June 1920

 

Jun-01

Successful raid for arms by Dublin Brigade IRA on King's Inn - 25 rifles, 2 Lewis guns and a quantity of ammunition taken.  (Kevin Barry took part in this raid.)  A number of British soldiers were captured but later released. 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 101; Carey (2001), pg 13

Jun-01

Number 12, Volume 2 of An t-Oglaigh (official publication of the IRA) states "it is our duty to make our guerrilla warfare against the enemy still more intense and menacing; to give his forces not a moment's ease or rest in any part of the country.  This line of action has been followed out to a considerable extent, though not as widespread a manner as it should … Had all the Brigades been equally efficient and equally active, the enemy's hold on the country today would be even more precarious than it is"

Carey (2001), pg 4

Jun-01

Attack by IRA on Blarney RIC barracks fails when a dynamite explosion fails to make breach in the barracks wall.  However, it is subsequently evacuated.  An earlier attack on the Carrigadrohid RIC had led to its evacuation.  Both barracks are subsequently destroyed.

Sheehan (1990), pgs 54-55; O'Callaghan (1974), pg 47

Jun-01

RIC Constable Daniel Crowley resigns in protest against treatment of Sinn Féin members by Black and Tans.  Subsequently, he gave evidence to American Commission on Conditions in Ireland.

O'Farrell P (1997), pg 23

Jun-01

IRA man Patrick Seery from Cluain-Ui-Thaidgh, Co. Westmeath dies of wounds he received during an attack on Clara RIC barracks, Co. Offally.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 93

Jun-01

Attack by IRA from Sligo Town and north Sligo, led by Liam Pilkington, on Fivemilebourne RIC barracks in north Leitrim.  The attack failed but the barracks was subsequently evacuated and burnt by the IRA.

Farry (2102), pg 55

Jun-01

The IRA attack the RIC barracks in Crossgar, Co. Down.  Attack is led by Hugh Halfpenny from Loughlinisland.  The gelignite being used by the IRA malfunctions, and after two hours, the IRA withdraw.  There are no casualties but RIC Sgt Fitzpatrick is badly wounded.

Lawlor (2009), pgs 65-66; Lawlor (2011), pgs 24-25

Jun-03

Lt Colonel Gerard Ferguson Smyth takes up his post RIC Divisional Commander for Munster - he had been recommended by General Tudor who he had served with in the 9th Scottish Division.  See June 19th. 

Abbott (2000), pg 97; Lawlor (2009) pg 43

Jan-02

The RIC barracks in Feakle and Broadford in Co. Clare are attacked by the IRA.  No casualties on either side.

Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 137-138

Jun-02

The Irish Times states the following: “Confidence in the sanctions of British law and order vanished long ago, and the whole countryside now bring their rights and wrongs to the courts of Sinn Féin .”

Gallagher (1953), pg 75

Jun-03/04

IRA attack on Drangan Barracks on Kilkenny/Tipperary border results in destruction of barracks with the capture of some arms.  More Detail

Hopkinson (2002), pg 120; Breen (1989), pgs 112-115; Ryan (1945), pgs 132-137; O'Malley (2001), pgs 27-40; O’Malley (1990), pgs 154-156

Jun-05

IRA, under Diarmuid Hurley, ambushes Cameron Highlanders at Mile Bush (near Middleton, Co Cork).  More Detail

O'Farrell P (1997), pg xvi; Cashman in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 59-63

June-05

The IRA attack the RIC barracks at Brosna, Co. Kerry. There are no casualties on either side.  More Detail

Harnett (2002), pgs 54-56; Horgan (2018), pg 40

Jun-06

General Order No. 6 from GHQ Irish Volunteers orders all Volunteers to support the boycott of the RIC ordered by the Dáil.

O’Donoghue (1986), pg114

Jun-06

RIC Sgt Timothy Holland is shot in Cullyhanna, Co Armagh and later dies of his wounds.  Constable Raisdale (or Rossdale) seriously wounded.  Another Constable (called Rafftery) is seriously beaten.  A civilian, Peter McGreesh from Aughnaduff, is also killed.  It was claimed by the RIC at the inquests that McGreesh was one of the assailants but the doctor said that McGreesh was shot in the back – this contradicted the RIC testimony.

Abbott (2000), pgs 86-87; Lawlor (2011), pgs 26-28; O’Farrell (1997), pg 112

Jun-07

The RIC barracks in Cappawhite, Co Tipperary was attacked by the IRA but the RIC manage to hold out.

