February 1921

Feb-01-21/1	Capt Cornelius Murphy of Millstreet Battalion, Cork No. 2 Brigade of the IRA is executed in Cork – this was the first official execution under martial law.  He was arrested on January 4^th and charged with possession of a loaded revolver.  Patrick Lynch KC had applied for habeas corpus but an appeal to the High Court failed. According to O’Donoghue, he had been involved in the attack on Rathmore RIC barracks (see Jul-11-20/3) and the ambush of an RIC patrol in Millstreet (see Nov-22-20/2). According to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, he was believed to have been involved in the killing of the BA’s Private Squibb (see Oct-08-20/3) – if the latter was the case, he would have been operating quite far from his battalion area and with a different brigade.	O’Donoghue (1986), pg 129; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 286; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 158; Sheehan (2017), pg 105
Feb-01-21/2	Led by their company captain Daniel O'Driscoll of the Drimoleague company in Co. Cork, the IRA ambushes four RIC men in the village killing one (Constable Patrick O'Connor) and wounding another (Constable Griffin).	Abbott (2000), pgs 191-192; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 286
Feb-01-21/3	Thomas Whelan and three other men (James Boyce, M J Tobin and James McNamara) are charged with the murder of Capt Baggally in Baggot St on Bloody Sunday in a court martial held in City Hall, Dublin. The other three men are found not guilty but Whelan is found guilty and sentenced to be hung. Four witnesses gave alibi evidence for Whelan that he was elsewhere during the shooting of Baggally but he was convicted on the word of one British soldier despite the fact that a fifth defence witness (an architect) said that it would have been impossible for the British soldier to see Whelan given the layout of the house in Baggot St. Whelan was a member of the IRA but had not taken part in the killings on Bloody Sunday. See Mar-14-21/1.	Carey (2001), pgs 57-58; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 337-338; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 181
Feb-01-21/4	The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Larry O’Neill, initiates an Irish organisation, the White Cross Society, which distributes food and clothing to people affected by the troubles.  By the end of August 1922, it had a total income of over £1.75m (over £1.25m of which came from the U.S.).  Their aid was given to all victims who were not otherwise entitled to compensation. A lot of aid went to families expelled from their homes in Belfast and other towns in the north of Ireland.
Feb-01-21/5	Members of N Company of the Auxiliaries attempt to enter and search a house on Donore Avenue in Dublin. However, they have the wrong place as it is the home of James Freeman who is a soldier with the BA’s South Lancashire Regiment of the British Army. Freeman thinks that they are the IRA and produces a gun. A melee ensues in which both Freeman and his wife, Emily Freeman, are wounded. Emily Freeman dies later that day from her wounds.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 286
Feb-01-21/6	Joe Devlin makes a speech to the UIL in Belfast in which he gave “more than a hint of his willingness to enter into discussions with the Sinn Fein leadership in a joint effort to upset partition”. See cFeb-05-21/7.	Phoenix (1994), pg 112
Feb-02-21/1	Thomas Bradfield from Castlederry, Ballineen in Co. Cork is shot dead by the IRA. Apparently, he mistook Tom Barry for a British soldier and gave him information on the local IRA. What is very strange about this killing is that Thomas Bradfield’s cousin (also called Thomas Bradfield) was also allegedly tricked by the IRA into exposing himself as an informer – see Jan-23-21/4. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin comment “That two Methodist farmers, related and of the same name, should make the identical error of mistaking an IRA unit for Crown forces is scarcely credible”. One possible reason for this killing is given by the CFR “Bradfield had made himself odious to the Volunteers much earlier. When they raided his house near Ahiohill for arms in May 1918, Bradfield had seriously wounded Volunteer Michael J. Crowley of Kilbrittain by shooting him in the chest at close range; Crowley needed three months to recover.” See Feb-14-21/3.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 286-287; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-02-21/2	The Clonfin Ambush The Flying Column of the North Longford Brigade of the IRA, under Sean MacEoin, ambush two lorries containing 17 Auxiliaries at Clonfin (between Granard and Ballinalee). After a prolonged engagement, the Auxiliaries are forced to surrender.  Four Auxiliaries are killed. More Detail	Townshend (1975), pg 152; O’Farrell (1997), pg 71; Abbott (2000), pgs 193-195 & Hopkinson (2002), pg 143; Kautt (2017), pg 411; Coleman (2003), pgs 126-127; Lawlor (2011), pgs 105-107; Leeson (2012), pgs 137-138; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 287-288 & 291-292; Sheehan (2009), pgs 82-83 & 93-94
Feb-02-21/3	RIC Sgt J. J. O’Malley and Constable Samuel Green are drinking in Kathleen Fagan’s public house in George’s Sq in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. A man rushes in and shoots at them – the shooter misses O’Malley but hits Green and he dies from his wounds the next day. Constable Green was from Middlesex in England and had two months’ service with the RIC.	Abbott (2000), pg 192; Abbott (2019), pg 244; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 291
Feb-02-21/4	The Flying Column of the 3^rd (West) Cork Brigade is almost surrounded by the RIC in Burgatia House (home of Thomas Kingston JP) outside Rosscarbery but it manages to escape.	Deasy (1973), pgs 207-208; Barry (1974), pg 25
Feb-02-21/5	Robert Dixon, a Justice of the Peace, is robbed and killed in his home in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow. His son James is injured. Dixon is a unionist and a member of the Church of Ireland. Two RIC men Constables Arthur (or Alexander) Hardie and William Mitchell (both non-Irish recruits to the RIC) are arrested and charged with Dixon’s murder. See Feb-03-21/5.	Leeson (2012), pg 199; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 287
Feb-02-21/6	James Tormey (O/C ASU 1^st Battalion, Athlone Brigade, IRA) is shot dead while leading an ambush at Cornafulla, Creggan in South Roscommon. There were only four IRA men in the ambushing party and many more RIC and BA arrive than expected. Sheehan says that Tormey may have been in a bad state after the killing of his brother in Ballykinlar internment camp (see Jan-14-21/3) and therefore the ambush may have been poorly planned. In reprisals for the ambush, the RIC give severe beatings to a number of young men in the locality. According to Sheehan, O’Callaghan and Burke one of these young men, Bernard Gaffey, who was an IRA battalion O/C, dies of his wounds in August 1921. [However, the death of Gaffey is not mentioned by O’Halpin and Ó Corráin.]	O’Farrell (1997), pg 98; Sheehan (2017b), pgs 360-361; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 180-185; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 288; Burke (2021), pg 118
Feb-02-21/7	RIC Constable Patrick Mullany (or Mullaney) is shot dead on Trinity St., Dublin near the Moira Hotel. Constable Mullany was cycling in civilian clothes when recognised by an IRA man.	Abbott (2000), pg 192; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 287; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 159
Feb-02-21/8	RIC Constable Orr Graham commits suicide in Bessbrook Barracks, Co. Armagh. Research by Dr Kay MacKeogh indicates that Constable Graham, although born into a Presbyterian family, converted to Roman Catholicism in order to marry Barbara Kelly in Derry City in 1909. They had four children – all of whom were under ten years of age in February 1921. Constable Graham’s death certificate gives as the cause of death “Hemorrhage from laceration of the brain caused by a bullet wound inflicted by himself while of unsound mind” but, on February 11^th, the Derry Journal said that the death was accidental.	Abbott (2019), pg 406; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 288-289
Feb-02-21/9	Canteen worker, Martha McCormick, is accidently shot by Lance-Corporal O’Reilly of the British Army. She dies six days later in the Derry Infirmary.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 295
Feb-02-21/10	William Vanston was leaving his wife’s home near the Turnpike outside Portlaoise in Co. Laois when he is approached by a man on a bicycle. The man dismounts and shoots Vanston who subsequently dies. His attacker was Thomas O’Neill, O/C 1^st Battalion, Leix Brigade. Vanston had applied to join the RIC. His attacker is reported to have said “You’ll never join the fucking police”.	Abbott (2000), pg 193, Abbott (2019), pg 245; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 287
Feb-02-21/11	A commercial traveller, Edward Campbell, is crushed to death by a British Army armoured car as he waited for a tram near Nelson’s Pillar in O’Connell St in Dublin.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 288
Feb-03-21/1	The Dromkeen Ambush The IRA ambush two RIC lorries at Dromkeen, near Pallas, Co Limerick resulting in the deaths of 11 RIC men. A number of the RIC men were killed after surrendering. More Detail	Townshend (1975), pg 152; Abbott (2000), pgs 195-197; Hopkinson (2002), pg 121; McCarthy in The Kerryman (1955), pg 154-160; Regan (2007), pg 135; O’Callaghan (2018), pgs 86-87; O’Callaghan (2017), pg 553; Leeson (2012), pgs 27-28 & 151; Kautt (2014), pg 147; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 289-291
Feb-03-21/2	A four-man RIC cycle patrol is ambushed at Tulligbeg near Ballinhassig, Co. Cork by the IRA resulting in the death of two RIC men (Constable Edward Carter and Constable William Taylor) and the serious wounding of another (Constable Fuller). Constable Carter was from Lancashire in England and Constable Taylor was from Yorkshire in England. The had three and two months’ service with the RIC respectively.	Abbott (2000), pg 198; Abbott (2019), pg 251; Leeson (2012), pg 139; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 289
Feb-03-21/3	The body of a man is found in Balally in Co. Dublin. Possibly a deserter from the British Army.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 289
Feb-03-21/4	British Army soldier Frederick Curtis is killed in a traffic accident in at Carey’s Cross, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 291
