January 1921

Jan-01

With British Government authorisation, the military governor in Cork, General Strickland, orders the burning of six or seven houses in Midleton, Co Cork after the ambushes on the 29th December in which three policemen had been killed.  This is the first of Macready's 'Official reprisals'.  The formal notice told the house owners that their houses were being burnt because they “had failed to give information to the Military or Police Authorities”. However, if they had done so, they could have faced with a reaction from the IRA so they were in an invidious position.   

(Abbott says seven houses were destroyed by troops under the command of Brigadier-General Higginson.  Gallagher gives Strickland’s official statement which names the owners of the seven houses.  Gallagher also gives a series of official and unofficial reprisals over the next two weeks around the country.) 

Commenting on the policy of official reprisals, Townshend says “When the British military finally initiated ‘official reprisals’ … the policy of systematic republican retaliation took off, and ensured that official reprisals weighed at least as heavily on loyalists as republicans.  Thereafter the policy’s attraction would inexorably wane.”

Abbott (2000), pgs 168-69;  Townshend (1975), pg 149; Gallagher (1953), pg 271; Abbott (2019), pg 217; Townshend (2014), pg 164

Jan-01

One RIC man (Constable Michael Malone) and one civilian (John Somerville who was a Presbyterian) killed and three RIC men wounded on the main street of Ballybay, Co Monaghan. 

Somerville may have been killed when going to the aid of the RIC man or he may have been deliberately targeted.  (Lawlor says that he was drinking in a public house in which RIC men had taken refuge after they were shot at and volunteered to leave the pub to alert the police in the RIC barracks.)

There were 16 men in the attacking IRA party – most of them were arrested in the aftermath of the attack. One of them, Patrick McCabe, received such a beating and kicking that he almost died. 12 of those arrested were subsequently sentenced to death but were saved from hanging by the Truce in July 1921.   

Hopkinson (2002), pg 147; Abbott (2000), pgs 179-180; Dooley (2017a), pg 86; Lawlor (2011), pgs 87-90

Jan-01

J. Lawlor from Ardfert, Co. Kerry dies as does D. Tobin from Ballinalackin, Co. Limerick.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 111 & 119

Jan-03

The unoccupied RIC barracks in Dungloe, Co. Donegal is burnt by the IRA – so is the coast guard station in Burtonport.

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 204

Jan-04

Ten policemen were attacked on Parnell Bridge, Cork City resulting in the deaths of two RIC men (Constable Thomas Johnson and Constable Francis Shortall), the wounding of four other policemen and the wounding of five civilians.  (In the 2019 edition of his book, Abbott says 1st January.)

Abbott (2000), pg 180-181; Abbott (2019), pg 229

Jan-04

Newmarket Battalion IRA, Cork No. 2 Brigade, under Sean Moylan, ambush British military at Meelin, Co Cork.  No casualties on either side.

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 129

Jan-04

George Murnaghan writes to Griffith asking for guidance on what line Sinn Féin in the north should take to the elections for the Northern Parliament due to take place in May.  Griffith writes a memo for his cabinet colleagues putting forward the two alternatives that Murnaghan put forward (1) contest the elections with the view of elected members joining Dáil or (2) boycott completely. 

Phoenix (1994), pg 107

Jan-04?

Humphrey Murphy takes over as O/C Kerry No. 2 Brigade from Dan O’Mahony after GHQ sends Andy Cooney to Kerry.

Horgan (2018), pg 4

Jan-04

Referring to the official reprisals on the 1st January, the Daily Express says “This is, of course, martial law.  It is legal and disciplined.  It is, we believe, necessary. But it is horrible.” The official reprisals became a focus point of the ongoing propaganda war. 

Abbott (2019), pg 217

Jan-05

In retaliation for previous day's ambush, British forces burn six houses in Meelin, Co. Cork and kill an inoffensive youth called Morgan Sweeney.

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 130

Jan-05

Finbar Darcy, an ex-Alexian Brother, is shot dead in the Imperial Hotel, Cork during a raid by British forces.

