April 1921
|
Early-April |
Attack by Kerry
No.1 flying column, led by Tadhg Brosnan and Tom O’Connor on British soldiers
at Glenbeigh railway station. No
casualties on either side but the column obtains some weapons dropped by
fleeing soldiers. |
Horgan (2018), pgs 83-85 |
|
Apr-01 |
Following the killing of Constable Stephens in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo (see 29th March), armed and masked men enter the house of Volunteer Michael Coen at Lecarrow outside Ballyhaunis. He is dragged outside and badly beaten before having his throat cut with a bayonet. His body is left some 120 yards from his house where his father finds it the following morning. |
Price (2012), pg
126 |
|
Apr-01 |
Sean Corcoran, O/C East Mayo Brigade IRA killed near Crossard, six miles outside Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. He was walking with Maurice Mullins when they run into a joint RIC/British Army patrol which was searching a house. Corcoran is shot by Constable Bernard Fitzpatrick and Mullins is captured. Fitzpatrick is awarded the Constabulary Medal and DI Wilkins, of Claremorris, received a Favourable Record Citation. |
Hopkinson (2002), pg 126; Price (2012), pgs 127-128 |
|
Apr-01 |
Peadar O’Donnell, O/C 2nd Donegal Brigade (which included east Donegal, Inishowen and Derry City) arrives in Derry City and mobilises the IRA. One group is sent to attack the RIC Barracks on Lecky Rd., and this results in the death of an RIC man. (Constable Michael Kenny). Another group is sent to the attack the Strand Road RIC Barracks. A third group (including Séamus McCann) is sent out in pairs – one of these spot an RIC sergeant (Sgt John Higgins) on the Creggan Rd. and he is shot dead. (A British private, J Whyte, is killed when a weapon is accidentally discharged.) The casualties for the night are two members of the Crown Forces killed and four wounded. Two civilians are also wounded in cross fire. O’Donnell and McCann leave Derry the next night and, despite the fact there was little by way of retaliation from the RIC for these killings, there was much bad feeling in the Derry IRA because of O’Donnell actions which is made known to GHQ. Some time later, the IRA in Derry city was made an independent battalion and no longer part of Donegal 2nd Brigade. |
Abbott (2000), pgs 218-219; Gallagher (2003), pg 36; Lynch (2006), pgs 56-57; Grant (2018), pgs 113-115; Lawlor (2011), pg 146; Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 238-239; Ozseker (2019), pgs 157-158 |
|
Apr-01 |
Lord Fitzalan (Edward Talbot) appointed Lord Lieutenant to replace Lord French– the first Catholic Viceroy. (Macardle says it was the 19th May and Curran says mid-April. Townshend says that French left at the end of April and it was very much against his will.) |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 33; Macardle (1999), pg 452; Curran J M (1980), pg 52; Townshend (1975), pg 173 |
|
Apr-01 |
Hugh Corry (or
Duffy), an army pensioner from Rockberry, Co. Monaghan, is found dead with a
notice saying “Spies and Informers Beware”.
He may have been a B Special. |
Dooley (2017a), pg
91; Lawlor (2011), pg 126 |
|
Apr-02 |
Major General Tudor
(Chief of Police) inspects the RIC garrison and D Company of the Auxiliaries
in Galway. In his address to the RIC,
he says “In the determined stand that you have taken in lifting the terror of
the reign of the gunman, I assure you that you have my fullest support”. Having inspected the Auxiliaries, he spoke
of the pleasure it gave him to hear from many sources of the excellent
discipline D Company. At this point, the RIC (including Auxiliaries) had been responsible for the killing of some twenty-one people in Galway City and County. (In 1920, see September 8th; September 12th; October 2nd; October 20th; October 24th; November 1st; November 14th; November 24th; November 26th and December 20th. In 1921, see January 19th; February 20th; March 3rd; March 16th and March 24th.) Of the twenty-one people, five were unarmed civilians (including the one woman they killed, Mrs Quinn – See November 1st 1920). Another eight were members of the IRA – of these eight men, only one was possibly armed when he was killed. The rest were either ‘shot when trying to escape’ or ‘failing to stop when ordered’ or dragged from their beds and shot dead. Of the remaining eight men killed by the RIC, it is not known if they were IRA members or civilians. None of those killed by the RIC were armed when they were killed. Also, at this point, the IRA had been responsible for the killing of some eight people in Galway. Seven of these were members of the RIC. (In 1920, see July 19th; August 21st; September 8th and October 30th. In 1921, see March 16th.) Also, on October 15th 1920, the IRA shot dead a man who they said was a spy. All the RIC men would have been armed when they were shot but mostly killed in ambushes so they would have had little chance to use them. (In the period between April 1st and the Truce on the 11th July, the RIC in Galway were responsible for killing, at least, five more people, including one of their own. In the same period, the IRA in Galway were responsible for killing, at least, ten more people, including seven members of the Crown Forces, two more who they shot as alleged spies and the wife of a RIC man. Leeson says that 41 people were killed in the Galway West Riding but doesn’t give a period. O’Halpin says that 58 people were killed in Co. Galway between 1917 and 1921.) |
