July 1922

Jul 1-5

Fighting in Dublin.  Pro-Treaty forces clear anti-Treaty troops from a number of buildings in the centre of Dublin.   More Detail

O'Farrell P (1997), pg xxii; Hopkinson (1988), pg 124; Curran J M (1980), pg 236; Macardle (1999), pgs 753-754; Brennan (1950), pg 344; Dorney (2017), pgs 89-98;  Walsh (2018), pg 180; Doyle (2008), pgs 103-106; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pgs 103-112

Jul-01

The only two posts in Munster in pro-Treaty hands are Skibbereen and Listowel and these are attacked.  Listowel surrenders on the 1st and Skibbereen on the 4th but see 29th July.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 261

Jul-01

Fighting breaks out in Drogheda between pro- and anti-Treaty forces resulting in the deaths of one pro-Treaty soldier (John Lynch) and one-anti Treaty soldier (Liam Leech). 

Hall (2019), pg 103

Jul-01

Anti-Treaty forces from North and East Mayo join with South Sligo men, led by Frank Carty, and successfully attack a pro-Treaty post at Market House in Colloney. 

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 158

Jul-01

Collins informs cabinet that he has declared himself Commander-in-Chief of the National Army.

Dorney (2017), pg 70

Jul-01

A unionist publican, William Frazer, from Newtownhamiltown, Co. Armagh is abducted by three armed men on his way to Newry.  He is never seen alive again and his body is not found until 1924.  (Lawlor says 1st July and Hall says 6th July.)

Lawlor (2011), pgs 300-301; Hall (2019), pg 96

Jul-02

Anti-Treaty forces attack the pro-Treaty post in the workhouse in Boyle, Co. Roscommon (resulting in the death of Michael Dockery, O/C of the pro-Treaty forces).  The fighting lasts three days until Sean Mac Eoin arrives with re-enforcements and an 18-pound gun.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pgs 158-159

Jul-02

After escaping from the Four Courts, Ernie O’Malley regroups with a number of other anti-Treatyites around Blessington, south of Dublin. They link up with 110 strong column from Tipperary led by Mick Sheehan bringing their strength to about 150 men.  The plan was to move on Dublin but, due to a mix-up between O’Malley and Traynor in Dublin, this move did not happen. 

Dorney (2017), pg 108

Jul-02

Led by Frank Carty (O/C South Sligo) and Tom Carney (O/C East Mayo), anti-Treaty forces capture the workhouse in Colloney, Co Sligo.  They also carry out sniping attacks on nearby Markree Castle (which had been occupied by pro-Treaty forces).  During this sniping, a pro-Treaty soldier (Lieutenant P. J. McDermott from Riverstown, Co. Sligo) is shot dead. 

 

In Sligo Town, anti-Treaty forces abandon the military barracks (after burning it) which they had held and establish a new HQ at Rahelly House near Lissadell.  However, sniping continued in Sligo Town over the next few days one pro-Treaty soldier and one civilian was killed.

Farry (2012), pgs 98-99

Jul-02

After it was evacuated by pro-Treaty soldiers on the 28th June, local anti-Treaty volunteers burnt down Woodstock House near Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny.  (Woodstock House had been occupied by Auxiliaries during the War of Independence and was subsequently occupied by pro-Treaty forces.  The latter were ordered to proceed to Dublin on the first day of the Civil War.)

Walsh (2018), pgs 182-183

Jul-03

Permission given by Provisional Government for the raising of 20,000 men to serve in pro-Treaty Army for six months.  A Call to Arms is issued on the 6th July. 

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 136; Macardle (1999), pg 766

Jul-03

A civilian, Sarah Richardson, is killed by a stray bullet on Mark St. in Dublin.

Dorney (2017), pg 90

Jul-04

Liam Lynch (on the anti-Treaty side) and Donncada Hannigan and Michael Brennan (on the Pro-Treaty side) agree to a truce in Limerick. (Curran says that Hannigan and Brennan did this so as to stall until additional arms arrived from Dublin but that this action made pro-Treaty GHQ suspicious of their loyalty.)

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 239; O’Callaghan (2018), pg 108; Corbett (2008), pg 84

Jul-04

Pro-Treaty forces shell Millmount Barracks in Drogheda which had been occupied by anti-Treaty forces but the latter had evacuated the building before the shelling began.  One civilian, Alice Slowwy, was killed in this operation.

Hall (2019), pg 104

Jul-04

Frank Aiken, O/C 4th Northern Division, writes to Mulcahy saying he will stay neutral, calls for an end to the fighting and calls for the removal of the Oath from the Treaty because “you have the simple national abhorrence of swearing allegiance to a foreign king and allowing part of the Nation to be ruled by people who have a sworn loyalty to that king.”  He also calls for a new IRA army convention and a new constitution framed by the Dáil.  At a subsequent meeting, Mulcahy rejects Aiken’s proposals but Aiken confirms his neutrality.  (Aiken, with Mulcahy’s approval, goes to Limerick to take part in the peace talks happening there – see July 7th and 8th.)