Feb-03-21/5	RIC Constable Arthur (or Alexander) Hardie commits suicide in Dunlavin RIC Barracks in Co. Wicklow. He had been arrested and charged, along with fellow RIC man, William Mitchell, with the murder of Robert of Dixon – See Feb-02-21/5 above. For follow-up – See Apr-18-21/1.	Abbott (2019), pg 407; Leeson (2012), pg 199; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 289
Feb-03-21/6	Sarah Fitzpatrick dies in uncertain circumstances in St. John’s Lane in Dublin. She was a chorus girl in the Empire Theatre. She either committed suicide or was killed by her lover (who was DI Arthur ‘Tiny’ Purchase, an Auxiliary stationed in Dublin Castle).	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 291-292
Feb-03-21/7	During reprisals for the Clonfin ambush (see Feb-02-21/2), an elderly farmer, Michael Farrell (68), is shot dead by Crown Forces near Ballinalee in Co. Longford. He was shot by an Auxiliary called Claud Ridgeway. After a neighbour’s house was set on fire, Farrell and his wife decided to abandon their home and take refuge in a nearby bog. It was while making their way to this refuge that Farrell was shot in the chest by Ridgeway. It was claimed by Ridgeway that Farrell was evading arrest. Farrell was reportedly hard of hearing.	Coleman (2003), pg 133; Lawlor (2011), pg 107; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 291
Feb-04-21/1	Having refused a formal invitation to become the first prime minister of Northern Ireland on January 25^th, on this date Edward Carson visits Belfast and resigns as leader of the UUP.  Speaking to the UCC in Belfast, Carson says that Catholics have nothing to fear from the Protestant majority and urges his listeners to “give the same rights to the religion of our neighbours”. He is replaced as leader of the UUP by James Craig. See Feb-08-21/4.	Parkinson (2004), pg 112; Fanning (2013), pg 248
Feb-04-21/2	Alfred Kidney is shot in the head and back on North Main St in Youghal, Co. Cork. Probably by the IRA. He dies the following day.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 293; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-04-21/3	Paddy Crowley, a Kilbrittain IRA man, is shot by members of the Essex Regiment of the British Army as he tries to fight his way out of round-up at Maryborough, Timoleague, Co. Cork. Apparently, he was shot dead as he lay wounded by the notorious Major A. E. Percival of the Essex Regiment. Crowley was a veteran of the Rathclarin, Tooreen and Newcestown engagements.	Deasy (1973), pg 209; O'Farrell (1997), pg 23; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 292; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-04-21/4	Eight (out of the ten) men captured at the Dripsey ambush (See Jan-28-21/4) are brought before a BA court martial in Victoria Barracks in Cork City.  More Detail See Feb-08 to 10-21/1.	Sheehan (1990), pg 116
Feb-04-21/5	Jeremiah Galvin was the proprietor of the Central Hotel in Listowel, Co. Kerry. He was one of about 100 men forced by the British Army to fill in roads which had been trenched. When being marched back to Listowel, he collapses and dies.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 292
Feb-04-21/6	The first ‘B’ Special patrol appears in Belfast – the first ‘A’ Special patrol took place just before Christmas in 1920. Parksinson notes that the USC’s “presence in Belfast and the surrounding area was not to be prominent until the escalation of violence from mid-1921 onwards”.	Parksinson (2020), pg 70
Feb-04-21/7	Having replaced his brother as leader of Section 1 of the Dublin Brigade’s ASU, Tom Flood leads an attack on a tender carrying Auxiliaries at Eden Quay/Beresford Place/Lower Abbey St in Dublin. A number of wounded but no fatalities on either side.	Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 159-160
Feb-05-21/1	James or John 'Skankers' Ryan is executed by two members of Squad as he sat in Hynes’ public bar at 12 or 19 Lower Gloucester St in Dublin. Molyneux and Kelly say that he was shot by William Stapleton and Eddie Byrne but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that he was shot by Tom Keogh and Bernard C. Byrne. He was believed by the IRA to have trailed and then to have informed on Dick McKee and Peadar Clancy on the eve of Bloody Sunday.	Breen (1989), pg 158; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 292; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 160-162
Feb-05-21/2	Speaking to American journalists, de Valera says that “The so-called Ulster difficulty is purely artificial as far as Ireland itself is concerned.  It is an accident arising out of the British connection and will disappear with it.  If it arose from a genuine desire of the people of the North East for autonomy, the solution proposed would be the obvious one.  But it is not due to such a desire – it has arisen purely as a product of British Party manoeuvring.”	Parkinson (2004), pg 113
Feb-05-21/3	Patrick Thornton (brother of Frank) dies in Drogheda, Co. Louth. It is not clear whether his death was due to a beating he got from the RIC or as a result of a lung disease that he contacted in prison.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 293
Feb-05-21/4	A three-and-a-half year old boy, William Fitzgerald, is sitting with his mother who is selling fruit on Camden St in Dublin when two British Army lorries drive by. These lorries were attacked by the IRA. William is hit and a post-mortem found a piece of improvised grenade in his head.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 293; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 163
Feb-05-21/5	69-year old Daniel Moloney from Lislevane, Barryroe, Co. Cork dies from wounds he received to the head from Crown Forces who were searching his home. Three of his sons were in prison.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 293
Feb-05-21/6	Men from E Company, 4^th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA under Capt Andrew Walsh attack a lorry carrying British soldiers on its way to Portobello Barracks on Lr Rathmines Rd in Dublin. No fatalities on either side.	Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 163-164
cFeb-05-21/7	De Valera and Devlin meet to discuss possible co-operation between Sinn Féin and the nationalists on the forthcoming elections to the Northern parliament.  Various options were discussed but no decisions arrived at.  Negotiations continue between both parties. See Mar-17-21/5.	Phoenix (1994), pgs 114-115
Feb-06-21/1	A patrol of one RIC man and two Special Constables is ambushed at Seaview Rd., Warrenpoint, Co. Down by IRA men from the Corrogs Company resulting in the death of S/Constable John Cummings and the wounding of the other two.	Abbott (2000), pg 198; McDermott (2001), pgs 71-72; Lawlor (2011), pgs 109-110; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 292; Parksinson (2020), pg 93
Feb-06-21/2	On the night of February 6^th and over the following week, at least six houses were burnt by the RIC in the Castlegar, Rosshill and Dunmore areas of Co. Galway.	Henry (2012), pg 191
Feb-06-21/3	The Dublin Brigade of the IRA lay a large scale ambush in the Amiens St area (involving 165 men) but have to retire when no vehicles carrying Crown Forces appear.	Townshend (2014), pg 249; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 165-167
Feb-06-21/4	Pádraig O’Toole dies of pneumonia while being held in Ballykinlar Internment Camp in Co. Down. He probably caught pneumonia when being transferred while being transferred by a British Navy destroyer to Ballykinlar.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 294
Feb-06-21/5	IRA man, James O’Keeffe, is shot ‘when trying to escape’ by members of the Devonshire Regiment of the British Army at Two Mile Bridge, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 293
Feb-06-21/6	The London IRA burn two farm houses on the outskirts of the city – one in Croyden and the other in West Molesley. This was in direct response to the burning of houses by the BA in official reprisals in the martial law areas.	Hart (2003), pg 154
Feb-06-21/7	A British Army convoy opens fire with a Lewis machine gun on a bunch of boys playing hurley in Knocknagree, Co. Cork. They kill 17-year old Michael Kelleher and wound Dónal and John O’Herlihy who were aged 12 and 13 respectively.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 293
Feb-06-21/8	Four IRA men (Patrick Folan, James Ferron, Joseph Green and Joseph Keely) drown when the boat in which they were travelling is washed onto rocks. They were going from Moynis to Roundstone in Co. Galway to attend a meeting of the 3^rd Battalion, West Galway Brigade, IRA.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 294
Feb-06-21/9	17-year old Patrick O’Sullivan is shot in the head near St Patrick’s Quay in Cork City. He dies the following day.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 294
Feb-07-21/1	Patrick Falsey was shot dead by the IRA in Coolaclare, Co Clare and dies later of his wounds. He was filling in a road trench which the IRA had dug with some local men. According to Ó Ruairc, the IRA “fired a few shots in the air to scare them off; one of these wounded Falsey, who died that evening”. According to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin “This shooting occasioned much local criticism”. Also, on this day, three prominent republicans – John Joe Neylon, Tom McDonagh and Joe Murphy – are captured by the RIC in Kilfennora Co. Clare. A few days later they were handed over to the British Army. They were tortured by, among others, the notorious Sergeant David Finlay.	Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 226-227; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 295
Feb-07-21/2	A deaf woman, Elizabeth ‘Letty’ Bray is shot by a member of a BA patrol in Castle St in Belfast for ignoring an order to stop. She dies in the Mater Hospital on February 19^th. The sergeant in charge said that a BA soldier fired without orders. An RIC constable said that “if he had been left alone he could have caught the girl”.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 305
Feb-07-21/3	IRA Capt Patrick O’Driscoll is accidently killed by his comrades near Skibbereen, Co. Cork. The circumstances of this shooting are disputed.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 294
Feb-07-21/4	RIC Constable James Nixon is accidently shot by a colleague when they were travelling in a lorry in Co. Roscommon. He dies from his wounds on March 2^nd.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 321
Feb-08-21/1	Crown Forces raid an IRA safe house called Rahanisky House which is north of Cork City between Whitechurch and Killeendaniel. They capture eleven Volunteers (including Sean MacSwiney, brother of Terence) along with some pistols and ammunition. It would seem that the British were acting on information. Sheehan says that the men captured were the ASU of the 1^st Battalion of the Cork No. 1 Brigade and that information on their location had been given to Captain Kelly (I/O of 6^th Division of the BA) by a female informant.	Borgonovo (2007), pg 49; Sheehan (2017), pgs 79-80 & 86-87