Leeson (2012), pg
59 & 66; O’Halpin (2012), pg 152 |
|
Apr-02 |
In an interview with Carl Ackerman of the Philadelphia Public Ledger, Collins says “It is only a question of time until we shall have Ireland cleared of Crown Forces” |
Macardle (1999), pg 448 |
|
Apr-02 |
Thomas Morris (57) from Loughcurra, Kinvara, Co, Galway is taken from his sister’s house by the IRA and shot dead. He was an ex-British soldier and ex-RIC officer. A notice is placed on his body saying that he was a convicted spy. A witness at the subsequent Military Court of Inquiry indicated that he may have been shot in relation to the burning of Mrs Quinn’s home – see February 13th. |
McNamara (2018), pg
154; Henry (2012), pgs 204-205; Abbott (2019), pg 377 |
|
Apr-03 |
An RIC man (Constable James Duffy) and a civilian (Henry James) are attacked at the Mall, two miles from Carlow resulting in the death of the RIC man and the wounding of the civilian. |
Abbott (2000), pg 219 |
|
Apr-03 |
The Dáil Ministry of Home Affairs offices at 11 Molesworth St, Dublin were discovered by British forces and several tons of documents seized. |
Townshend (1975), pg 175 |
|
Apr-03 |
The Brigade Flying Column of the 3rd Cork Brigade IRA is broken up into a number of battalion columns. |
Deasy (1973), pg 262 |
|
Apr-03 |
A number of Protestant church leaders in England write to Llyod George saying that his government’s Irish policy was exposing Britain to “hostile criticism of even the most friendly of the Nations of the World” and asked him to take the initiative in bringing about a Truce. |
Macardle (1999), pg 444 |
|
Apr-04 |
Court martial of Tom Traynor in City Hall, Dublin. He had been arrested in possession of a pistol after shooting took place in Brunswick St on the 14th March. He is charged with the murder of Temporary Cadet Farrell who had been killed during the shooting. He is found guilty despite it not being proved that Traynor killed Farrell or even that any shots had been fired from the pistol he was carrying. Traynor claimed he had been given the pistol to bring to 144 Brunswick St (HQ of Dublin Brigade IRA) and arrived just as the Auxiliary patrol was pulling in to raid it. (Note: According to Carey, the person Traynor is accused of murdering is called Temporary Cadet Francis Joseph Farrell but in Abbott he is called (RIC) Constable James J O'Farrell.) See April 25th |
Carey (2001), pg 137-147; Abbott (2000), pg 208 |
|
Apr-04 |
IRA man, Sean
O’Leary, killed by Auxiliaries in Moneygall, Co. Tipperary. |
Dooley (2015), pgs 59-60 |
|
Apr-05 |
Eamonn de Valera gives an interview to the Illustrated News in which he says "One of our first government acts was to take over control of the voluntary armed forces of the nation. … The IRA is the national army of defence." |
O'Malley (2001), pg 98 |
|
Apr-05 |
The Northern Whig reports the Belfast Wholesalers, Merchants and Manufacturing Association as admitting that they have been “hit hard” by the Belfast Boycott. |
Parkinson (2004), pg 78 |
|
Apr-05/06 |
After Eoin O’Duffy from Monaghan had been ordered in March to take charge of the new 2nd Northern Division (encompassing brigades in Derry and Tyrone), on this night the IRA carries out a series of attacks in Co. Tyrone in places such as Carrickmore, Mountfield, Pomeroy, Drumquin and Dromore resulting in the wounding of a number of RIC constables but no fatalities. The USC carried out reprisals in Dromore in the aftermath of the wounding of a constable. As well as terrorising the inhabitants of the village, they shot dead three IRA volunteers: John Devine, Charles Slevin and Daniel [O’]Doherty. (Lawlor says that O’Doherty had earlier shot dead an RIC Sergeant who had shot his sister in both legs. However, Abbott makes no mention of any RIC man being killed in Dromore that day.) |
McCluskey (2014), pgs 97-98; Lawlor (2011), pg 153 |
|
Apr-05 |
A botched IRA robbery in Belfast leads to the arrest of three IRA men. |
McDermott (2001), pg 74 |
|
Apr-05/12 |
Major sweep by the
British military in the Dungloe area of Co. Donegal but it yields little by way
of arrests. However, a number of
volunteers were arrested around this time in the south of the county and in
Inishowen. |
Ó Duibhir (2009),
pgs 239-241 |
|
Apr-06 |
A five-man RIC cycle patrol from Maam, Co. Galway is attacked at Screebe Church, near Oughterard resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable William Pearson from New Zealand). The attack was carried out by the West Connemara Flying Colum under P.J. MacDonnel. After the ambush, Crown Forces burnt five houses in the vicinity (including Patrick’s Pearse’s old holiday home) and the local co-operative. |
Abbott (2000), pg 219; McNamara (2018), pgs 127-128; Henry (2012), pg 206; Leeson (2012), pg 60 |
|
Apr-06 |
IRA man Pat Conry
from Tarmon, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon is taken from his home by masked raiders. He is battered to death with rifle
butts. The same gang then go to the
house of James Monds from South Park, Castlerea. They take him from his home
and, next morning, his body is found nearby. On the same day,
retired RIC man, John Wymes, is taken from his home
in Loughglynn in the Castlerea district by a number of armed men and
shot. (Abbott says the Castlerea
district of Co. Mayo but it is more likely to be in Co. Roscommon.) |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 104 & 113; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 83-84; Abbott (2019), pg 377
|
|
Apr-06 |