 

Macardle (1999), pgs 761-762; Curran J M (1980), pg 240

Jul-04

Joseph Hurson (15), a Catholic from Unity St., Belfast, was shot in the head by a sniper and subsequently died in hospital.  (McDermott says June 23rd.) Later in the evening, James Mooney (70), a Protestant from Third St., was shot and he dies a couple of days later.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 299; McDermott (2001), pg 259

Jul-04

Memos sent to the press by Provisional Government ordering them to not use the phrase Free State troops but rather National Forces.  Later, in October, more detailed orders given.  For example, anti-Treaty army to be referred to as Irregulars and not Republicans.

Dorney (2017), pgs 147-148

Jul-04

Pro- and anti-Treaty army leaders in Donegal (including Joe Sweeney on the pro-Treaty side and Charlie Daly on the anti-Treaty side) meet for discussions in Wilkin’s Hotel in Churchill. However, as with the earlier meeting in Drumboe at the beginning of June, the meeting does not resolve anything.  

Ó Duibhir (2011), pgs 157-158

Jul-05

The last remaining anti-Treaty men holding out in O’Connell St. surrender- they are led by Cathal Brugha who is shot dead after refusing to lay down his arms.  A large number of the anti-Treaty forces in O’Connell St (including leaders such as Traynor, de Valera, Barton, Art O’Connor, Stack) had slipped away in the previous days.  Large parts of O’Connell St and the Four Courts are in ruins – damage estimated at between 3 and 4 million pounds.

The Irish Independent states that “The Irish government was obliged to take action against the Irregulars who had defied, not British but Irish government”

 

Macardle (1999), pgs 753-754; Curran J M (1980), pg 236; Dorney (2017), pgs 96-97 & 103; Townshend (2014), pg 410

Jul-05

Anti-Treaty volunteers, who had taken over an unoccupied house, at Curraghtown near Trim, Co. Meath, are surrounded by pro-Treaty forces.  In the ensuing fighting, pro-Treaty Commandant Sean Nolan (from Hospital St, Kildare Town) and anti-Treaty volunteer George McDermott are killed. 

Durney (2011), pgs 81-82

Jul-05?

A young girl, Margaret Byrne, from Thomas Court, Dublin dies after her ‘face was blown away’ and William Byrne of Abbey St dies after being shot in his stomach.

Dorney (2017), pg 90

Jul-05

Two anti-Treaty volunteers (Laurence Sweeney and Sylvester Sheppard) are killed in fighting near Castledermot, Co. Kildare.  Sweeney is from Stillorgan, Co. Dublin and Sheppard is from Kill Cottages, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.  The anti-Treaty forces suffered further casualties as they retreated from the town.  

Dorney (2017), pg 108; Durney (2011), pgs 82-83

Jul-05

A large force of anti-Treaty men (some 300 men), under Dinny Lacey (O/C of the 3rd Tipperary Brigade of the anti-Treaty army) attack Urlingford Barracks in Co. Kilkenny.  After about three hours, the pro-Treaty garrison of 17 men in the barracks surrender. 

Walsh (2018), pgs 183-184

Jul-05

11 IRA men arrested in a raid on St Peter’s Club in Sultan St in Belfast. A number of IRA reports also found.  A number of IRA men arrested and IRA weapons found in Belfast in this period.  Raids which netted IRA reports and documents gave further names which increased the number of IRA men interned.

 

McDermott (2001), pgs 260-262

Jul-06

Birkenhead says in the House of Commons “the situation is more hopeful than it has been at any moment since this Treaty was come to”.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 126; Macardle (1999), pg 757

Jul-06

Anti-Treaty IRA column of over a 100 men from South Tipperary under Mick Sheehan, which had taken over Blessington and were joined by men from the South Dublin Brigade and others fleeing from Dublin including Harry Boland and Ernie O’Malley – see Jul-02 above.  They were surrounded by the pro-Treaty forces and large numbers captured by the 8th July. Pro-Treaty army proceeds to retake anti-Treaty posts in south Dublin, west Wicklow, south Kildare and north Carlow.  Nearly 200 captured in Blessington, Brittas and Ballymore Eustace.  Two pro-Treaty soldiers were killed in this operation (Privates Patrick Smith and Patrick Doyle) and four were wounded. 

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 142; Curran J M (1980), pg 239

Jul-06

According to Hopkinson, two anti-Treaty volunteers are killed outside Mary Willie’s pub in Urlingford. However, according to Walsh only one was killed, Paddy English from Rehill, Co. Tipperary.

Hopkinson (1988), pg 167; Walsh (2018), pg 184

Jul-06

A 15-year old boy, William Saunderson, is shot dead by pro-Treaty troops outside Mountjoy Prison – they claim that he was signalling to prisoners inside the prison.