Breen (1989), pg 116; Ryan (1945), pg 137; O'Malley (2001), pg 59

Jun-07

In their first major action, No. 1 Tyrone Brigade of the IRA attack Cookstown RIC barracks.  Volunteer Patrick Loughran is fatally wounded.  The IRA had received assistance from an RIC Constable.

McCluskey (2014), pgs 90-91

Jun-09

At the U.S. Republican Party Convention (meeting in Chicago), two resolutions on Ireland are put before the platform committee.  One from de Valera calling for recognition of the Irish Republic and another from Coholan calling for sympathy for the Irish cause.  De Valera’s motion is defeated and Coholan’s is passed but de Valera repudiates it and it is omitted. 

Macardle (1999), pg 369-371

Jun-09

Reported in Belfast Newsletter that General Assembly of Presbyterian Church passed a resolution expressing “sympathy with all loyal citizens who reside in those parts of Ireland where they are exposed to terror and outrage”. 

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 23

Jun-12

Local Elections In local elections for county and rural district councils, Sinn Féin (and nationalists) win control of all but four county councils (these four are Armagh, Derry, Antrim and Down).  Out of 206 rural district councils, republicans were in the majority in 172.   Subsequently, many local councils vote to give allegiance to the Dáil.

Significantly, in the six counties earmarked to become Northern Ireland in the British government’s Bill for Ireland, control of Fermanagh county council was retained by a combination of 6 Sinn Féin and 5 Nationalist county councillors and control of Tyrone county council was seized for the first time by a combination of the same two parties.  Phoenix comments that “Both sides of northern nationalism were jubilant at what they regarded as irrefutable evidence of the unworkability of partition."

In Mayo, all 31 county councillors are Sinn Féin members. In Kildare, 28 of the 29 county councillors are either Sinn Féin or Labour.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg31; Macardle (1999), pg 252; Phoenix (1994), pg 85; Grant (2018), pg 94; Price (2012), pgs 82-83; Durney (2013), pg 102

Jun-12

Two RIC men are shot at in the bar of the Railway Hotel, Limerick. One is killed (Constable John Carroll) and the other Constable Cruise chased the man (Paddy Naughton) who shot at them.  Naughton goes on the run and joins the West Limerick Brigade Flying Column.

Abbott (2000), pgs 87-88; Harnett (2002), pg 70

Jun-12

Constable Thomas King is attacked and killed on the Bantry to Glengarriff road near Snave Bridge as he cycles to his Barracks in Glengarriff.  The IRA is led by Vice-OC, 3rd (West) Cork Brigade, Ted O'Sullivan

Abbott (2000), pg 88; Deasy (1973) pg 108

Jun-13

With the help of insider information (an RIC man named Patrick Buckley), Michael Brennan and number men from the East Clare Brigade sneak into the Newmarket-on-Fergus RIC barracks and capture a number of RIC men who they tie up.  They get away with six rifles, six revolvers, ammunition and intelligence reports.

However, see August 6th. 

Brennan (1980), pgs 52-53

Jun-15

RIC District Inspector Percival Lea-Wilson is shot and killed near his home in Gorey, Co Wexford.  It is alleged that Lea-Wilson was targeted because of his ill-treatment of Tom Clarke in the Rotunda Gardens after his surrender in the wake of the 1916 Rising.

Abbott (2000), pgs 88-89; O’Farrell (1997), pg 101; McGreevy (2019), pgs 10-11

Jun-15

RIC Constable Pierce Doogue is killed by a blow to the head during a riot in the Main St of Belmullet, Co. Mayo.  Doogue was in civilian clothes and on a visit to the town.  He had gone to the aid of beleaguered colleagues.

Abbott (2000), pg 89; Price (2012), pg 287

Jun-16

J. Aherne from Ballyrichard, Co. Cork dies

O’Farrell (1997), pg 102

Jun-17

IRA attack the RIC barracks in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone with the assistance of RIC men.  However, it is unsuccessful and results in the death of one IRA man (Patrick Loughran).  McDermott says that it was not an attack but an attempt to burn Innisrush RIC station in Cookstown.

Abbott (2000), pgs 137-138; McDermott (2001), pg 28; Lawlor (2011), pgs 28-29

Jun-17

Fire opened by RIC on Republican Police who are in the process of escorting prisoners.

Gallagher (1953), pg 81

Jun-18

T. Brett from Drombane, Co. Tipperary dies as does W. McGrath from Cork.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 103 & 112

Jun-19

RIC District Commissioner for Munster, Colonel Gerald Smyth, makes a speech to RIC men in Listowel in which it is alleged that he gave a carte blanche for killing anyone acting suspiciously saying “A policeman is perfectly justified in shooting any man who he has good reason to believe is carrying arms and who does not immediately throw up his arms when ordered”.  This is denied but some RIC men resign including Constable Jeremiah Mee who put his pistol on the table and told Smyth that his speech was an incitement to murder.  When ordered to arrest Mee, the other constables refused - this became known as the 'Listowel Mutiny'.  Fourteen RIC men tendered their resignation.