O'Farrell P (1997), pg 25

Jan-05

The IRA shoot dead Michael Cassidy on the farm of James Campion (where Cassidy worked) in Knocknadogue, 5kms from Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.  A placard was placed on his body stating “Spies beware – killed by the IRA”.  It would seem that the IRA found out that Cassidy was sending information to the RIC via raids that they made on the local postal services.

Walsh (2018); pgs 77-78

Jan-05

RIC Sgt Peter John McArdle was shot in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon on the night of 5th January 1921 and died on 30th January in Dublin.  

 

Both Abbott and Herlihy say that Sgt McArdle was killed on the 12th October at the Fourmilehouse ambush near Ballinderry – See 12th October 1920. 

 

Research by Dr Kay MacKeogh, which draws on RIC records, BMH statements, the proceedings on the Military Court of Inquiry into Sgt McArdle’s death (held in Lieu of an Inquest) and contemporary newspaper reports, shows that Sgt McArdle was shot in Strokestown on the 5th January.   Her research also reveals a number of unanswered questions surrounding the killing of Sgt McArdle -  This research is given in More Detail

 

 

See More Detail Abbott (2019), pgs 169-170 and Herlihy (2016), pg 259

Jan-06

Meeting at William Barry's, Ballylegan, Glanworth, Co Cork of IRA Brigade Officers from the three Cork Brigades, two Tipperary Brigades (Numbers 2 and 3) and the East Limerick Brigade. More Detail 

O’Donoghue (1986), pgs 149-153

Jan-06

Meeting between Llyod George and Fr O'Flannagan, Acting Vice-President of Sinn Féin (along with Lord Justice O'Connor)  -  Hopkinson claims that Llyod George's objective was to set up communications with de Valera.

Hopkinson (2002), pg 186

Jan-06

Chief Secretary (Greenwood) issues a direct order to his Under Secretary (Anderson) to release the editor and proprietor of the Freeman's Journal who had been sentenced to six months in prison for 'spreading a false report'.  The reaction of the British press forced the British Government to release him but Anderson had procrastinated on the order to release as he did not like it.

Townshend (1975), pgs 158-159

Jan-06

Men from the East Waterford Brigade IRA, under Paddy Paul (assisted by West Waterford men under George Lennon), tried to replicate the Pilltown Cross ambush (see 1st November 1920).  This time the feint attack was on the barracks in Tramore while most of the IRA lay in ambush at Pickarstown Cross, a mile from Tramore on the Waterford side.   As expected, the police in Tramore summoned help from Waterford City.  However, not only did the British send more help than anticipated (four lorries instead or one or two) but, also one of the volunteers shot prematurely and this alerted the British.  A fire fight ensued – most of the ambushers withdrew but one section was caught and suffered two dead (Michael McGrath and Thomas O’Brien) and two badly wounded (Michael Wyley and Nicholas Whittle).    There was much recrimination in the East Waterford Brigade in the wake of this ambush.  A subsequent investigation by IRA GHQ concluded that, due to its inexperience, the East Waterford Brigade should not have undertaken such a large ambush.

McCarthy (2015), pgs 75-7; O’Farrell (1997), pg 112

Jan-07

RIC District Inspector Thomas McGrath, who is leading a patrol at Kilshrewly, near Ballinalee, Co. Longford searching for Sean MacEoin (O/C Longford Brigade IRA), knocks on a cottage door. McKeon opens the door and fires at point blank range at McGrath.  He dies of a wound to the head.  Sean MacEoin throws out a grenade, which wounds other members of the patrol and he escapes out the front door.  An account of this incident, from the RIC perspective, is given in Leeson.  (Hayes et al say it happened on Jan 9th.)

Abbott (2000), pgs 181-182; Hayes et al in The Kerryman (1955), pg 214; Hopkinson (2002), pg 142; Leeson (2012), pg 144-145

Jan 07/08

Three members of the Ulster Special Constabulary from Camlough, Co. Armagh are wounded in an ambush at Carrickbracken.  The following night a shop and houses in the area are burnt down by men in police uniform.

