June 1921

c-Jun-01-21/1

 

Major drive by British Army, Auxiliaries and RIC in the Bricklieve mountains area of south Sligo.  Three thousand men were rounded up and taken to identification points but only seven were detained.  Tom Deignan, O/C Riverstown Battalion, was the only notable IRA man arrested.

(This is probably a continuation of the drive started on May 27th – see May-27-21/1.)

 

Farry (2012), pg 70

Jun-01-21/2

 

An RIC man (Constable Joseph Holman) is killed at Ballinrush, Kilworth, Co Cork when out walking with a female friend.

Constable Holman was from Sussex in England and had almost eight months’ service in the RIC.

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 138; Abbott (2000), pgs 247-248; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 456

Jun-01-21/3

 

Five RIC men, who are part of a cycle patrol, are killed in an ambush at Ballymacandy between Castlemaine and Milltown, Co. Kerry. 

The ambush is carried out by men from the 6th Battalion, Kerry No. 2 Brigade, IRA under Tom O'Connor and the Kerry No. 1 Brigade Flying Column under Tadgh Brosnan.

 

More Detail

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 168; Abbott (2000), pg 248-249; Gallagher in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 225-228; O’Farrell (1997), pg 73; Horgan (2018), pg 85; Leeson (2012), pg 139; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 455-456 & 467; O’Shea (2021), pgs 81-154

Jun-01-21/4

 

IRA Volunteers from 3rd Battalion, Mid-Limerick attempt to burn the courthouse in Croom, Co. Limerick. 

However, flames take hold with five Volunteers still inside the building.  Two Volunteers, Edward Donnolly and John Moloney die in the flames.  A third, James Hogan, dies from burns on June 8th.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 454 & 469; O’Farrell (1997), pg 106

Jun-01-21/5

 

Mulcahy tells Simon Donnolly that he was seconded him to the Department of Home Affairs to assist them in establishing a Civil Police Force. At this point there were only six fulltime paid IRA policemen in Dublin.

But see Nov-01-20/8.

 

Townshend (2014), pg 267

Jun-01-21/6

 

Special Constable Robert Armstrong, from Drum, Co. Monaghan is accidentally shot dead in Gortin RIC Barracks in Co. Tyrone. 

Abbot says that “Another officer in the room pulled up his gun belt with a jerk causing his gun to go off” but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that Armstrong accidently shot himself “when examining another policeman’s revolver”. 

(Abbott says June 1st but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say June 3rd.)

 

Abbott (2019), pg 403; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 460

Jun-01-21/7

 

A BA lorry carrying six soldiers from the East Surrey Regiment is attacked at the corner of Parnell Sq and North Frederick St in Dublin.  This results in the deaths of two BA soldiers, Lance Corporal Henry Goddard and another whose surname was Bucker.  A number of civilians and BA soldiers are wounded.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 455;

Jun-01-21/8

 

The British CIGS Henry Wilson writes in his diary that the situations in Turkey and Ireland were substantially the same.  (There was a Turkish insurrection under Kamal Atatürk against British forces in Turkey.  Wilson wanted to pull British forces out of Constantinople). 

Wilson wrote that the choice to the situations in Turkey and Ireland was “either knock the gentlemen on the head or come out”.  In Ireland, he said, “we must knock the gentlemen on the head so we can’t come out.  In Turkey we can’t knock the gentlemen on the head & so we must come out, but come out & make love to Kamal”.

[Britain did not withdraw its troops from Turkey until the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923.]

 

Jeffrey (2006), pg 252

Jun-01-21/9

 

IRA man, Patrick Morris, is accidently killed when trying to dismantle Cashel [Cahill] Bridge at Greencastle, Co. Tyrone.  (O’Farrell says June 10th.)

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 456-457; O’Farrell (1997), pg 114;

Jun-01-21/10

 

During a raid by the RIC on the home of William Murphy in St. John’s parish in Co. Roscommon, Patrick Coyle (who was a blacksmith and had come to attend to a horse) is killed.  

A BA Military Court of Inquiry found that his death was manslaughter and said that an unnamed RIC man should be court martialled.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 456; Price (2012), pg 188

Jun-02-21/1

 

Ambush on an RIC patrol (consisting of both cycle and car) by North Tipperary Flying Column of the IRA led by Sean Gaynor at Kallegbeg Cross, Modreeny (between Borrisokane and Cloughjordan).

This ambush results in the deaths of four RIC men. 

 

More Detail

Abbott (2000), pgs 249-250; Hopkinson (2002), pg 122; O'Malley (2001), pgs 134-155; Abbott (2019), pgs 317-318; Leeson (2012), pg 103; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 459-460

Jun-02-21/2

 

British cabinet endorses recommendations of Irish Situation Committee (see May-26-21/13) that “Martial Law should be proclaimed throughout the 26 counties if the Southern Parliament does not function”.

They also decide that “no announcement of this policy should be made at present”.  Worthington-Evans to begin sending troop reinforcements. 

However, despite this cabinet, decision Llyod George is still equivocal on his military being right for the job. 

See Jun-15-21/1.

 

Fanning (2013), pg 255; Boyce (1972), pg 134

Jun-02-21/3

 

IRA Volunteer Michael Carty from Aughaderry, Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon is shot dead by the RIC’s ‘Castlerea Murder Gang’ led by RIC Sgt James King as he lies in bed in Frank O’Connor’s house in Aughadristan. 

His comrade, Pete Shannon, who was sharing the bed with him, is shot seven times but manages to survive.

See Jul-11-21/2.

Gleeson (1962), pg 105; Breen (1989), pg 132; O’Farrell (1997), pg 103; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 174-175; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 457; Burke (2021), pg 114

Jun-02-21/4

 

A number of British Army soldiers, based in Drumboe Castle, in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal decide to go fishing on Trusk Lake.

They are spotted by four (or six) local Volunteers of the Ballybofey Company, 4th Battalion, Donegal No. 2 Brigade IRA led by James McCarron (an ex-British army soldier).  They decide to attack them as they return from their fishing trip. 

However, as the IRA men move towards the soldiers, they are spotted and outflanked.  When the IRA are called on to surrender, they decide to try to fight their way out.  In the firefight, McCarron is shot dead and another Volunteer, Patrick McAteer, is wounded.  However, McAteer and the other IRA men manage to escape.

Capt Charles Colquhoun McGrigor of the BA’s Rifle Brigade received an OBE for his part in this engagement.

The Crown Forces carry out a widespread follow-up search in an attempt to capture the IRA men.  When they enter a house at Corraffrin, they shoot 21-year Edward Doherty in the stomach – he dies of his wounds the following day.  It is claimed by Hamar Greenwood that Doherty tried to flee when the Crown Forces entered the house but this is not believed locally.  He was probably not a member of the IRA.

(Kautt says that an IRA Volunteer Michael Carty was also shot dead in this engagement but he is almost definitely referring to the Michael Carty who was killed by the RIC in Roscommon on this day – see Jun-02-21/3.  Kautt also says that IRA Volunteer Edward Doherty was wounded in the engagement at Trout Lake but Edward Doherty was not present.)

See Jun-10-21/7.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 112; Lawlor (2011), pgs 169-172; Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 276-277; Ozseker (2019), pg 134; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 457-458 & 460; Kautt (2014), pg 206

Jun-02-21/5

 

An attempt is made to kill Colonel Ormonde Winter as he drives in a car with three others along Thomas St in Dublin. 

The attack is carried out by nine IRA men from Sections 3&4 of the Dublin Brigade ASU led by Paddy O'Connor [Pádraig Ó Conchubhair].  Winter escapes but is wounded in the hand.

 

Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 296-297; McMahon (2008), pg 44

Jun-03-21/1

 

The flying column of the West Mayo Brigade of the IRA (about 45 to 50 men) led by Michael Kilroy ambushes a 17-man RIC patrol of two lorries and a car at Carrowkennedy (between Leenane and Westport) resulting in the death of seven RIC men (Hopkinson says six but Abbott and O’Halpin & Ó Corráin name seven). 

Their names were District Inspector Edward Stevenson, Sgt Francis Creegan, Constable Sydney Blythe, Constable James Brown, Constable John Doherty, Constable Thomas Dowling and Constable William French.  Six other constables were wounded. 

The RIC surrender and the IRA capture a substantial amount of arms including 23 or 28 Lee-Enfield rifles, 25 revolvers and a Lewis sub-machine gun.  The RIC who surrendered were released. The IRA suffered no casualties.

Constables Blythe and French were from England and Constable Brown was from Scotland with between three and six months’ service in the RIC.  The remaining five RIC men killed were Irish.

Following this ambush, Crown Forces launch a large search trying to track down Kilroy’s column. For the following month, the column had to keep on the move throughout west and north Mayo with the British in pursuit. 

During this time (on June 20th), the oft-reproduced photograph of West Mayo Flying Column was taken by Jack Leonard at Derrymartin under the shadow of Nephin Mountain.  The photograph is available on the Military Archives website at:  Photo West Mayo Flying Column

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 135; Abbott (2000), pgs 250-252; Price (2012), pgs 156-163; Abbott (2019), pgs 318-321; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 458-459 & 460 & 462

Jun-03-21/2

 

Chief Secretary (Greenwood) issues an order that official reprisals are to cease.  This would seem to have come about as the IRA were burning the houses of prominent unionists in retaliation for official British Army burning of houses near ambush sites. 

However, see Jun-22-21/4.

 

Townshend (1975), pg 185; Townshend (2014), pg 289

Jun-03-21/3

 

IRA man Seán (or John) McIntyre (or McEntyre) from Lagan, Belturbett, Co, Cavan dies. 

