane an ex-British soldier, he served in the Munster Fusiliers for several years and had fought in WW1 receiving a wound to the right arm.
• James Coleman, 15 North Mall

The three I.R.A. men that shot Sergeant James O'Donoghue were identified as Charlie O'Brien, Willie Joe O'Brien and Justin O'Connor. The reprisals were all directed at know I.R.A. men,

Eugene O’Connell and Patrick Hanley were both buried together in the Republican Plot in Saint Finbar’s Cemetery*. The coffin of Patrick Hanley was shouldered by his Fianna comrades while six Fianna members in uniform formed a guard of honour to accompany the coffin. A large number of the different companies of Fianna Eireann from Cork and surrounding areas formed up on Prospect Row and saluted the coffin as it passed. Eugene O’Connell burial was attended by a large number of his comrades from his time in the British Army.

At the requiem mass held in Cork Cathedral for James Coleman after the prayers of the congregation for the deceased the Priest read a Military Order which had been served on the clergy of the Cathedral forbidding and military formations and limiting the mourners to 100. As the mourners left the Cathedral a large force of soldiers in two lorries and an armoured car were situated on the corner of Shandon Street. After the Military realised all the mourners were relatives or business associates of Mr. Coleman they dispersed.

*Although Eugene O’Connell and Patrick Hanley were both buried together in the Republican Plot in Saint Finbar’s Cemetery it was not a Republican Plot at the time of the burials.

22/11/1920

On the evening of Sunday the 21st of November 1920 Peadar Clancy and Richard McKee were both killed in Dublin Castle. The two were arrested after the Bloody Sunday shooting which had occurred earlier that day. The British alleged they were shot while attempting to escape and the IRA alleged they were tortured by the British in an attempt to learn the names of those involved in the Bloody Sunday Shootings.

23/11/1920

On the 23rd of November 1920 3 IRA men died as a result of an explosion at the corner of Patrick Street and Princes Street, Cork. Although it was reported that the bomb had been throw from a passing car witnesses, some of them injured in the explosion, reported that the car was clear of the scene when the explosion occurred. The Military inquiry found that the bomb, which was homemade and reported as a ‘tin type’ was not a type used by Police or Military. As the 3 IRA men received the most serious injuries it was believed they were closest to the bomb and most likely carrying the bomb when it exploded. 15 civilians were injured in the explosion.  

• Patrick Trahey Vice Commandant, 2nd Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA. He died on the 24th form wound received. He was born in 1891 and from Cork, he was employed as a Clerk.
• Patrick O'Donoghue Quartermaster, 2nd Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA. Born in 1889 he was from Cork and employed as a French Polisher, he died a number of hours after admission to the Mercy Hospital.
• James Mehigan Section Leader, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA,  he died a number of hours after admission to the Mercy Hospital. He was born in 1891 and employed and employed by M O'Brien's Mills, Clarke's Bridge, Cork.

24/11/1920

Michael Moran Commander of the Tuam County Galway Battalion of the IRA was shot dead on the 24th of November 1920. The circumstances of his death were investigated by a Military Court of Inquiry held at Galway. The Inquiry heard that Moran had attempted to escape Police custody, he was being held at Earl’s Island Police Barrack. No details of the evidence given to the jury was available only the verdict of the jury was published, the jury found The Court, having carefully considered the evidence, are of the opinion that the deceased died from shock and haemorrhage following a gunshot in the left temple inflicted by the Police escort in the course of duty. The court is also of the opinion that the escort was fully justified in firing upon the deceased.

Moran was 27 years old and was the eldest of a family of two sons and a daughter. He lived with his widowed mother on a farm to miles from Tuam on the Mountbellew Road. Moran was described locally as a man of fine physique who held strong political views. He became a prominent Volunteer after the 1916 Rising and was a prominent figure in the Volunteer movement in North Galway.

25/11/1920

Thomas Doyle, Volunteer, C Company, 4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA and Irish Volunteers, he had also served with Fianna Eireann from 1910 to 1917.  On Monday the 25th of November 1920 Thomas Doyle was shot dead by the military in the back-yard of his home in Dolphin’s Barn Dublin. A military witness told the inquiry that a party of military had gone to the house to arrest two men, when they arrived they found the door leading to the yard from the kitchen open. Witness stated that he remained on guard at the kitchen door while other went to search the area, witness stated that after a few minutes he observed two men climbing over the wall, he went to warn the other in the military party in the house that the two men were approaching. When witness returned to the yard one of the men emerged from the shadows. Witness challenged the man shouting ‘hands up’ the man continued towards him and witness claimed he fired in self-defence.

26/11/1920

On the 26th of November 1920 brothers Harry and Patrick Loughnane were arrested by Auxiliary R.I.C. Police while working on the family farm in Shanaglish, Kinvara County Galway. Ten days after their arrest their bodies were found in a muddy pond near Ardrahan. Patrick Loughnane was 29 years old and was a local IRA leader and Sinn Féin secretary, he was also active in the local GAA. Harry was 22 years old was president of the local Sinn Féin club and a goalkeeper with Beagh hurling club.

After their bodies were discovered they were examined by a local doctor. They were badly burnt and it was found that the letters ‘I.V.’ were cut into the charred flesh in several places, two of Harry’s fingers were missing and his right arm which was broken completely across the shoulder was hanging off. Both of Pat’s legs and wrists were broken. The doctor thought it possible that hand grenades had been put into their mouths and exploded.

26/11/1920

On the morning of Friday the 26th of November 1920 two men were killed by a bomb explosion in the carpenter’s workshop in which they worked at number 1 Watercourse Road, Blackpool, County Cork. The owner of the workshop on hearing the explosion went into the workshop where he found both men seriously injured, he summoned an ambulance which took both men to the North Infirmary. The inquiry into their deaths heard that a search of the workshop uncovered several rounds of ammunition and a large unexploded bomb. It was believed the two men were engaged in testing detonators when the explosion happened.

• Volunteer Denis Christopher Morrissey, E Company, 1st Battalion, Cork Brigade, IRA, aged 17 and a half and lived at Commons Road Cork. He was dead on arrival at hospital.
• Volunteer Liam Mulcahy, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA, aged 23 and lived at Watercourse Road. He arrived at the hospital in a serious condition and succumbed to his wound about half an hour after arrival. He joined the IRA in 1919.

26/11/1920

On the 26th of November 1920 Mortimer Duggan was shot dead at a house in Broadford Limerick. He was in the house with 3 other men playing cards, several lorry loads of Crown Forces arrived, the four men fled the house and Duggan was shot while running from the house. Duggan was a native of Broadford where he was employed as the National School teacher. He trained as a teacher at Saint Patrick’s College, Dromcondra and was a Gaelic Scholar and was appointed assistant National School teacher in his native Broadford in 1912. He was a Volunteer with B Company, 3rd Battalion, West Limerick Brigade. His name is recorded on the memorial at Newcastle County Limerick unveiled by Uachtaran na hEireann Sean T. O’Ceallaigh Easter Sunday 10th of April 1955. He was not on Active Service when he was shot.

The newspaper article is from the Freemans Journal dated the 29th of November 1920 and as in other reports the article states that Duggan had no political affiliations. There is currently no record of Mortimer Duggan on the Military Archives and the only record of him in the Witness Statement is a copy of the official souvenir leaflet issued for the unveiling of the memorial he is named on.

28/11/1920

One of the biggest battles between Crown Forces and the I.R.A. took place at Kilmichael County Cork in October 1920. Over 100 I.R.A. Volunteers engaged a large force of British Army R.I.C. and black and Tans. Three I.R.A. men were killed during the fighting, they were:

• Michael McCarthy, Captain, 3rd Battalion, 3rd West Cork Brigade, I.R.A. He was from East Green Dunmanway. He had been a member of the Volunteers I.R.A. since 1915.
• Lieutenant Patrick Deasy from Kilmacsimon Quay Bandon
• James Sullivan, 2nd Lieutenant, Kilmeen Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Cork Brigade I.R.A. He was from Konckawaddra Rossmore. He joined the Volunteers I.R.A. in March 1917. He died as a result of a bullet wound to the head, he was wearing a steel British Army type helmet during the attack and it was stated that he was accidently shot by one of his own side when mistaken for a British Soldier. He was born in 1894 and was about 26 years old when he died, he was employed as a farmer.

03/12/1920

On December 3rd 1920 three members of the I.R.A. were killed in a trap laid by the Essex Regiment. The I.R.A. had captured two Essex Regiment soldiers who alleged they were attempting to desert the British Army and wanted safe passage to England. One of the two soldiers informed the I.R.A. that his brother, a Serjeant in Bandon Barracks, also wished to desert and would be willing to supply information on Bandon barracks to the I.R.A. A meeting with the Serjeant was arranged but this turned out to be a trap and when the three I.R.A. men showed up for the meeting they were ambushed and shot dead on Laurel Walk Bandon County Cork. The three I.R.A. men were:

Joseph (Joe) Begley aged 24. Volunteer, F (Bandon) Company, 3rd Cork Brigade. He was an Employee, Bandon Hosiery Factory.

• John Galvin aged 18.
• James (Jimmy) O'Donoghue aged I8.

05/12/1920

Known I.R.A. activist Thomas Hand was shot dead when a group of Black and Tans raided his home. Hand did not usually sleep at his home in Baltrasna, Skerries, County Dublin, but was home the night the Black and Tans raided. The body of Thomas Hand was found in the back yard of his home after the Black and Tan raid.

05/12/1920

On the 4th of December Brigade Officer Commanding Michael Joseph Howley, 1st Galway Brigade, IRA died in George V Hospital, Dublin for wounds received when he was ambushed by Crown Forces outside Broadstone Railway Station. He had travelled to Dublin with his Adjutant Patrick J Mullins, Howley had been summoned to Dublin by IRA GHQ and Howley and Mullins also hope to obtain arms and explosives. Shortly after dusk they were crossing the bridge outside Broadstone when 4 or 5 men approached them from behind, one of the men put a gun to Howley’s head and fired. Mullins fled down Dominick Street pursued by one of the attackers, as he fled, he heard several more shots. Howley was taken to George V Hospital where he died the next day.

08/12/1920

I.R.A. Lieutenant Michael McClean of Lowertown Schull was captured and killed by soldiers of the Essex Regiment on the 8th of December 1920. McClean was involved in an ambush at Gaggin County Cork which went wrong when one of the lorries of British Soldiers they were attempting to ambush escaped the ambush and doubled backed capturing McClean. 

10/12/1920

On the 10th of December 1920 Volunteer William Owens, South Wexford Brigade, IRA was shot dead at Shankill, County Dublin. He was part of a group playing cards in a GAA club when the club was raided by the British army. He was a member of the South Wexford Brigade and on the run in Dublin. He had joined up with the Bray Company, 6th Battalion. He was 24 years old and had been working in new Ross County Wexford as a hardware assistant before coming to Dublin. An inquiry held in secret by the British found the shooting was accidental although his father made an application for compensation under the Compensation (Personal Injuries) Committee which was refused, no one with known connections to the IRA or Sinn Fein received compensation from the Compensation (Personal Injuries) Committee .

12/12/1920

3 IRA Volunteers died as a result of an ambush at Egyptian Arch and attack on Camlough RIC Barracks, Newry. Up to two hundred IRA Volunteers attacked Camlough RIC Barracks and an ambush was set at Egyptian Arch during which Crown Forces coming to the aid of the RIC Barracks were attacked, the IRA were under the command of Frank Aiken.

• Volunteer William Canning was born on the 7th of February 1902. He was employed as a Draper's assistant at Cahill Brothers, Newry, County Down, his body was recovered from the railway line next to Newry town.
• Lieutenant Peter Shields, he was wounded in the Egyptian Arch ambush on the 12th of December 1920 and died at Omeath, County Louth on the 25th of December 1920. He was a Lieutenant with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Northern Division, I.R.A. He was born in 1899 and from Newry, he was employed as a motor mechanic.
• Captain John Francis O'Hare (AKA Jeff). He wounded at the Egyptian Arch fight, Camlough Road and was captured by British forces and treated in the Hospital in Victoria Barracks, Belfast. He died in Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry on the 5th of October 1921. He was born in 1895 and from Newry.  He was a Captain with the 1st Battalion, 2nd Newry Brigade, 4th Northern Division I.R.A. he was employed as a Book-Keeper.

12/12/1920

14/12/1920

On the 14th of December 1920 Volunteer Sean (John) Riordan (O’Riordan), Galtee Battalion, East Limerick Brigade, was mortally wounded on the 10th of December when he was one of a party of IRA men which attempted to ambush a British military vehicle at Cross of the Tree, Garryspilane, County Limerick. While the party was in retreat he was shot, he died four days later in Kilmallock Hospital. He had served in the British Army at the rank of Sergeant during WW1, his brother Matthew stated that their home was raided by British forces who removed deceased's DSO (Distinguished Service Order), MM (Military Medal) and general service medals.

18/12/1920

On December 18th, 1920, two I.R.A.  men, William Delaney and Captain James J. Looby, were shot by British forces near Kilfeacle, Tipperary.  They were both members of D Company, 2nd, Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade. They were captured near Dualla, on December 17th, 1920, and taken to Cashel R.I.C. barracks by the police. The following day they were forcibly taken from police custody by the military and were taken to Tipperary military barracks where they were allegedly tortured. On the evening of the 18th, they were tied to a gun carriage and on the way back to Cashel they were killed near Kilfeacle, while still tied to the gun carriage. Details of how they were killed differ in that some accounts say they were shot and some say they were bayoneted.

The day after the death of James J. Looby his brother I.R.A. Adjutant Lawrence Looby was shot dead at Ballysheehan on the Dublin Road. He was Adjutant of D Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade.  Lawrence was playing cards with his cousins the Flanagan’s at their house in Ballysheehan, while there the house was raided, Lawrence was taken outside and shot. Lawrence Looby was 19 years old. Their father, Lawrence Senior, worked at Ballyowen House, Cashel, an estate managed by the late Pierse McCann T.D. who died in Gloucester Gaol. James Looby was 23 years old and married with two children.