Lawlor (2011), pgs 91-92

Jan-08

Three IRA men are sleeping in the Leonard’s house in Kennyboro’, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon when it is surrounded by the RIC.  Two of the IRA men manage to escape but Paddy Durr does not.  He is taken outside and shot dead. (O’Callaghan says 6th.)

 

Also, in Galway City, two prisoners died of ‘fever’ in the first week of January while being held in the Town Hall. They were Michael Mullins and Patrick Walsh.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 107; McNamara (2018), pg 143; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 78-79

Jan-09

The Mid-Clare Brigade Flying Column, 70 men strong, try to ambush a large convoy of lorries containing a mixed force of RIC men and British soldiers near Caherea, on the Ennis to Kilrush road.  However, their ambush position had been given to the Crown Forces and the ambushers had to fight their way out of an attempt to outflank them.  After this incident, the large brigade flying column was broken up into a number of smaller flying columns.

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 213-216

Jan-09

Acting on information received, the RIC (led by Head Constable Wray) raid Beckett’s saw mill in Shamble St, Ballina, Co. Mayo.  They capture a large supply of arms and ammunition.  They also arrest Patrick Coleman who is tortured by RIC DI White and Sergeant O’Brien.  Coleman manages to escape when he is brought outside the town to be shot but he is badly wounded.

Price (2012), pgs 113-116

Jan-09

Joe Greene from Co. Clare is shot dead in a land dispute.

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 328

Jan-09

RIC Constable Frederick Gordon Smyth is killed in a traffic accident in Gormanstown Camp.

Abbott (2019), pg 412

Jan-10

Newly formed Dublin Brigade ASU attacks an ‘enemy motor car’ on Charlemont Bridge.

Townshend (2014), pg 248

Jan-11

Collins replies to Griffith’s memo (see January 4th) on the Northern elections saying that the elections should be contested with those elected joining the Dáil.

Phoenix (1994), pgs 107-108

Jan-11

Six or seven masked men enter the home of John Doran from Camlough, Co. Armagh and drag him from his bed and shoot him dead outside. Doran was said to be a prominent Sinn Féiner.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 106; Lawlor (2011), pgs 92-93; Harnden (2000), pg 131

Jan-12

A party of some 150 soldiers from the Dorset regiment board a specially scheduled train in Derry City with the aim of going to Burtonport in west Donegal with the aim of conducting a surprise sweep.  However, the IRA, under Joe Sweeney (O/C No. 1 Donegal Brigade), ambush the train near Kincasslagh Station at Meenbanad.  There are some British army wounded but no fatalities. 

After the ambush, the British dismount and march to Burtonport. Another train is sent to rescue them but it, in turn, is ambushed at Crolly station.  Again, there are no casualties.

Lawlor (2011), pgs 93-96; Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 208-212; Ozseker (2019), pgs 123-124

Jan-13

A lorry with eight RIC men on board is ambushed at Cratloe, Co Clare resulting in the deaths of two policemen (Sgt Stephen Carty and Sgt Jeremiah Curtin).  One IRA man (Matty McGrath) was injured.

The IRA ambush party of 20 men (plus scouts) from the East Clare Brigade is led by Michael Brennan with sections under the command of Joseph Clancy and Austin Brennan.  In the aftermath of the ambush, the IRA men narrowly escape encirclement by a large British military force sent from Limerick.  In reprisal, a number of houses are burnt by the British in the area of the ambush.  (These are the first ‘official’ reprisals in Clare.)

Abbott (2000), pg 182; Brennan (1980), pgs 66-67; Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 217-

Jan-13

An RIC Special Constable (S/Constable Robert Compston) was shot after an ambush near Ballyfarnham Lodge, near Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh by the South Armagh IRA under Frank Aiken.  He was the first member of the relatively newly formed Special Constabulary to lose his life in the line of duty. 

Earlier, a group of five Special Constables had accompanied a local postman, Patrick Kirk, on his rounds as he was delivering the old age pension.  They were attacked and the postman and one Special Constable were wounded.  The constables brought their colleague back for medical attention but left Kirk. 