Apparently, he was trying to blow up the home of a landlord called David Griffith (which was due to be occupied by British forces) when the bomb he had planted does not explode. He goes to see why it was taking so long when it explodes causing masonry to fall on him.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 112; Carolan (2019), pg 29; Lawlor (2011), pgs 173-174; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 463

Jun-03-21/4

 

Two members of the Dublin Brigade ASU, Paddy O'Connor [Pádraig Ó Conchubhair] and Jim McGuiness, attack a cricket match in Trinity College Dublin’s College Park involving the Gentlemen of Ireland vs the Military of Ireland. 

They fire on the cricket match from Lincoln Place/Nassau St leading to the death of a young woman who was a spectator called Kate Alexander Wright (21) and the wounding of one other civilian. 

 

O'Connor and Connolly (2011), pg 51; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 460; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 297

 

Jun-03-21/5

 

RIC Constable Patrick McDonald is accidentally shot in Edenderry Barracks in Co. Offaly while it is under attack.

Abbott (2019), pg 409; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 460

Jun-04-21/1

 

IRA men from E Company, 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade throw grenades at a BA vehicle at Newcomen Bridge on the North Strand in Dublin. 

Nine-year old schoolboy, Andrew Hanratty, is hit by a splinter and dies shortly afterwards.  This killing was much resented locally.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 461

Jun-04-21/2

 

The coastguard station at Teelin near Kilcar, Co. Donegal is attacked by men from the IRA’s 2nd Battalion, Donegal No. 3 Brigade with assistance from the brigade ASU. The IRA fail to capture the station. Ó Duibhir says that a BA soldier and a coastguard are killed in this attack. 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin confirm the death of the coastguard (and name him as William Kennington) but they do not mention any BA soldier being killed. 

Duibhir says June 4th but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say June 12th.)

 

Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 278-279; Ozseker (2019), pg 258; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 474

Jun-04-21/3

 

Attempted ‘springing’ by the IRA of republican prisoners from Crumlin Road jail in Belfast. 

Three IRA men (Sean O’Neill; Jimmy McDermott and Pat McCarragher) dressed in British army and RIC uniforms drove up to the jail and were admitted. 

They said they had come to take custody of some IRA prisoners (those captured at Lappinduff – see May-08-21/1) but one of the IRA men (O’Neill) was recognised and the alarm was raised.  The three men escaped but did not spring any prisoners.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 126; McDermott (2001), pgs 85-86; Lawlor (2011), pg 161-162; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 412

Jun-04-21/4

 

IRA men from E Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin under Joe O’Connor burn the BA’s GHQ Motor Repair and Ordnance Depot at Shell factory in Parkgate St., Dublin.  As well as burning the stored oil, this fire resulted in the destruction of 5 armoured cars and 35 other vehicles belonging to the BA. 

(Townshend comments that this type of action could have been repeated elsewhere.)

 

Townshend (1975), pg 185-186; Townshend (2014), pg 290; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 297-298; Kautt (2014), pg 156; Sheehan (2007), pg 55

Jun-04-21/5

 

Two ex-BA soldiers, John Brady and Thomas Halpin, who lived in Clontarf in Dublin, are shot as alleged informers by the IRA. 

A witness says that he saw a young man cycle up to them and shoot them.  Both die from their wounds.  Brady was the target and Halpin may have been shot in error.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 462-463; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 298-299

Jun-04-21/6

 

Two young deserters from the BA’s East Lancashire Regiment, George Mottley and John Steer, are killed by the IRA at Kilcummin, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 462

Jun-04-21/7

 

Auxiliaries fire on a crowd at the bottom of Capel St (on the quays) in Dublin.  A number of people are wounded and two men, Henry O’Rourke and John Murphy, die as a result.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 461& 465

Jun-04-21/8

 

Thomas Keane, who was Captain of C Company, 2nd Battalion, Mid-Limerick Brigade, IRA is executed in the Military Detention Barracks Limerick. 

Mourners outside are attacked by Black and Tans. 

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 49; Macardle (1999), pg 984; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 461

Jun-04-21/9

 

A ‘drive’ takes place by the BA and RIC (lasting until June 12th) in the Slieve Aughty mountains on the Clare/Galway border but meets with “no success”.

 

Sheehan (2009), pgs 101-102

Jun-05-21/1

 

An RIC patrol is ambushed in Swatragh, Co. Londonderry resulting in the death of Sgt Michael Burke and the wounding of S/Constable John Kennedy.  The ambush party is led by Johnny Haughey. 

In retaliation, that evening a Sinn Féin member, Alexander O’Connor (or Alick Connor), is shot dead when cycling through Ballintemple near Swatragh and, over the next few days, over 200 nationalist houses are raided.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 253; Grant (2018), pg 115; Lawlor (2011), pgs 174-175; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 463 & 465

Jun-05-21/2

 

An ex-BA soldier, Eugene Swanton, is taken from his home in Ballinacurra, Co. Cork and never seen again.  Presumably, shot by the IRA as an alleged spy.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 463; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-05-21/3

 

BA soldier Charles Cox is accidently shot dead in Dublin.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 465

Jun-05-21/4

 

Daniel Riordan is shot dead by BA soldiers for refusing to stop at Carrigaphooka Bridge, Macroom, Co. Cork. 

The BA claim that he was an IRA man but this would seem to be incorrect.  The Irish Independent says that he was “mentally deficient”.  The Southern Star said that he was a “poor, simple-minded young man”.

The CFR say that the soldiers were from the Cameron Highlanders.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 465; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-05-21/5

 

Crown Forces enter a church in Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim during an RC mass and drag members of the congregation outside. 

 

McGarty (2020), pg 101

Jun-05-21/6

 

Three young members of the BA’s Manchester Regiment, Matthew Carson, Charles Chapman and John Cooper, are captured by the IRA and shot dead at the infamous ‘Kilbawn’ house at Aherla, Co. Cork.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 463-464

Jun-05-21/7

 

An RIC patrol is attacked by men from the 2nd Battalion, West Limerick Brigade under Paddy O’Brien in Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick resulting in the death of one (Constable Robert Jolly) and the wounding of five others. 

The IRA had posted notices around the Square in Abbeyfeale telling the Black and Tans to go home.  It was when the RIC stopped to remove these posters that they were attacked.  As usual, RIC reprisals followed this attack.

Constable Jolly was from Kent in England and had seven months’ service in the RIC.

 

Abbott (2000), pgs 253-254; Harnett (2002), pgs 101-103; Abbott (2019), pgs 322-323; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 463

Jun-05-21/8

 

Private William Green of the BA’s North Staffordshire Regiment is accidently shot by an RIC man when travelling in a convoy at Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 464

Jun-05-21/9

 

John Kelleher is shot near Ballyvourney, Co. Cork.  O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, quoting a British source say that he told a BA patrol that he had been wounded by civilians.  However, quoting a local IRA source, the CFR say that Kelleher was shot by BA soldiers when he left his cottage to protect his cow after he heard shooting.

He dies in hospital on June 9th.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 470; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-06-21/1

 

A soldier from the BA’s Royal Garrison Artillery, Ernst Gibbons, is shot dead in Harte’s pub in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin.

  

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 466

Jun-06-21/2

 

In his weekly summary, the Chief Secretary (Greenwood) admitted that there was 'a very marked increase in rebel military activity'.  In late March, British Army and RIC casualties were about 30 per week. However, in the second week of May they had risen to 55 per week, and to 67 in the first week in June, with 23 and 24 fatalities respectively.

 

Townshend (1975), pg 180

Jun-06-21/3

 

In its first engagement, the North Galway flying column, attack a lorry load of Auxiliaries near the village of Moylough.  While there are injuries, there are no fatalities on each side.

 

McNamara (2018), pg 130

Jun-06-21/4

 

IRA volunteer, John Cummins, is killed by the BA at Ballyvoile, Stradbally, Co. Waterford and Volunteer John Mansfield is wounded.

Cummins may have moved from cover too quickly or he may have been killed after capture.

 

McCarthy (2015), pg 84; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 463

Jun-06-21/5

 

James Smith, a farmer from Keggall, Camlough, Co. Armagh, is taken from his home and shot dead. 

Earlier, Hugh O’Hanlon, a farmer from Eshwary, Camlough was shot dead on his way home about 11pm.  A group of men had raided his house around 10pm and took away a revolver and ammunition that O’Hanlon had been given for his protection. 

Both men had notes pinned to their chest saying “Spies beware – IRA”.  Both men were Catholics.  They were shot by men from the 2nd Battalion, South Armagh Brigade, IRA.   The IRA suspected O’Hanlon of informing on the attack on the RIC Barracks in Camlough – see Dec-12-20/2.

 

Lawlor (2011), pgs 166-168; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 466-467; Hughes (2016), pg 125

Jun-06-21/6

 

An ex-BA soldier, John Fitzgerald, is arrested by the IRA.  He is accused of being a spy, court martialled and executed at Ballybeggan Racecourse, Co. Kerry.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 465

Jun-06-21/7

 

RIC Constable George Southgate was unloading his rifle in Ballaghdereen Barracks, Co. Roscommon when it accidentally discharges – he dies of his wounds on June 10th.

Abbott (2019), pg 412; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 465

Jun-06-21/8

 

Private Frederick Carroll of the BA’s Northamptonshire Regiment is accidently shot dead by a fellow soldier in Templemore Military Barracks in Co. Tipperary.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 466

Jun-07-21/1

 

Edward Foley (Galbally, Co Limerick) and Paddy Maher (Knocklong, Co Limerick) are hung by the British in Dublin for their part in the rescue of Sean Hogan at Knocklong Railway Station on May 13th 1919.  A third man who had also been found guilty (Michael Murphy) was released after the Truce.  Foley had taken part in the rescue but Maher had not.  Maher’s last words were “I am innocent”.