20/12/1920

In the early hours of Monday the 20th of December armed and masked men called at the home of the Dyer family at Tibohine near Frenchpark County Roscommon. Two young men were found in one of the bedrooms and when questioned both claimed to be sons of Mr Dwyer, Mr Dwyer was summoned and when asked if both men were his sons, he identified only one as his son one of the raiders immediately fired two shots at the other young man, the young man stumbled to his feet and attempted to flee but making to the next room he was perused by the raiders who again fired a shot at him, the last shot was fatal. The dead young man was John McGowan, he was 26 years old and Captain of the local Tibohine Company, East mayo Brigade, IRA. He had been on the run for some time and was suspected of organizing an ambush of RIC at Ratra on the 1st of September 1920 in which two RIC and one IRA men were killed.

22/12/1920

On the 22nd of December 1920 I.R.A. Volunteer Michael McNamara was shot by the Black and Tans, McNamara had been arrested on the 18th of December while sleeping at Denis Reidy’s house in Doonbeg along with I.R.A. Volunteer William Shanahan. Both men were taken to the R.I.C. Barracks at Kilrush, they were beaten and tortured while being interrogated. On the 22nd of December both men were put on a Crossley Tender and driven in the direction of Ennis. At Darragh between Kildysart and Ennis the Tender stopped and McNamara was told he was free to go, as he walked away from the Tender he was shot dead.

William Shanahan was taken to Ennis Jail where his interrogation continued. While being taken to the toilet by Provost Sergeant David Finlay Shanahan was shot in the head at point blank range by Finlay.

25/12/1920

On the 25th of December 1920 two I.RA. Volunteers were shot dead by Crown Forces at Ballydwyer, County Kerry. Both men went to visit to the home of local creamery manager John Byrne when the house was raided, both men, known to be active members of the I.R.A. were shot dead by Major McKennon.  Both men went to the Byrne household to visit Mrs. Byrne whose husband John was on the run and it was believed the house was under surveillance. The bodies of the men were dragged into the yard of the adjoining creamery and set on fire. The Ballydwyer creamery was the scene of what was known as the Battle of Tralee which took place on the 12th of November 1920 in which two I.R.A. Volunteers, John McMahon and Paddy Herlihy, were killed in action. The two men were:

• John Leen, born in 1894 aged about 26 years old, he was Captain with the 2nd Kerry Brigade and from Tonereigh, Rathanny, County Kerry. Worked on the family farm but had been on the run for some time before he was killed. He was shot through the heart and died instantly.
• Volunteer Maurice Reidy, Ballymacelligott Company, 2md Kerry Brigade, born in 1893. He had been a member of the Volunteers/I.R.A. since 1916. He was employed as a farm labourer. He was captured and executed about fifteen minutes after he was taken prisoner.

26/12/1920

On the night of Sunday the 26th of December 1920 a dance was held at Cahirguillamore House Limerick, the owner of the house Viscount O’Grady was away at the time. The dance was raided by a joint force of Military and Police including Black and Tans. It was believed the dance was held to raise funds for the local I.R.A. ‘Flying Column’ by Bruff Battalion I.R.A., sentries were posted by the I.R.A. but a large party of Military surprised the sentries. During the exchange of fire and subsequent interrogation of those in the house five I.R.A. Volunteers died.

• Daniel Sheahan
• Harry Wade
• John Quinlan
• R O’Brien

Martin Conway

• Martin Conway. It was reported that Conway, severely wounded, crawled four miles. Using a bloodhound to track him police caught up with him, he immediately fired on the Bloodhound killing him instantly. Conway was killed in the following exchange of fire. Conway, a prominent Sinn Feiner was on the run and was acting as sentry at the dance.

Two Policemen were also killed in the incident. Constable Alfred C Hogsden and Constable John Reid.

26/12/1920

On the 26th of December 1920 Captain James Hickey, A Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade was killed while in the custody of Crown Forces. He was arrested by a military patrol in Henry Street Limerick on the 21st of December. While being transferred from the cells to the hospital wing at Limerick Military Barracks he was bayonetted and shot to death in the Barrack Square.  He was born in 1894, he was a native of Ballinattin, Knocknagoshel, County Kerry and was at the time of his arrest employed as a Draper’s Assistant in Limerick. He joined the I.R.A. in 1917.

28/12/1920

On the 28th of December 1920 I.R.A. Captain Timothy Madigan was shot dead by the R.I.C. at his home Clashganniff House, Shanagolden County Limerick, he was 23 years old. The R.I.C. arrived in the Shanagolden area and recognising Madigan as an on the run I.R.A. man ordered him to stop, Madigan attempted to flee, the R.I.C. claimed they called out several warning and when he failed to stop two shots were fired, he died soon after from wound received.

30/12/1920

On the 30th of December 1920 Lieutenant William Slattery, Emly Company, East Limerick Brigade, IRA was shot dead while being escorted as a prisoner from Emly to Tipperary Barracks. He was from Tipperary, born in 1894 and employed as a farmer.

January 1921

Paddy Hogan, Commandant of 2nd Battalion, Third Tipperary Brigade, was shot by British Forces when they raided a house near New Inn County Tipperary.  Hogan was at the Dagg household with other members of D Company when the house was surrounded by British Forces, he charged the advancing British Forces firing his gun and was shot as he attacked.

01/01/1921

On Saturday the 1st of January 1921 two men were shot by the military at Ballylanders in the Bruff district of County Limerick. The two men were wanted by the authorities and on seeing a military car approaching them they fled. The two wanted men were:

• David Tobin, Tobin, armed with a revolver, ran about one hundred yards and took shelter behind a bank, he was out flanked by the military and shot dead.
• Thomas Murphy, Murphy refused to halt and was fired on, he was fatally wounded.                                         

01/01/1921

On the 1st of January 1921 Fianna Éireann Scout John Lawlor 1st Kerry Brigade was arrested and beaten by members of British forces at Listowel, County Kerry on the 31st of December 1920 and died the following day. He was a student at All Hallows School in Dublin and was home for the holidays, he was the son of David Lawlor of Convent Street Listowel. All hallows School in Dublin was a school for training priests and John Lawlor was due to go to Rome to complete his training. He acted as a special messenger to the Battalion Officer Commanding and was involved in transporting arms and ammunition.

06/01/1921

On the 6th of January 1921 Volunteer John McSweeney, 2nd Cork Brigade, IRA, died in Kanturk Union Hospital, County Cork from injuries received on the 4th of January after an ambush on crown Forces at Kanturk County Cork. He was one of three men seen leaving Allensbridge Creamery, the other two men were taken into custody, McSweeney was called on the halt and when he failed to do so was shot in the stomach, he was treated at the scene then taken to Kanturk Union Hospital where he died two days later. He was from Kanturk, born in 1905 and employed as a Farm Labourer.

08/01/1921

On the 8th of January Volunteer Thomas O'Brien, East Waterford Brigade, IRA was killed during an ambush on Crown Forces at Pickardstown Cross, near Tramore, County Waterford. The Waterford IRA attempted to ambush a four-lorry convoy of British Troops but were overwhelmed by the numbers in the Convoy. Volunteer Thomas O'Brien was taken prisoner and was shot and bayonetted to death while in custody. He was from Waterford and employed on the family farm.

While escaping the scene of the ambush Section Commander Michael McGrath, East Waterford Brigade, IRA, was captured, he was killed while in custody. He was born in 1895 and from Waterford, he was employed as a Joiner.

08/01/1921

On the 8th of January 1921 Volunteer Michael Kennedy, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Tipperary Brigade, IRA died from wounds received on the 3rd of January when he was shot by Crown Forces, it was alleged that he was called on to halt and when he did not do so the soldiers opened fire. He was from Moneygall, Cloughjordan, County Tipperary and employed as a farm labourer. His brother Thomas Kennedy died in May 1924 from a disease contracted while in service.

17/01/1921

Joseph Tormey and Patrick Sloane were shot dead in Ballykinlar Camp, County Down on the 17th of January 1921, both men were standing about 20 yards from the wire fence sheltering from the wind when a sentry fired at them, no reason or explanation was given as to why the sentry fired. 2ndLieutenant Joseph Tormey was born in 1901, he was employed by the Midland Great Western Railway but was forced to give up work and go on the run. He was with the Moate Company, Athlone Brigade. Patrick Slone was from Moate, County Westmeath. He was married and a Volunteer with B Company, Athlone Brigade.

17/01/1921

On the 17th of January 1921 I.R.A. Volunteers Thomas O’Brien was shot dead at Richardstown, County Waterford.

18/01/1921

On the evening of Tuesday the 18th of January 1921 Thomas Collins was shot dead by Crown Forces at Keelkill, County Galway. Earlier that evening a party of Auxiliaries were ambushed at Headford, several being injured. In a search for the ambushers Collins was arrested and it was alleged by Crown Forces he was shot while trying to escape. Thomas Collins was 21 years old and had served joined the Irish Volunteers in 1918, at the time of his death he was a Volunteer with the Headford Battalion, North Galway Brigade. His brother Herbert Collins was executed by the Free State on the 20th of January 1923 at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath he had been charged with being in possession, without proper authority, of one bandolier and fifty rounds of ammunition

19/01/1921

On the 19th of January 1921 Volunteer Denis Hegarty was killed by British Forces at Barry’s Hall Timoleague County Cork, he was from Courtmacsherry.

21/01/1921

Martin McEvoy, Volunteer, C Company, 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, I.R.A., he died from pneumonia and influenza which he suffered as a direct result of a gunshot wound he received in an exchange with British forces on 27 February 1921 at or near Fowler Hall, Parnell Street, Dublin. He was born in 1891 and was employed as a labourer with the Anglo-American Oil Company, North Wall.

22/01/1921

 On Friday the 21st of January 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer Michael Magee was mortally wounded when taking part in an ambush at Drumcondra Bridge Dublin. A patrol of Auxiliary police arrived during the ambush and the I.R.A. were forced to retreat, Magee, who was from Arbour Hill Dublin, received bullet wounds to the legs and lower abdomen and was taken prisoner, loaded into a Crossley Tender and ended up in King George V Hospital (now St. Bricin's), where he died on Saturday morning 22 January 1921. The official cause of death was "Shock and Haemorrhage from gunshot wounds to the legs and lower abdomen". During the 1916 Rising he served as a Volunteer with A Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade. He was born in 1896 and fought in the area of North King Street. He joined the Volunteers in 1913 and at the time of the Rising he was employed as a Labourer by John Jameson Distillers on Bow Street, he lost his job as a result of his Volunteer activities.

24/01/1921

On the 24th of January 1921 Volunteer Daniel O‘Reilly was killed when three sections of the 3rd West Cork brigade entered Bandon with the intention of attacking the R.I.C. and Military barracks. During the attack O’Reilly who was from Granassig Kilbrittain was killed.

26/01/1921

On the 26th of January 1921 IRA Volunteer James Devaney was shot dead at Nenagh, County Tipperary. He was one of a number of men at O’Meara’s Public House went the premises were raided by the Police. The men in the Public House saw the Police approaching and attempted to escape. As Devaney attempted to climb over a hedge he was shot in the thigh and bleed to death. He was employed as a Chemist and lived in Dublin, he was home in Nenagh for a short visit to his parents.

February 1921

Patrick Thornton was a member of the Kimmage Garrison and took part in the fighting during Easter week. On Easter Monday evening he was sent from Liberty Hall to Fairview. While at Fairview he was injured to the head and taken prisoner.  He was taken to Richmond Barracks after the surrender and held for some days before being released due to his age, he 15 years old.  Due to his head injuries he spent several spells in hospitals over the next three years. He was an active member of the I.R.A. In February 1921 he was taken from the Boyne Cinema in Drogheda where he worked as a manager and beaten to death by the Black and Tans, he was found dying in Market Square, he succumbed to his injuries that night. He was buried in Saint Peter’s Cemetery Drogheda. 

01/02/1921

On Tuesday the 1st of February 1921 Cornelius Murphy of Rathmore County Kerry was executed for having a revolver and seven rounds of ammunition. He was tried at a military court in Cork. Murphy was convicted under Martial Law regulations. It was the first cases of a convicted man being executed in a case were the convicted man had not been charged with having fired on Crown forces, and also the first case where the execution was carried out before the announcement of the sentence was given to the public.

02/02/1921

While searching Clonmacnoise graveyard Crown Forces found the body of James Tormey. James Tormey had been killed in action on the 2nd of February 1921 while fighting British Forces at Cornafulla, County Roscommon and his body secretly buried in Clonmacnoise graveyard, a brass plate on the coffin was engraved ‘James Tormey killed in action February 2nd 1921’. The body was removed to Custume Barracks Athlone where an inquest was held, the body was released to his parents and he was buried in Mount-Temple cemetery in the family plot. He was from a family of 10 boys and 1 girl, six of the boys were members of the I.R.A. and the family home was used to store arms during the War of Independence. One of the sons, David, was captured by the Black and tans on the 14th of February 1921 and was almost beaten to death, his father stated his son was saved from death by the intervention of Inspector Cowley of the R.I.C. Brigadier (Colonel) James Tormey was born in 1899 and served with the Athlone Brigade, 1st Midland Division, I.R.A. He was from Moate, County Westmeath. He was born in 1899 and had been a member of the I.R.A. since before 1918. His brother Joseph Tormey was shot dead in Ballykinlar Camp, County Down on the 17th of January 1921.

04/02/1921

On the 4th of February 1921 I.R.A. Lieutenant Patrick Crowley was shot dead during a round-up of I.R.A. suspects by the Black and Tans at Maryboro Timoleague County Cork, Crowley from Timoleague was a long serving I.R.A. veteran of Rathclarin, Newcestown and Tooreen ambushes.

05/02/1921

On the 5th of February Patrick Joseph Dorgan, Second Lieutenant, A Company, 2 battalion, 2nd Cork Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA was killed instantly when shot during an engagement with British Forces at Mourne Abbey, County Cork. He was from Burnfert, Mallow, County Cork and employed on the family farm.