IRA Volunteer, Patrick Cloonan, from Maree, Oranmore, Co. Galway is taken from his bed, brought to the sea shore and shot dead. The RIC tried to in the blame of fellow IRA men saying that he was endeavouring to cut away from the movement. However, the Military Court of Inquiry concluded that “this man probably not killed by SF”. This killing may have been in retaliation for the killing of Thomas Morris – See April 2nd. |
McNamara (2018), pg 150; Lesson (2012), pg 61 |
|
Apr-06 |
De Valera and Joe Devlin (Leader of Northern nationalists) agree to divide constituencies in the North between them. |
Macardle (1999), pg 453 |
|
Apr-06 |
IRA Volunteer Jackie Brett of the 7th Battalion ASU, Kilkenny Brigade from Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary is accidently shot dead when staying with the Donovan family in Castlejohn near Windgap, Co. Kilkenny. (He had played for the Tipperary team which played Dublin on Bloody Sunday.) |
Walsh (2018), pg 85 |
|
Apr-07 |
The Longford Leader reports on the killing by the IRA of Thomas Leacock of Kenagh. He was ‘Executed by the IRA for espionage’. |
Coleman (2003), pg
153 |
|
Apr-07 |
British army Lance
Corporal Weldon is killed by the South Roscommon Brigade ASU on the Main St
of Castlerea. A female civilian is
also shot dead. |
O’Callaghan (2012),
pgs 84-85 |
|
Apr-07 |
H. McKingney from Newry, Co. Down dies |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 113 |
|
Apr-07 |
Following IRA attack on Roslea (see March 22nd), a multi-denomination meeting is held in Clones, Co. Monaghan which aims to defuse the situation. |
Dooley (2017a), pg
94 |
|
Apr-08 |
Two RIC men in a
pony and trap are attacked at Mashanaglass, Co. Cork (between
Macroom and Carrigadrohid) resulting in the death of one (Constable
Frederick Lord). Constable Lord was from London and had six-and-a-half months’ service with the RIC. |
Abbott (2000), pg 219-220 |
|
Apr-08 |
A number of attacks on the RIC took place in Limerick city. In one attack an RIC man is killed (Constable Hubert Wiggins). In another attack, a civilian is killed and four wounded (two civilians and two RIC men). |
Abbott (2000), pg 220 |
|
Apr-08? |
Eddie Weir of
Knockalaughta, Ballintubber, Co Roscommon is taken from his home and his dead
body is found the following morning. |
O’Callaghan (2012),
pg 79 |
|
Apr-09 |
D. Carew from
Golden Gardens, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary dies as does M. Galvin from Crampton
Buildings, Dublin. IRA Volunteer Terence Glynn from Drumshinnagh, Cootehall, Co. Roscommon dies after a grenade, which he was going to throw at a passing lorry of Crown Forces in Harcourt St. in Dublin, explodes prematurely and kills him. |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 103 & 108; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 122-123 |
|
Apr-09 |
Ambush by recently-formed flying column of the Carlow Brigade of the IRA results in the capture of its O/C. |
Hopkinson (2002), pg 145 |
|
Apr-09 |
Maurice Galvin,
from Tallow, Co. Waterford, dies in Ballykinlar Camp from injuries he
sustained when hit by a rivet thrown by loyalist when being conveyed to
Ballykinlar via Belfast docks. |
McCarthy (2015), pg
78 |
|
Apr-09 |
At a meeting of the brigade council of the 3rd Cork Brigade IRA held in Foley's, Mualnadruck near Newcestown, Liam Deasy was appointed Brigade O/C (in succession to Charlie Hurley) and Tadgh O'Sullivan (brother of Gearoid) was appointed QM to replace Dick Barrett who had been captured on 22nd March. Gibbs Ross was appointed Adjutant (he was previously Adjutant of the Schull Battalion). There was also a detailed discussion of the issue of reprisals given the British implementation of its execution policy of IRA men captured under arms. |
Deasy (1973), pg 263 & 320 |
|
Apr-09 |
RIC Constable
Albert Smith is accidentally shot dead. |
Abbott (2019), pg
412 |
|
Apr-10 |
Two policemen
(Constable Joseph Boynes and Constable George Woodward) are killed at Scart,
Kildorrey, Co Cork. Constable Boynes was from Northumberland in England and had five months’ service with the RIC. Constable Woodward was from Surrey in England and had ten month’s service with the RIC. |
O’Donoghue (1986), pg 133; Abbott (2000), pg 220-221; Abbott (2019), pg 280 |
|
Apr-10 |
Five Special Constables, stationed in Crossmaglen, on their way to church, go to investigate unusual activity in a public house in Creggan, Co. Armagh. They are attacked by 15 IRA men, under Frank Aiken, resulting in the death of one RIC man (S/Constable John Fluke) and the wounding of three others. This led to the burning of two nationalist-owned homes by the Specials and assaults on their occupants. This, in turn, led to the burning of two unionist-owned homes. |
Abbott (2000), pg 220; McDermott (2001), pg 75; Lawlor (2011), pgs 146-149; Hall (2019), pg 81 |
|
Apr-11 |
Peter Freyne (Freaney) from Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny and member of the 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade dies in an attack on Crown Forces in a Dublin hotel. |
O'Farrell P (1997), pg 108; Walsh (2018), pg 112 |
|
Apr-11 |
RIC Constable Ralph
Cosnette found shot – it is believed that he
committed suicide. |
Abbott (2019), pg
404 |
|
April 12 & 13 |
On the 12th, John Harrison from Garadice, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim dies and on the 13th, James McGlynn from Drumshanbo dies. |
Lawlor (2011), pg
149 |
|
Apr-13 |