 

An RIC man called William Mitchell was also hung in Mountjoy this morning - he had been convicted of murdering Robert Dixon in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow while trying to extort money from him (See Feb-02-21/5).  He was the only member of the Crown Forces to be executed for murder in this period despite the fact that in the years 1919 to 1921, Crown Forces were responsible for over 1,000 deaths in Ireland, many of them innocent civilians. 

Eoin MacNeill, who was a prisoner in Mountjoy as the time, told a visiting Dublin Castle official that “the execution of this one man out of all that gang of murderers was a piece of disgusting hypocrisy”.  Perhaps it was Mitchell’s bad luck that the man he killed was a Justice of the Peace, a unionist and a member of the Church of Ireland?

 

 

Abbott (2000), pg 39; Carey (2001), pg 6; Breen (1989), pg 59 & 68; Carey (2001), pg 174; Leeson (2012), pgs 199-200; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 287 & 467 & 544; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 300

Jun-07-21/2

 

Opening of the Parliament of Northern Ireland by the Lord Lieutenant, Viscount Fitzalan, in City Hall in Belfast with the 40 Unionist members in attendance - the 6 Nationalists and 6 Sinn Féin members refuse to attend but the Nationalists later take their seats.  (That the NI Parliament is opened by Fitzalan is somewhat ironic as it meant that Ireland’s first Catholic Lord Lieutenant since the reign of James II was addressing an all-unionist – and overwhelmingly Protestant - body.) 

Fitzalan says that the Government of Ireland Act is “not perfect. It needs amending and I should not be surprised if it is amended in the near future”.  (But see Jun-21-21/6)

 

James Craig is elected Prime Minister.  Senate elected with 24 Unionist members.  Later announced that the British king, George V, would formally open the parliament on June 22nd – See Jun-22-21/1.

The opening of the NI parliament is welcomed by most of the British press.  For example, The Times of London says that “the establishment of this Parliament is a long and irretraceable step in the right direction”. The Daily News is an exception. It says (with some prescience) that the NI parliament would entrench itself “behind its bigoted Orange barricades with the blessing of Imperial authority”.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 53; Macardle (1999), pg 454; Phoenix (1994), pg 132; Parkinson (2004), pg 129; Fanning (2013), pg 257; Boyce (1972), pg 116; Parkinson (2020), pgs 113-114

Jun-07-21/3

 

The Irish Bulletin reports the shooting dead by Crown Forces of John Murphy in Ballinalee, Co. Longford. 

He was killed on May 26th and his wife said that the six men who killed him had English accents and were most likely Auxiliaries from the nearby Ballinalee Barracks.  

However, Dublin Castle claims that Murphy was killed by the IRA.  (He was a brother-in-law of IRA leader, Sean Connolly, who was killed after Selton Hill – see Mar-11-21/1.)

 

Coleman (2003), pg 133; Lawlor (2011), pg 164; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 446

Jun-07-21/4

 

Crown Forces enter the Ryan home in Knockfune, Newport, Co. Tipperary.  They take the two Ryan brothers – James and Patrick – out into yard and shoot them.  Patrick dies but James survives.  The Ryan home is then burnt down.

 

Leeson (2012), pg 187; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 466

Jun-07-21/5

 

Lying prone on the Ha’penny Bridge in Dublin, six IRA men fire on a BA military lorry traveling westwards on the northern quays.  When the soldiers in the lorry returned fire, the IRA men retreated into the Temple Bar area.

The BA soldiers drove onwards but crossed the Liffey into Parliament St and turned left onto Dame St in pursuit of their attackers.  Shots were fired by the soldiers at suspected IRA men causing a stampede by civilians. There were no BA, IRA or civilian fatalities.

 

Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 299-300

Jun-08-21/1

 

Daniel Crowley is shot dead near his home at Behagullane, Dunmanway, Co. Cork by an Auxiliary patrol for ‘failing to stop’.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 105; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 468

Jun-08-21/2

 

A patrol of Special Constables engaged a group of IRA men in the townland of Corrogs just outside Newry, Co. Down resulting in the wounding of one Special Constable. 

Reinforcements were sent and they were attacked when entering a cottage - this resulted in the death of one Special Constable (S/Constable George Lyness) and two IRA men.  The above is Abbott’s (and the official British) version of events.  

Macardle gives a completely different version saying that the Specials entered a house in Corrogs and kill two men Stephen (or James) Magee or Magill and his brother Owen.  They also severely beat their father.  Macardle includes a sworn statement from the bothers’ sister as Appendix 14.  Lawlor’s version is practically the same as Macardle’s.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin give both versions of events – they also do not designate the Magill brothers as members of the IRA.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 254; Macardle (1999), pg 455 and Appendix 14; O’Farrell (1997), pg 113; Lawlor (2011), pgs 175-176; Harnden (2000), pg 132; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 468-469; Parksinson (2020), pg 94

Jun-08-21/3

 

The ASU of the 4th Battalion, Kerry No. 2 Brigade fire at a train carrying British troops at Ballybrack station near Farranfore killing one British soldier. 

His name was Private Harry Minion of the BA’s Loyal Regiment.

 

Horgan (2018), pg 252; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 469

Jun-08-21/4

 

The East Clare Brigade of the IRA burn the Workhouse in Scariff, Co. Clare.  On the same day, Drewsborough House in Tuamgraney as well as Williamstown House and Rinskea House are burnt. 

They were burnt to prevent Crown Forces from occupying them.

 

Mac Conmara (2021), pgs 189-190

Jun-08-21/5

 

The IRA attack an RIC lorry at Hughes Cottages on Great Brunswick St in Dublin. 

Two civilians – Charles Mullins and 13-year-old William Gorman – are killed as a result of this attack and a number of civilians were wounded

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 468 & 478; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 300

Jun-08-21/6

 

IRA man Daniel Buckley from Toames, Macroom, Co. Cork is shot dead as he tries to evade a patrol of the BA’s Essex Regiment under Capt T. A. Lowe.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 103; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 468

Jun-08-21/7

 

An ex-BA soldier, David Fitzgibbon, is taken from his home at Killinane Cross, Liscarroll, Co. Cork and shot dead by the IRA as an alleged spy.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 468

Jun-09-21/1

 

RIC Constable Denis O'Leary was cycling unarmed to his home in the village of Carrigbeg, Co. Waterford from his barracks in Carrick-on-Suir when he was shot dead as he reached the village by IRA men from the Tipperary No. 3 Brigade.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 254; McCarthy (2015), pg 85; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 468

Jun-09-21/2

 

The BA’s Colonel Comdt Thomas S. Lambert and Colonel Challoner were travelling with their wives when their car is ambushed at Moydrum, near Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath resulting in his death of Lambert.

Lambert was Officer Commanding 13th Infantry Brigade of the BA’s 5th Division.

The ambush was carried out by men from the Tubberclair Company of the Athlone Brigade, IRA.

(O’Farrell says June 9th, O’Callaghan says June 17th,  O’Halpin & Ó Corráin and Sheehan say June 19th.)  

This results in a major reprisal by the BA (in civilian clothing) on the village of Knockcroghery, across the Shannon in Co. Roscommon.  Many houses are burnt including that of the parish priest.  This major reprisal probably arose because the British believed false information that the ambushers had come from the other side of the Shannon. 

Regina Donlon has written a monograph on the burning of Knockcroghery – See Donlon (2022).

 

O’Farrell (1997), pgs 53-54; O’Callaghan (2012), pg 186-187; Kautt (2014), pg 155; Sheehan (2009), pg 102; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 487

Jun-09-21/3

 

According to his companion, Thomas O’Keeffe is shot dead by a BA soldier at Gouldings Glen, Ballyvolane, Co. Cork. However, the BA disclaim responsibility.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 470

Jun-09-21/4

 

Special Constable David Torrens is accidentally shot dead in Castlerock RIC Barracks in Co. Londonderry.

Abbott (2019), pg 413; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 470

Jun-09-21/5

 

Private Henry Woods of the BA’s Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) accidently shoots himself in Blarney Railway Station in Co. Cork.  He dies shortly afterwards.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 469

Jun-10 to 15-21/1

 

From 10th to 15th June, there are Riots in Belfast in which, according to Macardle, six Catholic men are killed by Specials.  She also says that eleven other persons are shot dead during riots and about 150 Catholic families are driven from their home.

According to Phoenix, 14 people were killed in Belfast in June and 76 wounded.  McDermott also says that 14 people were killed in Belfast during June. He further says that 10 of the 14 were Catholics with 5 Catholics killed in reprisals by the Crown forces. 

For further detail on these riots, start with Jun-10-21/1.

For summary, see Jun-14-21/3.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 455; Phoenix (1994), pg 136; McDermott (2001), pg 91

Jun-10-21/1

 

An RIC patrol is attacked at the corner of Falls Rd. and Cupar St., Belfast resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable James Glover) and the wounding of two others (Sgt James O’Sullivan and Constable Hugh Sharkey).  A civilian was also wounded.

Parkinson states that the attack was carried out by six IRA men led by Seamus Woods. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin says that the attack was led by Roger McCorley, O/C 1st Battalion, Belfast Brigade, IRA and Seamus Woods.  (They say that Seamus Woods was Captain of B Company, 1st Battalion.)

Phoenix, who gives the date as June 11th, says that the shooting of these three RIC men gave rise to a violent backlash against the Catholic community.  This included the killing of three Catholic men after they were dragged from their beds – see Jun-12-21/4.

Parkinson (2004) says that there was indiscriminate firing by Auxiliaries in the Falls Rd. area that night but no fatalities. McDermott also says there were shots discharged in Cupar St on the night of the shooting but no fatalities. 