06/02/1921

On the 6th of February 1921 Volunteer James O’Keeffe, 5th Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade was shot dead by Crown Forces while acting as a sentry for an IRA Road-Trenching Active Service Unit. On the 9th of March 1921 A Military Court of Inquiry held in lieu of an Inquest a military officer gave evidence that he was in charge of a patrol near Anner Bridge two miles east of Clonmel County Tipperary when they came across a man wearing a pink woman’s hat, the man was acting as a sentry for the Road-Trenchers, in the ensuing exchange of fire James O’Keeffe was shot. O’Keeffe was born in 1895.

06/02/1921

On the 6th of February 1921 four I.R.A. men were drowned when crossing Galway Bay from Moynis to Roundstone to attend a Battalion meeting, they were crossing the bay in a light boat when caught in a violent storm of the coast of Inishlaken. The storm drove the boat onto the rocks and the four men were drowned.

•  Joseph Green (Greene). Volunteer (2nd Lieutenant) B Company, 3rd Battalion, West Connemara Brigade, I.R.A.
•  Joseph Keeley Lieutenant, B Company, 3rd Battalion, West Connemara Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1897 and was employed as a farm labourer. Keeley had money which was collected in the Carna district of the purpose of purchasing arms for the Brigade.
•  Patrick Folan Volunteer, B Company, 3rd Battalion, West Connemara Brigade, I.R.A. He worked as a Farm Labourer and was 19 years old when he died.
•  James Ferron. 2nd Lieutenant, B Company, 3rd Battalion, West Connemara Brigade, I.R.A. He was employed as a Farmer.

08/02/1921

On the 8th of February 1921 Robert Browne was shot by British Forces Knocksluagha, Knocknagoshel, County Kerry. He was a Volunteer with A Company, 7th Battalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade, I.R.A. He was employed as a shopkeeper at the family grocery shop. He was born in 1883. He had been arrested by Crown Forces in the Knocksluagha area, he body was found some distance away on the road side later that day. He was a brother of John Browne who was shot by Crown Forces on the 13th of April 1918 during a raid on the Gortatlea Police Hut.

09/02/1921

On the 9th of February 1921 I.R.A. Captain John Moran was taken from his home in Drogheda and shot dead, his body was found along with the body of Alderman Thomas Halpin of Drogheda on the banks of the River Boyne. Moran was employed as a printer in Cahill’s of Drogheda. He was a native of Church Street Enniscorthy County Wexford, he was 38 years old. He was reported locally that Moran and Halpin were killed in reprisal for the killing of a man name Percival at Ballycanew.

09/02/1921

On Wednesday the 9th of February two I.R.A. Volunteers were found, one dead the other fatally injured, in a field at Clonturk Park Drumcondra Dublin. The dying Volunteer told police they were removed from Dublin Castle by Auxiliaries and Soldiers to Clonturk Park and shot. Auxiliary Captain William L ‘Tiny’ King and two of his men were arrested by the Military and acquitted at their court-martial on the 15th of April. The two I.R.A. Volunteers were:

• Patrick Kennedy
• James Murphy 

15/02/1921

On the 15th of February 1921 a planned ambush by the I.R.A. of a train carrying British Troops went wrong resulting in the death of three I.R.A. men and ten civilians. The plan was to ambush the train when it stopped at Upton station, the station staff were detained by the I.R.A. as they waited for the train to arrive. The train held about fifty soldiers of the Essex Regiment. The soldiers were dispersed along the entire train rather than concentrated in the central carriage as the I.R.A. believed, as a result the civilian causalities were high and the soldiers in a better position to repel the attackers. The three dead I.R.A. men were:

• Lieutenant Sean Phelan a native of Liverpool England.
• Lieutenant Patrick O'Sullivan of Raheen Upton.
• Section Commander Batt Falvey of Ballymurphy Upton.

Another I.R.A. man Daniel (Dan) O’Mahony was wounded in the attack and died some years later as a result of his injuries. The bodies of Sean Phelan, Batt Falvey and Pat O'Sullivan were laid to rest in the Republican plot at St Finbarr's cemetery in Cork.

15/02/1921

On the 15th of February 1921 2 IRA Volunteers were killed at Mourne Abbey, Mallow, County Cork when a planned ambushed was reported to Crown Forces who surrounded the IRA, during an exchange of fire Patrick Flynn and Michael Looney where killed.

• Patrick Flynn, Volunteer, H Company, 5th Battalion, 4th Cork Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA he had served with Cork brigade from about 1917.
• Michael Looney, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Cork Brigade died from wounds some hours later. He was removed to Cork Military Hospital where he died from wounds received. He was born in 1895 and was employed as a farmer, he was from Island, Burnfort, Mallow, County Cork.

2 other Volunteers, Patrick Ronayne and Thomas Mulcahy who were captured during the ambush were executed at Victoria barracks Cork on the 28th of April 1921.

16/02/1921

Four IRA men were cutting a trench in the road at Crois na Leanbh, in the Kilbrittain Company area County Cork, when they were taken unawares by a patrol of the Essex Regiment. The four men to die were 

• Volunteer Cornelius (Con) McCarthy. Kilanetig, Ballinalee. Kilbrittain Company. Born in 1891 he was employed as a Harness Maker.

• Volunteer John McGrath, Rathclarin, Kilbrittain. Kilbrittain Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Cork Brigade. 

• Volunteer Timothy (Tim) Connolly, Fearnagerk, Kilbrittain. B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Cork Brigade. He was employed as a Fram Labourer.  

• Volunteer Jeremiah O'Neill, Knockpogue, Kilbrittain. He was 19 years old and employed as an Agricultural Labourer. B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Cork Brigade. 

Their bodies were found on the morning of February 16, 1921, beside the unfinished cutting. Two had been armed with rifles, as there had been strict orders that in such cutting operations two should stand guard while the other two worked on the road.

19/02/1921

On the 19th of February 1921 IRA Captain Michael Robert McElligott, 6th Battalion, 1st Kerry Brigade, was shot by British forces at Derrymore, County Kerry. He, with Patrick Garvey, were returning from Tralee by bicycle when called on to halt, it was reported that the both failed to stop and were fired on, McElligott was hit above the hips and died from wounds received in Tralee Military Hospital. He was 21 years old and employed as a Driver Motor Mechanic.

20/02/1921

In an Ambush at Clonmult, Midleton, County Cork on the 20th of February 1921 twelve I.R.A. Volunteers were killed and another two later executed. The I.R.A. were occupying a farm house when they were surrounded by a force of British Army (Hampshire Regiment), Royal Irish Constabulary Policeman and Auxiliaries. The fourteen dead men were:

James Peter Ahern

• James Peter Ahern. Company Captain, A Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1896 he was an Engineer by profession and came from Cobh County Cork. He was killed while jumping a fence 200 yards from the house. He joined the Volunteers in 1914.
• Jeremiah Ahern. Volunteer, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. He was born in 1897 and was a Mechanical Engineer by profession, he came from Midleton County Cork.
• Liam (William) Ahern. Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade. He was an Accountant Book Keeper by profession and from Midleton County Cork. He joined the Irish Volunteers in 1914 and transferred to the Midleton Company in 1917. He joined the Active Service Unit (Flying Column) after his premises was raided by British forces. Prior to going on the run he held the position of Acting Battalion Adjutant and treasurer of the 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade.
• Daniel Dennehy. Volunteer, 4th Battalion, 1stCork Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1899 and employed as a Farm Labourer he was from Midleton County Cork.
• David Desmond. Volunteer, B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. He was  Book keeper at Mr Hallinan's mill, Midleton, County Cork. He was from Midleton County Cork. His brother Michael was killed in action in the same incident.
• Michael Desmond. Volunteer, B Company,  4th Battalion, 1st Cork brigade, I.R.A. He was an Employee at Mr Hallinan's Mill and came Midleton County Cork. He was killed while attempting to fight his way back into the house. His brother David was killed in action in the same incident.
•  James Glavin Volunteer, A Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork brigade, I.R.A. He was employed as a Telephone operator, Haulbowline naval dockyard, Cork Harbour. He was from Cobh County Cork was killed during the fighting. He had been with the Volunteers for about a year and had served with Fianna Eireann since 1917. He was stated that James Galvin was one of a number of Volunteers who had surrendered and were lined up against the wall of the house were shot and bayonetted to death, it was reported that James Galvin’s body had received several bullet and bayonet wounds. He also had a brother killed in France during the First World War.  His father William who had worked at Hallbowline Dockyard lost his job in 1920 due to his sons I.RA. activities and his own political views.
• Michael Finbar Hallahan (Halloran) 2nd Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. He was employed as a Tailor at J Roche, Merchant Tailor, Charles Street, Midleton, County Cork. He was from Midleton County Cork. He had joined the I.R.A. in about 1917.
• John Joseph (John Joe) Joyce. Volunteer, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade. Born in 1898 he was an Engineering student at University College Cork and from Midleton County Cork killed while attempting to re-gain entry to the farm house.
• Joseph Morrissey Volunteer, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1899, aged about 22 years old when he died, he was  from Athlone County Westmeath and was employed as an engine driver in a saw mill in Cork at the time of his death. He joined the Volunteers/I.R.A. in 1918. He was killed during the fighting receiving a bullet wound to the head. He had a brother who was killed in World War 1, he was James Morrissey died on the 14th of April 1915 aged 23. He was a Private in the 1st Battalion The Leinster Regiment service number 9230, he is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium.
•  Timothy Christopher O'Sullivan Volunteer, A Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1893 he was employed as a Solicitor’s Clerk and came from Midleton County Cork. He served with the British Army for three years during World War 1.
• Volunteer Richard Hegarty from Garryvoe County Cork killed in front of the house when attempting to go for aid.

The two men executed were:

• Maurice Moore. Volunteer (Section Commander), A Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade. He was from Cobh County Cork and was captured during the Ambush, he was later executed at Cork Military Barracks on April 28th 1921. He was tried before a military court on a charge of levying war against Crown Forces, and sentenced to death.
• Patrick (Paddy) O'Sullivan. Lieutenant, A Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. He was employed as an Accountant at Haulbowline and was from Cobh County Cork. He was captured he was later executed at Cork Military Barracks April 28th 1921. His brother drowned while serving with British Forces during World War 1.

21/02/1921

A memorial marks thesite of the Friary Street Ambush

On the 21st of February 1921 Company Captain Thomas Hennessy, Three Castles Company, 1st Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade was killed in action during an attack on a party of British Troops on their way to collect rations. The British were ambushed at Friary Street, Kilkenny. Another IRA Volunteer Michael Dermody died from wounds received in the same incident. Thomas Hennessy was a member of the Irish Volunteers/IRA from 1916 and employed as a farmer.  Volunteer  Michael Dermody died from wounds received in the same incident.

27/02/1921

On the 27th of February 1921 Joseph Taylor of Glencar, Caragh Lake, County Kerry, he was a Captain with the 6th Battalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade I.R.A. and had served with the 6th Battalion, 2nd Kerry since about 1916. He was arrested at his home in the early hours of Sunday morning by Crown Forces, while escorting him to Killorglin Barracks another three local men who the Crown Forces met on the road were also arrested. Shortly after he was arrested locals reported hearing considerable noise and shouting followed by three shots, shortly after the three shots were heard relatives of Joseph Taylor were informed he had been shot while attempting to escape. He was carried by Crown Forces on a door to the nearest house where he was attended by Doctor Ansitar who had been staying at the Glencar Hotel, he was also treated by Doctor Dodd of Killorglin. Father Byrnes P.P. Glenheigh, administered the last rites and he died shortly after from blood loss due to a large wound to the right thigh. Joseph Taylor had been on the run for some time and had been sought by Crown Forces at many places around Kerry. He worked for the post office as a postman up to about 1917 but lost his employment due to his Volunteer activities. His brother James Taylor was killed while serving with the Anti-Treaty I.R.A. on the 8th of March 1923.

28/02/1921

On Monday the 28th of February 1921 six I.R.A. men were executed at Victoria (now Collins) Barracks, Cork. Five of the executed were captured at an attempted ambush at Dripsey on the 28th of January 1921. Cannon O’Sullivan, one of the Chaplains who ministered to the six men said ‘as the prisoners were called out in twos to be shot they rose with absolute calmness, took leave of their companions, and solemnly blessed each other.’ The five men had been found guilty by Court Martial and were sentenced to death, three other accused of being involved in the ambush and tried by the same court Jerimiah Callaghan, Eugene Langtry and Denis Sheehan were found not guilty. A memorial was erected to the five men at the ambush site.

• Thomas O’Brien 2nd Lieutenant, E Company, 6th Battalion, I.R.A. He was born in 1899 and was about 22 years old when he died. He worked at Dripsey Woollen Mills, County Cork. He was captured during an attempted ambush at Dripsey on the 28th of January, he was wounded during the ambush.
• Daniel Joseph O’Callaghan. Volunteer, E Company, 6th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade. He was captured during an attempted ambush at Dripsey on the 28th of January. He was born in 1897, he was 23 years old and employed as a farm labourer, he was from Dripsey, County Cork. He joined the Irish Volunteers about 1916.
• John Lyons. Volunteer, 6th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A. He was born in 1895 and from Clonmoyle, Coachford, County Cork. He was employed as a farm labourer.
• Timothy McCarthy. Volunteer, 5th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade. He was born in 1900 and from Fornaught, Donoughmore, County Cork. He was wounded during the ambush.
• Patrick O’Mahony. Section Commander, 6th battalion, 1st Cork Brigade. He was born in 1897 and from Derry, Berrings, County Cork. He had served as Section Commander with the 1st Cork Brigade Irish Volunteers and was employed as a farm labourer. He was wounded during the ambush.
• John Allen. Captain, A Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade, I.R.A. He was from Tipperary and employed as a shoemaker. He was convicted by a Military Court of possession of a revolver and ammunition and sentenced on the 7th of February 1921.