Feb-08-21/2	Two men in RIC uniforms, with white linen masks covering their faces, break into the home of Norah and Denis Healy in Griffin St in Cork City. Their accents were English. The Healys persuade them that they had come to the wrong house but they were still going to shoot Denis Healy. Norah Healy persuades them not to and she succeeds but at a price. One of the RIC men caught hold of Norah Healy and in her own words “pushed me into a back kitchen and closed the door … In spite of my every resistance he then succeeded in criminally assaulting me and raping me”.	Borgonovo (2007) pg 108
Feb-08-21/3	The Flying Column of the 3^rd (West) Cork Brigade enters Skibbereen in an attempt to engage British forces in the town.  They do not succeed in drawing out their enemy but do arrest two unarmed privates of the King's Liverpool regiment.  Out of respect for Colonel Hudson of the King's Liverpool regiment, they release the two privates after holding them for some time. See Jun-18-21/8.	Deasy (1973), pg 213
Feb-08-21/4	The new leader of the Unionist Party, James Craig, speaking to the Belfast Reform Club says “Remember that the rights of the minority must be sacred to the majority and that it will only be by broad views, tolerant ideas and a real desire for liberty of conscience that we here can make an ideal of the Parliament and Executive”	Parkinson (2004), pg 112
Feb-08-21/5	Robert ‘Bob’ Browne, who was a member of the Kerry No. 2 Brigade, is captured by Crown Forces at Knockalougha Bog, Duagh, Co. Kerry. He is beaten and then shot dead.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 295; O’Farrell (1997), pg 103
Feb-08 to 10-21/1	The court martial of eight men captured at the Dripsey ambush resumes in Victoria Barracks in Cork.  (They were charged on Feb 4^th – see Feb-04-21/4.) In an unusual move, the IRA allowed the men to be represented in court.  Among the people who spoke on behalf of the accused were Georgina (Peggy) Bowen-Colhurst, Major Woodley (a Protestant farmer from Coachford) and serving RIC Sergeant Patrick Culhane.  (Bowen-Colhurst had been forced out of her home in Dripsey Castle in 1920 by the IRA as retaliation for the killing of three unarmed men carried out by her son, Capt John Bowen-Colhurst, in Dublin during the 1916 Rising.) The court martial finds three not guilty (Jeremiah O'Callaghan, Eugene Langtry and Denis Sheehan) and they are released.  The remaining five were found guilty and they were told that their sentences would be announced in due time. It is later announced that the men would be executed on February 28th. See Feb-17-21/1.	Sheehan (1990), pgs 125-136;
Feb-09-21/1	A party of Auxiliaries loot and burn Richard Chanler's public house in Robinstown (or Balbradagh), near Trim, Co. Meath.  The Commander of the Auxiliaries, General Crozier went to Trim and summarily tried 26 Auxiliaries of N Company - dismissing 21 of them and placing 5 under arrest pending court-martial.  Tudor subsequently re-instated the 21 dismissed men saying that they cannot be dismissed until a full inquiry was made. This leads to the resignation of Crozier on February 19th – see Feb-19-21/3. He alleges that the authorities had surrendered to the threats of the dismissed men to reveal the misdeeds of the Auxiliaries in Ireland.   Comment	Finn in The Kerryman (1955), pg 90; Townshend (1975), pg 163-164; O'Farrell P (1997), pg 15; Leeson (2012), pg 121; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs
Feb-09-21/2	Patrick Kennedy is arrested by F company of the Auxiliaries on Talbot St., Dublin. Around the same time James Murphy is also arrested on Dorset St. Both are civilians. They are taken to Dublin Castle where they are questioned and badly beaten. They are then taken to a field at Clonturk Park, Drumcondra, Dublin.  They are both shot – Kennedy dies immediately but Murphy survived. He was discovered by DMP constables and taken to the Mater Hospital. Before he died the next day, Murphy told his brother that were taken to the field and their heads were covered with tin buckets before they were shot. Murphy’s testimony is read out in the House of Commons on February 21^st. Capt H L ‘Tiny’ King, commander of F Company and two of his men (Cadet Herbert Hinchcliffe and Cadet James Welsh or Welch) are arrested by the military authorities.  They are acquitted at a court-martial on April 15^th – see Apr-15-21/3.	Townshend (1975), pg 163-164; O’Farrell (1997), pg 51 & 72; Leeson 92012), pgs 185-186; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 296-297; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 168-169
Feb-09-21/3	The Times [of London] describes an attempt by the British Army to set up ‘civic guards’ as follows: “All the male population between the age of 17 and 50 in towns in the West-Cork martial law area are being required to form platoons of 18 members each, to act as civil guards in their respective area”. The dilemma for these ‘civic guards’ was pinpointed by the Manchester Guardian on February 11^th “the Irish gunmen … will wreck their vengeance upon the members of the guard, who will be suspected of informing on their movements”. According to Sheehan “these [civic] guards were eventually allowed to disperse quietly”.	Sheehan (2017), pg 100
Feb-09-21/4	Thomas Halpin (a Sinn Féin Alderman on Drogheda Corporation ) and John Moran (originally from Church St., Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford) are taken from their homes in Drogheda by Crown Forces and shortly afterwards their bodies were found on the side of the road. According to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin “IRA morale locally never recovered” after these killings.	O’Farrell (1997), pg 108 & 113; Hall (2019), pgs 76-77; Leeson (2012), pg189; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 295
Feb-09-21/5	Major sweep by up to 2,000 British Army soldiers in west Donegal. The arrest seven IRA men. Later in the week, there is another sweep in Dungloe and surrounding areas. Over 60 men are arrested and taken to Derry City – most released but 20 are detained.	Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 219-221
Feb-09-21/6	Frederick Newson is shot dead as a suspected spy by two IRA men (James Leacy and John Carroll) at Slaney Place, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 295-296
Feb-09-21/7	William Johnson is shot dead as a suspected informer by the IRA in Kilbrittain, Co. Cork. Johnson was a Protestant.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 296; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-09-21/10	Alfred Reilly of the ‘The Hill’, Douglas, Co. Cork is shot by the IRA. He was taken from his pony and trap, placed against a wall and shot twice in the face. A note was attached to his body saying “Spy. By Order IRA. Take warning”. Reilly was a prominent Methodist businessman in Cork City and served on the executive of the Cork Chamber of Commerce. He was also a Justice of the Peace. Reilly had not publicly expressed any animosity towards the Republican movement and had marched in the funeral corteges of both MacCurtain and MacSwiney. Borgonovo says that “IRA leader Mick Murphy placed Reilly within a civilian Unionist intelligence group operating out of the Cork Y.M.C.A.”. However, according to the Cork Fatality Register, he was not a member of the Y.M.C.A. According to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, the Cork City IRA accused Reilly with “membership of a loyalist spy circle variously described as the ‘Anti-Sinn Fein Society’ or the ‘senior secret service of the YMCA’”. They go on to question “whether such a secret organisation existed”. It is clear that an ‘Anti-Sinn Fein Society’ organisation existed in some form (see, for example, see Oct-13-20/3, Nov-15-20/2 and Nov-21-20/4) but what is not clear is whether it was simply a ‘flag of convenience’ used by Crown Forces bent on intimidating and killing republicans or if it also included local loyalists supplying information to the Crown Forces. Local republicans also believed that the loyalists involved ran a number of informers.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 296; Borgonovo (2007), pgs 42-43 & 51-52; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-10-21/1	In the early morning, Black and Tans or Auxiliaries raid Neary’s pub on Chatham St (off Grafton St) in Dublin. The steal a significant amount of whiskey and cigars. Included in their plunder were two (or three) dozen bottles of champagne belonging to the Viceroy, John French. He had given them to Neary’s to be sold as he did not like the brand. French goes in to a black rage when he finds out about the robbery and who carried it out “what with his loss and the fear of the story getting out”.	Fanning (2013), pg 147; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 169-170
Feb-10-21/2	Simon Donnolly, V/C 3^rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade IRA arrested in Dame St., Dublin. He was interrogated and tortured by the notorious Auxiliary, Capt ‘Hoppy’ Hardy.	Donnelly in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 164-168
Feb-10-21/3	In a substantial change of heart, Macready writes to CIGS Wilson saying he did not believe that “any amount of repression is likely to solve the difficulty in Ireland”. He went on to say that he was no longer prepared to stand by his prediction he gave to members of the British cabinet in December (see Dec-29 to 30-20/1) that order could be restored in four months. He now believes that only a political settlement will solve the problem. He also complained that the RIC were unreliable and that Tudor was “perfectly useless in enforcing discipline”. See Feb-19-21/10 for a further development of Macready’s opinion on the situation in Ireland.	Jeffrey (2006), pg 270
Feb-11-21/1	Milstreet Battalion Column, Cork No. 2 Brigade, under Jerh Crowley, (the Battalion Commandant was C J Meaney) attack a train carrying British Soldiers at Drishaneberg (a mile west of Rathcoole, near Banteer, Co. Cork) after waiting in ambush for ten nights.  One British soldier, Private Frederick Boxold of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) is killed and another Private John Holyome dies from his wounds on February 13th. The Volunteers collected 15 rifles and 700 rounds of ammunition. Sheehan notes that in reaction to attacks on trains, the BA started to disperse soldiers throughout trains and he quotes the BA’s Record of the Rebellion for the 6^th Division as saying that it was “difficult to ambush troops travelling in ordinary trains without endangering the lives of civilian passengers”. He notes that this approach was a “variation on the use of hostages in road transport” (See also Mar-03-21/7).	O’Donoghue (1986), pg 132; Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 160-164 & Gleeson (1962), pg 109; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 297; Kautt (2014), pg 147; Sheehan (2017), pg 135