McDermott also claims that the IRA targeted Glover as he was thought to be a member of the Nixon-Harrison gang from within the RIC which was responsible for a number of reprisal killings.

See Jun-11-21/3.

 

 

Abbott (2000), pgs 254-255; Phoenix (1994), pg 136; Parkinson (2004), pg 137; McDermott (2001), pgs 86-87; Parkinson (2020), pg 166

Jun-10-21/2

 

IRA man Matthew Donovan is captured by a patrol of the BA’s Essex Regiment under the notorious Major A. E. Percival and killed while under arrest at Quarry’s Cross, Bandon, Co. Cork.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 106; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 471

Jun-10-21/3

 

An ex-BA soldier, Robert Healy, is taken from his home in Ballingarry, Thurles, Co. Tipperary by men from B and G companies, 7th Battalion, Tipperary No. 3 Brigade and shot dead on June 15th as an alleged spy.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 479

Jun-10-21/4

 

Two Auxiliaries in mufti were in Butler’s public house in the Rower in Co. Kilkenny. They were spotted by men from the local company of the IRA and were followed when they left the pub.  The two Auxiliaries made a run for it and a gun fight ensued in which Cadet Leonard James French (an ex-RAF pilot) was fatally wounded.  He may have been captured by the IRA.  Local IRA company led by Captain James Mackey. 

In reprisal, Butler’s public house was burnt down by the Auxiliaries and the owner (Timothy Butler) arrested and badly treated.  (Abbott says that Cadet French was reported missing.)

 

Walsh (2018), pgs 90-91; Abbott (2000), pg 312; Abbott (2019), pg 399;  O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 471

Jun-10-21/5

 

Private Ernest Evans of the BA’s Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment is accidently shot dead by a fellow soldier in the guardroom of Sligo Jail, Sligo.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 471

Jun-10-21/6

 

Patrick McAteer, who had been wounded at Trusk Lake (See Jun-02-21/4), was been kept in a dugout on a remote mountain side several miles from Ballybofey, Co. Donegal. 

On this day, he was visited by three Volunteers - Henry McGowan, John Smith and Dan Deery.  However, they were surrounded by a strong force of RIC and BA and all four were captured.

 

Lawlor (2011), pg 172; Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 282

Jun-10-21/7

 

Michael or Daniel Callaghan or O’Callaghan is shot as an alleged spy by Thomas Cotter, O/C of D Company, 4th Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA and others at Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say June 10th but the CFR says June 21st.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 471; Sheehan (2017), pg 76; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-10-21/8

 

An ex-BA soldier (or he may have been a current reservist) John Joseph Walsh is taken on June 8th from his home in Charles St, Midleton, Co. Cork and shot dead as an alleged spy by men from B Company, 4th Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA. He is shot two days later. His body is not found until 1927.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 471; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-11-21/1

 

General Jan Smuts, South African Premier, arrives in London for a meeting of colonial prime ministers and he immediately starts pressurising Llyod George to publicly offer Dominion Status to Ireland.  

(The Dáil government had sent Col Maurice Moore to South Africa in April & May to enlist Smuts support.)

See Jun-13-21/1.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 195

Jun-11-21/2

 

IRA Volunteer, John Lucey, from C Company, 1st Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade is shot dead by a soldier from the BA’s South Staffordshire Regiment who was on patrol on Farrell’s Square in Cork City.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 471-472; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-11-21/3

 

During rioting in the north of Belfast, a bomb is thrown into the mainly Catholic Dock St./Thomas St area killing Terence McGinley and injuring 20 others.

See Jun-11-21/8 and Jun-12-21/4.

Parkinson (2004), pg 138; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 472

Jun-11-21/4

 

Gunner Joseph Hoare of the BA’s Royal Garrison Artillery is accidently shot dead in the Sergeant’s Mess in the British military encampment in Tallaght, Co. Dublin.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 472

Jun-11-21/5

 

BA soldier, George Chalmers, of the Royal Scots is captured by men from the 4th Battalion, Mid-Clare Brigade, IRA after he jumped off a convoy of four lorries.  He is interrogated and then executed by the IRA at Lavereen.  His body was not discovered until 2018.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 472

Jun-11-21/6

 

Members of the 6th Battalion, Kerry No. 1 (North) Brigade IRA kidnap James Kane at Shanacool Bridge.  His body is found four days later at Kilmorna, Listowel, Co. Kerry. 

The IRA believe he gave information leading to the arrest of eight men for the killing of DI Tobias O'Sullivan on January 20th (see Jan-20-21/2) in Listowel.  The IRA say they found evidence of Kane's informing on RIC Divisional Commissioner Philip Holmes when they captured him after the ambush at Toureengarriv on January 28th – see Jan-28-21/3. 

Kane was an ex-RIC man. 

 

Abbott (2000), pg 185-186; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 477

Jun-11-21/7

 

The Tuam Herald reports that Patrick O’Loughlin, a railway worker from Loughrea, Co. Galway was dragged from his bed by members of the Crown Forces and brutally assaulted and told that he was sentenced to death. 

He was pistol whipped, burned with hot coals, glass smashed in his face and disinfectant poured on his body.

 

McNamara (2018), pg 142

Jun-11-21/8

 

An ex-BA soldier, Edward Fitzgerald, is arrested by Crown Forces in Belfast. Apparently, he died after jumping from a Crossley tender in Wellington Place and sustained head injuries.

See Jun-12-21/4.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 472

Jun-12-21/1

 

In the early hours of June 12th, a group of armed IRA men enter the house of the Rev. John Finlay at Breckley (or Bracken or Brackley) House near Bawnboy (or Bawnmore), Co. Cavan. 

Rev. Finlay was a 78-year old retired Church of Ireland clergyman “of a kindly disposition … on good terms with all his neighbours”.  The IRA remove his wife, Isabella Finlay, and the servants to a nearby barn and proceed to burn down the house (as they thought that it was going to be used by the Auxiliaries as a barracks).  When Isabella Finlay returns in the morning, she finds the body of her husband lying on the lawn.  He had a puncture wound at the base of his skull, inflicted with a blunt instrument. 

It would seem that the killing of Rev. Finlay was either an accident or, as O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say “probably an unpremeditated act of ill-discipline”. Lawlor says “Of all the assassinations taking place at this time, one of the worst was the sectarian killing of a retired protestant clergyman”.  Three Roman Catholic parish priests attend his funeral. 

11 men from C Company, 1st (Corlough) Battalion, Cavan Brigade are arrested but are released in early 1922. 

 

Lawlor (2011), pg 169; O’Farrell (1997), pg 33; Carolan (2019), pg 29; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 473-474

Jun-12-21/2

 

A number of RIC men were on their way to the church in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath when they were attacked resulting in the death of H/Constable James McElhill. The attack was carried out by men from the 1st Battalion, Offaly Brigade, IRA.

Subsequently, Colonel T. S. Lambert. O/C 13th Infantry Brigade of the BA’s 5th Division (as the Competent Military Authority) imposes a curfew on Co. Westmeath. (If Lambert was still alive on this date – see Jun-09-21/2 – it would indicate that O’Farrell’s date of his killing is incorrect.)

 

Abbott (2000), pg 255; Abbott (2019), pg 325; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 474; Sheehan (2009), pgs 216-217

Jun-12-21/3

 

Thomas Rush is shot dead when BA soldiers from the Leicestershire Regiment fire at men drilling at Lisacul crossroads between Castlerea and Ballaghdereen in Co. Roscommon. 

Rush was not a member of the IRA.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 474

Jun-12-21/4

 

There was widespread rioting in Belfast.

In the early hours of June 12th, armed men in police uniforms and using motor transport, visit several Catholic houses in Belfast and ask for people by name.  The people asked for are home in three occasions. 

In all three cases, the men – Alexander McBride (30), Malachy Halfpenny (22) and William Kerr (26) – are arrested, taken away and their dead bodies are found later.  None of the three are IRA men – McBride may have been a member of Sinn Féin and Halfpenny was an ex-BA soldier.  Parkinson (2020) says that these three killings were in retaliation for the killing of Constable Glover – See Jun-10-21/1.

McBride’s wife, Elizabeth McBride, said that RIC District Inspector Nixon was the leader of the gang that took her husband away. Joe Devlin tried to raise the matter in the House of Commons but his request for an adjournment debate is defeated by 192-64.  Afterwards, he has to be physically removed from the House.

William Kerr’s sister, Alice Kerr, was in the house when her brother was arrested.  She testified to the Military Court of Inquiry that her brother was taken away by USC constables led by an Auxiliary.  She later identified the Auxiliary.

See Jun-12-21/5

 

Parkinson (2004), pgs 138-139; O’Farrell (1997), pg 112; McDermott (2001), pgs 88-89 & 91-92; Leeson (2012), pgs 187-188; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 472-473; Parkinson (2020), pgs 166-168

Jun-12-21/5

 

S/Constable Thomas Sturdy is shot dead as he sits in an armoured lorry at the corner of Dock St. and North Thomas St. in Belfast.  He is the first Special Constable to be killed in Belfast. 

Another victim of sniping is Thomas Mallon (51) who is killed when a bullet comes through a window in his home in North Thomas St. 

In what is presumed to be retaliation for S/Constable Sturdy’s killing, a group of men wearing Special Constable uniforms entered the home of Patrick Mulligan (24) in Dock Street or Lane and shoot him dead.  (Sturdy was shot near Mulligan’s home.) A short time later, a similarly attired group entered the home in New Dock St. of another Catholic, Joseph Miller (25). He is dragged him from his bed by four Special Constables. They shoot him dead in the street.