James Barrett who took part in the ambush died on the 22nd of March 1921 from wounds received during the ambush.

On the 21st of March 1921 Mrs Mary Lindsay and her butler James Clarke were executed by the I.R.A. for supplying information to the British Army warning them of the ambush at Dripsey.

01/03/1921

On Tuesday the 1st of March 1921 Thomas Looby, a farmer’s son from Ardvillane, was shot dead in a field near Kilross County Tipperary. The Military surprised a part of men engaged in military type drilling in a field. The men scattered to avoid being surrounded by the Military during which shots were fire. Thomas Looby was killed and two other men, John Hayes aged 23 a labourer from Knockarden was shot in the windpipe and Con Power aged 26 was shot in the thigh. After the incident the Military recovered 15 rifles, 3 shotguns and plans for an ambush.  

04/03/1921

Volunteer Thomas Lee B Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade, was shot dead by a British Soldier while serving with one of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade's Flying Columns, while staying in a house near Fethard . The house was raided and while attempting to escape Lee was shot and mortally wounded. He was taken to the local Barracks where he later died from his wounds.

04/03/1921

On Friday the 4th of March Michael Dermody died from wounds received in an attack on a military ration party at Friary Street Kilkenny on the 21st of February. He died in Kilkenny Military Hospital and was buried in the cemetery of Tulla Church. He had been a member of the Irish Volunteers/IRA since 1916 and was Section Commander of C Company, 1st Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1897 and employed as a labourer. Company Captain Thomas Hennessy was killed in action in the same incident.

06/03/1921

On Sunday the 6th of March 1921 3 IRA men were shot dead by Crown Forces at Knockroe, Drangan, County Tipperary. The three men were attending a meeting when the house the meeting was taking place in was surrounded by the Military

• Captain Martin Clancy 3rd Tipperary Brigade IRA. He was born in 1903 and from Tipperary, he was employed as an Agricultural Labourer. He had been a member of the Irish Volunteers and IRA since April 1917. His brother Patrick was shot by British Forces on the 19th of November 1920

• Second Lieutenant Richard Fleming, C Company, 7th Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade, IRA. He was from Coolmore, Fethard, County Tipperary and employed as a Farmer, he was born in 1895.
• Second Lieutenant Patrick (Paddy) Hackett, A Company, 7th Battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade, IRA, died on the 7th of March at the Military Barracks, Kilkenny, from wound received. He was born in 1897 and a native of Tipperary and had joined the IRA in 1919.

10/03/1921

On the 10th of March 1921 four I.R.A. Volunteers were killed when, along with two other Volunteers who managed to escape, the house they were sheltering in was surrounded by a large troop of British Forces. The incident happened in the Boggeragh Mountains near Nadd, Banteer, County Cork. All were members of the Mallow Column. The four dead Volunteers were:

• Edmond (Ned) Waters. Born in 1897 and was employed as a butcher. He had served with the 2ndCork Brigade Irish Volunteers and I.R.A. since about 1916.  He had previously been wounded in an attack on British forces in Fermoy in 1919. His brothers Patrick and Timothy also served with the I.R.A.

• Michael Kiely. Born in 1895 and employed as a labourer. He was with the North Cork Brigade I.R.A.

• Edmond Twomey. Born in 1898 and was a Milk Tester by trade. He was with A Company, 4thBattalion, 4th Cork Brigade. An investigation by the Pensions Board in the early 1930 found that Edmond Twomey was not on active service at the time of his death and was engaging in his employment as a milk tester and while crossing a field was spotted by Crown Forces who fired on him killing him instantly.

• David Herlihy. I could find no information on David Herlihy, reports into the incident report either three or four men were killed. If you have any more information please let me know.

11/03/1921

On March 11th 1921 at Selton Hill, Gorvagh, Mohill, County Leitrim an Irish Republican Army flying column was ambushed by members of the Black and Tans. Six IRA men of the Leitrim Brigade died in the Ambush The Auxiliaries were based in the town of Mohill.

• Captain Michael E. Baxter. He was employed as a Railway clerk (Sligo Leitrim Railway) at Ballinamore, County Leitrim. He was a Captain with the Leitrim Brigade.

• Volunteer Sean Connolly from Longford. He joined the I.R.A. in 1917. His Brother Louis Connolly who was a Captain with the Flying Corps was accidentally shot and killed at Baldonnel on the 7th of March 1923.

• Volunteer Joseph Beirne. Employed by the Midland Great Western Railway.

• Captain John Joseph O’Reilly. Born in 1896 employed as a Farm labourer. Captain B Company, 2nd Battalion, South Leitrim Brigade.

• Lieutenant John Joseph O'Reilly South Leitrim Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1899 and employed as a farmer. His brother James served in the National Army from its formation until his demobilisation in February 1924.

• Volunteer James Joseph (Seamus) Wrynne (Wrynn).

14/03/1921

During an ambush on the 14th of March 1921 Leo Patrick Fitzgerald was killed. Fitzgerald was part of an IRA unit keeping guard over a meeting attended by Sean McBride at Saint Andrews Club, 144 Brunswick Street Dublin City. Another I.R.A. Volunteer David Kelly aged 41 (I.R.A. Manager of Sinn Fein Bank and brother of Alderman Thomas Kelly Sinn Fein M.P. for College Green.) was also killed in the ambush along with 2 policemen and three civilians.

14/03/1921

On the 14th of March 1921 six I.R.A. Volunteers were hanged at Mountjoy Jail. The six men were.

• Thomas Whelan, 14 Barrow Street, Dublin a native of Clifden Connemara. Thomas Whelan was tried by court martial at the City Hall Dublin, charged with the murder of Captain G. T. Baggallay at Baggot Street Dublin on the 21st of November 1920. Three other men were charged with the same offence, James Boyce, 10 Aungier Street Dublin, M. J. Tobin, 19 Upper Sherrard Street Dublin and James McNamara 81 Lower George’s Street Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) were found not guilty and released. Whelan was executed at 6am.
• Patrick Moran, 5 main Street Blackrock County Dublin a grocers assistant. Moran was charged along with Joseph Rochford, 11 Elm Park, Ranelagh Dublin with the murder of Lieutenant H Angliss at 38 Mount Street Upper on Bloody Sunday. Rochford was found not guilty and released. Patrick Moran came from Crossna, Boyle, County Roscommon, he was Captain of D Company, 2nd Battalion I.R.A., his main responsibility was for the Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) harbour which was used for smuggling arms and getting men in and out of the country. He worked as a barman and was heavily involved in trade unions. Although Moran produced witnesses to prove he was not at 38 Mount Street Upper on the day of the shooting he was found guilty. It later transpired through a book by May Moran, Patrick Moran’s niece, that Patrick Moran was not at Mount Street on the day of the killings because he was leading the shooting party at the Gresham Hotel. Executed at 6am

Moran Park in Dun Laoghaire is named after Patrick Moran. The park was recently renovated when the new library was built and a plaque erected to remember Patrick Moran was added.

The following four were tried by Field Court Martial in connection with the Drumcondra Ambush and charged with assembling near the Drumcondra Road on the 21st of January 1920 with firearms and explosives with intent to use them for levying war against the King, of conspiring to levy war, with loop-holing a wall for the purpose of ambushing Crown Forces, with participating in an attack on Crown Forces, Another man Dermott O’Sullivan was also charged with the above offences and carrying a revolver and ammunition, O’Sullivan had his death sentence commuted to penal servitude for life because of his age, he was 17 years old. The four who were hanged were,

Frank (Francis Xavier) Flood 30 Summerhill Parade Dublin. He was single and a Lieutenant in the H Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade IRA . Executed at 8am.

Patrick Doyle

Patrick Doyle 1 St. Mary’s Place Dublin, was 29 years old, he worked as a carpenter and was married with three children, his wife gave birth to twins a few weeks before the execution, one of the twins died on the 12th of March 1921. He was a member of a member of F Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA. Executed at 7am.

Thomas J Bryan, 14 Henrietta Street Dublin, was an electrician, he was married and 22 years old. Executed at 7am

Bernard Ryan 18 Royal Canal Terrace, Phibsborough Road, 20 years old. He was a member of F Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade I.R.A. Executed at 8am.

 19/03/1921

On the 19th of March 1921 the 3rd Cork Brigade of the I.R.A. ambushed a large convoy of British Army lorries at Crossbarry County Cork. The convoy was part of a larger force sent to the Ballymurphy area to locate the headquarters of the West Cork Brigade The Crown Forces strength for the operation was 1200 soldiers mainly made up of the Essex Regiment and a force of about 120 Auxiliaries, the I.R.A. column numbered a little over 100 men. Four I.R.A. men died in the fighting. The dead were:

• Volunteer Peter Monohan of Bandon.
• Volunteer Jeremiah O’Leary of Corrin Leap.
• Volunteer Con Daly of Carrig Ballinascarthy.

• Charles Hurley, 3rd Cork Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1893 and employed as a clerk.

Although it is widely reported that up to 39 British Soldiers were killed at Crossbarry, this number allegedly includes 5 Officers, I have only found 9 British Soldiers, the highest ranking is Second Lieutenant.

19/03/1921

I.R.A. Brigadier Charles ‘Charlie’ Hurley was shot dead on the 19th of March 1921 at Ballinphellic Upton County Cork, he was born in Baurleigh Kilbrittan on the 19th of March 1892. Brigadier Hurley was in command of the Column that engaged Crown Forces at Crossbarry later that day, he was billeted overnight at a safe house a few miles from where the Column was billeted. The safe house was surrounded by British Troops and Brigadier Hurley died in a fierce gun battle as he tried to escape.

19/03/1921

On the night of Friday, the 18th and early morning of Saturday the 19 of March 1921 the IRA ambushed a mixed patrol of British Army and RIC near the Burgery Road about a mile from Dungarvan, County Waterford. Battalion Officer Commanding Patrick Keating Waterford Brigade was shot dead during the ambush.

21/03/1921

On the 2nd of May 1921 two IRA Volunteers were killed in action during an ambush at Lispole, County Kerry. The IRA had waited several days for a patrol of Black and tans but instead of ambushing the patrol the IRA were surrounded by a large force of British soldiers. The IRA managed to hold of the British and effect an escape, during their retreat two Volunteers were killed. The two men were:

• Second Lieutenant, Thomas Matthew Ashe (Tomás Maitiú Ághas), C Company, 5th Battalion, 1st Kerry Brigade, IRA. He was from Lispole, County Kerry and employed as a Farmer.

Thomas Hawley

• Volunteer, Thomas Hawley, Active Service Unit (Flying Column), 1st Kerry Brigade, IRA. Born in 1897 he was from Tralee and employed as a Miller. Died on the 2nd of May 1921 from wounds received at Lispole in the 21st of March. 
• Volunteer Maurice Fitzgerald C Company 1st Kerry Brigade, IRA. He was a farmer and born in 1893.

 21/03/1921

Two I.R.A. men and eight British Forces were killed in an ambush on a train at Headford Junction railway station, Tralee, County Kerry. A party of British soldiers travelling on the train which was guarded by a Vickers Machine Gun was attacked by about 30 I.R.A. men, there are a few different accounts of what happened but when all the shooting was over 8 British Soldiers of the 1stBattalion The Royal Fusiliers, three Civilians and two I.R.A. men were dead. The two I.R.A. men were:

• James (Jimmy) Bailey. Born in 1892, aged about 29 years old at the time of his death.  He was a Lieutenant in the  Ballymacelligott Battalion, Kerry Number 2 Brigade.

• Daniel (Dan) Allman. Commander of the ambush, his second in command McEllistrim took over command when Allman was killed.

 

21/03/1921

Edmond Crawford

Edmond Crawford is buried in Knocklong County Limerick, the image above shows his coffin being carried from Kilmallock courthouse.

22/03/1921

On the 22nd of March Battalion Adjutant James Barrett, 6th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA died at Cork Military Barracks as a result of wounds receive during the Dripsey ambush which took place on the 28th of January 1921. He was employed as was station master at Firmount Station Donoughmore. He received a wound to the leg resulting in part of his leg being amputated.

23/03/1921

On the 23rd of April 1921 six I.R.A. men were shot dead by a mixed RIC and Black and Tan Patrol at a farm at Ballycannon, Clogheen, Cork. The six men were staining on the farm of Cornelius O’Keefe which was a regular ‘safe house’ where those on the run or on active service with a flying column could stay. At about 4 am on the morning of the 23rd the house was raided and the six men discovered sleeping in a barn on the farm. The six men were:

• Daniel Crowley, aged 23 and from Blarney Street Cork.
• William Deasy, aged 20 and from Blarney Road Cork.
• Thomas Dennehy, aged 21 and from Blarney Street Cork.
• Daniel Murphy aged 24 from Orrery Hill Blarney Street Cork.
• Jeremiah O’Mullane aged 23 from Blarney Street Cork.
• Michael O’Sullivan aged 20 from Blarney Street Cork.

24/03/1921

On Wednesday the 23rd of March 1921 three Soldiers were killed and an R.I.C. Constable fatally wounded in an ambush at Scramogue near Strokestown County Roscommon, another three Black and Tans captured by the I.R.A. in the ambush were later killed. After the ambush the Crown Forces in Roscommon Town mounted a large scale operation to attempt to capture the ambushers. Eight lorries and a Whippet Tank were used. Several I.R.A. men involved in the ambush were picked up, Michael Mullooly an I.R.A. Volunteer was shot dead at his home by the R.I.C., it is believed the Michael Mullooly had not taken part in the ambush and may have been mistaken for his brother Patrick who did take part in the ambush.

26/03/1921

   

William Sonny McCarthy is buried in Kiltomey Cemetery in his native Lixnaw.

On the 26th of March 1921 IRA Battalion Intelligence Officer William (Sonny) McCarthy, 3rd Battalion, 1st Kerry Brigade was shot dead by Crown Forces in The Green, Tralee County Kerry. His body was found by a lady out walking he had been shot twice in the head and three to the back. All shops in the town of Tralee were closed on the morning of his funeral, as the cortege passed the military barracks the tri-colour draping the coffin was removed by Crown Forces, the flag was soon replaced and the cortege continued on its way. He was born in 1894 and a native of Lixnaw County Kerry.