Feb-11-21/2	Desmond Fitzgerald is arrested in Dublin. After his arrest, Erskine Childers takes over as Dáil Minister of Propaganda.  He works out of May Langan’s house in Victoria Avenue in Rathgar (with Lily O’Brennan and Moira O’Byrne on his staff) and out of his own house on Bushy Park Road.	Gallagher (1953), pg 280; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 170; Sheehan (2007), pg 45
Feb-11-21/3	Warren Fisher issues a second report on the Dublin Administration and points out that the civil, police and military authorities have developed into separate, almost rival powers, and concluded that the need for a unified command was incontrovertible. He also says that “Martial Law everywhere is an intelligible policy, or Martial Law nowhere”. His advice is not taken by the British cabinet. (For Fisher’s first report, see May-12-20/1.)	Townshend (1975), pg 161; Townshend (2014), pg 153; Jeffrey (2006), pg 269
Feb-11-21/4	Auxiliaries fire on civilians at Clondrohid, Macroom, Co. Cork. They kill 15 or 17 year old Daniel O’Mahoney. The CFR gives a number of different accounts of this killing.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 297; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-11-21/5	The IRA kill Robert Eady at Clogheen, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. He was convicted at an IRA court martial of being a spy. The CFR says that “the IRA’s intelligence may well have been mistaken”.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 297; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-11-21/6	The Flying Column of 3^rd Cork Brigade IRA attack Drimoleague RIC Barracks.  According to Deasy, even though the IRA mine exploded (first time for 3^rd Cork Brigade) it did not breach wall of barracks. Barry disputes aspects of Deasy's account of this attack including saying that the mine did not explode. No casualties on either side.	Deasy (1973), pgs 214-216; Barry (1974), pgs 26-27; Townshend (2014), pg 241
Feb-11-21/7	Attack by North Roscommon Brigade IRA on the RIC barracks in Elphin, Co. Roscommon. Mine explodes but does not cause a lot of damage. No casualties on either side. The mine was placed in the adjoining public house owned by Mary Lenahan. The public house was subsequently demolished by the BA “to secure the safety of the barracks”.	O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 104-107; Sheehan (2009), pg 213
Feb-12-21/1	RIC constable, Constable Patrick Walsh, is killed by men from the 4^th (Charville) Battalion, Cork No. 2 Brigade, IRA under the command of Paddy O’Brien. Abbott says that it was shot in Charville (while on leave from Churchtown) just after leaving a public house. O’Donoghue and O’Halpin & Ó Corráin say that he was shot in Churchtown (near Charville).	O’Donoghue (1986), pg 137; Abbott (2000), pg 198-199; Abbott (2019), pg 252; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 297
Feb-12-21/2	William [O’]Sullivan is abducted men from the 2^nd Battalion of the Cork No. 1 Brigade of the IRA from a public house in Evergreen St in Cork City. He is taken to Tory Top Lane in the city’s suburbs and shot dead. His body is found the next day with a card which read “Convicted Spy. Penalty Death. Let all spies and traitors beware”. [O’]Sullivan was unemployed and ex-BA.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 300; Borgonovo (2007), pg 43 & 56-57
Feb-12-21/3	Kilkenny IRA, aided by men from the Carlow Brigade, carry out simultaneous attacks on the RIC barracks in Gowran and Callan. There are no casualties on either side.	Walsh (2018); pg 79
Feb-12-21/4	Two civilians, John Healy and James Brophy, are killed when caught in an IRA ambush on the Merrion Rd in Dublin. Brophy is shot when in his bed in his home at 244 Merrion Rd. The ambush was led by Rory MacDermott. He was described by his superiors as highly energetic but “His only fault is his ruthlessness and his disregard for civilians in doing his military duty”.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 297-298
Feb-13 to 14-21/5	On February 13^th, the IRA in Manchester launch a number of arson attacks against factories, warehouses and cotton mills. On February 14^th, factories and cotton mills are set on fire in Stockport, Oldham and Manchester.	Hart (2003), pg 154
Feb-13-21/1	A Crossley tender with RIC men on board is ambushed by the IRA at Ballough near Lusk, Co. Dublin resulting in the death of Constable John Lynch. (Abbott says that there were 13 RIC men on the Crossley but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that there were only four RIC men.)	Abbott (2000), pg 199; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 298
Feb-13-21/2	A number of armed and masked men (who stated that they were looking for the murderers of police) enter the home of Bridget Quinn at Caherawoneen near Kinvara, Co. Galway. Seven men in the house are taken out, stripped and flogged. Afterwards, Bridget Quinn’s home in burnt down. See Apr-02-21/4.	Leeson (2012), pg 57
Feb-13-21/3	Denis Quinlan is leaving midday mass in St Joseph’s Church, Headford, Co. Tipperary. He and some other men run when challenged by an RIC patrol. The RIC fire and wound Quinlan. He dies the next day.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 300
Feb-13-21/4	A series of large meetings are held by nationalists in West Belfast.	Parkinson (2004), pg 112
Feb-13-21/5	Two IRA men, Martin Barry and Jack Hassett, are arrested by the RIC in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. They are taken a few miles out the road and told to run for their lives. Barry is wounded and dies two days later.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 302
Feb-13-21/6	Winston Churchill leaves the War Office and is replaced by Laming Worthington-Evans. Churchill takes over at the Colonial Office. Also, more critically, Walter Long resigns from the British cabinet at this time through ill-health (He had been bed-ridden with spinal arthritis since October 1920.) See also Mar-17-21/2.	Townshend (1975), pg 164; Fanning (2013), pg 249; Jeffrey (2006), pg 270; Roskill (1972), pg 214
Feb-13-21/7	Patrick Howard was in Landy’s pub in Balscadden near Balbriggan in north Co. Dublin when a robber entered and told everyone to put up their hands. Howard ran towards the back door and was shot. He died the next day. RIC Constable George Pearson, from the nearby RIC Gormanstown Camp, was convicted of the robbery and killing at a court martial held on June 15^th and 16^th. He was sentenced to be hanged but it was commuted to penal servitude for life. He was released in March 1922.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 298
Feb-14-21/1	Frank Teeling (captured on Bloody Sunday and sentenced to hang); Ernie O'Malley and Simon Donnelly escape from Kilmainham Jail.  A bolt cutter had been smuggled in by a BA soldier.  More Detail	Hopkinson (2002), pg 101; Donnelly in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 164-168; Carey (2001), pgs 73-74; O’Malley (1990), pgs 266-275; O’Daly, BMH WS 387, pg 40; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pgs 34-36; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 171-178; Sheehan (2007), pgs 45-46
Feb-14-21/2	The blindfolded body of RIC Constable John Carroll is found in a field near Ballycommon or Ballywilliam (near Nenagh), Co. Tipperary. He had been shot in the head. He had been visiting his father who lived in Ballywilliam but he had gone missing after leaving his father's house. He was captured by the IRA and shot by men under the command of Michael McCormack (an IRA GHQ organiser). Carroll’s father was warned that, if there were reprisals, he and his three other sons would be shot. However, there were official reprisals – including the burning of the house of a cousin of John Carroll, Denis Hayes, who was said to have informed the IRA of the presence of Carroll at his home place. See Jun-12-22/8.	Abbott (2000), pg 199; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 298-299
Feb-14-21/3	Two brothers James & Timothy Coffey are adducted and shot dead in Kilrush, Ahiohill, Enniskeane, Co Cork.  When their bodies are discovered, a sign on one of the bodies says “Vice Bradfield, Anti Sinn Féin” and the other says “Convicted of Murder”. More Detail	Hart (1998), pg 280;  O'Farrell (1997), pg 104; Deasy (1973), pg 200; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 299; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-14-21/4	GOC 5^th Division British Army (Jeudwine) writes to GOC in Ireland (Macready) saying that martial law should be applied to the whole country as this "would substitute for the present divided control by military and police". He says that, under martial law, the extreme penalty should be relentlessly enforced for levying war, or carrying or using guns”. (Full text of memo given in Kautt and in Sheehan.)	Townshend (1975), pg 158; Kautt (2014), pgs 236-238; Sheehan (2009), pgs 207-211
Feb-14-21/5	An ex-soldier in the British Army, John O’Leary, is shot dead by members of the 2^nd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA near his home at 30 Gerald Griffin Avenue in Cork City. He dies shortly afterwards. He worked in the Records Office in the British Army’s Victoria Barracks. He had been wounded in WWI and had a wooden leg. The IRA claim that he worked for Captain Kelly, I/O of the 6^th Division of the BA. (Borgonovo gives the date as February 12th while O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that he was shot at 1.00am on February 15th.)	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 300; Borgonovo (2007), pg 43 & 57-58; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-14-21/6	James Beal or Beale is abducted by the IRA in Cork City. He is taken to Wilton and shot dead. He was the wine manager at Messrs Woodford, Bourne and Company in Patrick’s St in Cork. He was accused by the IRA of being a member of the Anti- Sinn Féin organisation. He was abducted by Jeremiah Keating and John Horgan from G Company, 2^nd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade. A placard is attached to his body saying “Convicted Spy. The penalty for all those who associate with the Aux. Cadets, the Black and Tans, and the RIC. IRA. P.S. Beware”. Borgonovo indicates that the IRA may have got incriminating evidence on Beale through raids on the mail. However, the CFR states that “The Cork No. 1 Brigade may well have been mistaken in its assessment of Beal.” Beal’s father-in-law and brother-in-law (James Blemens and his son, Frederick) had been killed by the IRA in November 1920 – See Nov-29-20/1. See also Feb-19-21/8.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 299-300; Borgonovo (2007), pg 43 & 52-53; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-15-21/1	Paddy Moran and Joseph or Paddy Rochford are charged with the murder of Lieutenant Ames at 38 Upper Mount St on Bloody Sunday.  Rochford is acquitted but Moran is found guilty and sentenced to be hung.  See Mar-14-21/1. A large number of alibi witnesses had come forward for Moran but three British soldiers (Pte Snelling; Major Carew and Pte Lawrence) identified him as being in Upper Mount St– but Carew said that he could not swear definitively. According to O’Daly, Moran had led the group who killed two men in the Gresham Hotel on Bloody Sunday.  It would therefore seem that the British had got the leader of one of the groups of IRA men who carried out the Bloody Sunday morning attacks but pinned the wrong attack on him.	Carey (2001), pgs 73-80; O’Daly, BMH WS 387, pg 40; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 179-180