A five-man RIC patrol is attacked near Fedamore, Co. Limerick resulting in the death of one (Constable George Rogers) and the wounding of three others. IRA under command of Liam Forde, O/C Mid-Limerick Brigade. (Mulcahy was critical of the planning of this ambush and asked “why the whole patrol should not have been got?”) Constable Rodgers was from
London and had fourteen months’ service with the RIC. |
Abbott (2000), pg 221; O’Callaghan (2018), pg 88; Abbott (2019), pgs 280-281 |
|
Apr-13 |
A bomb explodes in Springfield Rd. police station in Belfast – there are no casualties. |
Parkinson (2004), pg 115; McDermott (2001), pg 75 |
|
Apr-13 |
The ASU of the 7th Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade involved in an ambush of two Auxiliary lorries at Moonarch on the Kilkenny/Tipperary border. A number of Auxiliaries wounded and all IRA men escape. |
Walsh (2018), pg 85 |
|
Apr-14 |
After a party of British
military had been entertained by Sir Arthur Vicars in his home (Kilmora
House, Listowel in North Kerry), his home is attacked by the IRA. Vicars is killed and an IRA man (Mick
Galvin) is also killed. Kilmora House
is then destroyed. The O/C of Listowel Battallion, P. J. McElligott, ordered that Vicars be shot - allegedly for spying. (However, Horgan says there was no evidence that Vicars was a spy.) |
Hopkinson (2002), pg 126; O’Farrell (1997), pg 99; Horgan (2018), pgs 128-129 |
|
Apr-14 |
GOC in Ireland, British Army (Macready) issues a proclamation saying the jurisdiction of Courts of Justice in the Martial Law area is suspended. This is in response to the appealing of court martial decisions to the civil courts and the ensuing delays. However, Greenwood is furious as he was not consulted. |
Townshend (1975), pg 161 |
|
Apr-14 |
A 72-year old man,
Thomas Walker, living in north Sligo was shot and his body was left with the
notice ‘Spies and Informers Beware IRA’.
(Only person shot as a spy in Sligo but, at least, four others were
banished.) Two Sinn Féin halls are
burnt in retaliation |
Farry (2012), pgs 68-69 |
|
Apr-14 |
A 65-year old,
ex-soldier called William Moran is taken from his house in Lord George Lane
in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. His body
is later found with a label reading ‘Spies beware. Shot by the IRA’. Two buildings were burnt the following day
in Abbeyside, Dungarvan. One of which
was a public house owned by Bridget Fahey who swore an affidavit that her
business was burnt by the RIC. |
McCarthy (2015), pg 82; Lesson (2012), pgs 219-220 |
|
Apr-15 |
Major John
McKinnon, O/C H Company of Auxiliaries, is killed on the third green of
Tralee golf course in Co. Kerry by a four-man IRA team including Con Healy
from Tralee. Reprisals and retaliatory killings including the killing
of Volunteer Jack Reidy in Ballymacelligott.
On the 19th, Auxiliaries, along with bombing nine houses and businesses in Tralee, also pull down the statue in the town commemorating the 1798 Rebellion. |
Hopkinson (2002), pg 126; Abbott (2000), pgs 221-222; Horgan (2018), pgs 300-301; Abbott (2019), pg 281; Leeson (2012), pg 173 |
|
Apr-15 |
An RIC man
(Constable Wilfred Jones) is shot dead when he is out walking with a woman
friend in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. Later, Constable
Thomas Mugan is shot in Ballinamore RIC barracks and dies two days later in
King George V Hospital in Dublin. A number of questions arise from these two killings. These questions are explored in-depth in More Detail |
See More Detail |
|
Apr-15 |
Capt King and two of his fellow Auxiliaries are acquitted at a court martial of the murder of two IRA prisoners - see 9th February 1921. |
Townshend (1975), pg 164 |
|
Apr-15 |
Ex-RIC Head
Constable Jeremiah Looney killed in Bandon, Co. Cork. |
Abbott (2019), pg
377 |
|
Apr-16 |
Major Compton Smith is captured by the IRA (led by Frank Busteed) while on a train in Blarney, Co. Cork. He is taken to Meenachoney near Donoughmore. He is held as a hostage for four IRA men due to executed by the British – see April 28th. |
Sheehan (1990), pg 187 |
|
Apr-16 |
RIC Constables
Moore and Davis are ambushed when on patrol in Bridge St in Ballina, Co.
Mayo. They survive but are seriously
injured. In retaliation, the RIC wreck
sixteen of town’s major shops and businesses as well as shoot up many homes. Michael J Tolan, an IRA man who had been (according to Price) arrested the previous day, was subsequently killed by the RIC after torture – See June 18th. Lesson says that he was arrested on the 18th April, held in Ballina Barracks until 7th May when he was handed over to the Auxiliaries for transportation to Galway but Tolan never makes it to Galway. |
Price (2012), pgs 130-131; Leeson (1912), pg 185 |
|
Apr-16 |
Black and Tan Harry
G. Moscrop commits suicide in
Pallasgreen Barracks after being found with property stolen during a raid on
a house. |
O’Callaghan (2018), pg 79; Abbott (2000), pg 318 |
|
Apr-16 |
At 10.00pm, IRA men
from the Mid-Clare Brigade attack a group of off-duty British soldiers and
police in Shaughnessys pub in Market St in Ennis. Sergeant Rew from the Royal
Scots is killed and Constable Venderburgh is wounded. Also wounded is Mrs Danagher and Miss
O’Shaughnessy. (The Shaughnessys were
loyalists.) In retaliation, Crown
Forces set fire to a shop, a home and the Old Ground Hotel. The next day, the IRA burn down the home of
local loyalists, the Mills family. |
Ó Ruairc (2009),
pgs 235-236 |
|
Apr-17 |
Kate Carroll, a
middle-aged Catholic spinster, who lived near Duffy’s Cross, Tydavnet, Co.