30/03/1921

On the 30th of March 1921 James McLoughlin, Company Officer, Active Service Unit (Flying Column), 2nd Tipperary Brigade, I.R.A. was shot dead by British Forces at Cormackstown, Thurles, County Tipperary. He was born in 1902 and was a student at the time of his death.

30/03/1921

Sean (John) Finn born 1898 in Rathkeals County Limerick. Was a member of Fianna Eireann and served as Captain in the Irish Volunteers. He was killed when a flying column he was part of was attacked by the Black and Tans at Ballyhahill Athea area near Foynes in County Limerick.

01/04/1921

On the 1st of April 1921 James Foley, Captain, 3rd Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, IRA was accidentally shot and killed at Currahaly, Farran, County Cork. At the time of his death he was employed as a labourer and had served with the IRA since 1917.

01/04/1921

John Corcoran Brigadier I.R.A. Born in 1890 died on the 1st of April 1921, aged about 31 years old when he died. He was killed when an I.R.A. unit unexpectedly met with a party of British Army and police at Crossard, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. He had active with the Irish Volunteers and IRA from 1916, was arrested and interned.

02/04/1921

On the 2nd of April 1921 John Morgan, Lieutenant, 2nd Company, Manchester Battalion, IRA was shot dead by British Police during an exchange of fire at 58 Erskine Street, Hulme, Manchester, England, when the Police attempted to raid an IRA meeting. He was born in 1899 and had served with the IRA from 1920. He had also served with the British Army in the Royal Engineers during the First World War from the 3rd of February 1916 to the 18th March 1919.

02/04/1921

Christopher Reynolds was buried in Saint Nahi’s Cemetery Dundrum County Dublin.

Lieutenant John (Sean) Brett Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was accidently shot dead on the 4th of April 1921. He was from Mullinahone County Tipperary and was a member of the South Tipperary Active Service Unit. Brett was in a house with James Leahy, Brett had just finished cleaning and oiling an automatic revolver, he reloaded the gun putting a bullet in the breech and laid the gun on a small table. A young boy, a resident of the house, entered the room and pressed the trigger of the gun discharging the round in the breech, the bullet struck Brett, he died as a result of the bullet wound about half an hour later. Father Larkin of Windgap gave him the last rites. Brett had been a member of the I.R.A. in Dublin and was a player in the Tipperary team playing in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday. Michael Gibbs, a member of the Active Service Unit, constructed a makeshift coffin and Brett was buried at midnight in the Cemetery at Lamague. British Forces learned of the tragedy and shortly after visited several local cemeteries looking for fresh graves. Brett’s remains were discovered and disinterred by British Forces and reburied in a ploughed field belonging to the Maher’s of Cussane. Brett’s remains were reinterred in his native Mullinahone after the Truce.

06/04/1921

On the 6th of April Volunteer Patrick Edward Cloonan, Maree Company, 3rd Battalion, Galway Brigade, IRA,  was found shot dead having been taken by persons unknown, believed to be members of the British forces, from the house of Lawrence Donohoe the previous day. Patrick Cloonan served with the Irish Volunteers from 1914, including the week of 23 to 29 April 1916. He was born in 1893 and worked as a Farmer.

06/04/1921

The Irish Time reported on the discovery of the body of Vincent Fovargue found by a boy on the golf links at Ashford Middlesex. Fovargue had escaped from British Army custody in Ireland. It was believed that Fovargue had given information on the I.R.A. to the British and was allowed to escape in return for that information, he fled to England but was tracked down by the I.R.A. The body was found on the 2nd of April. Fovargue had been a member of the Dublin Brigade of the I.R.A. Fovargue lived with his mother and sister at Dunville Avenue Renelagh. He was employed at a tea merchant in Batchelor’s Walk Dublin as a clerk.

Initially it was believed that the body was that of Mr. J Doherty of Trinity Street Dublin but it later transpired that Fovargue had purchased a suit from Mr. Doherty whose name appeared on the suit. Fovargue was a former pupil of the O’Brien Institute Dublin (an orphanage in Dublin). 

06/04/1921

On the 6th of April 1921 three men died during an attack on a British Military lorry at the corner of Harcourt Street and Harcourt Road Dublin. Several bombs were thrown at the lorry and an exchange of fire between the attackers and the occupants of the lorry took place, during this exchange of fire several people were killed and wounded.

• Volunteer Terence McGlynn, G Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA was shot and killed by British forces in Harcourt Street. He was taken to the Meath Hospital but was dead on arrival. He was from Miltown, Cootehall, Boyle County Roscommom and had been living in Dublin where he had worked as a shop assistant at T. Hogan’s licensed premises for at least four years. James McGlynn a brother of Terence who also took part in the ambush at Harcourt Street later joined the National Forces and was wounded during the attack on the Four Courts in June 1922.

The two civilians were:

• Michael Daly of 17 Crampton Buildings Dublin, aged about 26 years old.
• Daniel Carew from Ivy Lodge said to be a native of Tipperary.

07/04/1921

Joseph O’Donoghue

I.R.A. Volunteer Joseph O’Donoghue was killed at Janesboro Avenue (now O’Donoghue Avenue) Limerick City on the March 7th 1921 in what became known as ‘The Limerick Curfew Killings.’ He was a native of Ballincarrigy County Westmeath and had been in Limerick for about two years. He was killed on the same night Michael O’Callaghan and George Clancy were murdered.

The funeral of Michael Tolan after the Truce

On the 14th of April 1921 Michael Tolan, a Tailor, of Ballina County Mayo was arrested by the Black and Tans in a house in Mill Street. Michael Tolan, described in reports as a cripple, had deformed feet. Wearing a grey suit and no socks or shoes he was taken to the Police Barracks where he was severely beaten, when visited by friends some days later they reported in was in severe pain. He was eventually given a pair of socks and a friend, Miss O’Hara, brought him a dark green overcoat. It was believed by the local I.R.A. Michael Tolan had been detained in Galway Jail although relatives stated they were unaware of this. Some weeks after the arrest of Tolan a badly decomposed body was found in Shraheen Bog, the body was dressed in a dark green overcoat and items, including a tailor’s thimble, indicated it was the body of Michael Tolan. The body was buried in Leigue cemetery by Police as an unidentified person but it was obvious Police were well aware it was the body of Michael Tolan, at some time before the body was buried by Police the feet were removed using a blunt instrument in an effort to prevent the body being identified as that of Tolan. Soon after the Truce in July 1922 the body buried by Police as unidentified was exhumed and positively identified as that of Michael Tolan. Doctor Staunton, who first examined the body, stated that there was a bullet wound to the head and a bayonet wound in the side. After Requiem Mass at Ballina Cathedral Michael Tolan was buried in Leigue Cemetery, it was reported that the funeral was attended by several thousand people. The image is reported to that of the funeral of Tolan after the Truce.

07/04/1921

On the 7th of April James Duffy, Section Leader, Active Service Unit (Flying Column), West Mayo Brigade, IRA was accidentally shot and killed near Cusheen, County Mayo.

07/04/1921

On the 7th of April 1921 three men were killed at Dromore, County Tyrone. The men were murdered as a reprisal for an attack on the Police Barracks when a bomb was thrown at the building. A large force of what were believed to be A or B Specials arrived in Dromore on Wednesday night and proceeded to shoot at shops and homes, it was during this raid the three men were killed.

Daniel O’Doherty, he was shot through the heart and both arms. He was a member of A Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Northern Division. He was born in 1897 and employed as a Cycle Mechanic.

John Devine, Volunteer, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Northern Division, IRA. Employed as a market trader dealing in clothes. He was shot in the head. He was born in 1878. He joined the IRA in 1917.

Charles Slevin. He received bullet wounds near the heart and the arm. Charles Slevin was sleeping in the house of Daniel O’Doherty as a result of his home being damaged in the bomb attack on the Police Barracks the previous day. Any records we have access to do not show that Slevin was a member of the IRA.

20/04/1921

On the 19th of April 1921 I.R.A. Captain Peter White suffered fatal injuries when he was hit in the side during an attack on the R.I.C. at Connor’s Public House in Balbriggan County Dublin, he died on the 20th of April from his wounds. During the attack R.I.C. Sergeant Stephen Kirwan was fatally wounded, Sergeant Kirwan died from his wounds on the 20th of April. White was about 32 years old at the time of his death and was employed as a labourer.

25/04/1921

Thomas Traynor was hanged at Mountjoy Jail for his part in an ambush on Auxiliary Forces who were on their way to raid a meeting of the I.R.A. in Brunswick Street (now Pearse Street) Dublin on the 14th of March 1921. Two Auxiliary Policemen and five others were killed in the ambush. Traynor was a native of Tullow County Carlow and was 39 years old when executed. Traynor had fought with the Boland’s Mill garrison during the 1916 Rising.

28/04/1921

On the 28th of April 1921 Patrick Ronayne and Thomas Mulcahy were executed at Victoria (now Collins) Barracks, Cork. They were sentenced to death for taking part in an ambush at Mourne Abbey. Information regarding the proposed ambush was passed to British forces who surrounded the IRA position and they were arrested. They were charged with levying war, tried by military court and sentenced to death.

Patrick Ronayne: A writ was issued in Chancery Division but before case could be heard the military at 6 Division Headquarters Cork executed Ronayne. He was serving with A Company, 5th Battalion, 4th Cork Brigade, IRA and was employed as a farmer.

Thomas Mulcahy was born in 1901. He was serving with A Company, 5th Battalion, 4th Cork Brigade, IRA and was employed as a farmer.

01/05/1921

Henry Clancy of 4 Garvey’s Range Limerick, I.R.A. Volunteer (Lieutenant), “C” Company, Limerick City Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade died when as part of a group preparing for an ambush at Singland Railway Bridge they were surprized by a patrol of R.I.C., it was reported that the I.R.A.  fired on the R.I.C. and then fled across fields, in the ensuing battle Clancy was shot dead and another I.R.A. Volunteer Thomas Keane, was captured, Keane was executed for his part in the attempted ambush on the 4th of June 1921, see below. . It was reported in the newspapers at the time that the ambush took place on Sunday the 1st and this date is also recorded in a grant application by Clancy’s family to the Irish Department of Defence, the date of Clancy’s death is recorded as the 3rd on his headstone.

01/05/1921

On the 1st of May 1921 two IRA Volunteers were shot dead at a farm house near Gurthdrum County Tipperary. A police patrol was operating in the area after reports that a group of Sinn Feiners was gathering in the locality. As the Police approached the farm house three men were seen to leave, on of the men was in uniform. The Police opened fire, the fleeing men returned fire. The Police searched a large area around the farm house, no more rebels were found and the Police returned to the farm house where they found the bodies of the two men. The men were:

• Patrick Maloney aged 21, unmarried and a native of Church Street County Tipperary. When Maloney’s body was found he was wearing a green uniform jacket with officers cuffs and riding breeches, he was armed with a Winchester repeating rifle loaded with flat-nosed bullets.
• John Duffy aged 30, had served in the British Army with The Irish Horse, and lived at Main Street Tipperary. When Duffy’s body was found he was in civilian clothes and armed with a service rifle.

01/05/1921

On the 1st of May 1921 Denis Tuohy, Intelligence Officer, 3rdBattalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade IRA was shot dead in the Workhouse Barracks, Kenmare, County Kerry. He was a former member of the RIC, he resigned in 1918 in protest against conscription. He had enlisted in the RIC on the 2nd of November 1914 and was discharged on the 30th of April 1918, RIC number 68246. He was 28 years old and came from Cortalassa, Kenmare County Kerry.

01/05/1921

On Sunday the 1st of May 1921 Joseph Coughlan aged 14, Liscarroll, County Cork was shot dead at 1am. Reports stated that he was returning home after trenching roads at Glenfield, Liscarroll, County Cork when he was shot by British forces. He was a Volunteer with the Liscarroll Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Cork Brigade. He was employed as a Farm labourer.

02/05/1921

On Monday the 2nd of May 1921 four IRA Volunteers were killed during an ambush on a mixed patrol of British soldiers and RIC. The ambush took place at Lackelly, County Limerick. Fighting lasted several hours and was spread over a wide area.

• Thomas Howard, 2nd Lieutenant, Cush Company, East Limerick Brigade. He was born in 1897 and was employed as a farmer.
• William O'Riordan, Active Service Unit, former Captain F Company, 2nd Battalion, East Limerick Brigade. He was born in 1893 and employed as an Agricultural Instructor.
• John Frahill, Second Lieutenant, Mid Limerick Brigade. He was employed as a part time Farm labourer and Shoemaker.
• Patrick Ryan, Captain, Mid Limerick Brigade. He was born in 1898 and employed as a Farmer.

02/05/1921

On Monday the 2nd of May 1921 Patrick Casey was executed at Cork Barracks. He was convicted of taking part in the Mitchelstown Ambush, he was tried, convicted and executed within 25 hours, and the execution was carried out before the sentence had been announced to the public. Casey was a Captain with the 5th Battalion Mid-Limerick Brigade I.R.A.

04/05/1921

On the 4th of May 1921 Section Leader Patrick Michael Downey, B Company, 1st Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade was shot dead when attending the funeral of Henry Clancy. Clancy’s funeral was nearing Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery when police attempted to restrict the number on mourners attending the funeral, several mourners fled across fields and shots were fired at them, Downey was hit and mortally wounded. Another mourner named Noonan was also hit. Downey was a native of Limerick and was born in 1889, at the time of his death he was employed as a Farm manager for Mrs. Kinsella, The Barracks, Carnew, County Wicklow.

05/05/1921

On the 5th of May 1921 John Stokes was shot dead by British forces while scouting for the Active Service Unit (Flying Column) at Tullylease, Charleville, County Cork. He was a Volunteer with A Company, 4th Cork Brigade, 6th Battalion, IRA. He was born in 1903 and worked as a farm labourer. His brother Simon Stokes also fought during the War of Independence.