Feb-15-21/2	An IRA ambush of train carrying British troops at Upton Station (between Cork and Bantry) goes badly wrong due to inadequate intelligence.  Eight civilian passengers are killed and ten wounded.  Three IRA men are also killed and three badly wounded. There are no BA fatalities.  More Detail	Hopkinson (2002), pg 113; Deasy (1973), pgs 219-223; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 300-301 & 303 & 305
Feb-15-21/3	An IRA ambush party at Mourne Abbey in Co. Cork is surprised by a British force. Four IRA men are killed and eight captured – two of whom are subsequently executed.  More Detail	O’Donoghue (1986), pg 136; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 301-303; Sheehan (2017), pg 122; O’Farrell (1997), pg 111
Feb-15-21/4	Frank Carty, O/C South Sligo Brigade, IRA escapes from jail in Derry.  The rescue party was led by Charles McGuinness and Patrick Shield or Shiels. Carty was taken from the city in a boat belonging to a Norwegian fisherman called Oscar Nolde or Norby (who had been smuggling arms into Ireland for the IRA). Carty is brought to Glasgow to recover from pleurisy but is arrested again. Yet another attempt is made to rescue him on May 4^th – See May-04-21/9.	O'Farrell P (1997), pg 14; Gallagher (2003), pg 34; Grant (2018), pgs 111-112; Lawlor (2011), pg 113-114
Feb-15-21/5	In a speech, Llyod George says that “The organisation [of the IRA] which was so perfect six months ago, is now shattered.”  The Irish Bulletin points out that six months ago, Llyod George was calling the IRA a ‘Murder Gang’. (It was on October 9th 1920 – see Oct-09-20/1 and in November, he said that the British had “murder by the throat” – see Nov-09-20/1.)	Gallagher (1953), pg 112
Feb-15-21/6	A young member of the BA’s Buffs (East Kent Regiment), John Pettman, is accidently killed in Fermoy, Co. Cork. Pettman was 16 years old.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 302
Feb-16-21/1	Two squads of IRA men were trenching roads near Crushnalanive Cross (or Crois-na-Leanbh), Kilbrittain when they are surprised by a night-time British Army patrol led by the notorious Major A. E. Percival of the Essex Regiment. Four IRA men are killed - Jeremiah O'Neill (Knockpogue, Kilbrittain), Timothy Connolly (Farrannagark, Kilbrittain), Jack McGrath (Rathclarin, Kilbrittain) and Cornelius McCarthy (Kilanetig, Ballinadee). Percival later said that this incident vindicated his “tactics of surprise action based on the information available”. According to the BA’s Record of the Rebellion for the 6^th Division, Percival had “obtained information from civilian sources which indicated the location of certain rebel gangs”. Sheehan puts these killings in the context of the BA adopting small patrols which (working on information) approached suspected IRA men on foot and silently. This leaves open the question of from whom Percival was receiving his information. Memorial	Deasy (1973), pg 223; O'Farrell P (1997), pg 63; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 302; Sheehan (2017), pgs 136-137
Feb-16-21/2	British Army soldier John Oldham is accidently shot dead by a guard at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham in Dublin.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 303
Feb-16-21/3	British Army soldier, Walter Rudd, commits suicide in the Military Barracks in Longford.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 555
Feb-17-21/1	Mary Lindsay and her chauffeur, James Clarke, are abducted from her house by men from the 6^th Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade for her role in the Dripsey ambush – See Jan-28-21/4. More Detail See Feb-26-21/2.	Sheehan (1990), pgs 119-121; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 333
Feb-17-21/2	The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury reports on a statement from de Valera condemning the BA policy of carrying hostages on its lorries to deter ambushes by the IRA. Sheehan notes that even though this policy “may” be seen as cruel and illegal “it was highly effective in countering potential attacks”.	Sheehan (2017), pg 134
Feb-17-21/3	RIC Constable James Roberts dismissed from the RIC for committing larceny.	Leeson (2012), pg 83
Feb-17-21/4	Reacting to complaints about the severity of martial law in Cork, General E. P. Strickland, the Military Governor, writes to Cork’s acting Lord Mayor saying that he wishes to let the inhabitants of Cork know that he was “ready to give them any possible consideration, and to let the restrictions of martial law rest as lightly as possible on law-abiding people if I can see signs that they themselves are taking steps to assist me to that end”.	Borgonovo (2007), pg 46
Feb-17-21/5	Ned Broy (one of Collins’s main agents inside the DMP) is arrested.  He is imprisoned in Arbour Hill Prison. However, due to the inadvertent destruction of his papers, nothing could be proved against him. Around this time, Broy’s associate and fellow Collins agent within the DMP, Jim McNamara, is dismissed from the DMP. David Neligan warns him to not stay at home – this probably saves his life as his home is raided on the night of his dismissal by masked Auxiliaries. After consulting with Collins, Neligan moved from the DMP to Secret Service which operated under Winter and the O/C of F Company of the Auxiliaries Major Leslie Stokes.	O’Farrell (1997), pg 11; Foy (2017), pg 425; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 183-184; Foy (2017), pg 425
Feb-18-21/1	The Times of London reports that the Oxford Union carried a motion condemning the British government’s actions in Ireland by 219 to 129 votes.	Boyce (1972), pg 81
Feb-18-21/2	A Protestant postmaster Thomas Hodgett or Hoggett is abducted from his home hear Navan, Co. Meath by men claiming to be from the IRA. He was shot and his body thrown in to the river Blackwater.  A month later his body is found. Dublin Castle say that his killing is a Sinn Féin outrage against the minority religion.  The Irish Bulletin claims that the killing was carried out by a County Inspector of the RIC and a notorious sergeant from Dublin Castle. After giving the backstory, O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say “Hodgett was plainly killed by police officers”.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 303; Gallagher (1953), pgs 114-115
Feb-18-21/3	The British Army conduct another major search in Dublin, this time around the Mountjoy Sq area.  They cut off a large area and conducted a house to house search. Like the earlier extended search (see Jan-15-21/1), this extended search was also unsuccessful.  After this search, British Army extended searches in Dublin covered a much more limited area. See Feb-19-21/2.	Townshend (1975), pg 155-156; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 189-190; Sheehan (2007), pgs 44-45
Feb-18-21/4	The IRA abduct an ex-BA soldier Michael Walsh from the Workshop Infirmary, Douglas Road, Cork where he was a patient. He had to be helped/carried out of his ward and down the stairs. He is shot dead on the road outside by Tom Crofts and other members of the 2^nd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade of the IRA. A note is attached to his body saying “Caught at last. Spies and informers beware. IRA”. Mick Murphy, O/C 2^nd Battalion, described Walsh as “a definite spy and a low type”. Borgonovo notes that this was “an especially brutal incident”. This killing is similar to another carried out by Cork No. 1 – see Feb-19 to 20-21/1 and to another carried out by the Dublin Brigade – see May-21-21/4.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 303-304; Borgonovo (2007), pgs 43-44; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-18-21/5	The BA discover the arms dump of the Kilbrittain Company of the Cork No. 3 Brigade of the IRA.	Sheehan (2017), pg 88
Feb-19-21/1	An ex-British Army soldier, Patrick Lyons, is taken from his home at Frenchlawn, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon. His body was found the following morning. Probably shot an alleged informer by the IRA.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 309; Burke (2021), pg 107
Feb-19-21/2	The British Army conduct a house by house search on an area of Dublin bounded by Nassau St, Kildare St, Molesworth St and Dawson St.  This is a much smaller area than their previous Dublin extended searches (See Jan-15-21/1 and Feb-18-21/3). These raids discovered one of Mulcahy’s offices in South Frederick St giving the British valuable information. See Feb-25-21/5.	Townshend (1975), pg 155-156; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 180-181; Sheehan (2007), pg 45
Feb-19-21/3	RIC Constable Thomas Bradshaw commits suicide in the stables of the RIC Barracks in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 304; Abbott (2019), pg 404
Feb-19-21/3	The Auxiliaries commander, General Crozier, resigns. He is replaced by Brigadier General Edward Wood. See Feb-09-21/1.	O'Farrell P (1997), pg xvii; Townshend (1975), pg 163; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 189