In the Kashmir Road area of the Falls, a 19-year-old Protestant called Hugh Jenkins was shot dead by someone from the Catholic side during a riot.  Jenkins was attempting to rescue a child when he was shot.  

See Jun-13-21/7.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 255; Parkinson (2004), pg 139; McDermott (2001), pgs 89-;

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 475- 476; 

Jun-12-21/6

 

Two RIC men (Constable Michael Brannan or Brennan and Constable John Smith) were in civilian clothes drinking in Ryan’s of Parkgate St in Dublin. 

They are captured by men from C Company, 4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA led by Joseph Byrne.  They are brought across the Liffey to Rainsfort St., (beside Guinness’s Brewery) and shot dead.

Constable Brennan was from Durham in England and Constable Smith was from Middlesex in England. Both had less than one month’s service with the RIC.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 256; Abbott (2019), pgs 325-326; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 474; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 301

Jun-12-21/7

 

Dan Breen marries Brighid Malone of Grantham St, Dublin in Glenagat, New Inn, Co. Tipperary (between Cashel and Clonmel) with Sean Hogan as best man and Aine Malone as bridesmaid.

 

Breen (1989), pgs 162-165; Ferriter (2021), pgs 177 & 193

Jun-13-21/1

 

Jan Smuts meets King George V of England and suggests that he makes a peace appeal when opening Northern Ireland parliament.

See Jun-14-21/1.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 56

Jun-13-21/2

 

There is a large sweep in the Clydagh mountains area (near Ballyvourney) by the British Army. 

This area includes Cork No.1 and Cork No. 3 Brigade Columns, First Southern Division HQ and HQs of Cork No.1 and Cork No. 3 Brigades.  However, the IRA do not engage. 

O’Donoghue says three unarmed IRA men shot dead during this sweep.  O’Halpin and Ó Corráin name two men shot dead during this sweep for failing to halt – they are John Dennehy and Cornelius Moynihan.  (O’Halpin and Ó Corráin do not identify them as IRA men – they also give the date that they were shot as June 6th.)

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 171; Sheehan (2017), pgs 155-156; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 466

Jun-13-21/3

 

John Cosgrove (or Cosgrave) from Eshwary, Camlough, Co. Armagh dies.  He had been taken from his home by a group of armed men and shot dead.  Most likely, he was killed by the Specials but there are alternative possible explanations.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 105; Lawlor (2011), pg 168;  O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 475-475

Jun-13-21/4

 

An ex-BA soldier, Michael Power, is shot dead by the IRA at Kilboggan near Nurney, Co. Kildare. 

He had earlier been taken before a Republican court and convicted of stealing.  He was sentenced to a year out of the country but did not leave.  Instead, he got married quarters and work for the BA in the Curragh Camp.  Also, it was alleged that he informed on the men involved in the Republican courts.    

(Durney says June 13th but Cullen and O’Halpin & Ó Corráin say June 10th.)

 

Durney (2013), pgs 199-202; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 470-471; Cullen (2020), pg 94

 

Jun-13-21/5

 

Denis Sadlier, O/C 5th Battalion, Tipperary No. 3 Brigade, IRA is accidently shot dead by a comrade at Cloneen, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 476

Jun-13-21/6

 

An ex-BA soldier, Michael Driscoll, is shot dead by BA soldiers from the Essex Regiment for allegedly failing to stop when ordered at Waterlands, Kinsale, Co. Cork. 

A local RIC man said that Driscoll had no political connections and was of “weak intellect”.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 476

Jun-13-21/7

 

A Protestant, Joseph Blackburn (30 or 39), is hit by gunfire coming from North Queen St., Belfast. He dies 10 days later. 

See Jun-14-21/3.

Parkinson (2004), pg 140; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 490

Jun-14-21/1

 

Smuts drafts speech for the King George V to give at the official opening of the Northern Ireland parliament and sends it to Llyod George saying that the King’s speech should “foreshadow the grant of Dominion Status to Ireland” which would “create a new and definitive situation”. 

He also included harsh criticism of British policy in Ireland.  Speech is sent to the British cabinet’s Irish Situation Committee - See Jun-18-21/1. 

But, also for context, see – Jun-15-21/1.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 56; Fanning (2013), pg 257; Boyce (1972), pg 137

Jun-14-21/2

 

Sean MacEoin (O/C Longford Brigade, IRA) is charged before a court martial in Dublin with the murder of RIC DI McGrath on Jan 7th 1921 – see Jan-07-21/2. 

Despite character references from Auxiliaries on his good treatment of wounded prisoners after the Clonfin ambush (see Feb-02-21/2) and a plea that he be spared from Mrs McGrath (the wife of the dead RIC DI) and her three sons, he was sentenced to be hanged.  He is lodged in Mountjoy jail. 

Subsequently, the Church of Ireland rector of Ballinalee, Archdeacon Johnston and James Mackay Wilson (cousin of CIGS Henry Wilson) pleaded for clemency on his behalf.  He is saved from the gallows by the Truce.

 

Hayes et al in The Kerryman (1955), pg 215; Coleman (2003), pg 157;  Abbott (2000), pg 181; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 303-305

Jun-14-21/3

 

Special Constables, removing the body of a colleague from the Royal Hospital, Belfast comes under fire, they fire back and in the crossfire a teenager, Kathleen Collins, is shot dead at her front door in Cupar St. 

A young Protestant, William Frazer (12), is shot by a sniper operating from the Falls. A Catholic ex-BA soldier, Hugh McAree, is also fatally wounded when he goes to the aid of the boy.

Summary

Even though rioting continued on June 15th, there are no further killings in Belfast in this outbreak of violence. 

Over the previous five days, 14 people were killed in Belfast – of these nine were Catholics and five were Protestants.  Two of the Protestants killed were members of the Crown Forces (one was an RIC man and one was a member of the USC) and they were killed by the IRA.  It is not possible, from the evidence available, to be definitive on who killed the remaining three Protestants. 

Similarily, it is not possible to be definitive on who killed four of the nine Catholics killed.  However, five of the Catholics were killed by members of the Crown Forces (either RIC or USC).  In all five cases, they were shot in their homes or taken from their homes and killed. None of the Catholics killed were members of the IRA.

  

Parkinson (2004), pg 140; McDermott (2001), pg 90; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 476 & 478; O’Farrell (1997), pg 104;

Jun-14-21/4

 

Francis Boyle is killed as an alleged spy by the IRA in Claremore, Killusty, Fethard, Co. Tipperary.  This would seem to be much more an agrarian-related killing than a case of informing. 

See also Apr-16-21/5.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 476-477

Jun-14-21/5

 

John Donoghue is shot dead an alleged spy by the IRA at Rathoath, Co. Meath.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 477-478

Jun-14-21/6

 

A BA motorcycle dispatch rider, Pte Snelling, making his way from Baldonnell aerodrome is shot dead by IRA men led by Paddy O’Connor.  IRA Volunteer Joseph McGuinness is wounded in the hand by a ricochet bullet.

(There may be confusion between this incident a similar incident on March 15th – see Mar-15-21/2.)

 

Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 305

Jun-14-21/7

 

George Wallis, a 65-year summon server, is killed by men from the 2nd Battalion, Tipperary No. 3 Brigade, IRA as an alleged spy.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 478

Jun-14-21/8

 

Writing to Collins on the peace moves, de Valera says that “This particular peace-move business has been on for some time. The reply I have sent through other channels is that if they send a written communication addressed to me directly and not through intermediaries they will get a reply”.

 

Pakenham (1967), pg 67

Jun-15-21/1

 

Irish Situation Committee:

Following the decision of the British cabinet to declare martial law in Ireland in the event of the Southern Parliament not functioning (See Jun-02-21/2) Nevil Macready (GOC British Army in Ireland) presents the British Cabinet's Irish Situation Committee (chaired by Chamberlain) with a draft proclamation of martial law.  It is draconian. 

Macready said that it would involve the widespread use of summary executions and the death penalty for carrying arms.  He stressed that the British Government would have to be prepared for many shootings, perhaps a hundred a week.  Macready asked the Committee “Does the Cabinet realise what is involved? Will they go through with it? Will they begin to howl when they hear of our shooting a hundred men in one week?”   Macready warned that there must be no more “half-hearted coercion”.  It had to be a case of “all out” or “nothing”.  The Committee decides to recommend to the British cabinet the measures proposed by Macready.

Macready also made no concealment of his own belief (shared by John Anderson, Under Secretary) that coercion would not work in the longer term.   See Jun-18-21/2 (Anderson to Greenwood) and Jun-20-21/1 (Macready to Llyod George).

Andy Cope ensures that the recommendations of the Irish Situation Committee are leaked to Sinn Féin.

 

Townshend (1975), pgs 189-190; Fanning (2013), pgs 258-259; Matthews (2004), pg 31; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 305-306

Jun-15-21/2

 

Private Frank Roughly of the BA’s Manchester Regiment disappears from his barracks in Ballincollig, Co. Cork.  The regimental enlistment book records that his death was “accepted for official purposes”.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 479

Jun-15-21/3

 

A sweep is made by the BA’s Essex Regiment on the Ardfield area on the west of Clonakilty Bay, Co Cork. 

A number of IRA men in the area including Jim 'Spud' Murphy and Jim Lane manage to escape.

 

Deasy (1993), pg 298-299

Jun-15-21/4

 

The counties of Monaghan, Cavan and Louth were added to the BA’s Dublin District.  A new BA brigade is formed (26th) with its HQ in Dundalk.

 

Sheehan (2007), pg 60

Jun-15-21/5

 

When holding up a train near Meelick, Co. Clare, IRA men from the East Clare Brigade are surprised by a party of British Army’s Royal Scots troops travelling on the train and, in the ensuing gun battle, IRA man Chris McCarthy is killed after being captured and Michael (or Patrick) Gleeson is mortally wounded.  A number of IRA men are wounded and captured.