Monaghan is taken from her house and shot dead. A sign saying spies and informers beware is
attached to her body. Dooley says that while
“contemporary papers stated that Carroll was a Protestant … she was in fact a
Roman Catholic who had come to the IRA’s attention for illegal distilling
[i.e. running a poitín still]”. Dooley
notes that her execution is against an IRA general order which prohibits the
killing of female spies and O’Halpin notes that, along with the other two
females killed by the IRA (Mrs Lindsay and Bridget Noble) “These killings
caused acute embarrassment locally and at GHQ.” In a highly detailed analysis of the killing of Kate Carrol (available
online
here), Meehan disputes claims made by a number of historians around
the reasons Kate Carroll was killed. Meehan
points out that Dooley claimed that Kate Carroll was a Protestant in a number
of articles (and that her killing was sectarian) before he correctly noting
that she was a Roman Catholic in later work (see above). Meehan also examines evidence, put forward
by a number of historians, that Ms Carroll was shot by the IRA because she
ran a poitín still and finds the evidence wanting. In addition, he examines a number of other
reasons put forward for her killing (such as that she was a social deviant,
that she was pestering a local IRA man to marry him, that she was informing
on other poitín makers, that she was of ‘feeble intellect’, etc.) and again
finds the evidence wanting. He then
goes on to examine evidence from a number of men involved in the IRA in
Monaghan and concludes that there was considerable IRA testimony available “to
the effect that Kate Carroll had informed against the IRA”. He concludes “The evidence, properly
scrutinised, shows that Kate Carroll is no longer a Protestant, feeble minded,
spurned by a volunteer who dishonoured her, or a snit on fellow moonshine
makers. She is someone … who became an
informer, and who ignored warnings to desist. That does not mean that she
should have been executed. But it is
the reason that she was executed.” |
Dooley (2017a), pg
91; O’Halpin (2012), pg 154; Meehan (2020), pgs 1-21 |
|
Apr-17 |
An RIC man (Constable John MacDonald) is shot dead by two IRA men when
he out walking with his girlfriend in Cove St., Cork City. Constable MacDonald was from London and had four months’ service with the RIC. |
Abbott (2000), pg 222; Abbott (2019), pg 282; Leeson (2012), pgs 206-207 |
|
Apr-17 |
RIC Constable William
Duncan is accidentally shot dead in Dungarvan RIC Barracks in Co. Waterford. |
Abbott (2019), pg
405 |
|
Apr-18 |
During a raid by the RIC and military on a safe house near Loughglynn Wood, Co. Roscommon, one IRA man manages to escape but three others John Bergin, Stephen McDermott and Joe Satchwell are captured after a gun fight during which one British soldier is wounded. All three are savagely beaten and Bergin and McDermott are shot dead by their captors. The crown forces were probably acting on information. |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 7; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs165-173 |
|
Apr-18 |
IRA man Michael Fay killed in action at Ballymurphy, near Borris, Co. Carlow. Also J. Farrell from Ballymurphy, Borris dies. |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 33 & 107 |
|
Apr-19 |
Replying to protests from English churchmen, Llyod George says “So long as Sinn Féin demands a Republic, the present evils must go on. So long as the leaders of Sinn Féin stand in this position, and receive the support of their countrymen, settlement is in my judgment is impossible” |
Macardle (1999), pg 446 |
|
Apr-19 |
During an affray in Ballyboghil, Co. Dublin, an RIC man (Sgt Stephen Kirwan) is wounded and later died from his wounds. |
Abbott (2000), pg 223 |
|
Apr-19 |
A raiding party led by Major Percival kill IRA man Tadgh O'Sullivan from 2nd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade (who had been one of an IRA party waiting to assassinate Percival at Liverpool St Station in London a month earlier). |
Coogan (1990), pg 147; O'Kelly in The Kerryman (1955), pg 26 |
|
Apr-19 |
A raiding party
from the G company of the Auxiliaries (based in Killaloe) descends on the
Shannon View Hotel, Castleconnell, Co Limerick. As they are in mufti,
they are mistaken for rebels by three off-duty RIC men in the hotel. In
the ensuing gun fight, one RIC man (Sgt William Hughes), an Auxiliary cadet
(Cadet Donald Pringle) and the hotel owner (Denis O'Donovan) were
killed. A witness says that Mr
O’Donovan was put up against a wall and shot. This ‘friendly fire’ incident gives rise to much comment in the press and questions are asked in the Westminster parliament. |
Townshend (1975), pg 166-168; Abbott (2000), pg 317 & pg 319; O’Callaghan (2018), pg 85 |
|
Apr-19 |
J. Bergin from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary dies as does S McDermott from Blacklion, Ballinagard, Co. Roscommon |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 102 & 112 |
|
Apr-19 |
Two RIC men
(Constable Thomas Kelly and Constable James Hetherington), who were unarmed
and in civilian clothes, are removed from a train in Ballisodare, Co. Sligo
by eight to ten IRA men and shot dead.