Dorney (2017), pg 98

Jul-07

Churchill writes to Collins expressing sympathy for his “terrible ordeal” but maintains that strong measures were essential – “resolution and courage was indispensable if Ireland were to be saved from anarchy and the treaty from destruction”

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 237; Dorney (2017), pg 103

Jul-07

Provisional Government issues a national call to arms.  The title 'National Army' is formalised.

 

O'Farrell P (1997), pg xxii; Curran J M (1980), pg 238

Jul-07

Despite attempts by Liam Lynch (on the anti-Treaty side) and Donncada Hannigan and Michael Brennan (on the pro-Treaty side) to avert clashes, fighting breaks out between the two sides in Limerick. 

Hopkinson says that Hannigan (O/C 2nd Southern and Brennan O/C 1st Western) agreed a truce with Lynch in Limerick on the 7th July (despite protests from General Diarmaid MacManus who had been sent by O’Duffy to prevent any further peace talks).  Hopkinson says that the truce gave the Provisional Government time to build up their forces and caused anti-Treaty forces in Cork and Kerry to become deeply disillusioned.  (On the 6th, Sean Moylan had urged Liam Deasy to take action “Send on the men and let us get on with the war”.)  However, Deasy and Lynch still hoped that Brennan and O’Hannigan would stay neutral but the latter were simply delaying so that they could build up their pro-Treaty troops (backed by armoured cars) in Limerick.

See July 11th.

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 265; Hopkinson (1988), pgs 147-149;  O’Callaghan (2018), pg 108

Jul-07

Pro-Treaty forces take Galway

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 241

Jul-07

Some 50 anti-Treaty volunteers, including their O/C George McCallion, are captured after a brief battle at Skeog House, between Bridge End and Burnfoot in Co. Donegal.  One anti-Treaty volunteer, Hugh Morrison from the Greggan in Derry, was seriously wounded and dies a week later from his injuries.

Ozseker (2019), pg 179; Ó Duibhir (2011), pg 163-165

Jul-07

Two creameries at Chapeltown and Ballymacquin near Tralee, Co. Kerry, owned by the Manchester Co-operative Society, are burnt to the ground

Doyle (2008), pg 109

Jul-08

Frank Aiken travels to Limerick to meet Liam Lynch.  He told him that although he had moral right on his side, it was bad tactics.  However, he does not persuade him to cease fighting.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 762

Jul-08

With Aiken in Limerick, O’Duffy writes to Aiken ordering him to return to his divisional area and take action against the anti-Treaty forces, led by Patrick McKenna, in Dundalk.  He sends similar orders to John McCoy, Adjutant, 4th Northern Division.  McCoy replies saying that the 4th Northern was neutral and O’Duffy threatens to send troops to Dundalk. McCoy replies that such troops would be considered hostile. 

 

Jul-08

Emmet Dalton briefs Macready on military situation and requests further arms and ammunition.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 237

Jul -08

A pro-Treaty soldier, Edward Couglan, is shot in an attack in Amiens St, Dublin and dies a month later.

Dorney (2017), pg 98

Jul-08

A Protestant mob attacks Catholics living in Conway St., Belfast which results in several leaving their homes.  Another attempt to get Catholics to leave their homes the following evening is foiled by Specials based in the Falls Road library and evicted residents of Norfolk and Conway Streets are escorted back to their homes.  Later, a Protestant youth, Frank McAleer, is shot dead by police at his front door in the west of the City. 

 

Parkinson (2004), pgs 299-300

Jul-08

The Kildare Observer reports that pro-Treaty Lieutenant Casey dies of wounds received from sniping by anti-Treaty forces.  He dies in the Curragh Hospital.

Durney (2011), pg 80-81

Jul-09

Liam Deasy (who took over as O/C of 1st Southern Division of anti-Treaty forces from Liam Lynch) writes that “We are getting down to a systematic plan of defence.  At the moment, we are engaged in stretching that important line Waterford to Clonmel taking the River Suir as a line.”  However, Hopkinson claims that the anti-Treaty’s famous Waterford-Limerick defensive line never really existed.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 129

Jul-09

Pro-Treaty Army Sergeant John Byrne was killed by a revolver shot in an attack on his outpost on Harolds Cross bridge in Dublin. Also, Private Gerard O’Connor dies after an attack in Portobello in which two other pro-Treaty soldiers are wounded.

Dorney (2017), pg 98

Jul-09

Special Constable Thomas Cochrane is accidently shot by a colleague in Katesbridge Barracks in Co. Down and later dies of his wounds.