According to Gallagher, along with Smyth at this meeting, there was General Tudor, Poer O’Shee, Kerry County Inspector RIC; Captain Chadwick of the British army; RM Leatham and Assistant County Inspector Doobbyn.  (According to Macardle, O’Shee also took part in the ‘mutiny’.)  Lawlor gives a detailed account of the mutiny.

 

After a similar speech by Smyth in Killarney a little later, five RIC men resigned.

Abbott (2000), pg 97; Macardle (1999), pg 360-362; Gallagher (1953), pgs 97-98; Lawlor (2009), pgs 38-56; Horgan (2018) , pg 126

Jun-19

The Ulster Herald reports that a large crowd gathered in Strabane, Co. Tyrone to welcome home Daniel Doherty, the president of the local Roger Casement Sinn Féin Cumman, from Wormwood Scrubs after he had spent six months in prison.  (This is typical of many home coming celebrations for released prisoners organised by Sinn Féin throughout the country.)

McCluskey (2014), pg 2014

Jun-20

Plunkett made Associate Sec for Foreign Affairs

Hopkinson (2002), pg 85

Jun-20/24

Widespread riots and shootings in Derry City in which 20 people are killed.   More Detail

Hopkinson (2002), pg xiv; Phoenix (1994), pg 87; Gallagher (2003), pgs 25-29; Gallagher (1953), pg 115; Parkinson (2004), pg 24; Grant (2018), pg 98-102; Lawlor (2011), pgs 15-18; Ozseker (2019), pgs 142-154

Jun-21

An RIC cycle patrol is attacked at Clonee Wood, near Bantry, Co. Cork.  One RIC man (Constable James Brett) is killed and two seriously wounded.  The IRA is under the command of Maurice Donegan, O/C Bantry Battalion, Cork No. 3 Brigade.  Regan says that the constable was a “big, quiet, inoffensive policeman”.  See June 24th

Abbott (2000), pgs 89-90; Deasy (1973) pg 108; Regan (2007), pg 143

Jun-21

In this and subsequent issues of the Irish Bulletin, lists of RIC men who were resigning are published.  (Sinn Féin issue a directive to all cumainn that “every effort should be made to get employment for RIC men who had already resigned” – See 29th July.)

Gallagher (1953), pg 96; Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 148

Jun-21

Joe O’Doherty, Sinn Féin TD for North Donegal, is arrested again.

Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 149

Jun-23

A seven-man British army foot patrol is ambushed and disarmed by a 21-man party of IRA men at the junction of Carmody St and O'Connell St in Ennis, Co Clare.  The IRA were led by Joe Barrett and they got away with seven rifles and 300 rounds of ammunition.

Barrett in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 64-67; Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 138-140

Jun-22

Howes Strand Coastguard station attacked by 16 IRA men led by Jack Fitzgerald (Captain Kilbrittain company) and Charlie Hurley (V/C Bandon Battalion) - this attack led to the capture by the IRA of ten rifles and almost 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

Deasy (1973), pgs 113-114; O’Farrell (1997), pg

Jun-24

British Cabinet sets up Committee on the Irish Situation to assist the Viceroy and Chief Secretary with Walter Long as Chairman and a membership of Churchill, Birkenhead, Balfour and Fisher.

Townshend (1975), pg 99

Jun-24

Retaliations by RIC in Bantry for recent killings of two RIC men (Abbott says one – see Jun 21st above as does Regan).  One invalided man is shot dead (Con Crowley) and a number of houses burnt.  Regan says that Crowley was shot after firing on a raiding party who entered his bedroom looking for his brother.

Deasy (1973) pg 108-109; Regan (2007), pg 144

 

Jun-25

The Ulster Unionist Council standing committee announces that the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) would be revitalised.  (Independent ‘loyalist vigilante groups’ were already in existence and some continued in existence even after the revitalisation of the UVF.)

Grant (2018), pg 98

 

Jun-25

At its first meeting since the elections on June 12th, Donegal County Council passes a motion acknowledging the authority of the Dáil.  (It was one of many county councils to do this.)