Brennan (who was O/C of the East Clare Brigade) also claims that two BA soldiers are killed in Clare around this time but these killings are not mentioned by Ó Ruairc or O’Halpin & Ó Corráin. 

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 38; Brennan (1980), pgs 103-104; Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 247-249; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 478-479

Jun-16-21/1

 

US Customs agents discover 495 Thompson sub-machine guns and ammunition on Pier Two, Hoboken, New Jersey which were destined for Ireland.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 78; Townshend (2014), pg 234; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 309

Jun-16-21/2

 

IRA Volunteer, Thomas Fleming, who was brigade engineer for the Kerry No. 2 Brigade, is killed when the bomb that he is making explodes at Gloutane, Cordal, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.  Twelve others are injured.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 480-481

Jun-16-21/3

 

Martin Comyn, K.C., had tried to obtain a Writ of Prohibition halting the holding of Military Courts in Ireland on the grounds that they were illegal tribunals.  He applied on behalf of two IRA men sentenced to death (Clifford and O’Sullivan of Mitchelstown).  He was refused in Ireland on the basis that the existed a state of war.  (This may have been the decision of the High Court – see Feb-21-21/6.)

Therefore, starting on this day, his appeal was heard in the British House of Lords.  He pleaded his case during the second week of July.  The British Military Authorities in Ireland suspended the execution of prisoners held in their jails.  (The English King, George V, had also requested that executions be suspended.)

 

O'Farrell P (1997), pg 19; Macardle (1999), pg 465

Jun-16-21/4

 

A train carrying newly arrived troops of the BA’s The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment is attacked from both sides at Drumcrondra in Dublin. This was part of the additional troops promised to Macready.  One BA soldier, Private William Saunders, dies as a result of this attack.

A Thompson machine gun may have been used for the first time in this attack.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 479; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 307-308; Sheehan (2007), pg 52

Jun-16-21/5

 

There is an ambush of four lorries containing 25 Auxiliaries by 130 to 140 men from the Cork No. 2 Brigade, IRA under Paddy O'Brien near Rathcoole (between Millstreet and Banteer), Co. Cork.  This ambush results in the deaths of two Auxiliaries. 

 

More Detail 

 

Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 228-238; O’Donoghue (1986), pg 168; Abbott (2000), pgs 256-257 & Hopkinson (2002), pg 113; Abbott (2019), pgs 326-327; Townshend (2014), pg 294; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 480

Jun-16-21/6

 

RIC Constable Harold (Sammy) Round goes missing from his barracks in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon.

He was captured by men from the South Roscommon Brigade, IRA.  He is court-martialled and sentenced to death. He was drowned in the River Suck at Dumammon or Donamon.

Constable Round was from Lancashire in England and had almost nine months’ service in the RIC.

Abbott (2000), pg 313; O’Callaghan (2012), pg 82-83; Abbott (2019), pgs 400-401; Townshend (2014), pg 265; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 480

Jun-16-21/7

 

Major-General Charles Foulkes, head of propaganda for the BA, writes that the chief characteristics of IRA volunteers were “ignorance, emotionalism, credulity, and unquestioning obedience to the Roman Catholic Church”. 

Sheehan comments “Given the continuation of the war by the IRA in the face of excommunication [by the RC Church], this view hardly reflected the complexity of the situation in Ireland”.

 

Sheehan (2017), pg 109

Jun-16-21/8

 

RIC District Inspector Cyril Robert Mason accidentally shoots himself outside Wexford Barracks and dies from his wounds.

Abbott (2019), pg 409; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 479-480

Jun-17-21/1

 

RIC Constable William Campbell is shot dead by the IRA outside Dundalk, Co. Louth. 

That night three brothers (Patrick, John and Bernard Watters), who lived in The Windmill Bar (at the junction of Quay St and Seatown in Dundalk) were taken from their beds and two were shot dead (Patrick & John).  Bernard managed to escape.  Patrick was a member of the IRA but the other two brothers were probably not (or, at least, not active). 

(Lawlor says the two Watters brothers were shot first and Constable Campbell later but Gavin & O’Donnell and Hall say that Constable Campbell was killed first. O’Halpin and Ó Corráin agree with them.)

Constable Campbell was from Dumbarton in Scotland and had six months’ service in the RIC.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 257; Gavin and O’Donnell (1999), pg 29; Lawlor (2011), pgs 176-177; Hall (2019), pgs 82-83; O’Halpin and  Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 481-483

Jun-17-21/2

 

The IRA burn Castletown Mount in Co. Louth on the 17th. 

On the 18th, Ravensdale Park was burned to the ground along with Ravensdale court house.

 

Hall (2019), pg 82

Jun-17-21/3

 

An ex-BA soldier, Patrick O’Connell, is abducted from his home at Cloncon, Tullamore, Co. Offaly by men from the Kilbeggan Company, Offaly Brigade, IRA under Sean McGuinness.  On June 19th, his blindfolded body is found with a note saying “Convicted Spy – Spies and Informers beware of IRA”.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say “There was considerable doubt locally about O’Connell’s guilt”.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 482

Jun-17-21/4

 

Two IRA men, John Vaughan and Ned Shannon, are shot dead as they try to escape a raid by the RIC on the Vaughan home at Cloonsuck near Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. 

According to O’Callaghan, Shannon was wounded but still alive when he was shot dead. Two other men are arrested. This was the work of the Castlerea ‘Murder Gang’ led by RIC Sgt James King.

Shannon was a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, South Roscommon brigade while Vaughan was captain of the Cloonbonniff Company of the South Roscommon Brigade.

Tom Crawley of the South Roscommon Brigade believed that the RIC were given information, probably by Paddy Egan who was the Brigade I/O.  Egan fled the country.

O’Farrell says June 17th but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say June 22nd.

See Jul-11-21/2.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pgs 118 & 119; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 175-179; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 488-489; Burke (2021), pg 114

Jun-17-21/5

 

RIC Constable George Jones drowns while bathing.

Abbott (2019), pg 407

Jun-17-21/6

 

The IRA shoot dead Philip Dunne at his home at Grangehiggin, Allen, Kilmeague, Co Kildare.

There had been an earlier attack on Dunne in his home (on June 14th) but he managed to escape.  The raiders returned two nights later and there was resistance from Dunne and his family during which Dunne is shot dead. His mother is also wounded but survived.

 

Durney says that “The Dunne family are adamant that Philip was not shot for spying, but that a land issue was at the root of the incident”.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin state that this killing “has the hallmarks of a local dispute dressed up as a political one”. They also note that, in May 1924, Cosgrave told the Dáil that compensation claims from the IRA men involved in this killing fell outside the relevant legislation.

 

Durney (2013), pg 203; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 481; Cullen (2020), pg 94

Jun-17-21/7

 

After an attack on an RIC Crossley tender at Craighalough (near Newmarket-on-Fergus in Co. Clare), the ASU of the 1st Battalion, Mid-Clare Brigade, IRA is attacked by another lorry load of RIC men who were trying to cut off the IRA men. 

During exchanges, Volunteer Tom Healy dies from a heart attack. Healy was an ex-RIC man who had resigned in August 1920.

Ruairc says early July but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say June 17th.)

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 254; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 482; Brennan (1980), pgs 103-104;

Jun-18-21/1

 

Curran says Irish Committee of British cabinet, chaired by Chamberlain, agrees speech by King to be given at the opening of Northern Ireland parliament.  (It has been amended from what Chamberlain and Balflour called 'gush' written by Smuts to generalities about peace and reconciliation.)

Fanning says that, after a visit to Downing St by Lord Stamfordham (the king’s private secretary) on June 17th, Llyod George gave the job of re-writing the king’s speech to Edward Grigg and that the king approved the speech when it was given to him by Llyod George personally the following day.  The speech made no mention of an offer of Dominion Status for Ireland.

King George does deliver the speech on June 22nd - see Jun-22-21/1.   (It was full of “generalities about peace and reconciliation” but it is in stark contrast to  Birkenhead’s speech in British House of Lords the day before – See Jun-21-21/6.)

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 56; Fanning (2013), pg 259; Boyce (1972), pg 147

Jun-18-21/2

 

Anderson writes to Greenwood saying that “military action to be effective must be vigorous and ruthless” and goes on to say "No war can be carried on effectively in the glare of public criticism".  Therefore, he said “it would be the wildest folly to embark on such a policy unless the Govt. were absolutely convinced that they could command the necessary support in Parliament and the country”. 

He also quoted Macready as saying "It is a case on 'all out or get out' ". 

See Jun-20-21/1.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 85 & 194; Boyce (1972), pgs 134-135

Jun-18-21/3

 

According to Townshend, an extended search by the BA starts in the Rathcoole area of Co. Cork following the ambush on June 16th – See Jun-16-21/5. Some 1,850 BA troops are involved. 

However, other sources have this sweep starting on June 23rd - see Jun-23-21/1.

 

Townshend (1975), pgs 187

Jun-18-21/4

 

The ASU of the Kilkenny No. 1 Brigade, IRA, under the leadership of Brigade O/C, George O’Dwyer, lay an ambush at Coolbawn, just north of Castlecomer.  However, their position is given away by a local loyalist farm owner, Florence Dreaper, and the ambushers are surrounded by Crown Forces. 

In the subsequent gun battle, two IRA Volunteers (Nicholas Mullins from Thomastown and Seán Hartley from Glenmore) were killed and another (James Doyle) injured and captured.  The remainder of the ASU (some 60 men) managed to escape. 

O’Dwyer is replaced as O/C by Garrett Brennan. 