Abbott (2019), pg 404

Jul-09

Officers of the IRA Northern Divisions meet with Collins, Mulcahy and other members of the Beggar’s Bush staff and agree that their campaign in the North should cease.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 223; McDermott (2001), pg 264

Jul-10

Republican prisoners were being released on signing a pledge not to take up arms again against the Provisional Government which said that “while it might be advisable to keep some of the leaders in custody for the present, no good purpose would be served by retaining large numbers of the rank and file, and that the public should be prepared by careful propaganda for an early general release”.  However, as Civil War went on the need for more prison accommodation arose with Kilmainham being re-opened with Sean O Muirthile as governor.  Diarmaid O’Hegarty moved to being governor of Mountjoy.  Gormanstown and the Curragh were also opened.  There were a lot of protests from prisoners about conditions especially in Limerick jail.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 139

Jul-10

Sean Moylan leads a column of anti-Treaty men to New Ross.  After staying around for a few days, he leads them out of there again.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 144

Jul-10

Two pro-Treaty soldiers, Thomas Reilly (from Valleymount, Co. Wicklow) and Paddy Tierney (from Newbridge, Co. Kildare) are approaching Coolcarrigan House (outside Naas, Co. Kildare) with a view to joining the anti-Treaty forces when they are shot at by anti-Treaty volunteers.  Reilly is killed.  Tierney survives but is badly wounded.

Durney (2011), pgs 84-85

Jul-11

Sean O’Hegarty tells Lynch “No other course was open to Griffith and Collins except to attack Rory O’Connor in the Four Courts”.  O’Hegarty and Florence O’Donoghue of Cork No. 1 Brigade remain neutral during the Civil War.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 131

Jul-11

Anti-Treaty forces enter Sligo Town and their Commandant Seamus Devins demands surrender of the pro-Treaty forces in the town but pro-Treaty O/C Martin Fallon refuses.  Following intervention from the RC Bishop of Elphin, the anti-Treaty forces do not attack and withdraw their men from the town.  (Farry says this took place on the 14th July and that the anti-Treaty forces used the Ballinalee armoured car in this foray into Sligo – see 13th July)

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 159;  Farry (2012), pg 99

Jul-11

After 150 pro-Treaty troops arrive in Limerick (see July 7th), Brennan sends Lynch formal confirmation that the truce is over and fighting breaks out.  Neither side gains substantial advantage in the early days of the fighting which lasts until July 21st.  The fighting is concentrated around anti-Treaty held positions.  Thousands of civilians flee and there are a number of civilian casualties.  See July 19th below.  

Hopkinson (1988), pg 149-150; Curran J M (1980), pg 239; O’Callaghan (2018), pgs 108-109; Corbett (2008), pg 84

Jul-11

Harry Little, a Protestant tram driver, goes to the aid of Catholic neighbours who are being evicted in Belfast and is himself shot dead.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg  300

Jul-11

The Londonderry Sentinel reports that William Brown[e] from Bishop St., Derry dies at Derry Infirmary after being brought there by Specials to receive treatment.  He had joined the pro-Treaty army and had been shot by anti-Treaty volunteers during an incident on the Donegal/Derry border at Kilderry.

Ozseker (2019), pg 180; Ó Duibhir (2011), pg 171

Jul-11

An anti-Treaty column, led by Charlie Daly, ambush a pro-Treaty convoy at Drumkeen, on the Stranorlar to Letterkenny road, in Co. Donegal.  Two pro-Treaty soldiers (Jack Sweeney from Milford and Charlie McGinley from Glenswilly) are killed and two others are taken prisoner.  The two prisoners are later released.  A number of anti-Treaty volunteers resign in the aftermath of this ambush.

Ozseker (2019), pg 181; Ó Duibhir (2011), pgs 167-169; Gallagher (2003), pg 40; Grant (2018), pg 139

Jul-12

Liam Lynch moves the anti-Treaty army HQ from Limerick to Clonmel.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 266; Corbett (2008), pg 86

Jul-12

O’Malley informs Lynch that, after leaving Blessington, he had moved his column south and captured a number of towns including Enniscorthy. Paddy O’Brien (who had commanded the Four Courts garrison) is killed during the taking of Enniscorthy.

Dorney (2017), pgs 108-109

Jul-12

With his O/C, Frank Aiken, still in Limerick, John McCoy (Adj, 4th Northern) has to deal with a small scale mutiny in Dundalk barracks.  The officer in charge of barracks, Dominic Doherty, and five or six other men are court-martialled – Doherty is ordered to leave the area immediately and the rest are imprisoned.

Hall (2019), pg 105

Jul-12

Large raid on train (by anti-Treatyites?) at Churchill, Co. Donegal.

Gallagher (2003), pg 40

Jul-12

Pro-Treaty brigade staff in East Limerick (numbering 47) captured by anti-Treaty forces.

Hopkinson (1988), pg 150

Jul-12

Even though there are disturbances in the early hours of the 12th, the big parades pass off peacefully in Belfast.

Parkinson (2004), pg 200

Jul-13

Provisional Government states that meeting of parliament due to take place on 15th is prorogued again.  Does not meet until September 9th.