Feb-19-21/4	Two elderly relatively prosperous Protestant farmers, William Connell and Matthew Sweetman, are shot dead at Lissanoohig, Skibereen by the 3^rd (West) Cork Brigade of the IRA. They had given evidence against Florence McCarthy at his trial for collecting money for the IRA. The CFR says that “Rather than having furnished information on a regular basis to the RIC or the military, these two Protestant farmers seem to have been killed for what the IRA deemed a serious but singular offence that came on top of their general defiance of attempts by the IRA to impose its authority in that area.” One Volunteer recalled that when HQ of the Cork No. 3 Brigade ordered the killing of Connell and Sweetman, that their farms and property were also to be confiscated. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that this “suggests agrarian as well as political motives”.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 304-305; Sheehan (2017), pg 158; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-19-21/5	Michael (Bob) McElligott, O/C 6^th (Listowel), Battalion, Kerry No. 1 Brigade, IRA is shot dead for failing to halt by the British Army at Derrymore, west of Tralee when returning from a brigade meeting. It would seem that McElligott was actually trying to escape.	Horgan (2018) , pg 128; O'Farrell P (1997), pg 61 & 112; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 306
Feb-19-21/6	Michael ‘Luby’ Ryan and Frank Ryan were kidnapped by armed men after they left Golden in Co. Tipperary to attend a wake in Thomastown. Frank Ryan was released but Michael Ryan’s body was found the next day near Kilfeacle. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that Ryan’s killing “had the hallmarks of an unofficial killing by Crown forces”.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 305
Feb-19-21/7	The East Clare Brigade of the IRA arrest three Englishmen in civilian clothing walking in the countryside near Feakle, Co. Clare. The three – Privates David John Williams; William Walker and H. Morgan of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry – were court-martialled and executed as spies at Derrycnaw, Corlea, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. Morgan was the third man’s enlisted name – his real name was Thomas Mullett. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say “No IRA sources for these deaths have been traced”. However, Mac Conmara quotes local sources and one BMH statement. He indicates that the killing of these three BA soldiers may have been in revenge for the killings on Killaloe bridge – See Nov-17-20/1. Ó Ruairc says that the three men were arrested on February 19^th and that their bodies were discovered three days later. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that they went missing from Limerick on February 13th and that their bodies were discovered on February 22nd at Derrycnaw. The BA’s Record of the Rebellion places these killings in Woodford, Co. Galway and give the date as February 22^nd.	Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 230-231; Kautt (2014), pg 209; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 311; Mac Conmara (2021), pgs 187-188
Feb-19-21/8	George Tilson cuts his throat in the lavatory of Paddington Station in London after arriving from Fishguard in Wales and dies a few hours later. He had left Cork City on February 17^th after he received a letter threatening to kill him as a spy. The letter included the line “your time is nearly up”. (The body of his friend, George Beal, had been found on February 15^th – See Feb-14-21/6.) The jury at his inquest returned a verdict of “suicide while temporarily insane as a result of receiving a threatening letter”.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 304; Borgonovo (2007), pgs 44-45 & 55-56
Feb-19-21/9	James Toner, a farmer from Lagan, Keady, Co. Armagh is shot during a raid in his home. He dies the following day.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 309
Feb-19-21/10	Further to his letter of February 10th (see Feb-10-21/3) Macready writes again to Wilson, saying “At one time it was thought that the trouble in Ireland was caused by a band of extremists who were generally tarred with the name of murderer. I am bound to say that I myself held this view when I first took over this command., but for many months past, … I have been satisfied that the [British] Government is not up against a small band of extremists, but is faced with a considerable proportion of the manhood of Ireland”. Macready also says “I must point out that the actual enforcement of Martial Law in Munster is by no means the Martial Law that is understood by military men.”	Sheehan (2017), pgs 63 & 101
Feb-19-21/11	A BA soldier from the Manchester Regiment, Albert Mason, is reported as having deserted but he was abducted by the IRA in Ballincollig, Co. Cork and killed. His remains have never been found. Similarly, on February 20^th, another member of the Manchester Regiment of the BA, B. Pincher, is reported missing (also in the Ballincollig area). He was captured by the IRA and shot. His body is also never recovered.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 305 & 309
Feb-19 to 20-21/1	William Mohally or Mohilly is shot at point blank range on the Lower Glanmire Road or Street in Cork City by men from the 1^st Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA but he survives. He is taken to the South Infirmary. The following night, men from the 2^nd Battalion force Mohally to be taken outside the Infirmary when he is shot twice in the head. A note is attached to him reading “For a spy there is no escape IRA”. Mohally was an ex-BA soldier. See also Feb-18-21/4 above and May-21-21/4 below. Also on February 20^th, the body of another ex-British Army soldier Michael Finbar O’Sullivan is fished out of the River Lee near the Douglas Road. He had last been seen alive on January 31^st. He was shot by the IRA as they thought he had joined the RIC and was “well acquainted with the IRA in the district”. In actual fact, he had joined the BA’s Royal Field Artillery.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 306 & 309; Borgonovo (2007), pg 44 & 53-54 & 57; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-20-21/1	Four boys are searching for birds’ nests near Blackwater Mills in the Clonlara area of Co. Clare (four miles outside Limerick City) when they are shot at by Crown Forces. Two brothers – Cecil and Aidan O’Donovan – are killed. They are 18 and 14 years old respectively. The Crown Forces claim that they had shot at some men who were drilling in a field and that the four boys came into their line of fire. But Ó Ruairc (2021) says that “there is no evidence from independent sources that there had been any IRA Volunteers present when the RIC opened fire”.	Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 230; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 306
Feb-20-21/2	At Clonmult, Co Cork (five miles north of Middleton) the twenty-one men of the ASU of the 4th Battalion Column of the Cork No. 1 Brigade IRA (4th Battalion covers Middleton, Cobh and Youghal) get surrounded in an abandoned farmhouse by a combined force of British Army soldiers (from the Hampshire and Dorsetshire Regiments) and the RIC - 12 IRA men are killed and eight captured. Two of those captured were subsequently executed. Some of the IRA men were killed after surrender. More Detail	Hart (1998), pg 97-98; Breen (1989), pg 162; Hopkinson (2002), pg 111; O’Farrell (1997), pg 77; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 306-309; Kautt (2014), pg 203; Sheehan (2017), pgs 124-125; O'Farrell P (1997), pg 114
Feb-20-21/3	IRA Volunteer Michael O’Mahoney receives a wound during an ambush on the RIC in Passage West, Co. Cork. He dies on February 28^th.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 318-319
Feb-20-21/4	Six IRA men from Sections 1 and 2 of the Dublin Brigade’s ASU, under Tom Flood, attack a Ford car containing four members of I Company of the Auxiliaries outside St Peter’s Church at the junction of Cabra Rd and the North Circular Rd in Dublin. The assailants throw two grenades at the car. There are no fatalities on either side but an Auxiliary and a civilian are wounded.	Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 181-183
Feb-20-21/5	Sinn Féin district councillor and IRA volunteer, John Geoghegan from Moycullen in Co. Galway is taken from his bed and shot dead. It is widely believed that the killing was carried out by Crown Forces, probably RIC. (Geoghegan had shot the informer, Patrick Joyce – see Oct-15-20/3 - after his court martial.) The RIC CI, in his monthly, wrote that “This man was a leading IRA officer”.	McNamara (2018), pg 150; Henry (2012), pgs 202-203; Leeson (2012), pgs 57-58; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 305-306
Feb-21-21/1	The IRA carry out an ambush on members of the Devonshire Regiment in Friary St. in Kilkenny City.  The attack misfires and results in the deaths of two IRA men.  One is Thomas Hennessy who is shot by Private Harley Turner. He dies almost instantly. The other is Michael Dermody who is shot by Lance Corporal Ernst Higgins. He dies on March 4^th. A civilian, Thomas Dollard is also killed by the British Army – they mistake him for one of the attacking party.	Hopkinson (2002), pg 123-124; O’Farrell (1997), pg 106 & 109; Walsh (2018); pgs 79-80; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 309
Feb-21-21/2	Greenwood announces in the British House of Commons that the elections to the Dublin and Belfast parliaments would be held within two months. He also says that the Government of Ireland Act “provides for the political unity of Ireland”. In a division in the British House of Commons, eight Conservative (Unionist) MPs cross the floor including Hugh Cecil, Robert Cecil, George Cockerill and Oswald Mosley. In addition, seven Coalition Liberal MPs voted against the government and 88 abstained.	Phoenix (1994), pg 117; Matthews (2004), pg 2; Boyce (1972), pgs 63-64
Feb-21-21/3	The IRA shoot but only wound a Special Constable called George Lester in the village of Roslea in Co. Fermanagh. He had been harassing local Catholic schoolboys and had been sent a warning letter by the IRA. In retaliation, Special Constables and UVF men wreck and burn ten nationalist-owned houses in the area including the priest’s home. A USC man called Samuel Finnegan died either when his rifle accidently discharged as he used the butt of the rifle to break down a door or was killed accidently by a fellow USC member. The harassment of Catholics in the area continues into March and the IRA take action on March 22^nd – see Mar-22-21/3.	Lawlor (2011), pgs 114-117; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 310