IRA is under the command of Liam Pilkington and it is an intelligence led operation. It is said that Constable Kelly had pointed out houses to be burnt after the Moneygold ambush – See October 25th 1920. |
Abbott (2000), pg 222-223; Farry (2012), pg 68; Lawlor (2011), pg 150 |
|
Apr-19 |
A British soldier
in the turret of a Rolls Royce positioned outside the RIC barracks in the
village of Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny fires a number of bullets from his
machine gun. The bullets hit 23-year
old James Hoban who was standing about 100 yards down the street. Hoban dies a number of hours later. The soldier, Private McCulla, is
court-martialled but found not guilty as it was considered an accidental killing. |
Walsh (2018), pgs
101-102 |
|
Apr-20 |
Charles Nicholson, a 28-year-old Protestant, who had been lifted for curfew violation in Belfast dies in custody. (It is said by the military that he accidentally fell under wheels of their lorry but it is suggested that the evidence given by military personnel is contradictory.) |
Parkinson (2004), pg 115 |
|
Apr-21 |
A convention of the American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic (AARIR) is held in Chicago and calls on President Harding to recognise the Republic of Ireland. |
Macardle (1999), pg 445 |
|
Apr-21 |
A DMP man (Constable William Steadman) bringing despatches across the city, is shot in Mary St., Dublin and dies later. |
Abbott (2000), pg 223 |
|
Apr-21 |
C. Keating from Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry dies. |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 110 |
|
Apr-21 |
An RIC man (Constable Denis O'Loughlin) is shot dead in Knightly public house, Castle St., Tralee, Co. Kerry. (He had joined the RIC just three months earlier.) |
Abbott (2000), pg 223; Abbott (2019), pg 284 |
|
Apr-21 |
A young IRA man,
Thomas Phelan, is shot dead when trying to evade a RIC/Military patrol in
the townland of Oldtown near the village of Ballyragget in Co.
Kilkenny. |
Walsh (2018), pgs
102-103 |
|
Apr-21 |
An unofficial intermediary from the British Government, Lord Derby, arrives in Dublin and meets with de Valera and Cardinal Logue. |
Macardle (1999), pg 449; Townshend (2014), pg 305 |
|
Apr-21 |
In a scathing memo
to the O/C of the Offaly No. 2 Brigade, Mulcahy berates the quality of his
reports saying “work of this kind is simply tinkering with the honour of the
Nation and playing with the lives of the men who are acting under you” |
Townshend (2014),
pg 255 |
|
Apr-21 |
Led by Sean McNamara and Andrew O’Donoghue, IRA men from the 5th and 6th Battalions of the Mid-Clare Brigade attack a patrol of Royal Marines from the Coastguard Station in Ballyvaughan who had gone to the post office in the village to collect post. Two marines – Corporal Bolton and Private Chandler – are killed. The IRA obtain four rifles. |
Ó Ruairc (2009),
pgs 243-244 |
|
Apr-21 |
Rose Logue from Meenacladdy in Co. Donegal is assaulted by two men who
also cut her hair. She is accused of
being friendly with the RIC. She had
placed a wreath on an RIC man’s grave. |
Leeson (2012), pg
206; Abbott (2019), pg 166 |
|
Apr-22 |
The Flying Column
of the South Tipperary Brigade IRA (including Dan Breen, Dinny Lacey, Con
Maloney and Sean Hogan) attacks a military convey between Clogheen and Cahir,
Co. Tipperary which results in the death of one British soldier and the
wounding of two others. The remainder surrender, they are disarmed and set
free. Afterwards the IRA capture RIC DI Gilbert Potter nearby at Curraghcloney. As an IRA man (Tom Traynor) was due to be hung in Mountjoy on the 25th April, a message is sent to the British saying that Potter life will be saved if Traynor is not killed - see Apr-25 and Apr-27 |
Breen (1989), pgs 160-161; Abbott (2000), pgs 225-226; O’Malley (1990), pg 306 & 308 |
|
Apr-22 |
The Bulletin prints allegations of serious mistreatment and torture carried out by Captains King and Hardy – two British Intelligence officers working out of Dublin Castle. |
Gallagher (1953), pg 285 |
|
Apr-23 |
Two members of the
Auxiliaries (Cadet John Bales and Constable Ernst Bolam) are shot at the
corner of Donegall Place and Fountain St. in Belfast resulting in the death
of both. A passing detective shot at the fleeing IRA gunmen who shoot
back. Two civilians are wounded in the cross-fire. That night two Catholics brothers (Patrick and Daniel Duffin from 64 Clonard Gardens) were shot dead in their home by a four-man gang. These killings were probably carried out by the RIC gang associated with District Inspector (DI) Nixon based in the Springfield Road RIC station. DI John Patrick Ferris and Sgt Christy Clarke were also implicated. An attempt was made to kill DI Ferris a few weeks later but he survives. See 13th March 1922. The funerals of the brothers took place on the 27th; their coffins were draped in Tricolors and the cortege was accompanied by marching ranks of the IRA. A number of clerics joined the IRA men at the front of the cortege and Bishop MacRory gave a graveside oration. |