See Jul-07-21/9.

 

Walsh (2018), pgs 91-94; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 483-484

Jun-18-21/5

 

RIC Constable George Stockdale (or Stackdale) dies by drowning in Co. Clare.

Abbott (2000), pg 320; Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 331

Jun-18-21/6

 

An ex-BA soldier, Robert Pike, is shot dead by the IRA at Fagan’s Corner in Drumcrondra, Dublin. 

The IRA claim that Pike was involved in tracing Dan Breen and Sean Tracey to Professor Carolan’s house (which was nearby) in October 1920 – See Oct-11 to 12-20/1. 

It is also claimed by the IRA that Pike alerted the British authorities on the morning of the IRA ambush in Drumcrondra on January 21st which led to the deaths of five IRA men – See Jan-21-21/4.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 485; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 143 & 310

Jun-18-21/7

 

The 9th Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade IRA ambush a cycle patrol of seven RIC men at Sinnott’s Cross between Piltown and Mooncin. 

One RIC man (Constable Albert Bradford) is killed and another (Sgt Con Sweatman or Sweetman) is wounded. 

Constable Bradford was from Essex in England and had ten months’ service in the RIC.

 Abbott (2000), pg 257-258; Walsh (2018), pg 95-96; Abbott (2019), pg 327-327; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 484-485

Jun-18-21/8

 

A number of officers from the Cork (West) No. 3 Brigade of the IRA (including Liam Deasy, Tom Barry and Tadgh O'Sullivan) are staying in Charlie O’Sullivan’s house at Maulatrahane (between Skibereen and Drinagh) when the house is raided by British soldiers from the King's Liverpools Regiment. 

They manage to escape but have to leave behind two trench coats including one that belongs to Tom Barry.  The trench coats are taken away by the Liverpools

Tom Barry writes a letter to Colonel Hudson, O/C of the Liverpools, demanding the return of the trench coats as they are not "contraband of war".  A few days later, Colonel Hudson approaches Dick Connolly, editor of the Southern Star, and tells him that he agrees with Barry and asks Connolly to arrange the return of the trench coats. 

 

Deasy (1972), pg 291; Barry (1999), pgs 156-157; Ryan (2003), pgs 114-115

cJun-18-21/9

 

Around this time, de Valera, Childers and Robert Brennan had a meeting in Mrs O’Rahilly’s house in Herbert Park (Road?), where de Valera explained his concept of external association by a circle (representing Ireland) touching but not part of a larger circle (representing the British Commonwealth). 

Brennan comments that, at first glance, he did not like it but “I could not but admire the rare political genius which had brought it into being.”  Brennan also says that he got the impression that Childers was not enthusiastic about it. 

 

Brennan (1950), pgs 311-312

Jun-18-21/9

 

The Western People reports the finding of the partly decomposed body of a young man in a bog near Skraheen on the road between Ballina and Foxford, Co. Mayo.  The body had been found on June 13th.  It turns out to be the body of Michael J Tolan – See Apr-16-21/2. 

(The body was exhumed in November 1921 and an autopsy carried out which gave evidence that he was tortured before being killed. He was later buried with full military honours.)

 

Price (2012), pgs 165-166 & 184-185; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 383

Jun-18-21/10

 

The farmhouse of George Brown near Carlingford, Co. Louth is destroyed by the IRA because he is deemed to be too friendly with the Crown forces and that he had given information leading to the killing of John Joseph Magee – see May-13-21/2.  He is the only Protestant living in the area. 

Three days later, the general store belonging to James Cunningham, in the same area, is destroyed by armed raiders (presumably Crown Forces). A woman dies in this fire but she is never identified.

 

Hall (2019), pg 83; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 490

Jun-18-21/11

 

RIC Constable Albert Moore is accidentally shot in Kilnaleck Barracks in Co. Cavan by a colleague and later dies from his wounds.

Constable Moore was from Essex in England and had just over five months’ service with the RIC.

 

Abbott (2019), pgs 410; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 486

Jun-18-21/12

 

Thomas Cunningham and Michael Reilly, both ex-BA soldiers, are abducted from their homes near Belmont, Co. Offaly and executed as alleged spies by the Offaly No. 2 Brigade, IRA. 

The IRA claim that Reilly was warned on two occasions “but ignored the warning”.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 483; Hughes (2016), pg 122

Jun-18-21/13

 

Writing to George Gavan Duffy, Collins says “It would be a great pity if well-meaning people queered the position by too much of this [talk of peace]. There are always those who want to insist on shaking hands before the combat is over, and, in my opinion, we are not so near the end yet that we can afford to start the hand-shaking”.

 

Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 327-328

Jun-18-21/14

 

Volunteers from H Company, 1st Battalion of the Dublin Brigade IRA attack a lorry carrying members of the BA’s Wiltshire Regiment at the junction of Ryder’s Row and Capel St in Dublin.  They throw two grenades at the lorry.  Seven members of the Wiltshire Regiment, six civilians and one member of the DMP are wounded.

Three of the civilians later die of their wounds.  They are four-year-old Michael Martin, Kate Mahon and Bessie O’Brien.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 486 & 488; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 310

Jun-19-21/1

 

A British Army group escorting the body of Constable Bradford – See Jun-18-21/7 - is ambushed at Newbridge, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary resulting in the death of one soldier (Private William Smith of the Devonshire Regiment).  Accounts vary.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 257; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 487

Jun-19-21/2

 

Three officers from the BA’s RGA and Lincolnshire Regiment (Lieutenants Robert Bettridge, Walter Glossop and Alexander Toogood) leave the Military Barracks in Fethard, Co. Tipperary on foot. 

They are captured by the IRA at Coleman about a mile and half outside Fethard (or at Moorstown).  They are brought before Ernie O’Malley, O/C 2nd Southern Division, IRA.  They are executed at Woodrooffe, near Clonmel.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 485-486; O’Malley (1990), pgs 327-332; Kautt (2014), pg 155

Jun-19-21/3

 

IRA Volunteer, Thomas Kelleher is shot dead by the Auxiliaries at Drumlish, Co. Longford.  He and another Volunteer (Peadar Conlon) are challenged by an Auxiliary patrol.  During a brief exchange of gun fire, Kelleher is shot through the heart.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 486; O’Farrell (1997), pgs 50 & 110

Jun-19-21/4

 

A BA officer with the Worcestshire Regiment, Alfred Breeze, is captured by the IRA near Carrickmines in Co. Dublin. 

He is taken to the Dublin mountains and executed at Glenamuck.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 486-487; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 311; Kautt (2014), pgs 154-155; Sheehan (2007), pgs 57-58

Jun-19-21/5

 

Four IRA volunteers from the 6th Battalion, Dublin Brigade enter the Royal Marine Hotel in Kingstown (Dun Laoghaire) with the aim of attacking Crown Forces who frequented this hotel. 

There is a shootout which was said to resemble a “Wild West” show. Many are wounded and one IRA man, Lieutenant James McIntosh, is wounded by Auxiliaries and dies later.

McIntosh had been a Sgt-Major in the BA.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 489; O’Farrell (1997), pg 113; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 311

Jun-19-21/6

 

A 65-year old labourer, Patrick Walsh, is shot dead by Crown Forces near Rathgormac, Co, Waterford.

McCarthy (2015), pg 72; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 487

Jun-19-21/7

 

Leo Corby, who was a dentist, is shot dead by the IRA at Castleblagh, Ballyhooley, Co. Cork.  He was on his motorbike going from Thurles to Cork. Apparently, he was shot when he failed to stop. 

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 487

Jun-20-21/1

 

In letter to Llyod George (via Frances Stevenson), Macready says that he thinks coercion would be a mistake which might produce an "apparent calm" but not a lasting settlement. 

However, he says that if the cabinet decided that coercion was the only policy then he would do his best to carry it out.  Also, he states that drastic action must have public support. To achieve this there would have to be a growing body of opinion “imbued with a strong sense that the Government have made a generous and definite offer to Ireland”.

Fanning states that “Macready’s politically repellent depiction of the extension of martial law was designed to sway the cabinet towards conciliation and it worked”.

Chamberlain, Winston Churchill (Colonial Secretary) and Birkenhead (Lord Chancellor) start to lean towards supporting a truce and negotiations (because ‘Ulster is now safeguarded’).

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 55 & Hopkinson (2002), pg 194;  Fanning (2013), pg 259; Boyce (1972), pg 135

Jun-20-21/2

 

IRA Volunteer Edward Fox is shot in Corbett’s pub in South Cumberland St in Dublin. He dies later in hospital.

He was shot by Daniel Whelan who is subsequently found insane by a republican court. Whelan was a British spy.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 488; Ó Ruairc (2021b), pg 61

Jun-20-21/3

 

An Imperial Conference of Britain and its Dominions/Colonies starts in London – continues until August 5th.

 

Roskill (1972), pg 231

Jun-20-21/4

 

IRA Volunteer, John O’Meara, is shot dead by two plain clothes RIC constables in Emly, Co. Tipperary.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 488

Jun-20-21/5

 

The RC Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr MacRory, is quoted in the Irish News as saying, in relation to the imminent opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament by King George, that the King’s advisors had made “a great mistake in asking the king to go out of his way to signify special approval of an institution which was set up in defiance of the determined opposition of more than four-fifths of the Irish Nation”.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 131

Jun-21-21/1

 

Irish bishops after meeting in Maynooth issue a statement saying that there would be no peace in Ireland until the right of the Irish people to choose their own form of government had been acknowledged. 

(De Valera had tried to persuade them to recognise the Irish Government as the legitimate government of Ireland but they refused to do this.)