RIC men came from Dundalk and S/Constable Compston agreed to bring them to the ambush scene.  As they were entering an empty house, a shot rang out and S/Constable Compston was hit.  Lawlor says that he could have been hit the accidental discharge of his own or a colleague’s firearm. Compston is taken to Dundalk hospital but he dies on the way.

They find Kirk and he is still alive.  He too is brought to Dundalk hospital but dies later that evening. 

 

Abbott (2000), pgs 182-183; Lawlor (2011), pgs 97-98

Jan-13

The ASU of the Dublin Brigade of the IRA attacks a lorry carrying Crown Forces on Bachelor’s Walk

Townshend (2014), pg 248

Jan-13

De Valera writes a lengthy memo to Collins on the “Ulster Six Counties”. He said that he was also in favour of contesting the May election as long as Sinn Féin was sure of winning as least ten seats and requested an urgent analysis of electoral figures in the six counties. 

Phoenix (1994), pgs 108-109

Jan-14

RIC Sgt Thomas Kemp is walking up Market St., Armagh City when a bomb is thrown at him - he later dies from his wounds.  A civilian is also wounded.

Abbott (2000), pg 183; Lawlor (2011), pgs 99; Abbott (2019), pgs 232-233

Jan-14

William McGrath, KC (Counsel for Dublin Corporation) shot dead at 129 Altona Tce., North Circular road, Dublin.

O'Farrell P (1997), pg 63

Jan-14

Patrick Sloan and Joseph Tormey (from Moate, Co. Westmeath) internees in Ballykinlar Camp, are shot by a sentry called Murfitt. A military court of enquiry found that the killings were justified but also that Murfitt had contravened the regulations by opening fire.  (Sheehan say 17th)

O’Farrell (1997), pg 94 & 98; Sheehan (2017), pg 360

Jan-15

An extended search by the British Army in Church St/Capel St area of Dublin over the 15th to 17th results in no significant arrests or arms.

Townshend (1975), pg 155

Jan-15

A second attack is made on Kilbrittain RIC Barracks in Co. Cork (See December 31st, 1920).  Again the IRA's explosive failed to ignite and they are forced to withdraw.  IRA attacking party led by Jackie O'Neill.

Deasy (1973), pgs 195-196

Jan-15

Collins replies to de Valera’s memo of the 13th Jan on the Northern Elections and calls for a vigorous policy on the North including getting county (Fermanagh & Tyrone); city (Derry); town and rural councils to give allegiance to the Dáil with a view to making partition unworkable over large areas of the north.   (Phoenix suggests that as early as this point, Collins was beginning to formulate an Ulster policy that would attempt, by reducing the partitioned area, to make the new state non-viable.)

Phoenix (1994), pg 110

Jan-15

The Irish Independent reports that the previous day in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Crown Forces arrested five prominent merchants and made them parade through the streets carrying the Union Jack with one trailing the Republican flag on the ground.  Before they were released they had to kneel and kiss the Union flag while at the same time the Republican flag was burned.  Two days later the Irish Independent carried a report that the merchants were not arrested but “were merely asked to come to the auxiliary headquarters, and that when desired to carry the Union Jacks through the town they did not object”.

O’Malley (1990), pgs 283-284

Jan-17

1,478 internees at this point.

Hopkinson (2002), pg 94

Jan-17

A policeman (Constable Robert Boyd) is shot dead in Mrs Moran's public house in Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary

Abbott (2000), pg 184

Jan-17

De Valera meets with Dr MacRory, RC Bishop of Down and Connor, to discuss the situation in the north.  He reports that the bishop thinks that “all … Nationalist parties will stand down in favour of Sinn Féin”

Phoenix (1994), pg 111

Jan-18

Flying Column of the 3rd (West) Cork Brigade IRA re-assembles at Rossmore under Tom Barry.  (It had been demobilised on the 21st December.)

Deasy (1973), pgs 184 & 196

Jan-18

De Valera sends Collins long letter asking him to go to the States to carry out a number of tasks.  This proposal meets with a lot of opposition (except for Brugha and Stack) and is dropped.

Coogan (1990), pg 204; Townshend (2014), pg 233

Jan-18

Dublin Brigade of the IRA attacks a lorry carrying Crown Forces in Harold’s Cross.