Abbott (2000), pg 224; Hopkinson (2002), pg 157; O’Farrell (1997), pg 106; Parkinson (2004), pgs 116-117; McDermott (2001), pgs 75-77 |
|
Apr-23 |
A 14-man RIC cycle patrol is ambushed at Kilmilkin, 5 miles from Maam, Co. Galway by the 24-man strong flying column of the West Galway Brigade under Peter Joe McDonnell resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable John Boylan) and the wounding of two others. The RIC subsequently burnt the Ó Máille family home at Muintir Eoin – home of the TD for Connemara, Padraig Ó Máille – and another home. |
Abbott (2000), pg 224; McDonnell in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 203-210; McNamara (2018), pgs 128-129; Henry (2012), pgs 206-208; Leeson (2012), pg 60 |
|
Apr-23 |
After the IRA fire
on members of the USC at Drumshanbo, Co. Tyrone, Specials from Cookstown
shoot a Catholic civilian, Michael Langan, through the lung and wound his sister,
Kate Langan. |
McCluskey (2014),
pg 101 |
|
Apr-23 |
The ASU of the 7th
Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade, which had moved out of its own area and into 8th
Battalion area to carry out an ambush on an RIC patrol between Piltown and
Fiddown. While waiting in ambush
position, they capture a Black and Tan called Carrigan. However, their position is surrounded and
they make a hasty retreat, bringing their prisoner with them. According to one participant, the ASU only
escaped because of the “coolness and experience of an ex-soldier on its
ranks, who understood cover and lines of retreat”. As they are being pursued, the O/C of the ASU, Ned Aylward was “faced with the alternative of either shooting [the prisoner] or letting him go”. He decided to let him go. |
Walsh (2018), pg
87; Townshend (2014), pg 294 |
|
Apr-23 |
John McCabe (a pedlar and ex-soldier) is found badly injured with a sign round his neck saying “Convicted Spy – IRA” in a barn near Tullyvaragh, Co. Monaghan. He survives despite being shot four times. (Lawlor says 15th April.) |
Dooley (2017a), pg
90; Lawlor (2011), pg 145 |
|
Apr-23 |
Three armed and
masked men enter the home of Kate Carroll at Grattanstown,
Co. Louth and cut off her hair. She
was accused of keeping company with an RIC man from Dunleer. |
Leeson (2012), pg
206 |
|
Apr-23 |
The IRA hijack a
goods train at Falkland’s Cross near Glaslough, Co. Monaghan and set it on
fire. |
Lawlor (2011), pgs
150-152 |
|
Apr-24 |
An ex-British soldier, John Reilly, who was living in Newmarket-On-Fergus in Co. Clare, is killed by the men from the 1st Battalion of the East Clare Brigade. A label saying ‘Spy. Executed by the IRA’ is appended to his body. The execution party was Jack Brennan, Florence O’Neill and James Quinn under the command of Paddy Maher. |
Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs
237-238 |
|
Apr-24 |
Sean Liddy, O/C of
the West Clare Brigade requested the aid of the East Clare Brigade to carry
out attacks on Crown Forces in his brigade area. On this night, the RIC Barracks, British
Army post and the Coastguard Station in Kilrush, Co. Clare are attacked
resulting in the death of RIC Sgt John McFadden. The attack was led by
Michael Brennan (O/C East Clare Flying Column) and men from the West Clare
brigade led by Sean Liddy. Other sections are led by Stephen Madigan
(West Clare Brigade); Michael McMahon and Liam (Bill) Haugh (Adjutant, West
Clare Brigade). There were no IRA
casualties. British casualty list said
one RIC sergeant was killed and 20 (or 3!) British Army soldiers and maybe
one RIC constable wounded. However, Brennan believed a number of
British soldiers were killed. In retaliation, Crown Forces blow up Liam Haugh’s home at Monmore. However, they use too much explosive and a flying splinter injures a British soldier and his dies from his wounds later that week. |
Abbott (2000), pg 225; Brennan (1980), pgs 86-92; Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 238-242 |
|
Apr-25 |
GOC of Dublin District Division, British Army (Boyd) congratulates his forces in the capture since March 22nd of 3 machine-guns, 16 rifles, 97 revolvers, 305 grenades and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition. |
Townshend (1975), pg 175 |
|
Apr-25 |
Tom Traynor is hung in Mountjoy Jail - he had been captured after a gun battle in Brunswick (Pearse) St. on the 14th March and found guilty after a trial on the 4th April. See April 27th. |
Abbott (2000), pgs 208-209; Carey (2001), pg 6 |
|
Apr-26 |
Formation of First Southern Division at a meeting held in Kippagh near Millstreet. This was a major move in the divisionalisation of the IRA. More Detail |
O’Donoghue (1986), pg 155; Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pg 230; Deasy (1973), pgs 266-268; O’Malley (1990), pgs 300-302; Townshend (2014), pgs 274-275 |
|
Apr-26 |
An 8-man patrol of the RIC Special Constabulary is attacked at the corner of Merchant's Quay and King St. in Newry, Co. Down resulting in the death of S/Constable George Graham. A number of the IRA men involved are subsequently arrested. |
