Dublin Brigade ASU
Introduction from Chronology
The Dublin Brigade of the IRA set up a full-time Active Service Unit
(ASU).
More Detail
The ASU was to be made up of men from the Dublin Brigade’s four
battalions. Before his death, Dick McKee
had brought the idea of a full-time ASU to the IRA’s army council. After, Oscar Traynor took over as Brigade
O/C, he asked his battalion and company commanders to nominate possible members
of the ASU.
O’Connor and Connolly say that the meeting to set up the ASU took place
in St Laurence O’Toole Hall on the North Strand while Molyneux and Kelly say
that it took place (nearby) in Oriel Hall near Seville Place. The men are addressed by Oscar Traynor. They are also addressed by Sean Russell who
had been promoted to Brigade V/C and Tom Ennis, new O/C of the 2nd
Battalion.
The ASU O/C was to be Paddy Flanagan and there are four sections (based
on the four battalions). Frank Flood (see Jan-21-21/4) was to head Sections 1
& 2 and John Dunne was to head Sections 3 & 4.
Section heads are also selected with Gus Murphy or Michael Sweeny
heading Section 4. ASU HQ was to be in
17 Eustace St and the Brickworks in Dolphin’s Barn is to be the base for
Section 4. Various figures are given for
the number of men in the ASU but probably no more than 50.
Interestingly, even though the ASU of the Dublin Brigade was set up in
December and carried out a number of operations over the coming months, the BA
in Ireland says in its official history “It was during this month (April) that
we obtained first definite evidence that ‘Active Service Units’ had been formed
by the IRA [in Dublin]. This was good news, showing to what straits they were
reduced in order to maintain their activities”. This last sentence is rather
odd!