Macardle (1999), pg 767; Curran J M (1980), pg 240

Jul-13

Provisional Government appoints a War Council with Michael Collins as Commander-in-Chief; Richard Mulcahy as Minister of Defence and Chief-of-Staff and Eoin O'Duffy as assistant Chief-of-Staff.  Hopkinson says that this War Council never met again. There is also a re-organisation of the pro-Treaty army and Provisional Government More Detail 

 O’Donoghue (1986), pg 266; Litton (1995) pg 82; Hopkinson (1988), pg 136 & 139; Curran J M (1980), pgs 239-240; Dorney (2017), pg 105

Jul-13

Writing from the Dublin mountains to Joe McGarrity in the States, Harry Boland says “I am certain we cannot be defeated even if Collins and his British guns succeed in garrisoning every town in Ireland”.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 132

Jul-13

Kilmallock and Caherconlish (Limerick) taken by anti-Treaty forces.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 150

Jul-13

Pro-Treaty forces attacked at Rockwood, Co. Sligo (on the shores of Lough Gill) by anti-Treaty forces under Frank Carty.  Five pro-Treaty soldiers (Farry say four) are killed (including pro-Treaty Comdt Sean Adare) and four wounded.  Remaining pro-Treaty soldiers surrender.  Anti-Treaty forces also capture the armoured car called the Ballinalee (which they re-name Lough Gill). 

After this, General Sean Mac Eoin took a force of 300-400 pro-Treaty soldiers from Athlone and re-captures Colloney following a four-hour battle. (O’Farrell and Farry says 14th.)

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 159; O'Farrell P (1997), pg 141 & 142; Farry (2012), pg 99

Jul-13

Robert Boyd, a protestant, is crushed by a Crossley tender during minor disturbances in the Newtownards Rd. area of Belfast and dies a few days later.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 301

Jul-14

Frank Aiken, on returning from Limerick, meets with his officers of 4th Northern Division and they agree that unless the Provisional Government withdraws the Oath for admission to Parliament then they would give them no support – moral or material. He then went to Dublin to talk to Mulcahy on the 15th.  Mulcahy asked for a memo on how a resolution on how the situation of the 4th Northern might be resolved.  See 16th July for how Mulcahy thought the situation might be resolved. 

 

Macardle (1999), pg762; Curran J M (1980), pg 241; Hall (2019), pg 106

Jul-14

Cabinet of Dáil Eireann issues order suspending the sittings of the republican Supreme Court.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 768

Jul-14

An anti-Treaty volunteer, John Dobbyn, is accidently killed by a fellow volunteer near Dungarvan, Co. Waterford during the retreat of anti-Treaty forces.

McCarthy (2015), pg 110

Jul-15

Liam Lynch moves the anti-Treaty HQ from Clonmel to Fermoy.  In Limerick, pro-Treaty forces launch an attack on Strand Barracks and Castle Barracks but they are repelled. Pro-Treaty forces realise that they will require artillery to take these positions.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 266; Corbett (2008), pg 88

Jul-15

Frank Crilly, a Protestant, is shot on his way home after curfew.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 301

Jul-15

Anti-Treaty Forces snipe at pro-Treaty positions in mid and west Clare.  They also destroyed a number of bridges.  Later, they captured Kilrush and Kilkee  with the loss of one volunteer, Patrick O’Dea.   (Ó Ruairc also says that Eoin O’Duffy, Michael Brennan and Sean MacEoin held a conference on this day in Quinn’s hotel in Ennis with officers of the 1st Western Division.)

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 307

Jul-16

Frank Aiken, O/C 4th Northern Division, who had kept his Division neutral, is arrested by pro-Treaty forces, led by Dan Hogan, in Dundalk Military Barracks along with 300 of his men.  Aiken says that he woke up with “two Thompsons at my nose”.

(Hopkinson says Dan Hogan, O/C 5th Northern Division, acted on his own initiative in capturing Dundalk barracks with backing from Eoin O’Duffy.  O’Duffy wished to force Aiken’s hand while Mulcahy would have allowed him his neutrality.  It would seem from future correspondence between Aiken and Mulcahy that Mulcahy may not have been aware that Dundalk was to be taken by his pro-Treaty troops.  However, it is also possible that Mulcahy and O’Duffy were playing ‘good-cop, bad-cop’ with Aiken.) 

Aiken had met with Mulcahy the previous day in Dublin -  see 15th.  There were no casualties in the take over the Military Barracks but two men were killed when the pro-Treaty forces were taking over the former RIC barracks in Anne St.  The two men were Patrick Quigley and John Joseph Campbell.  (Dooley says 15th July.  Also, Hall says that Quigley was wounded.)  See July 27th. 

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 170; Gavin and O’Donnell (1999), pg 34; Dooley (2017a), pg 107; Hall (2019), pg 106

Jul-16

The anti-Treaty volunteers who were in occupation of the fort on Inch Island on the Inishowen Penninsula in Co. Donegal surrender after a 10-day siege after artillery was used by the pro-Treaty forces. Thirty-three anti-Treaty volunteers arrested.  On seeing what the use of artillery could do to a fixed position, Sean Lehane (O/C of the anti-Treaty forces in Donegal) decides to abandon their last post in Donegal in Glenveagh Castle and form columns which would stay ‘on the run’.