Ozseker (2019), pg 101

Jun-26

Brigadier General Cuthbert Lucas, Commander of 16th Brigade is captured by the IRA.  More Detail 

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg76; Townshend (1975), pg 88; Breen (1989), pgs 123-124; Brennan (1980), pgs 54-56; Carroll and Toomey (2017), pgs 416-419

Jun-26

Attack by North Tipperary IRA under Brigade O/C Frank McGrath on Borrisokane RIC barracks.  IRA withdrew when victory seemed imminent which greatly disappoints Brigade Adjutant, Sean Gaynor. Two IRA men are wounded by their own men and one of them, Michael Kennedy, dies from his wounds in early July.  McGrath is subsequently replaced by Gaynor as Brigade.

Hopkinson (2002), pg 120; Dooley (2015), pgs 51-53

Jun-26

Frank Carty, O/C Sligo Brigade, IRA is rescued from Sligo jail along with a number of other IRA prisoners. This is a well planned and executed operation led by Liam Pilkington and Seamus Devins.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 13; Farry (2102), pg 56

Jun-27

Dáil Minister of Home Affairs sets up courts to try cases of seized or disputed land.  Afterwards, Dáil sets up Land Commission as a separate branch of the Dáil Courts.  The first Commissioner is Kevin O'Sheil.  This is an attempt by Sinn Féin to quell the growing land agitation, especially in the west of Ireland.

Figgis (1927), pg 294-295; Price (2012), pgs 69-81

Jun-27

The coastguard station at Rossan Point, near Malin More in west Donegal is raided by five IRA men from the local Carrick battalion led by Éamon O’Boyle (Éamon Ó Baoighill.  The three men stationed in the coast guard station surrender without a fight.  The IRA took away a number of rifles and ammunition and, after releasing the coast guards, set fire to the station. (A raid had been planned for later but had to be carried out sooner when information was received that reinforcements were due to arrive.)  O’Farrell says 1st June.

Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 142-143; O’Farrell (1997), pg 74

Jun-28

British forces loot and burn in Fermoy (for a second time) in retaliation for capture of General Lucas  - see June 26th

Townshend (1975), pg 88;  Breen (1989), pg 124

Jun-28

250 members of the First Battalion of the Connaught Rangers, stationed in India, lay down their arms in protest at the news from Ireland.  Many are court-martialled and one, James Daly from Tyrrellspass, Co. Westmeath is executed on 2nd July.  Another who took part in the mutiny was Joseph Hawes from Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Coogan (1990), pg 151; O'Farrell P (1997), pg 25 & 42; Macardle (1999), pg 364

Jun-28

IRA issue order for boycott of the RIC.  “Notice is hereby given that intercourse of any kind whatsoever is strictly forbidden between the citizens of the Irish Republic and that portion of the Army of Occupation known as the RIC”.  The order goes on to say that “All persons infringing this order will be included in said boycott.”

Henry (1912), pg 81

Jun-29

Secret meeting of Dáil Eireann with 46 deputies present.  Reviews work on Land Bank, Industrial Commission, Arbitration Courts, etc.  Internal Loan closed as of July 17th - £290,000 had been raised.  $1m dollars voted to de Valera in States for his work in seeking recognition and $1m voted to the Department of Defence.  Courts of Justice established.  Message of support sent to de Valera in the States which expresses “complete satisfaction with the work you have performed, and relies with confidence upon the great American nation to accord recognition to the Republic of Ireland now in fact and in law established.”

Macardle (1999), pgs 364-365 and 375; Gallagher (1953), pg 259

Jun-30

The Kilkeel Board of Guardians in south Down becomes the first public authority from the six-county area to proclaim its allegiance to Dáil Eireann.  By the end of July, Belleek, Downpatrick and Newry public authorities had also given their allegiance to Dublin.

Phoenix (1994), pg 90

Jun-30

Galway IRA Volunteer, William Freeney, dies from burns after an arson attack on the Athenry Tennis and Croquet Club goes wrong.

McNamara (2018), pg 153

June

J. Hogan from Fanningstown, Co. Limerick dies – as does J. Maloney from Croom, Co. Limerick

O’Farrell (1997), pg 109 & 113

June

Ring Coastguard station (near Clonakilty, Co. Cork) attacked by IRA under Dan Harte and a number of weapons captured.

Deasy (1973), pgs 113-114

June

Ballinamuck RIC barracks in Co. Longford attacked by the IRA.  No casualties on either side but RIC subsequently evacuate the barracks.

Coleman (2003), pg 120

June

Two large mansions in Limerick (Mount Shannon at Annacotty and Hermitage at Castleconnell) are burnt down by the IRA.

O’Callaghan (2018), pg 80

June ?

Two British Intelligence Officers captured by Coachford Company of the IRA and subsequently executed.

Sheehan (1990), pg 59

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