08/05/1921

On Sunday the 8th of May 1921 IRA Volunteer John McCartney was shot dead in a house on Lappinduff Mountain, County Cavan. The two story house which had been abandoned for some time was being occupied be young men described by locals as ‘not being from the area.’ Shortly before dawn on Sunday several lorry loads of Crown Forces arrived in the area and several local men taken in to custody. As troops approached the house several shots were fired. John McCartney was occupying an outpost and is believed to have been the first to fire on the approaching troops. The gun battle lasted about two hours during which one other occupant of the house was wounded and several other taken prisoner. After the battle the house was searched and a quantity of Mills Bombs, rifles, bicycles and a large quantity of food was found. All the men occupying the house were believed to have been from Belfast.

 John McCartney was a member of D Company, 1st Brigade, 3rd Northern Division, IRA, he was born in 1897 and was from 55 Norfolk Street, Falls Road, Belfast. He had been a member of the IRA since October 1919. He was a former member of the British Army and in receipt of 16 shillings per week disablement pension for a gunshot wound to his hand.

A Military Court of Inquiry was held in lieu of an Inquest at Cavan to investigate the circumstances of the death of John McCartney Falls Road Belfast. The Court found that McCartney died as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by Crown Forces in the execution of their duty McCartney being at the time in a state of armed insurrection against His Majesty. 

09/05/1921

I.R.A. Captain Frank Hurley was captured and shot by soldiers of the Essex Regiment in Bandon County Cork. He was from Laragh Bandon. He was the sister of Anna Hurley leader of the Bandon Cumann na mBan.

11/05/1921

I.R.A. Lieutenant Con Murphy was shot dead by soldiers from the Essex Regiment at Cloundreen Kilbrittan. He was from Clachfluck Timoleague County Cork.

12/05/1921

On Thursday the 12th of May 1921 three I.R.A. Volunteers were shot in a field near the crossroads near Knockanure County Kerry. There are differing versions as to how they died. The authorities claimed the men were part of an ambush consisting of about 100 Volunteers who ambushed an R.I.C. convoy at Kilmorna near Listowel. An I.R.A. Volunteer Con Dee stated that he was with the three I.R.A. men near the bridge at Gortaglanna when they were picked up by a mixed patrol of R.I.C. and Auxiliaries who beat and mistreated them before shooting the three men dead, Con Dee managed to escape. The three men were:

• Paddy (Padraic) Dalton
• Jerry (Diarmuid) Lyons
• Paddy Walsh (Padraic Breathnach)

13/05/1921

On 13th of May 1921 two I.R. A. Volunteers, John Quinn and Patrick Walsh, were killed in action when they encountered a mixed force of British Army and RIC between Tubrid, County Kilkenny and Mullinahone, County Tipperary. 5 IRA Volunteers were captured including Quinn and Walsh who were wounded along with a quantity of arms and ammunition, one British officer was slightly wounded. Both wounded men were removed to Kilkenny Military Hospital. The large force of IRA had taken over the village of Kilmanagh, a mixed force of RIC and British Army arrived to retake the village, as they approached the IRA retreated and it was during the pursuit of the IRA by Crown Forces that the encounter in which Walsh and Quinn were shot.

• Volunteer John Quinn, Kilkenny Brigade, IRA died at Kilkenny Military Hospital from wounds to the leg and stomach. He was born in 1898 and from Mullingar County Westmeath, he was employed as a Baker.  
• Patrick Walsh wounded in the leg he died after his leg was amputated. While his body was being waked Crown Forces entered the premises removing a tri-colour from the coffin.

13/05/1921

On Sunday the 13th of May 1921 Volunteer Michael Ryan, 3rd Battalion, Tipperary Brigade, IRA was shot dead at his father’s house at Ballybrack, Annacarty, County Tipperary. He was on the run at the time. A cycling patrol of British military approached the Ballybrack district he ran away and was shot and mortally wounded while crossing a field. He was removed to the Military Hospital, Tipperary where he died in the early hours of the morning. He was 24 years old and worked as a farmer. He was buried in Kilpatrick graveyard.

13/05/1921

On Friday the 13th of May 1921 IRA Section Commander Sean (John) Joseph Magee, North East Louth Unit (Cooley), was taken from his father’s home at Millgrange, Greenore County Louth and shot dead by armed and masked men as a reprisal for the burning of a protestant house in the locality earlier. He was 24 years old and had served with the IRA since about 1917. He was employed as a railway clerk.

16/05/1921

ON Monday the 16th of May 1921 Daniel O’Brien of Liscarroll, County Cork was executed at Cork Detention Barracks. He was found guilty by Drumhead* Court Martial of being in possession of a revolver and ammunition. In a statement before execution O’Brien stated that he was a soldier of the Irish Republican Army and expected the treatment of a captured soldier adding that if he captured an enemy soldier he would not shoot him. After he had received spiritual ministrations, O’Brien walked to the place of execution reciting prayers and unaccompanied, and met his death bravely.

* A drumhead court-martial is a court-martial held in the field to hear urgent charges of offences committed in action. The term is said to originate from the use of a drumhead as an improvised writing table.

16/05/1921

On the 16th of May 1921 Volunteer William Connor, B Company, 5th Battalion, Carlow Brigade, IRA was shot dead during an attempted ambush of an RIC patrol at Barrowhouse, Ballylinan, County Laois. He was born in 1895 and had joined the Irish Volunteers/IRA early in 1918, he was employed as a farm labourer.

16/05/1921

During reprisals for the killing and wounding of several British Soldiers, Black and Tans and R.I.C. men in Midleton County Cork on the 14th of May soldiers of the Cameron Highlanders picked up three local I.R.A. men, the three men’s bullet riddled bodies were later found in the district. The three men were:

• Michael Ahern from Ballyrichard, Midleton.
• Richard Barry from Knockgriffin, Midleton.
• John Ryan from Woodstock, Carrigtwohill.

19/05/1921

On Thursday the 19th of May a force of between forty and sixty I.R.A. Volunteers ambushed a patrol of two Tenders and a Ford car at Kilmeena between Westport and Newport County Mayo. The Ford car leading the patrol was fired on and Head-Constable Potter was seriously wounded and Constable Harry Beckett 80290 born in Lancashire England in 1900 killed. A ditch which ran at an angle to the road prevented the I.R.A. from seeing the two Tenders which were some distance behind the car.  The occupants of the Tenders dismounted and using the ditch as cover out-flanked the I.R.A. and attacked the rear. During the ensuing gun-battle four I.R.A. Volunteers were Killed:

• Seamus (James) McEvilly Thomas Street Castlebar. He had spent three months in jail in 1918 for illegal drilling. Two of his brothers Jerimiah and Tom were also active in the IRA.
• Patrick Staunton Kilmeena
• Thomas O’Donnell, Rossanrubble, Newport
• John Collins, a native of Belfast he was working as a Tailor in Westport
• Patrick (Paddy) Jordan, Islandeady, died three weeks later from wounds received in the ambush. He was 25 years old died in hospital in Dublin on the 15th of June.

20/05/1921

Thomas McEver from Kinsale was killed by Crown Forces on the 20th of May 1921, he was a member of No.4 Brigade Galway, his killing was described as a brutal murder.

Thomas McKeever (McEver), aged 37, single and employed as a chemist in Stafford’s Medical Hall, Dunmore County Galway. Found shot dead in Clooneen about a mile from Dunmore. He was taken from his bed in the boarding house he was staying in at 3am by three armed men in civilian clothes. Reports stated that 10 to 12 gun shots were heard in the neighbourhood where his body was found. A notice found on his body stated ‘Convicted spy. Traitors beware. IRA.’

McEver had left Kinsale County Cork about October or November 1920 when he went to Galway he went under the name McKeever. He was due to return to Kinsale to get married.

There are two versions as to why McEver was killed. One is that he was a member of the Cork IRA and turned informer and had to flee Cork and the IRA caught up with him in Galway. The other is that he was a member of the IRA in Cork and because of too much attention from the RIC he fled to Galway to lay low but the RIC in Galway found out who he was and killed him.

Captain Thomas Mannion, Dunmore Company, IRA, states in his witness statement WS1408 that McEver was not a member of the Dunmore IRA. Mannion also states that he instructed his brother Martin Mannion also Dunmore IRA to have a mass said for McEver by the parish priest Dean Macken. Martin Mannion told the priest that McEver was not a spy and this was announced by the priest during the mass.

Mannion also states in his witness statement that McEver had bayonet wounds to his neck, the inquiry into McEver’s death stated he was shot twice in the head and up to nine time in the body. Mannion also states that he heard that McEver’s family were prominent in the Volunteers.  An auction lot sold in Whytes Dublin (Auction Date/Lot No.: 14 March 2009/ 1460) containing a memorial card and photo of McEver’s grave also stated he was a member of the IRA.

23/05/1921

On Monday the 23rd of May 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer John Brown was shot and fatally wounded when taking part in an ambush of an R.I.C. patrol at Skirdagh four miles north-east of Newport County Mayo. The I.R.A. had ambushed a group of twelve R.I.C. men lead by District Inspector. One Constable Joseph Maguire was killed. Brown was fatally wounded and died some time later in the County Infirmary Castlebar.

24/05/1921

On the night 24th of May 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer Denis Broderick was shot and killed by British forces at Ballycarthy, Tralee, County Kerry. He was born in 1897, aged about 24 years old when he died.  He worked as a farm labourer and was single. He was part of a party of I.R.A. Volunteers on their way to destroy Ballycarthy Bridge. British military were concealed in a wood nearby and opened fire on the I.R.A. party as they approached the bridge. Broderick, who was carrying a mine on his back, was shot through the head, he lay on the roadside before he succumbed to his injuries. It was reported that the death of her son had such an effect of his mother that she had to be treated in Killarney District Asylum.

25/05/1921

The Customs House

The following I.R.A. men died in the attack on the Customs House:

Edward Dorins was shot dead in a battle near Talbot Street on the 25th of May 1921. He was part of a group involved in the burning of the Custom House. While keeping lookout with several other members of his Battalion they were confronted by a group of Black and Tans, in the ensuing battle Edward Dorins was mortally wounded and died in the street where he fell.

Edward Dorins was 22 years old and worked in the City as a plumber. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion Dublin Brigade I.R.A.

Edward Dorins was interred in Dean’s Grange cemetery, the inscription on his headstone reads.

Erected in loving memory of my son Edward Dorins.
Late I.R.A. Killed in Action at the Custom House on May 25th 1921.
Also his dear Father Thomas Dorins died 19th of January 1940 aged 76 years.

Seán Doyle was another member of the IRA killed in the attack on the Customs House On the 25th of May 1921. His brother Patrick Doyle was executed on the 14th of March 1921 for taking part in attack on Crown Forces in Drumcondra. Seán Doyle’s memorial in Glasnevin records the date of his death as the 30th of May 1921.

Dan Joseph Head (Heade) aged 17. He was  employed as an  Apprentice Carpenter from 3 Courtney Place, Ballybough Road, the eldest son of Michael Head a Carpenter, born Rathmines 1870 and Mary née Hammond born Dungarvan, Co Waterford 1878.

The Reilly family headstone in Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin

Lieutenant Stephen John Reilly (O'Reilly) was a 19 year old Commercial Traveller. He was the brother of Patrick O’Reilly killed in the same incident. It was believed he was a prisoner at Arbour Hill, it was not until the Friday when the family went to the George V hospital to collect the remains of Patrick that they identified the body of Stephen lying next to that of his brother.

Captain Patrick (Paddy). Employed as a Clerk at Arnott’s depertment store Dublin. Brother of Stephen Reilly. Although recorded as O'Reilly in almost all accounts of the incident the family headstone in Glasnevin records the family name as Reilly, the last name on the headstone added in 1982 records the addition of the O’.

Image Des White

The five men are commemorated on a memorial on Beresford Place/Memorial Road 

Three other I.R.A. members were wounded in the Customs House attack

• Commandant Tom Ennis
• Lieutenant Jim Slattery
• Volunteer J. Ward

28/05/1921

I.R.A. Commandant Jeremiah Hurley ( AKA Diarmuid Hurley) 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A., was shot dead by a joint patrol of R.I.C. and Black and Tans. Travelling on foot between Midleton and Carrigtowhill  was shot and killed at Ballyedmond, County Cork. Surprised by the police patrol, Hurley, well known in the area for his I.R.A. activities as leader of a Flying Column, he was pursued and shot dead by the patrol.

30/05/1921

On the 30th of May 1921 two IRA Volunteers were shot at Tipperary Military Barracks. The British Army alleged they were shot while attempting to escape the IRA allege they were executed. The two men were:

• Adjutant Martin Purcell, A Company, 3 battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1902. He joined the Irish Volunteers/IRA in 1917.
• Lieutenant William O'Brien, South Tipperary Brigade, IRA. Born in 1896 and employed as a Farm labourer.

30/05/1921

Thomas Murphy was shot by the Black and Tans on the morning of the 30th of May 1921. Employed as a part-time porter for the Dublin and South Eastern Railway and part-time driver for Sir Horace Plunkett Murphy he was shot in his bedroom in a building known locally as The Hotel, the building had ceased being a hotel over fifty years ago, the building had been converted toa tenement type residence. He is buried in Deansgrange Cemetery. Thomas was a Corporal with the local I.R.A. and it is believed he was shot in reprisal for the shooting of a local policeman Albert Skeats at Cabinteely Barracks, constable Skeats had been in a coma for nearly two week and had died two days before Thomas Murphy was shot. Constable Skeats had been shot by another local I.R.A. activists Leo Murphy (not related).

31/05/1921

On the 31st of May 1921 3 IRA volunteers were killed during the destruction of Croom Court House, County Limerick. After the Court House was set on fire the two men became trapped in the building and were burned to death. The 3 men were:

• Volunteer Edward Donnelly, E Company, 3rd Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA. He was born in 1898 and from Croom, he was employed as a Carpenter. He had served with the Volunteers/IRA since 1919.