Feb-21-21/4	John Sheehan is taken from his home in Kanturk, Co. Cork by the IRA. His body is found on March 21^st with a sign on it saying “Spies, Traitors, Informers associate with Military, Police and Black and Tans in Kanturk, you are all listed. Beware. IRA”. Sheehan was suspected of giving information to Crown Forces which led to their capture of an IRA arms dump.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 311-312; Sheehan (2017), pg 88; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-21-21/5	A six-man RIC patrol is attacked in Maynooth, Co. Kildare resulting in the death of Sgt Joseph Hughes. In response to the killing of the RIC Sergeant (and an attack on the RIC at Mount Lucas between Philipstown [Daingean] and Edenderry, in King’s County”), Colonel-Commandant P. C. B. Skinner (who was the Competent Military Authority) banned fairs in areas of Kildare and Offaly.	Abbott (2000), pg 200; Durney (2013), pgs 183-185; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 210; Sheehan (2009), pgs 213-214
Feb-21-21/6	The Judge Advocate General of the BA, Felix Cassel, writes to the British Secretary of State for War, Laming Worthington Evans, pointing out a number of legal issues had arisen out of the sentencing to death of Sean Allen on January 19^th (see Jan-19-21/4). The issues had been referred to High Court. The High Court decided that it had “no power to interfere with the findings of a military court while war was being waged”. This is rather strange decision as war had not been declared. Allen was executed, with five others on February 28^th – See Feb-28-21/1.	Sheehan (2017), pgs 106-107
Feb-22-21/1	A joint BA and RIC patrol is ambushed at Glen, near Mountcharles, Co. Donegal resulting in the death of Constable Thomas Satchwell.  Later in the day, the RIC run amok in Donegal Town burning houses, breaking windows, looting and drinking. They later move to Mountcharles and continued their rampage, breaking into houses, ransacking them and setting some on fire. A young woman, Mary ‘May’ Harley, is shot through the heart as she tries to escape from the home of her uncle which is being attacked by Crown Forces. In all six houses are burnt down. RIC Sgt John Hughes is also shot dead on this day. There are a number of different versions of how he was killed. Abbott says that he was shot in Donegal Town by “an unknown person or persons”. Ozsenker says that was shot dead in Donegal Town by the IRA. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that he was “apparently shot in the heart by a comrade” in Donegal Town. Travers says that Hughes was shot by a fellow RIC man in Mountcharles during their burning and ransacking of houses. Ó Duibhir says that during the reprisals in Mountcharles on the night of the ambush “a drunken Auxiliary shot a policeman”. However, he goes on to say that the following morning “At Donegal town another RIC man was killed”. (Ó Duibhir does not name either RIC man.) Lawlor would seem to draw together a number of these threads. He says that a drunken Auxiliary, when wrecking the home of Joe and Sarah McManus in Mountcharles, fires his gun and kills Sgt John Hughes. He goes on to say that “The RIC sought to hide the fact that Hughes had been shot by an Auxiliary in Mountcharles, and the cause of death was later attributed to ‘a person or person unknown’. It was claimed that he was shot in Main Street, Donegal town.” (Both Ó Duibhir and Lawlor say that Hughes was shot by an Auxiliary. However, according to Grant’s website on the Auxiliary Division of the RIC, no Auxiliary Company was ever posted to Donegal – see The Auxiliary Companies.) The following night the co-operative stores at Inver were burnt by Crown Forces.	Abbott (2000), pg 200; Abbott (2019), pgs 254-255; Lawlor (2011), pgs 112-113; Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 222-224; Ozseker (2019), pgs 107 & 124-125; Abbott (2019), pgs 254-255; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 310 & 311 & 312; Travers (2022), pg 107
Feb-22-21/2	A young messenger boy, George Fletcher, who worked at the Union Quay RIC Barracks in Cork City is wounded when a rifle is accidently discharged in the barrack room. He dies in the Mercy Hospital on February 25^th.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 314
Feb-22-21/3	A section of the Flying Column of the Kerry 1^st (North) Brigade under Denis Quile attacks two men (RIC Constable George Howlett and a sailor called Clarance Wills or Wells) in the village of Ballylongford resulting in the death of the RIC man and the wounding of the sailor. The following day the RIC burn down a large number of houses and shops in Ballylongford. Constable Howlett was from Yorkshire in England and had two months’ service with the RIC.	Abbott (2000), pg 201; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 311
Feb-22-21/4	Daniel ‘Monkey’ McDonnell was walking to his father’s house in Cork City when he was stopped by the IRA. They emptied his pockets and one of the IRA men said “We have got at last, you spy”. McDonnell ran for it – he was wounded several times but survived. Borgonovo notes that in the previous two weeks, “IRA forces assassinated seven Cork civilians, wounded eight and drove another to suicide.” For those killed see Feb-11-21/5; Feb-18-21/4; Feb-19-21/4 (2 killed); Feb-19 to 20-21/1 (2 killed) and Feb-21-21/4. (The Cork IRA killed two other civilians on February 9th – see Feb-09-21/7 and Feb-09-21/10.) For the civilian driven to suicide – see Feb-19-21/8. One of the civilians wounded was presumably McDonnell.	Borgonovo (2007), pg 45 & 58-59
Feb-22-21/5	John Stapleton from Drombane, Thurles, Co. Tipperary is arrested by the Auxiliaries and ‘shot trying to escape’. He dies on February 26^th in the Workhouse Infirmary in Thurles.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 314
Feb-23-21/1	Three RIC men (Constables Martin Greer; Daniel Hoey and Edward McDonagh) are shot and killed at the junction of Parliament St. and Essex St. in Dublin by the IRA’s squad. Those involved from the Squad were Jimmy Conway, Bernard Byrne, Mick Reilly, Ned Kelliher, James Slattery, Vinny Byrne, Tom Keogh, Paddy Griffin, Frank Bolster and driver Patrick Kelly. The shooters were Bernard Byrne, Conway and Reilly. The IRA thought they were targeting RIC intelligence officers but two were motor dispatches and the other was an office orderly. Constable Hoey was from Lancashire in England and had one month’s service with the RIC. The other two constables killed were Irish.	Abbott (2000), pg 202; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 312; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 186-188
Feb-23-21/2	The five surviving IRA men captured at Drumcrondra on January 21^st are charged at a court martial (presided over by Lt Col Powell) with high treason which carried the death penalty.  All except one are sentenced to death.   More Detail See Mar-14-21/1.	Carey (2001), pgs 100-108; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 188-189
Feb-23-21/3	The Flying Column of the 3^rd (West) Cork Brigade, under Tom Barry, entered Bandon in an attempt to ambush a patrol of the BA’s Essex Regiment. This results in the deaths of three members of the Crown Forces. More Detail	Abbott (2000), pgs 202-203, Deasy (1973), pgs 227-228; Barry (1974), pgs 27-28
Feb-23-21/4	RIC Constable William Fennessy is accidentally shot dead by a fellow RIC man, Constable Edward Wallis, at Connagh Crossroads, Duncannon, Co. Wexford.	Abbott (2019), pg 405; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 310-311
Feb-23-21/5	H.A.L. Fisher (Liberal member of the British cabinet) writes to Llyod George protesting about the indiscipline of the Crown Forces in Ireland.	Boyce (1972), pg 131
Feb-24-21/1	After his letter to the acting Lord Mayor of Cork on February 17^th (see Feb-17-21/4), Strickland was asked what loyal citizens could do, he replied in an interview in the Manchester Guardian on this date saying “what he had in mind was the sort of organisation that the people of an English town would probably set up if they found their district being made the scene of operations like those of the ‘murder gang’. He imagined that they would hold a meeting and form some sort of vigilance committee to police their town”. It was pointed out to Strickland in a letter from an anonymous correspondent that if such a meeting was held “our lives would not be worth a week’s purchase”. See Feb-27-21/2.	Borgonovo (2007), pg 47
Feb-25-21/1	A member of the Auxiliaries, Cadet Victor Scott (who was based in Trim, Co. Meath) is admitted to Dr Steevans’ Hospital in Dublin with severe bullet wounds. He dies on March 3^rd. It would seem that it was an accident.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 321
Feb-25-21/2	Writing to Greenwood, Llyod George says “I need not tell you that the accumulating evidence that in certain sections of the Irish police there are men who are no longer guardians of the law, but are themselves guilty of unlawful acts against the population it is their duty to protect, is causing grave uneasiness in the public mind.” Boyce comments “Llyod George’s concern was dictated more by political expediency than moral principles; but it was none the less real.” Boyce was being rather kind to Llyod George – see, for example, Jun-06-20/3; Jul-01-20/6; Sep-23-20/2; Sep-24-20/1; Sep-28-20/5; Oct-05-20/4; Oct-09-20/1; Nov-09-20/1; Nov-10-20/4. It is likely to be the case that a number of the sources for the above examples of Llyod George’s support for the use of ‘terror’ by Crown Forces in Ireland were not available to Boyce when he was writing in 1972.	Boyce (1972), pg 97
Feb-25-21/4	RAF pilot Hepworth Hill is shot by a sentry at Aldergrove Aerodrome after he failed to answer a sentry’s challenge. He dies later in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 313
Feb-25-21/5	The British Army conduct an extended search in Dublin, again in the Kildare St area.	Townshend (1975), pg 155-156; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 180
Feb-25-21/6	Alfred Cotter from Ballineen, Co. Cork was shot as a spy by men from the 3^rd (Dunmanway) Battalion, Cork No. 3 Brigade, IRA.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 314
Feb-25-21/7	Macready issues a Special Order of the Day in which, citing the killing of “three unarmed soldiers” (see Feb-19-21/7) and the killing of “two unarmed soldiers of the Essex Regiment” (see Feb-23-21/3), he says that he looks to his troops “even in the face of provocation which would not be indulged in by the wildest savages of Central Africa, to maintain discipline for which the British Army is … so justly renowned”. As would be expected, Macready makes no mention of the killing of civilians or unarmed IRA men by the BA. For example, the killing of up to eight unarmed IRA prisoners at Clonmult by Crown Forces (see Feb-20-21/2) or the fact that, when the West Cork Flying Column captured and killed “two unarmed soldiers of the Essex Regiment” in Bandon on February 23^rd, they also captured but let go unharmed two sailors belonging to the British Navy. Also, Macready was soon to sanction the execution of six IRA prisoners – see Feb-26-21/2 and Feb-28-21/1.	Kautt (2014), pg 209