Townshend (2014), pg 248

Jan-18

RIC District Inspector A. H. R. Richmond commits suicide in an hotel room in New Ross, Co. Wexford.

Abbott (2019), pg 412

Jan-19

Following an ambush by the IRA on lorry load of Auxiliaries at Kilroe (four miles from Headford, Co. Galway), Crown Forces go on a sustained campaign of retaliation burning many buildings over the next few days.  Four local farmers’ sons are killed and eight houses burnt.  The four men are Thomas Collins (21) of Keelkill (or Kilkeel), William Walsh (30) of Clydagh, Michael Hoade of Caherlistrane and James Kirwan (22) of Ballinastack.  A number of other civilians were wounded. 

Collins was killed on the 18th or 19th when ‘attempting to escape’ – he had ten bullet wounds including one through his head.  These wounds are inconsistent with being shot ‘attempting to escape’.  It is reported by the commander of the Auxiliaries in the area, Lieutenant Colonel Guard, that he was shot by Sergeant Keeney of the RIC. The other three men were shot ‘attempting to escape’ a few days later.

In his monthly report for January, the RIC County Inspector for the West Galway Riding said, when commenting on the killing of the four men, that “This resolute action on the part of the Crown Forces is having an excellent effect on the peace of the locality.”

 

McNamara (2018), pg 148; Leeson (2012), pgs 56-57 & 184

Jan-19

Dublin Brigade of the IRA attack a lorry carrying Crown Forces on Parliament St. 

Townshend (2014), pg 248

Jan-20

IRA ambush of a police patrol in a Crossley tender at Glenwood, four miles from Sixmilebridge, Co Clare.  This ambush resulted in the deaths of six policemen. Ambush carried out by the Flying Column of the East Clare Brigade led by Michael Brennan.   More Detail 

Townshend (1975), pg 152; Abbott (2000), pgs 186-187; O'Kelly and Mulvey in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 142-150; Brennan (1980), pgs 68-70

Jan-20

When walking with his seven-year-old son, RIC District Inspector Tobias O'Sullivan is shot dead 20 yards from the Police Barracks in Listowel, Co. Kerry by members of the 6th Battalion, Kerry No. 1 (North) Brigade. 

O'Sullivan had led the defence of Kilmallock RIC Barracks - see 28th May 1920 and had been sent to Listowel to restore RIC discipline in the aftermath of the ‘Listowel Mutiny’- see June 19th 1920.

Later, on the basis of information, eight men were arrested and four of these were found guilty.  The information came from a Miss Burke (who had to leave the country) and James Kane (see 11th June 1921).

Abbott (2000), pgs 184-186;  Regan (2007), pg

Jan-20

IRA (3rd Cork Brigade) execute ex-British soldier as spy at Mallowgaton near Laragh.  Shortly afterwards a farmer is tricked by the IRA into admitting he is a spy and he too is shot. 

Deasy (1973), pg 199

Jan-21

P. Donovan from Culnigh, Timoleague, Co. Cork and D. Hegarty from Clanflusk, Co. Cork die as does T. Lawless from Portlaoise.  Also, M. Magee from 20 Osman Pl., Arbour Hill, Dublin.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 106 & 109 & 111 & 113

Jan-21

Thomas Lawless, an ex-British Soldier from Portlaoise, Co. Laois, refuses to open his door to two RIC men and two British soldiers who were looking for a bed for the night.  One of the RIC men, Constable William Wilton, fires his revolver through the front door and kills Lawless.  Wilton is found guilty of manslaughter at a Military Court of Inquiry on January 22nd and he is sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude on the 27th May.  He has the remainder of his sentence remitted on March 9th, 1922. 

Leeson (2012), pgs 90-91 & 250

Jan-21

At first Dáil Cabinet meeting since his return, de Valera demands large scale military activities and reduced level of terrorism but withdraws demand under pressure and gives full support to IRA (and says it is under government control).  Gallagher says that de Valera’s demand was to lead to the raid by the IRA on the Customs House (in May) and that an attack on the Auxiliary HQ in Beggars’ Bush was also considered.