Ozseker (2019), pg 180; Ó Duibhir (2011), pgs 170-174

Jul-17

Commandant General John T. Prout leads his Pro-Treaty forces from Kilkenny to attack Waterford city.  (Paddy Paul was his second-in-command.)

More Detail

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 154; Curran J M (1980), pg 241; McCarthy (2015), pg 106-108; Walsh (2018), pgs 186-187

Jul-17

Anti-Treaty Captain Sean O’Halloran is killed during a clash between pro- and anti-Treaty forces at Bunahowe on the road between Gort and Ennis in Co. Clare.

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 307

Jul-17

Pro-Treaty army said to consist of 15,000 men.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 136

Jul-19

Fighting in Limerick.  See July 11th.  After further pro-Treaty reinforcements arrive in Limerick City (under O’Duffy) the fighting intensifies with artillery being used by the pro-Treaty side to reduce the Strand Barracks to rubble.  The fighting is over by 21st July. 

Hopkinson and Doyle say eight pro-Treaty soldiers are killed and between 20 and 30 anti-Treaty soldiers killed.  However, O’Callaghan says six pro-Treaty soldiers, five anti-Treaty soldiers and eleven civilians are killed.  One of the anti-Treaty casualties was Volunteer Patrick Foran from Lisellton, Co. Kerry.

Hopkinson (1988), pgs 149-150; Curran J M (1980), pg 239; O’Callaghan (2018), pg 109; Corbett (2008), pgs 91-96; Doyle (2008), pg 111; O'Farrell P (1997), pg xxii; Curran J M (1980), pg 239

Jul-19

The Protestant church in the village of Ahascragh, Co. Galway is subjected to an arson attack.  This is the most prominent act in a campaign of low level intimidation against Protestants in the area and in neighbouring Ballinasloe. The attack is condemned by the local Catholic clergy.  (Subsequently, the Free State government paid £7,500 in compensation for the damage to the church under the Damage to Property Compensation Act 1923.)

McNamara (2018), pgs 176-179

Jul-20?

Two pro-Treaty soldiers (Privates John Foran and John Martin) killed in successive nights in attacks outside Mountjoy prison in Dublin. 

Dorney (2017), pg 111

Jul-21

During a sniping attack on Wellington Barracks in Dublin by anti-Treaty volunteers, a civilian is killed.  This is part of a campaign of attacks and sniping by Dublin anti-Treaty volunteers as they start to regroup after their defeat in the Four Courts and O’Connell St earlier in the month. 

Dorney (2017), pg 111

Jul-21

Ernie O’Malley (who had been appointed Assistant Chief-of-Staff of the anti-Treaty army on the 10th July by Liam Lynch and given command of the Northern and Eastern divisions), writes to Lynch asking “Could you give me an outline of your Military and National Policy as we are in the dark here with regard to both?”

 

Hopkinson (1988), pgs 129 & 144

Jul-23

Having secured Limerick City, some pro-Treaty troops are sent to Ennis, Co. Clare where they attack anti-Treaty positions and engage in wide-spread sweeps to arrest known anti-Treaty men.

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 308-309

Jul-23

A report on the Curragh command states that JJ O’Connell (O/C Curragh command) has little knowledge of his command.

Pro-Treaty Commandant Paddy O’Connor passed through the Curragh around this time.  He says “The place was in chaos and it was difficult to find anyone in authority.” He does not name O’Connell but says that it was a surprise to find the place in chaos as an “alleged army expert had been posted there to handle organisation and training”. 

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 157; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pg 117

Jul-23

Pro-Treaty forces following the anti-Treaty forces who evacuated Limerick get stuck down in Bruff-Bruree-Kilmallock triangle. Fighting continues in this area for about two weeks – sometimes resembling trench warfare.  See July 26th.

 

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 242; O’Callaghan (2018), pg 109

Jul-23

Pro-Treaty forces under Commandant General Edward Cooney arrive in Claremorris, Co. Mayo where they are greeted as liberators.  O/C of anti-Treaty 2nd Western Division, Tom Maguire, orders the burning of Ballinrobe RIC station and retreats west.

Price (2012), pg 216

Jul-23

Two Catholic girls (aged 12 and 20) are shot by members of the Sussex Regiment near Jonesborough, Co. Armagh.

Lynch (2010), pg 201

Jul-24

Westport Landing Pro-Treaty forces land by sea at Westport.  They had left Dublin on the 22nd in the Minerva under Colonel-Commandant O’Malley with 400 men. (Price says that they were led by Brigadier General Joe Ring.) Michael Kilroy, O/C of anti-Treaty 4th Western Division orders the burning of the RIC barracks and post office in Castlebar (but the burning of latter is prevented by local people).

After taking Westport, most of the main towns in Mayo were taken by the pro-Treaty forces in the next few days.  (Price says by end of August.)  By the end of the month, small pro-Treaty garrisons are being closed down and troops withdrawn to the Curragh for training (in anticipation of guerrilla war).