Feb-25-21/8	An ex-BA soldier called Henry Murray from Carrickmacross is shot dead on Chapel St, Dundalk, Co. Louth by P. McKenna, J. Cunningham and one other from the 1^st (North) Louth Brigade, IRA. Notices appeared in local churches saying that Henry Murray had been “executed a spy and informer after trial and conviction”. The RIC County Inspector for Louth reported that the IRA regarded Murray as a spy as he has applied to join the RIC.	Hall (2019), pg 77; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 313-314
Feb-26-21/1	The Flying Column of the 1^st (Mid) Cork Brigade under the command of Sean O'Hegarty planned to ambush the Auxiliaries at Coolavokig, near Ballyvourney.  As they occupied the ambush position over a few days their position became known and a force of 39 Auxiliaries from J Company and 7 RIC constables moved against them.  In the ensuing battle, the Auxiliaries' Commandant (James Seafield-Grant) was killed and a number of other RIC wounded.  Two of these (Constable Arthur Kane and Cadet Cleve Soady) later died of their wounds.  IRA GHQ was scathing about the organisation of this ambush saying that “it might easily have been a disaster”. GHQ of the BA’s 6^th Division was also critical saying that “an excellent opportunity to defeat the enemy was missed”. Memorial Commandant Grant was from Suffolk in England. Constable Kane was from London and Cadet Soady was from Hampshire in England.	Hopkinson (2002), pg 112; Abbott (2000), pgs 203-204; Townshend (2014), pgs 241-242; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 313 & 314 & 320
Feb-26-21/2	A letter is delivered to the BA’s General Strickland from the IRA saying that they are holding Mary Lindsay and James Clarke and that they been convicted of spying. It goes on to say that they will be executed if the five IRA men convicted of taking part in the Dripsey ambush are executed on February 28^th as planned.  It is accompanied by a note from Mary Lindsay imploring him to spare the prisoners.  She said “I have just heard that some of the prisoners taken at Dripsey are to be executed. I write to beg that you will use your influence to prevent this taking place. … My life will be forfeited for theirs. As they believe I am the direct cause of their capture. I implore you to spare these men for my sake.” Lindsay and Strickland were personal friends. Strickland phoned Macready but the latter was against any cancellation of the executions. See Feb-28-21/1.	Sheehan (1990), pgs 149-152; Sheehan (2017), pg 105
Feb-26-21/3	RIC Constable Charles Binnion dies after falling from a lorry near Santry Post Office, Co. Dublin.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 314
Feb-26-21/4	Bombs are thrown into the home of two Sinn Féin county councillors – Michael Finnigan and C. J. Kennedy - in Dunmore, Co. Galway.	Leeson (2012), pg 58
Feb-27-21/1	An IRA man (Capt Joe Taylor of the Glencar Company, Kerry No. 1 Brigade) is killed by RIC men after being taken from his home in Lyranes in Glencar, Co. Kerry. The RIC said that Taylor was ‘shot trying to escape’. Taylor may actually have been trying to escape but his father said that he was murdered outright. The RIC were led by DI Michael McCaughey. Sgt James Collery and Constable Joseph Cooney were also present - See Jun-01-21/3.	Macardle (1998), pg 31; Leeson (2012), pg 182; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 314-315; O’Shea (2021), pgs 67-68 & 118
Feb-27-21/2	General Strickland gives an interview to the Evening Standard in Cork in which he says that “Recently as a result of the official reprisals a good deal of information about preparations of ambushes was reaching the military authorities.”	Borgonovo (2007), pg 48
Feb-27-21/3	William Kelly is one of about 20 IRA men drilling at Loughtagalla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary when they are taken by surprise by Crown Forces. Kelly is mortally wounded.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 315
Feb-27-21/4	James Cronin is shot dead by Crown Forces at Castlegregory, Co. Kerry. This could have been a ‘shot when trying to escape’ or an he may have been fired on without warning. It is not clear if Cronin was a member of the IRA.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 315
Feb-27-21/5	Patrick Connellan of Lisseycasey, Co. Clare is shot by a patrol of from the BA’s Royal Scots regiment for allegedly fleeing when told to stop.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 315
Feb-28-21/1	Six IRA prisoners are executed in the Military Detention Barracks in Cork City. The names of the six IRA prisoners were Sean Allen; Timothy McCarthy; Thomas O'Brien; Daniel O'Callaghan; John Lyons and Patrick O'Mahony.  Sean Allen was from Bank Place, Tipperary and a member of the Tipperary No. 3 Brigade and was convicted of possession of a revolver on January 19th. The other five were captured after the Dripsey ambush. In retaliation, the IRA shoot twelve British soldiers – some in civilian clothing - in the streets of Cork City. Of those shot, six were to die – see Feb-28-21/2. See also Mar-12-21/5.	O'Farrell P (1997), pg xvii; O’Donoghue (1986), pg 157; Sheehan (1990), pg 154 & Hart (1998), pg 99; O’Farrell (1997), pg 102; Borgonovo (2007), pg 88; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 315-217; Sheehan (2017), pgs107 & 230
Feb-28-21/2	As noted, in retaliation for the execution of the six IRA prisoners in the Military Detention Barracks, Cork No.1 Brigade of the IRA give orders to the two City battalions to shoot any soldiers found out of barracks in Cork City – while armed or unarmed or whether in uniform or in civilian clothes. Private John Beattie of the Hampshire Regiment of the BA was shot around 7.00pm on the Infirmary Rd. Private Thomas Wise of the RASC was shot a little earlier near Grand Parade. Bandsman Albert Whitear and Signaller George Bowden were shot at the corner of Leycester’s Lane and Glanmire Road. Bowden dies immediately and Whitear the following day. William Gill of the Hampshire Regiment was killed on Patrick’s St and another soldier injured also around 7.00pm. About 8.15pm, Corporal Leonard Hodnett of the RASC was shot on Ballyvolane Rd. In total, six were killed and a number of others wounded. (The BA’s The Record of the Rebellion says that seven BA soldiers were killed and five wounded.)	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 317-318 & 320; Kautt (2014), pg 148
Feb-28-21/3	According to Abbott, a six-man RIC patrol on mess duty is ambushed 100 yards from the RIC barracks in Rosscarbery, Co. Cork by men from the 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd West Cork Brigade led by Battalion Commandant Jim Hurley.  One RIC man is killed - Constable Alfred Brock. However, according to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, Brock was shot in the stomach in unknown circumstances while on mess duty and dies the following day. The CFR says that “Constable Brock ‘was walking past a butcher’s shop in the centre of Rosscarbery [when] he was fired at by civilians, said to have been in hiding close by, and dangerously wounded in the stomach’. He died early the following morning (1 March).” Constable Brock was from England and had seven months’ service with the RIC.	Abbott (2000), pgs 204-205; Abbott (2019), pg 260; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 319-31; Cork Fatality Register
Feb-28-21/4	O’Farrell says that during a fight with Black and Tans in Malinbeg, Co. Donegal, M. O h-Ighne is shot dead. Ó Duibhir gives his name as Michael Heaney and says he was dragged from his house and shot execution-style by two Auxiliaries. Ozseker gives his name as Heeney and quotes the county inspector’s report as saying that he was shot when he pointed a shotgun at the RIC. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin also say that his name was Michael Heeney and say that he was shot by a soldier from the BA’s Rifle Brigade who said that he seen him leaving an outhouse with two guns.	O’Farrell (1997), pg 81; Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 226; Ozseker (2019), pg 125; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 317
Feb-28-21/5	The body of a man was found dead in a lane at Balreask on the outskirts of Navan, Co. Meath. He had been shot a number of times by men from the 2^nd Meath Brigade, IRA. His name is unknown but he is thought to have been from Scotland.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 318
Feb-28-21/6	Lieutenant Victor Murray of the BA’s Cameron Highlanders commits suicide on Spike Island in Co. Cork.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 318
Feb-28-21/8	Richard Boyce is shot by a mixed party of BA soldiers and RIC for failing to halt when challenged at Bawnmore, Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick.	O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 317; Harnett (2002), pg 166
cFeb-1920/1	A follow-up meeting of the southern brigades of the IRA to the meeting of January 6^th – see Jan-06-21/1 - place in Mrs Hickey's, Tubbereenmire, near Glenville, Co Cork.  More Detail	O’Donoghue (1986), pg 153; Deasy (1973), pg 227
Feb-1920/2	Sean Connolly from the North Longford Brigade of the IRA (and GHQ organiser) arrives in south Leitrim and sets about organising ambushes. A number of initial attempts fail. See Mar-03-21/8.	McGarty (2020), pg 93
Feb-1920/3	The Mid-Clare Brigade capture two British Army soldiers near Connolly. One escapes but the other, Private Robinson of the Royal Highland Light Infantry is executed and secretly buried.	Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 229-230
Feb-1920/4	A lorry load of RIC and Special Constables is ambushed at Edergoole on the main Cavan to Enniskillen road by the Wattlebridge company of the IRA. They surrender and are relieved of their arms. Some of the them are released immediately while others are kidnapped and held for some time (but later released).	Lawlor (2011), pgs 107-108
Feb-1920/5	After being instructed by de Valera, Pat McCartan arrives in Moscow as the representative of the Dáil government. However, he is told that the situation is quite different than it was six months previously (when the Soviets offered to recognise the Irish Republic). The Russians were now focusing on a trade deal with Britain. McCartan stays in Moscow until July. In April 1921, the British capture a proposed treaty between the Irish and the soviets – see April-1921/4. The British government publishes the proposed treaty between the Dáil government and the Soviets in an attempt to prove that Sinn Féin and the communists were hand in glove.	Mitchell (1995), pg 192

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