Curran (1980), pg 46; Coogan (1990), pg 204; Gallagher (1953), pg 275

Jan-21

Two RIC men are ambushed near Waterfall, Co. Cork resulting in the death of one (Sgt Henry Bloxham) and the wounding of the other (Head Constable Larkin).

Abbott (2000), pg 187

Jan-21

IRA ambush on an RIC lorry at Drumcrondra Bridge, Dublin is foiled when Auxiliaries arrive on the scene. Six IRA men are captured.  One dies of his wounds and four of remaining five are subsequent hung.  See February 23rd.

Hopkinson (2002), pg 102; Carey (2001), pgs 98-99; Townshend (2014), pg 248

Jan-22

Three off-duty policemen go for a walk near their barracks at Stranooden, Co. Monaghan.  They fail to return and two (Constable Robert Hegarty and Constable Frederick Taylor) are later found dead from bullet wounds.  The third (Constable Sibney Clarke) is found alive the following morning but he dies from his wounds nine days later.  Dooley says that the three RIC men were ambushed after leaving Leonard’s pub in Corcaghan.

Constable Taylor was from Plymouth in England; Constable Clarke was from London and Constable Hegarty was from Cork City.  All three were members of the RIC for short periods. 

Abbott (2000), pg 188;  Dooley (2017a), pg 86; Lawlor (2011), pg 100

Jan-23

The Flying Column of the 3rd (West) Cork Brigade, under Tom Barry, entered Bandon in three sections in an attempt to attack both RIC barracks and the military barracks. Deasy says that the IRA lost one man (Dan O'Reilly of Kilbrittain.)

Deasy (1973), pgs 201-202

Jan-23

A party of 15 ‘A’ Special Constables based in Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh decide (after their time of duty had ended) to go to Clones in Co. Monaghan and break into a public house owned by John O’Reilly.  The RIC in their barracks on the Diamond in Clones are alerted and 12 RIC men go to investigate.  When the RIC men challenge the Specials, who were in the process of looting O’Reilly’s pub, they are shot at by the Specials.  In the ensuing gun battle, one Special (S/Constable McCullagh from Belfast) is killed and another (S/Constable Archdale from Enniskillen) is seriously wounded.  The RIC arrest the remaining Specials and escort them back to Newtownbutler.  (Abbott does not mention the death of Special Constable McCullagh.)

Subsequently, six S/Constables are convicted and sentenced to between five years and three months in prison.  However, it is unclear if they served their sentences. 

Lawlor (2011), pgs 100-103

Jan-23

IRA volunteers from the Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh and Cresslough companies attack the RIC barracks in Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal.  However, the explosives they are using do not have the intended effect and they withdraw after an hour’s firing with no casualties on either side.

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 216

Jan-24?

Thomas Shannon, a judge in the republican courts, is shot dead by Black and Tans in his home at Kilkishen, near Kilkee, Co. Clare.

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 223

Jan-24

RC Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Gilmartin issues a letter saying that men who took part in an ambush "have broken the truce of God, they have incurred the guilt of murder"

O'Malley (2001), pg 97

Jan-26

A second IRA attack on Innishannon RIC Barracks (see August 7th, 1920) fails when the explosives fail to ignite.

Deasy (1973), pgs 202-203

Jan-26

Writing in the London Daily News, Robert Lynd writes: “Various incidents have shown that the incitements of the Weekly Summary have had their natural result in making the Black-and-Tans feel towards their Irish ‘enemies’ as men feel towards wild beasts.”

Gallagher (1953), pg 295

Jan-26

In response to attacks on British Army vehicles in Dublin, the British start carrying IRA prisoners in their lorries while on patrol - however this practice is stopped on the 4th February.  Also, on this date, loitering on Dublin's streets is made an offence under ROIA which reduces IRA ability to mount prepared attacks.