 

O'Farrell P (1997), pg xxii; Hopkinson (1988), pg 160; Macardle (1999), pg 761; Price (2012), pgs 220-221 & 225

Jul-24

Four pro-Treaty soldiers are shot dead by anti-Treaty men at Ballingaddy, near Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.  It would appear that they were shot after surrendering.  See also 28th July.

O’Callaghan (2018), pg 110

Jul-24

A train carrying prisoners is ambushed at Killurin, Co. Wexford and a number of prisoners escape.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 198

Jul-24

Mrs Nellie McDonagh is shot dead during a break in to her home in Riverstown, Co. Sligo by a group of youths looking for a gun they think is in the house.  This is symptomatic of a widespread rise in lawlessness during this period.

Farry (2012), pg 107

Jul-25

Harry Boland writing to Joe McGarrity in the States asks “Can you imagine, me on the run from Mick Collins?”

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 132

Jul-25

Writing to Ernie O’Malley, Liam Lynch says “Since the attack on GHQ Four Courts and the splendid rush to arms of IRA in defence of the Republic against domestic enemies we are finished with the policy of compromise and negotiation unless based on recognition of the Republic. … we have no intention of setting up a government but await such time as An Dáil will carry on as Government of the Republic … In the meantime, no other Government will be allowed to function.”

Dorney (2017), pg 106

Jul-25

Collins writes to Cosgrave asking him to be less abusive in the propaganda about the anti-Treaty forces.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 140

Jul-25

Pro-Treaty forces discover an anti-Treaty column led by Kit McKeon (from Longford) hiding in Brize House on the road between Claremorris and Balla in Co. Mayo.  In the ensuing gunbattle, there are a number of injuries but no fatalities.  The anti-Treaty column of 13 men surrenders. 

Price (2012), pg 224

Jul-26

A grenade attack by anti-Treatyites on pro-Treaty troops in York St, Dublin misses its target and wounds six civilians

Dorney (2017), pg 111

Jul-26

Provisional Government agree to an army strength of 35,000

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 136

Jul-26

O’Duffy reports serious reverses on the advance towards Kilmallock. Some of his troops in Bruff had deserted to the anti-Treaty side.  Thirty of his men had been captured between Kilmallock and Bruff on the 22nd and forty-seven captured on the 23rd near Thomastown. 

(After he had established himself in Limerick, O’Duffy had sent Brennan and his men to clear up resistance in Clare and 200 men under Brigadier Keane is sent to towards Rathkeale and onto Kerry.  He himself with O’Hannigan and W R E Murphy moved towards Kilmallock.  Hopkinson states that during this period, the Bruff-Bruree-Kilmallock triangle saw the heaviest continuous fighting of the Civil War.)  O’Duffy very critical of the quality of his troops. 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 150-152; O’Callaghan (2018), pg 110

 

Jul-26

Pro-Treaty forces (some 300 men) under Jerry Ryan surprise anti-Treaty forces at Golden, Co. Tipperary.  Three days later the anti-Treaty forces tried to re-take Golden but without success.  This was followed by the pro-Treaty forces taking Tipperary Town.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 168

Jul-26

An anti-Treaty column staying in farmhouses are surprised by   pro-Treaty troops at the Glen near Glenties, Co. Donegal.  Four (or two) anti-Treatyites are subsequently arrested (including Joseph McGurk of Tyrone who was QM of the anti-Treaty 2nd Northern Division) but most of the column escapes over the Blue Stack mountains.

In a related incident, two pro-Treaty soldiers – Corporal Albert Devine and Private James Scallon – were killed. (They were killed by Donncha MacNelis who apparently they mistook for a priest.)

Ozseker (2019), pg 189; Ó Duibhir (2011), pgs 177-178; Gallagher (2003), pg 41; Grant (2018), pg 139

Jul-26

Writing a memo on the General Situation, Collins wrote “we now have a force that means something in future dealings with Britain and the North East … The present fight [Civil War] is only training our troops, it gives our soldiers confidence”.

Dorney (2017), pg 128

Jul-27

Con Moloney (Adjutant-General of anti-Treaty army) reports to Divisional O/Cs that “Organisation is bad in most areas, Coys are not paraded, Council meetings etc. are not being held and reports are not being forwarded.”

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 130

Jul-27

Oscar Traynor and a number of other senior anti-Treaty officers are arrested at Baggot Street Bridge. Traynor replaced by Frank Henderson as O/C anti-Treaty Dublin Brigade.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 145; Dorney (2017), pg 113; Townshend (2014), pg 415

Jul-27

Writing to Luke Gibbons, Harry Boland says that “There is no doubt that the people in the main is against us at present, believing that we are to blame for the present state of affairs”.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 127-127

Jul-27

Frank Aiken and 105 fellow prisoners escape from Dundalk Jail after the walls of the prison are mined.  The V/C or Adjutant of the 4th Northern, John McCoy, had escaped capture on the 16th July and organised the escape.  (However, McCoy himself was later captured in an engagement on the Castleblayney road in which a number of pro-Treaty soldiers were killed.  Hall names only one, Private J F McCaffrey.)