Abbott (2000), pg 225; Lawlor (2011), pg 154 |
|
Apr-26 |
Thomas Hannon (21) a
civilian is arrested by members of the IRA’s North Galway Flying Column near
Clonberne. He is court martialled and
convicted of being a spy. His body is
found the next day. |
McNamara (2018), pg 155; Lesson (2012), pg 61 |
|
Apr-26 |
Private Norman
Thornton Fielding’s body is found at Buffer’s Cross (between Buttevant and
Churchtown, Co. Cork). Apparently, he
deserted but was picked up by the IRA who killed him, thinking that he was an
Intelligence Officer. |
Sheehan W (2017),
pg 369 |
|
Apr-27 |
RIC DI Gilbert Potter is executed by the IRA - see April 22nd and April 25th above. He is buried near the Clodiagh River and Clonea. As a result, ten houses are blown up by the British in South Tipperary as an official reprisal. (DI Potter was the son of the Church of Ireland’s Rev Potter, Dean of Raphoe in Co. Donegal.) See May 8th. |
Abbott (2000), pg 225-226; Breen (1989), pg 162 |
|
Apr-27 |
The British Army discover a major IRA arms dump in Baggot Lane, Dublin and capture a machine gun, 14 rifles, 54 revolvers and 12,442 rounds of ammunition. |
Townshend (1975), pgs 175-176 |
|
Apr-28 |
An RIC man (Sgt Jeremiah Moroney) is shot at Parkbridge, Limerick city. He died from his wounds a few days later. |
Abbott (2000), pgs 226-227 |
|
Apr-28 |
Four IRA prisoners executed in Cork jail - Maurice Moore, Patrick O'Sullivan, Thomas Mulcahy and Patrick Ronayne. The first two had been captured after Clonmult (see Feb-20) and the second two after Mourne Abbey ambush (see Feb-15). Major Compton-Smith, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who was being held hostage by the IRA was shot by the IRA on the same day. The IRA had told Major General Strickland, Commander of the British 6th Division, that Compton-Smith would be shot if the IRA men were executed – See May 14th. |
O’Donoghue (1986), pg 157; Breen (1989), pg 162 |
|
Apr-28 |
A British forces raid in Blackhall Place, Dublin succeeds in capturing 40 men of the Dublin Brigade, IRA. |
Townshend (1975), pg 176; Townshend (2014), pg 288 |
|
Apr-28 |
Tom Malone, Con Twoomey
and Sean McSwiney (brother of Terence) escape from Spike Island. |
Corbett (2008), pg 72 |
|
Apr-30 |
Two RIC men
(Constable William Smith and Constable John Webb) are attacked when fishing
near Castlemartyr, Co. Cork resulting in the death of both men. Constable Smith was from Lancashire in England and Constable Webb was from London. Both had approximately six months’ service with the RIC. |
Abbott (2000), pg 227; Abbott (2019), pgs 288-289 |
|
Apr-30 |
RIC Constable Henry
Cowie accidently shoots himself with his own gun in Newbliss
Barracks, Co. Monaghan and dies the following day. |
Abbott (2019), pg
404 |
|
Apr-30 |
Members of the USC
raid eight nationalist homes at Killybearn, Co. Tyrone. The male occupants are blindfolded and
marched a number of miles to a field where mock executions take place. |
McCluskey (2014),
pg 101 |
|
Apr-30 |
Patrick Molloy (26)
from near Kilroe, Co. Galway is taken from his home and shot dead. Despite a notice pinned on his body stating
“Reported informer. Convicted Spy. Others beware. I.R.A.”, it is widely
believed that this killing was carried out by members of the Crown Forces. |
McNamara (2018), pgs 150-151; Lesson (2012), pg 61 |
|
Apr-30 |
An RIC man (Constable Arthur Harrison) who had just resigned disappears after leaving Carrigadrohid, Co. Cork for Coachford Railway Station. It is reported that he was kidnapped and later shot. |
Abbott (2000), pgs 312-313 |
|
Apr-30 |
The IRA ambush the
RIC between Tuam and Dunmore in Co. Galway.
There are no casualties. Later,
the RIC barracks at Headford is attacked – despite the attack lasting two
hours, again there are no casualties. |
Lesson (2012), pg 60 |
|
Apr-30 |
Thomas Walsh is
shot dead ‘when trying to escape’ from the RIC in Davis St. [Town or city not given.] |
Leeson (2012), pg 183 |
|
End-Apr |
British claim that number of people shot by the IRA as spies (and placards placed on their bodies) between 1st Jan and end of April was 73. Macardle disputes this saying some were the victims of common murderers while others were the victims of Crown Forces. |
Macardle (1999), pg 442 |
|
End-Apr |
Rory O’Connor and
another prisoner escape from the Rath Camp on the Curragh by posing as
workmen. |
Durney (2013), pg 166 |
|
Apr |
A middle-aged Protestant spinster is taken from his home near Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan by the IRA and shot dead as a spy. [Perhaps Kate Carroll – see April 17th?] |
Dooley (2000), pg 44 |
|
Apr |
Two men, Edward
Beirne and Thomas Byrne (an ex-soldier) are killed by the IRA as spies in Co.
Longford. |
Coleman (2003), pgs
153-154 |
|
Apr |
Arson attacks by IRA in London and Manchester |
Curran J M (1980), pg 48 |
|
Apr |
Volunteer Jim Duffy
killed after accidental discharge of a firearm at Rockfield, Co Mayo |
Price (2012), pg 282 |
|
Apr |
Land League activist Frederick Stenning shot dead near Bandon, Co. Cork. |
O’Farrell (1997), pg 96 |