• Volunteer John Moloney, Croom Company, 4th Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA. He was from Croom and employed as an Ambulance driver. He had been a member of the Irish Volunteers/IRA since 1917.
• Volunteer James Hogan Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA. He died on the 9th of June as a result of burns received during the destruction of Croom Court House. He was from Patrickswell, Limerick and employed as a Agricultural Labourer. He had served with the Irish Volunteers/IRA since 1919.

01/05/1921

In May 1921 I.R.A. Captain Patrick White was shot dead while attempting to escape from Spike Island prison. The circumstances of White’s death were somewhat controversial as many other prisoners claimed White was shot dead by a trigger-happy sentry.

02/06/1921

On the 2nd of June 1921 IRA Volunteer John McIntyre was killed in an accidental explosion at a premises at Tomkin Road Belturbet County Cavan. The premises was to be occupied by British Forces, the IRA were in the process of destroying it when a bomb accidently exploded, John McIntyre was killed instantly, he was 21 years old and employed on the family farm. He was a member of G Company, 1st Battalion, West Cavan Brigade.

04/06/1921

On Saturday the 4th of June 1921 at 8am Thomas Keane was executed in Limerick Detention Barracks by firing squad, he was convicted of levying war and possession of arms. It was reported that after hearing Mass and receiving Holy Communion he walked to his death with fortitude and calmness. Outside large crowds including the deceased’s wife and mother assembled to pray for the repose of his soul. Hymns were sung and after the official word that the execution had taken place the crowd dispersed quietly. Keane was a railway worker and was married with two young children, they lived at 1 Moore Lane, Limerick.

04/06/1921

On the 4th of June 1921 the Irish Independent Newspaper reported on the death of James McCarron who was killed when as part of a party of six men they attempted to ambush a party of Crown Forces returning to Ballybofey County Donegal by car from a fishing trip. The road was partially blocked and the ambushers opened fire on the car, the occupants of the car returned fire killing one attacker and wounding two.

• James McCarron. It was reported that McCarron lived for about five minutes after being shot. James McCarron was 24 years old and had served with the Inniskilling Fusiliers during WW1. He had been injured on several occasions during the war having been gassed and on one occasion he lay wounded on the battlefield for three days before being discovered. He was also interned in Ballykinlar for I.R.A. activities, he was released from Ballykinlar due to ill health.

04/06/1921

Details were released by Crown Forces of an incident which occurred at a disused house of a man named Connor at Loughglynn Castlerea County Roscommon on Thursday about 5am. Crown Forces had surrounded the house, shots were fired from the house and in the exchange of fire with Crown Forces Miles Carty aged 24 was killed. Thomas Shannon aged 24 was seriously wounded, it was reported that a third man had escaped the scene.

06/05/1921

Seán Wall

On the 6th of May 1921 Seán Wall was killed in an engagement with British forces at Annacarty, County Tipperary. Wall was arrested by British forces on the 6th of May, the column of British forces escorting him was attacked by the IRA. During the attack Wall was killed. Wall had served with the Volunteers since 1917 and at the time of his death he was Commandant of the Bruff Company, 3rd battalion, East Limerick Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA.  He was from Limerick, born in 1890 and worked as a Building Contractor.

05/06/1921

 

On the 5th of June 1921 the body of IRA Volunteer John Cummins was found by the Military in a search at Ballyvoyle County Waterford. The Military were searching for arms after they had been ambushed. A military report stated a civilian appeared to be lying in a ditch with a firearm levelled in the direction of the approaching Military. Two shots were fired at the civilian by the military. When the Patrol reached the civilian it was found that life was extinct. The rifle was found to be loaded. Medical evidence showed that death was due to two bullet wounds, one in the region of the heart and one in the calf of the leg, death would have been instantaneous. A Military Court of Inquiry found that John Cummins was shot dead by Crown Forces in the act of offering armed resistance to the above mentioned force in the execution of their duty. John Cummins was aged 23 and from the Ballyvoyle area.

07/06/1921

On Tuesday the 7th of June 1921 two men were executed in Mountjoy. The two were found guilty of the murder of RIC Sergeant Peter Wallace at Knocklong Railway Station County Limerick on May 14th 1919. The two men had been tried twice before for this crime but the jury in both occasions was unable to reach a verdict. Both men were found guilty and sentenced to death by a Military Court Martial. The two executed men were:

• Edmond Foley of Duntryleague Galbally County Limerick.
• Patrick Maher, Knocklong County Limerick

15/06/1921

On the 15th of June 1921 the Meelick Company of the I.R.A. suffered a double blow when Captain Michael Gleeson was Killed in Action when engaging the Royal Scots Regiment at Burton Hill in Meelick another I.R.A. Captain, Christopher McCarthy, was killed in the same ambush. A small group of I.R.A. Volunteers attempted to ambush the Limerick to Ennis train, a Volunteer onboard the train failed to warn the ambushers that the British military were on the train, a small stone barricade had been constructed across the railway line, the British Soldiers, members of the Royal Scots Regiment, forced the driver to ram the barricade and the train continued to Cartloe station, passengers on the train were removed and the soldiers forced the driver to return to the ambush site where the military engaged the I.R.A.. Gleeson died in the opening burst of machine gun fire, McCarthy was captured by the British when he attempted to rescue Gleeson, McCarthy body was found after the ambush, his throat had been cut and he was shot several times at point-blank range.

16/06/1921

On the 16th of June 1921 Second Lieutenant Thomas Fleming, 1st Battalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade, IRA was killed when a mine exploded at Glountane, Cordal, Castleisland, County Kerry. Fleming was an instructor and it was believed he was demonstrating the making of mines when one exploded killing him. He was from Kerry and employed as a driver, he had been a member of the Irish Volunteers and IRA and had taken part in ambushes at Clounbannon, Toureengoriv, Headfort, Dingle, Scartaglen and Brosna. He was involved in making bombs and land mines, he became an instructor to the East Kerry IRA. He was born in 1893.

18/06/1921

On the 18th of June 1921 two I.R.A. men were killed and one wounded when they were lying in wait to ambush a British Army patrol at Coolbarw, Castlecomber, County Kilkenny. It was believed the Military had been tipped off about the ambush and outflanking the ambushers they mounted a surprise attack from behind.

• Sean (John, Jack) Hartley, 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Battalion Flying Column, I.R.A. Born in 1898, from Weatherstown, Glenmore, County Waterford. He was employed as a grocer’s assistant by Mr. Grace, Kilkenny. He was interned in Wakefield Prison in the UK after the 1916 Rising
• Nicholas Mullins, Volunteer, 5th Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1893, from Market Street, Thomastown, County Kilkenny. Employed by Kilkenny County Council.

19/06/1921

On the 19th of June 1921 the ASU (Active Service Unit) of the Dun Laoghaire I.R.A. conducted an assassination attempt on British Military officers staying at the Royal Marine Hotel Dun Laoghaire. The Hotel was a long time billet for officers staying in Dun Laoghaire and had been used by General Maxwell during the 1916 Rising.

On the night of the 19th the I.R.A. enter the Hotel and came face to face with their targets. A gun battle ensued in which local I.R.A. man James McIntosh was fatally wounded. McIntosh managed to escape the Hotel but only managed to make it as far as Marine Road a short distance from the Hotel. He was taken to the local St. Michael’s Hospital where he died two days later on the 22nd of June 1921.

As the funeral procession left St. Michael’s Church Dun Laoghaire British Soldiers stopped the procession and removed a Tricolour from the coffin, a young lady grabbed the flag from the soldier a minor scuffle broke out and Black and Tans accompanying the Soldiers fired over the head of the mourners causing panic as people dived for cover.

The funeral procession managed to continue to Dean’s Grange Cemetery where James McIntosh was buried in the Republican Plot.

James McIntosh served with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers during World War 1, he was born in County Laois in 1885.He joined the Dublin Fusiliers on the 1st of October 1914.He was wounded during the battle of the Somme and was sent home on the 6th of July 1916. He was returned to France in December 1916 and was again seriously wounded during the battle of Passchendaele on the 11th of August 1917 and spent 131 days recovering in hospital in London. He was discharged medically unfit from the Army on the 23rd of February 1920. 

20/06/1921

On the 20th of June Edward Fox, Volunteer, 5th Battalion, Engineers Dublin Brigade, IRA died from wounds received on the 19th of June. He was drinking with Daniel Whelan in Corbett’s pub on South Cumberland Street, after closing time Whelan pulled a gun a shot Fox. It was alleged that Whelan was a spy and insane. The IRP (Irish Republican Police) investigated the matter and a trial was held at which Whelan was found not guilty. Whelan was committed to the Richmond Asylum and subsequently released.

21/06/1921

John O’Meara a farmer’s son from Ballyhone County Tipperary was shot dead near Emly railway station County Tipperary on Tuesday the 21st of June 1921. It was reported that an R.I.C. Constable was searching O’Meara was when O’Meara grabbed the constable by the arms restricting his movement, O’Meara then called on a colleague to come to his aid. As O’Meara's colleague approach brandishing a Webley revolver the constable managed to free himself a drew his revolver, in the struggle O’Meara was shot dead and the constable and O’Meara's colleague engaged in a gun battle, both emptying their revolvers, the other man escaped. It was also reported that  a search of O’Meara revealed he was carrying a five chamber revolver loaded with four sharp-nosed bullets. O’Meara who was 21 years old had served six months prison in 1920 for a political offence.  O’Meara had served six months in Cork Jail but had been detained without charge or trial and had taken part in a hunger strike along with several other prisoners demanding their release. 

Events of the shooting differed locally, it was reported that John O’Meara was climbing over a ditch when he was seen by three Black and Tans drinking in a nearby Public House, it was not known if O’Meara was armed at the time. His body was removed to the Public House and laid out on the counter.

22/06/1921

On Wednesday the 22nd of June 1921 two I.R.A. Volunteers Edward Shannon aged 26 and John Vaughan aged 22 were shot dead by the R.I.C. at the home of Mrs Ellen Vaughan in Cloonsuck near Castlerea County Roscommon. Accounts of the deaths differ but the official account states that the as the R.I.C. approached the house a bomb was thrown. R.I.C. Sergeant King and Constable Jameson were slightly wounded. It was stated that after the bomb was thrown the R.I.C. returned fire and in the ensuing shooting Shannon was shot dead while Vaughan who was mortally wounded died within the hour. Two other I.R.A. Volunteers were arrested at the house, Thomas Vaughan aged 18 and Martin Ganly aged 26. It was reported that the two dead Volunteers were ‘on the run’ at the time of the incident and that revolvers and ammunition were recovered from the house after the raid.

24/06/1921

Early on the morning of the 24th of June 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer Michael Dineen from the Kilcorney Company County Cork was taken prisoner by Auxiliaries in a round-up of I.R.A. suspects. He was picked up at his brother’s house Ivale, his body was later found at Tooreenbawn some three hundred yards from his home he had been shot after being tortured it was reported that his legs and arms were broken.

The memorial to Michael Dineen located near Kilcorney village in Co. Cork.

26/06/1921

On Sunday the 26th of June 1921 during an attack on a vacant barrack at Roskean (Rooskey) County Roscommon shots were fired on the attackers when they were challenged by Police. Later that day the body of Volunteer William Connolly of Rooskey was found in a local house, Connolly had died from bullet wounds believed to have been inflicted during the attack on the barrack.

27/06/1921

  

On Monday the 27th of June 1921 Thomas Nealon, Clydagh Ballycastle County Mayo was shot dead when he along with four other Volunteers had just finished a meal in a local ‘safe house’ . The house was surrounded by R.I.C. and Nealon was shot dead in the ensuing shoot-out. The other four Volunteers were captured along with what was reported to be several important documents.

27/06/1921

On the 27th of June 1921 Walter Leo Murphy, Company Captain, Cork City Brigade, IRA was shot and killed by British forces at Waterfall, County Cork. He had been attending a company meeting at Waterfall when the premises was surrounded by British forces, he was shot while attempting to escape. He was from Cork and employed as a Draper's assistant and was 20 years old.

29/06/1921

On the 29 of June 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer died in action from a heart attack while he was taking part in a battle with the Black and Tans at Enrights’ Farm near Sixmilebridge. The Volunteer was Thomas Healy an ex member of the R.I.C. from Duagh in County Kerry. Healy had worked as a clerk for the district inspector of the R.I.C. in Ennis and had been supplying the I.R.A. with information but when his activities came under suspicion he retired from the R.I.C. and joined the I. R A.

10/07/1921

On the 10th of July 1921 three I.R.A. Volunteers were Killed in Action when they ambushed a party of British Soldiers on Upper Main Street Castleisland County Kerry. One British Soldier was killed in the ambush. The three I.R.A. Volunteers were:

• John Flynn.
• Jack Prendiville.
• Richard (Dick) Shanahan. Captain, 7th Battalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade. He was born in 1900 and worked as a drapery shop manager before joining the I.R.A.

11/07/1921

On the 11th of July a Truce was agreed between the British and the Government of the Irish Republic, the Truce came into effect at noon on Monday the 11th of July 1921.

21/07/1921

On the 21st of July 1927 two men were shot dead at Corracunna Cross Mitchelstown County Cork when they were fired on by British forces. The two men were among a group standing at the corner when a party of British Soldiers from Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) arrived in a lorry and fired at the group killing the two men. The jury at the inquest held into the deaths found the British Soldiers were guilty of wilful murder.

• Thomas McDonnell Volunteer, 2nd Cork Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1894 and employed as a farm labourer.
• Daniel McGrath 2nd Cork Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1901 and employed as a farm labourer.

Although both men were members of the IRA they were not on active service at the time of the murders.

26/07/1921

On Tuesday the 28th of July 1921 Stephen Geoghegan, an ex-British Soldier aged 26 and employed as a porter of 44 Bridgefoot Street Dublin died as a result of a bullet wound in Dr. Steeven’s Hospital. It was believed that Geoghegan received the fatal wound when taking part in an I.R.A. raid at Gallenstown and a revolved he attempted to fire misfired and caused the wound. A witness at the inquest, Peter Keenan, stated that he was on the raid with Geoghegan and the account given was the correct account.