Aiken escapes but, even then, would not commit to the anti-Treaty side.  He retreats, with his men to the Cooley peninsula – see 14th August.

Some 60 of the 105 escapees are back in custody within a week.

(Macardle says 28th.) 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 170; Macardle (1999), pg 763; Curran J M (1980), pg 241; Dooley (2017a), pg 107; Hall (2019), pg 108

Jul-27

Special Constable David Sugenor is accidentally shot dead by a colleague in Smithfield Barracks in Belfast.

Abbott (2019), pg 413

Jul-28

Pro-Treaty forces ambushed at Maryborough resulting in the deaths of Commandant-General McCurtain and Commandant Collison (the two main pro-Treaty officers in Laois-Offally) and Capt Gantly.  Twenty-four of the ambushers are captured.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 157

Jul-28

Pro-Treaty forces take Tubbercurry, Co Sligo.  Last town in Sligo in anti-Treaty hands.  Afterwards, anti-Treaty forces increasingly take to guerrilla tactics.

Farry (2012), pg 100

Jul-28

Four pro-Treaty soldiers are shot dead by anti-Treaty men at Ballygibba, near Bruree, Co. Limerick.  It would appear that they were shot after surrendering.  Their names were Power, Murphy, Carey and O’Mahony.  Same as July 24th?

O’Callaghan (2018), pg 110

Jul-28

Pro-Treaty forces, under Tom Glennon, capture Glenveagh Castle in Co. Donegal.  This was the last fixed position held by the anti-Treatyites in Donegal. 

Ozseker (2019), pg 188

Jul-29

Patrick McGivern fatally wounded by a gunman on the Old Lodge Road, Belfast.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 301

Jul-29

IRA man, Dominick Wilson, taken from his home in Annagh, near Desertmartin, Co. Londonderry by men in police caps and shot dead.  He was badly beaten before he was shot.

Grant (2018), pg 136; Lawlor (2011), pg 310-313

Jul-29

Pro-Treaty forces in Foynes, Co Limerick give up their post.

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 152

Jul-29/30

Pro-Treaty forces under Paddy O’Connor and Jerry Ryan take Tipperary Town.  The pro-Treaty forces of some 500 men were made up of the Dublin Guard and local men.  Pro-Treaty soldiers also take Ballina in Co. Mayo.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 242; Price (2012), pg 225; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pgs 118-120

Jul-30

Harry Boland is shot during his arrest by pro-Treaty troops in the Grand Hotel in Skerries – he is to die on the 2nd August. Joe Griffin, D/I of anti-Treaty Dublin Brigade, is arrested in same incident.  Austen Stack subsequently is made anti-Treaty IRA QM General.

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 274; Hopkinson (1988), pg 132; Macardle (1999), pg 776-777; Dorney (2017), pg 113; Townshend (2014), pg 415

Jul-30

Pro-Treaty forces, led by O’Duffy, carry out a two-pronged attack on Bruree and capture it after a five-hour battle.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 242

Jul-30

Pro-Treaty troops, who are raiding a public house in the early hours of the morning in Blackmill Street in Kilkenny City, shoot at some men fleeing from the back of the pub.  One is shot and dies shortly afterwards.  He name is Samuel Oakes, a 21-year old employee of Smithwick’s Brewery. 

 

Jul-31

Mac Eoin reports to Collins that “In the Midlands Divisions all posts and positions of military value are in our hands.”

 

Hopkinson (1988), pg 157

Jul-31

Replying to Collins letter of the 28th June, Churchill said that he doubted the advantage of Proportional Representation to the Catholic minority and that the refusal of nationalists to recognise the NI government robbed Collins’ arguments of much of their substance.

 

Phoenix (1994), pg 244

End-Jul

Over 1,000 anti-Treaty prisoners held in Dublin.

Dorney (2017), pg 112

Jul

Rathangan Barracks, Co. Kildare attacked by about 60 anti-Treaty men under Jim Dunne and Paddy Brennan.  The pro-Treaty garrison of about 35 men is forced to surrender after an hour’s fighting.  No fatalities but 10 pro-Treaty men wounded and the anti-Treatyites make away with a considerable cache of arms and ammunition.

Durney (2011), pg 81

Jul

In a memo to Cabinet, Collins writes the Civil War is “a fight for national freedom” and for the “freest and most democratic system yet devised”.  Also, that “the Army has to recognise that it is the servant and not the master of the people”

Dorney (2017), pg 129

Jul

In a series of reports during July to Mulcahy, Seamus Woods in Belfast paints a very sombre picture of the state of the nationalist population in NI in general and the bad state of the military preparedness of his IRA forces.  After two years of unremitting bloodshed “The spirit of the people is practically dead” and had a deep sense of having been abandoned by the southern government.  Their mood was “for a peace policy and recognition of the northern government”.

 

Phoenix (1994), pgs 245-246

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