Townshend (1975), pg 153

Jan-26

Three members of the RIC Reserve Force were shot in their beds in the Railway View Hotel, Townhall St., Belfast resulting in the deaths of two (Constable Thomas Heffron and Constable Michael Quinn) and the wounding of the third (Constable Gilmartin). Some hours later a Catholic (Michael McGarvey) is shot in his bed in Bray St.   More Detail

Abbott (2000), pgs 188-189; Parkinson (2004), pgs108-109; McDermott (2001), pg 71

Jan-26

Dublin Brigade of the IRA attack a lorry carrying Crown Forces on Ussher’s Quay.

Townshend (2014), pg 248

Jan-26

A six-man RIC patrol is attacked on Haggard St, Trim, Co. Meath resulting in the death of one policeman (Constable Robert Barney).

Abbott (2000), pg 189; Abbott (2019), pg 240

Jan-28

Hyde Marmion, son of a local JP, is shot dead by the RIC near Salterbridge, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford for allegedly refusing to stop when ordered to do so.

McCarthy (2015), pg 71

Jan-28

T. Blake from Alphonsus Ave., Limerick dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 102

Jan-28

B. Browne from Fealsbridge, Co. Kerry dies

O’Farrell (1997), pg 103

Jan-28

The Flying Column of Newmarket Battalion, Cork No. 2 Brigade IRA, under Sean Moylan, and some East Kerry Volunteers ambushed seven RIC men travelling in two cars at Tureengarriff (or Toureengarriv), Co Kerry (2 miles west of Ballydesmond) resulting in the death of two RIC men including RIC Divisional Commander Philip Holmes.  More Detail

Abbott (2000), pgs 189-191;  O’Donoghue (1986), pg 130; Hopkinson (2002), pg 112 (who gives a date of 28th February);  Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pg 150-154; Lawlor (2009), pgs 200-202

Jan-28

Outside Dripsey, Co Cork, (at Godfrey's Cross on the road to Coachford), the 6th (Donoughmore) Battalion column of the Cork No. 1 Brigade IRA, are lying in ambush for an Auxiliary convoy when they are, in turn, ambushed by Crown Forces (from 1st Battalion, Manchester Regiment).  Ten men are captured, six of whom are badly wounded.  One of the wounded subsequently dies and five more are executed on 28th February.  More Detail   Also see 4th February.

Hart (1998), pg 308; Townshend (1975), pg 153; Sheehan (1990), pgs 90-124; O'Callaghan (1974), pgs 17-19;  Townshend (2014), pgs 239-240

Jan-29

The Longford Leader reports on the killing of two young Protestants from the Ballinalee area in Co. Longford.  One was William Charters (17) who was charged by the IRA of giving information to the RIC which led to the arrest of two republicans.  The other was William Elliott (26) was charged with identifying local people for the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries.

Coleman (2003), pg 153; Lawlor (2011), pg 91

Jan-30

RIC Constable Terrence Sweeney is accidentally shot dead.

Abbott (2019), pg 413

Jan-31

Mrs King, wife of Capt W H King, RIC is killed during attempt to kill Capt King near Mallow Railway station.  In retaliation, British military and Black and Tans kill three railway men (Patrick Devitt, Daniel Mullane and Bennett).

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 133

Jan

The arms dump of the Mid-Limerick Brigade of the IRA discovered by RIC.

McCarthy in The Kerryman (1955), pg 154

Jan

In a raid at Clogheen near Cork City, the British find a large amount of IRA correspondence (from Cork No1 Brigade to/from battalion and from GHQ).  They also got a large haul of rifles, ammunition, explosives, etc.

O'Callaghan (1974), pg 50

Jan

Labour Commission to Ireland publishes its report.  It is very critical of British Government policy in Ireland especially of its security policy.  It stated that the Auxiliaries did not 'seem to recognize even the authority of Dublin Castle' and in creating the Black and Tans, the Government had 'liberated forces which it is not at present able to dominate.'

Townshend (1975), pg 159

End-Jan

The Dáil cabinet agrees on a northern policy which includes intensification of the Belfast Boycott (with Joe McGrath made Director of the campaign); dissemination of propaganda in the six counties area and creation of an election machine.   There is a detailed discussion on the effectiveness and repercussions of the Belfast Boycott in Parkinson.

Phoenix (1994), pg 111;  Parkinson (2004), pgs 73-82

 

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