05/08/1921

I.R.A. man Frederick Fox was shot and mortally wounded by his I.R.A. comrade Francis Joseph Crumney of Raglan Street Belfast. The two I.R.A. men were on a surveillance mission when they were stopped by the police on Earlswood Road Belfast, a struggle ensued and one policeman, Constable Kane, was shot in the leg. The two I.R.A. men attempted to escape and in the chase Crumney shot Fox, Fox was mortally wounded and died a week later in hospital.

11/11/1921

On the 11th of November 1921 Volunteer Daniel Clancy, 2nd Cork Brigade, IRA died as a result of ill treatment while in custody on Spike Island, Cork. He was arrested early in 1921 and detained on Spike Island, during his detention he became ill and required an operation to remove his appendix, while recovering from this operation he was involved in a protest against conditions in the prison, during this protest the prison was wrecked. After the protest prisoners responsible were paraded in the cold and rain for 12 hours, although Daniel Clancy collapsed he was refused medical treatment. He was eventually removed to the hospital on Spike Island where he died. His brother Maurice was also a member of the IRA and another brother Peter was interned in Rath Camp while Daniel was imprisoned on Spike Island. Daniel Clancy was 23 years old and had joined the Irish Volunteers/IRA in 1918.

09/12/1921

On Friday the 9th of December at Thurles Railway Station county Tipperary a bomb was thrown at a large party of returning Internees from Ballykinlar Detention Camp. Declan Hurton (recorded in most newspapers as Hourton) was severely wounded, he died later from his injuries. He was a native of Ardmore County Waterford.

10/12/1921

On the 10th of December 1921 Charles Emerson, Commandant, Monaghan Brigade, 5th Northern Division, IRA died from effects of hunger strike and ill-treatment in prison. He had served during the 1916 Rising and had been imprisoned on several occasions had had been imprisoned in Dundalk, Derry and Belfast Jails, it was after his release from Belfast jail he became ill and died. He was employed as Carpentry instructor, Monaghan Committee of Agriculture and Technical Instruction.

26/01/1922

Na Fianna Éireann member Percy Hannifin died for wounds received when as part of a look-out detail guarding a meeting of I.R.A. men they engaged a party of Black and Tans who had parked a Crossley Tender on the street. During the exchange of fire Hannifin received a bullet wound to the head and died some days later on the 26th of January 1922.

05/02/1922

On the 5th of February 1922 Volunteer Patrick Doran, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Meath Brigade, IRA, died from Enteric Fever at the Meath County Hospital, Navan, County Meath. He had been sentenced to six months in Mountjoy Prison during which time he became ill and was removed to the County Hospital where he died 4 days after admission.

11/02/1922

On Saturday 11 February 1922 a gun battle at Clones Railway Station, County Monaghan, resulted in the deaths of four Ulster Special Constables and the local IRA commandant. A group of I.R.A. Volunteers attempted to ambush a party of Special Constabulary policemen, the I.R.A. entered the carriage and ordered the Specials to put their hand up, a shot rang out and I.R.A. Commandant Matthew Fitzpatrick fell dead. In the ensuing gun battle 4 of the Specials were killed.

21/02/1922

On Tuesday the 21st of February 1922 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Duffy, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Northern Division, I.R.A. was shot dead at the home of retired British Army officer Leslie Huddleston. He was part of a party raiding for arms, while attempting to gain entry to the Huddleston household at Low/High Cairn, Ramelton, County Donegal the front door opened and one shot was fired hitting Duffy in the heart. Duffy was born in 1898 and from Milford County Donegal, he was employed as a labourer. It was stated by the I.R.A. that Duffy was engaged in an official raid for arms when he was shot and killed.

08/03/1922

On the 8th of March 1922 Captain Edward Slevin IRA, died from pulmonary tuberculosis the illness was attributed to service with the IRA. Edward Slevin was born in 1893 and from County Monaghan, he was employed as a farmer and had served with the Irish Volunteers and IRA since 1919.

24/03/1922

On the 24th of March 1922 Private John Fox, 3rd Southern Division, Óglaigh na hÉireann/National Forces died from Influenza and Pneumonia, cause of death attributed to service. He was born in 1913 and had joined the IRA in 1920 serving with the Terryglass Company, 1st Tipperary Brigade IRA during the War of Independence. He was from Borrisokane County Tipperary.

08/04/1922

I.R.A. Volunteer Daniel Byrne died from wounds received when a rifle he found in the abandoned Gorey, County Wexford R.I.C. Barracks exploded when he tried to fire the weapon. Byrne was from Coolnaleen, Ferns. He was 42 years old, married with three children.

11/04/1922

On the 11th of April Volunteer Michael O'Neill, D Company, 2nd Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade died at Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick from the effects of a gunshot wound accidentally received by him on the 9th of April 1922 from a fellow member of the IRA, named as John Hogan, at the New Barracks, Limerick during the Truce Period. At the time of his wounding he was serving as a member of the IRA garrison at that barracks. Michael O’Neill had served with the Irish Volunteers and IRA from January 1919 and during the War of Independence and Truce Period.

19/04/1922

On Wednesday the 19th of April 1922 two IRA Volunteerswere killed at Kealkil West Cork, the dead men were named as:

• Kelly of Bantry County Cork.
• Cronin of Bantry County Cork.

26/04/1922

On Wednesday the 26th of April 1922 Fianna Éireann Volunteer Henry O’Connor aged 22 died as a result of a gunshot wound received when a party of Fianna Éireann went to a house in the Ferns District of Enniscorthy County Wexford. The Fianna party were acting on information that a local Orangeman had firearms and ammunition at his address. The inquiry into O’Connor’s death heard that when the occupants of the house refused to open the door O’Connor began banging on the door, a shot was heard and O’Connor fell wounded. It was suggested that O’Connor was killed when he accidently discharged the rifle when banging on the door, the medical examiner stated he believed this to be impossible due to the entry point of the bullet. The Jury at the inquiry held by Officers of the I.R.A. Executive at Enniscorthy found that O’Connor had died as a result of a bullet accidently discharged from a rifle.

26/04/1922

On the 26th of April I.R.A. Commandant Michael O’Neill died as a result of wounds received when he was engaged in raiding the house of a local loyalist in Ballygroman County Cork. O’Neill was attempting to take a car belonging to Thomas Hornibrook, the I.R.A. entered Hornibrook’s house in an attempt to get the magneto (the magneto was a part which could be removed from the car to prevent it being stolen). The three men in the house at the time who refused to give the Magneto to the I.R.A. were Thomas and his son Samuel Hornibrook and his son in law Herbert Woods. O’Neill was from Maraboro, Kilbrittain County Cork. A local inquest held into the killing of O’Neill found he had been ‘wilfully murdered in the execution of his lawful duty', Herbert Woods was found to be responsible for firing the fatal shots. For more on this event see The Killings in Ballyroman in the Civilians Killed in War of Independence page.

08/05/1922

On the 8th of May 1922 eight or nine men called to the house of Samuel J. Milligan aged 18, a member of the “B” Specials, who lived at Castleecauifield County Tyrone. Milligan died as a result of wounds revived in the attack. After the attack the body of one of the attackers, 19 year old Owen Mcgill, was found near the scene, he had a shotgun and two Mills Bombs. The Commissioner at the Inquest into his death expressed the view that Magill had been forced to take part in the attack, Mcgill died from bullet wounds to the heart.

12/05/1922

On Friday the 12th of May 1922 Patrick Tubridy (Tubriddy) aged 18 and a member of Fianna Éireann died in Barrington’s Hospital Limerick from a bullet wound in the throat, he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. An inquest into his death returned a verdict of accidental death due to the accidental discharge of a comrade’s revolver at Frederick Street Barracks. The inquest was held at Barrington’s Hospital Limerick where Tubridy was taken after the accident. 

12/05/1922

On the 12th of May 1921 Battalion Commandant John Morrissey, 7th Battalion, Waterford Brigade, IRA. He was accidentally shot and killed by a comrade on. Morrissey was guarding a prisoner at the time at The Lodge, Lackendarra, County Waterford. It was reported by the inquest that Morrissey was accidentally shot by William Queally, Quartermaster, 7 Battalion, IRA.

17/06/1922

On the 17th of June 1922 Hugh Morrison. A Company, 1st Brigade, 1st Northern Division, IRA died in Lifford Infirmary, County Donegal from the effects of an accidental explosion which took place the previous day at Skeog, County Donegal. He was testing bombs when the explosion took place. He was born in 1900 and employed as an Apprentice engineer. He had served with the Volunteers/IRA from 1919 and was from Derry.

20/06/1922

On the 20th of June William Thornton, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Northern Division, was shot dead when 4 men from C Company was sent to burn down the Cotton Oil Store, Glouchester Street, Belfast. The Specials were to occupy the warehouse as a barracks. Thornton and another entered the building and were in the process of setting the fire when they were surprised by a large force of Specials. During the ensuing gun battle Thornton became trapped in a window and was riddled with bullets. Thornton served as a Lance-Corporal with the British Army, he was discharged on the 24th of May 1921. He was born in 1899.

23/06/1922

After an alleged ambush on soldiers of the East Yorkshire Regiment on Friday the 26th of June 1922 ‘Specials’ from Ballymena arrived in the seaside town of Cushendall and in what was described as an orgy of violence 3 men were killed. At the time it was claimed by locals that no ambush had taken place and none of the young men killed he any political or military connections.

James McAllister Section Commander, C Company, 3rd Battalion, Antrim Brigade, IRA. In a statement made by Lieutenant F J Tully AG’s Department, GHQ he stated that McAlister was a member of the IRA and that during the raid on Cushendall McAlister was beaten with the butt end of rifles and kicked up and down the street until he was unrecognisable then shot in the mouth and dumped in an outhouse. James McAllister was born in 1903 and was 18 years old when he died, he was employed as a farm labourer.

John Hill. Volunteer, 4th Battalion, 2 Brigade (Antrim Brigade), IRA. Born in 1891 and employed as a Motor Driver. John Hill’s father was refused compensation by the Irish government because it was deemed his son “…did not receive any wound or injury while engaged in Military Service.” John Hill was awarded a posthumous Service (1917-1921) Medal.

A civilian, John Gore aged 22 from Ashbrook, Cushendall, was killed in the same incident.

30/06/1922

On the 30th of June William Spillane Lieutenant, G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, was accidently shot by a comrade, he was 21 years old and the son of James and Hannah Spillane of Bandon Road Cork. He had served as Captain with the 5th Cork Brigade during the War of Independence.  He is buried in the Republican plot, Saint Finbarr’s Cemetery Cork.

16/09/1922

On Saturday the 16th of September 1922 Anthony Dean, a civilian attached to the Criminal Investigations Department at Oriel House was shot dead when two armed men enter Oriel House on the pretence of reporting a stolen car. When the two men had gained entry they opened fire with two Webley revolvers. Dean was hit once and died instantly from his wounds. Dean was unmarried and was 27 years old. 

13/10/1922

On the night of Monday the 13th of October 1922 Civic Guard Henry Phelan 1347 stationed at Callan was shot dead in Mollinahone County Tipperary. Phelan, with two other Civic Guards, had cycled to Mollinahone to buy a Hurley ball, they stopped off at Miss Mulhall’s Public House for some refreshments. Soon after the three Civic Guards had entered the Public House when a group of armed men entered shouting ‘Hands Up’ as the armed men were shouting ‘Hand Up’ a shot was fired and Phelan fell mortally wounded, the bullet entered the lower part of his left jaw and exited through the back of his neck his spinal cord being severed. Unknown to Phelan and the other tow Civic Guards the Public House was a well know anti-treaty establishment, Miss Mulhall’s son was a member of Na Fianna. Phelan was a native of Mountrath where he was buried. 

23/08/1923

On the 23rd of August 1923 Patrick Joseph McBride, Company Intelligence Officer, GHQ Staff, IRA, died from tuberculosis, he death was deemed to have been due to his service with the IRA. During the treaty negotiations he was employed as a courier between Dublin and London. He was refused entry to the United States of America due to tuberculosis before travelling to Switzerland. Liam Tobin states that from the Truce to the time the delegation went to London McBride was entrusted with very important work, "which I do not consider it advisable to disclose." Tobin claims in letter dated 7 April 1954, that Michael Collins had McBride medically examined by Dr Robert McLarenty. He was a member of Intelligence staff GHQ, Brunswick Street up to December 1921. During the War of Independence he was employed as an Auditor's clerk and served as Adjutant, C Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade. IRA. He was born in 1897.

19/10/1923

On Friday the 19th of October 1923 C.I.D. Driver was shot dead during an armed raid on Ashtown Candle Factory, Castleknock. Three soldiers of the National Army held up staff at the factory and stole £40. One of the soldiers, William Downes, was executed in Mountjoy and another was shot dead while fleeing from pursuing police. 

07/11/1922

On the 7th of November 1922 I.R.A. Volunteer John Sharry died of wounds received while fighting the Black and Tans during the War of Independence. He had been injured near Moymore Church County Clare. He was born in Liscannor and had been a member of the Volunteers since 1917.

21/09/1924

On the 21st of September 1924 Volunteer Hugh Hennon 1st Brigade (Belfast Brigade), 3rd Northern Division, IRA died in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, County Antrim from acute Oedema of lungs, Chronic Parenchymatous and Nephritis was deemed to have been attributable to his service with the IRA. He was from Antrim and employed as an Apprentice Saddler, J. Erskine & Co., Ann Street, Belfast, County Antrim. He was born in 1901 and had served with Fianna Éireann prior to joining the IRA.

07/03/1925

On the 7th of March 1925 Captain James Morrissey, 1st Waterford  Battalion, IRA died from toxaemia in Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin. The Army Pensions Board were of the opinion that death was attributable to injury sustained in November 1921 while interned in Bere Island. He was employed as a labourer and from Kilkenny.