 

Macardle (1999), pg 465

Jun-21-21/2

 

The Workhouses in Skibbereen and Bandon, Co Cork are burnt to the ground by the IRA as they think they may be taken over to house British troops.

 

Deasy (1973), pgs 292-294

Jun-21-21/3

 

IRA Volunteer, John Murphy, is captured by a BA soldiers from the Essex Regiment under Major A. E. Percival at Cloghane, Bandon, Co. Cork.  He is bayoneted to death. Murphy worked for Robert Hales – brother of Sean and Tom.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that this killing occurred in June 21st but the CFR says that it happened on June 26th.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 488; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-21-21/4

 

A young IRA Volunteer, William Aylward, is seriously wounded when he removing debris from an in-filled road trench. A bomb, left by Crown Forces as a booby trap, explodes causing the injuries.

 

Walsh (2018), pg 86

Jun-21-21/5

 

Patrick Darcy, a native of Cooraclare, Co Clare who was a teacher in Doonbeg is arrested and court-martialled by the IRA.  The court martial is chaired by Sean Liddy, O/C West Clare Brigade. 

Darcy was alleged to have given information leading to the capture and deaths of Michael McNamara and William Shanahan – see Dec-18-20/5.  He is executed and a label pinned to his body saying ‘Spies Beware’.  He was killed by Liam Haugh and Tom Marrinan.

Darcy had two brothers in the IRA (one of whom had drowned trying to escape from the RIC – see Jan-19-20/1).  Suspicion also fell on an ex-RIC man called Sheehan, who owned a pub in Kilrush, but he fingered Darcy and is reprieved.

 

Ó Ruairc says that Darcy was arrested on June 21st but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say June 17th. 

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 251-253; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 481-482

Jun-21-21/6

 

In a speech in the British House of Lords, the Lord Chancellor, Birkenhead admits, against previous government statements, that there was a “small war” going on in Ireland. 

He further admits that the British efforts to defeat the IRA were failing.  He says that, in this small war, “British military methods had failed to keep pace with and to overcome the military methods of their opponents”.  However, he says that, under the current government, there would be no change of policy. 

He explicitly states that Fitzalan’s statement on June 7th (See Jun-07-21/2) was not a subtle hint of any impending change in the British government’s policy.

He says that negotiations with Sinn Féin were pointless as they would accept nothing less than open independence and a Republic of Ireland.  He went on to say “I profoundly hope that … wiser councils will prevail, but should we be forced to the melancholy conclusion that by force and by force alone can these mischiefs be extirpated, it is a conclusion which, however sorrowfully, we shall accept, and upon which we shall not hesitate logically and completely to act”.

The motion that Birkenhead was speaking to (a motion proposed by Lord Donoughmore to authorise negotiations be opened with Ireland based on amendments to the Government of Ireland Act) was defeated but only by 66 votes to 57. 

This vote is taken by Wilson as “another sign that the country was not whole-heartedly in favour of flattening out the rebels”.

 

Lesson (2012), pg 65; Townshend (2014), pg 303; Matthews (2004), pg 33; Boyce (1972), pg 136; Pakenham (1967), pgs 37 & 64

Jun-21-21/7

 

In a memo to the British cabinet on IRA gun running, Churchill says “it was doubtful whether our secret service system, both in the Continent and in America, was efficient enough to be able to give full information regarding cargoes leaving foreign ports that it would have been necessary to have”.

 

McMahon (2008), pg 128

Jun-21-21/8

 

An ex-BA soldier and naval reservist, Daniel O’Callaghan, is shot at his mother’s home on Main St., Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork by two IRA men who were trying to arrest him.  O’Callaghan made a run for it and was shot as he ran.  They suspected him of providing information to the British military.  He died early the following morning.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 489; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-22-21/1

 

In contrast to Birkenhead speech in the House of Lords the previous day (see Jun-21-21/6), King George V of England delivers a speech on this day in Belfast at the formal opening of Parliament of Northern Ireland with an appeal for peace. 

He says, inter alia, “I speak from a full heart when I pray that my coming to Ireland today may prove to the first step towards an end of strife amongst her people, whatever their race or creed. I appeal to all Irishmen to pause, to stretch out the hand of forbearance and conciliation, to forgive and forget, and to join in making for the land they love a new era of peace, contentment and goodwill.” [Full text of speech given in Kautt.] 

Despite the speech containing the frequently used British Government subterfuge that the conflict in Ireland was solely between Irishmen (and that the British Government were almost like innocent bystanders!), this appeal by the English king meets with an enthusiastic response in the British press and from a lot of the Irish press (especially the Belfast Telegraph). 

However, on June 23rd, the Irish News stated that one could detect “the tainted hand of Llyod George in every sentence”.

Fanning notes that it did not foreshadow any offer of Dominion status but also contained no word of condemnation of the IRA.  Matthews says “What was said was less important than the fact that the speech gave the government [and, in particular, Llyod George] the excuse it needed for a dramatic break in policy”. 

See Jun-24-21/1.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 57; Abbott (2000), pg 274; Macardle (1999), pg 466; Gallagher (1953), pg 299; Phoenix (1994), pg 134; Parkinson (2004), pgs 129-135; Fanning (2013), pg 260; Boyce (1972), pgs 137-138; Kautt (2014), pgs 246-247; Parkinson (2020), pgs 113-121; Pakenham (1967), pg 69

Jun-22-21/2

 

De Valera arrested in Blackrock, Co. Dublin but Andy Cope organises his release. 

Brennan’s Question

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 58; Macardle (1999), pg 467; Brennan (1950), pgs 313-314; Townshend (2014), pg 304; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 311; Sheehan (2007), pg 58

Jun-22-21/3

 

An RIC man (Constable George Duckham) is reported missing as he travelled in from Macroom to Millstreet, Co. Cork by horse and sidecar.  He was captured by men from the 7th (Macroom) Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA and executed. 

His father subsequently gets a letter from Macroom saying that he had been executed by the IRA the day after he was captured.  The letter included documents found on Duckham.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 312; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 489-490

Jun-22-21/4

 

Formal order from IRA GHQ authorising the burning of houses of Unionists who were actively anti-Irish in their actions in retaliation for the burning of homes by the British Army in official reprisals. 

[This official order came almost six months after the start of official reprisals by BA – see Jan-01-21/1]. 

However, see Jun-03-21/2.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 463

Jun-22-21/5

 

The Earl of Bandon, James Bernard, and his wife are taken hostage by the IRA (under Sean Hales, O/C Bandon Battalion) at their home, Castle Bernard which is burnt down. 

A letter is sent to O/C 6th Division, British Army in Cork (General Strickland) saying that the Earl is being held hostage and would be executed if any more IRA prisoners were executed by the British.  No more IRA prisoners are executed in the martial law area as they had been suspended – see Jun-16-21/3.

 

Deasy (1973), pgs 295-297; Dooley (2017), pg 453

Jun-23-21/1

 

Large scale sweep is made by Crown Forces near Rathcoole, Co Cork in the Nad mountains following the Rathcoole ambush – see .  An IRA man (Michael Dineen) from the Kilcorney Company, Millstreet Battalion, Cork No.2 Brigade is taken from his brother's house at Ivale, Kilcorney and shot dead by Auxiliaries.   According to one source, “His arms and legs had been broken by the blows of British rifle-butts before they murdered him

Also, a number of IRA men are captured 'by pure chance' and interned.  Liam Lynch and Paddy O’Brien (O/C 1st Southern Division and V/C Cork No. 2 Brigade respectively) had been staying in the area but they managed by “As a result of good intelligence work and efficient scouting” to evade the sweep by the Crown Forces.

Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pg 236; Townshend (1975), pgs 187; O’Farrell (1997), pg 28 & 106; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 490-491; Sheehan (2017), pgs 153-155; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-23-21/2

 

Edward Landers, from Lismore, Co. Waterford, dies from illness in Ballykinlar Internment Camp.

(McCarthy says June 23rd but O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say July 1st.)

McCarthy (2015), pg 78; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 503

Jun-23-21/3

 

Speaking in the new Parliament of NI, Craig states “every person inside our particular boundary may rest assured that there will be nothing meted out to them but the strictest justice”.  Comment: Unfortunately, this did not transpire.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 135

Jun-23-21/4

 

Men from Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA launch a bomb and gun attack on the RIC barracks on Grand Parade in Cork City.  Although the IRA claimed that several RIC must have been killed or wounded, there was no RIC casualties. 

However, such was the indiscriminate nature of the shooting, several civilians were wounded.  One of these, Josephine Scannell (19), died from her wounds.  She was sitting at a sewing machine in her home at 17 French’s Quay when a bullet came through the window and hit her in the neck.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg

Jun-23-21/5

 

In a scathing report on the Kerry No. 1 Brigade by Eamonn Price (Assistant Director of Organisation, GHQ IRA), he says that there was no systematic training and “hardly 10% of men were able to use a rifle”.  He also says that, with regards to Cahill’s ASU located at the ‘The Hut’ on the slopes of Sliabh Mis “its energies being devoted to eating sleeping and general amusements”. 

Soon afterwards a meeting takes place at McKenna’s of Derrymore attended by, among others Eamonn Price, Liam Lynch, Humphrey Murphy and Andy Cooney.  (Cooney had been transferred as GHQ organiser from Kerry No. 2 to Kerry No. 1 on June 10th.)  Price attempts to get a number of local men to take over as Brigade O/C but they refuse out of loyalty to Cahill.  Eventually, Price appoints Andy Cooney as Brigade O/C which Cooney reluctantly accepts.

However, Cooney was to get little co-operation from the local IRA men.  MacEvilly comments that Kerry No. 1 was “the only Brigade in the period which had effectively mutinied against GHQ”.

(According to Cooney, Liam Lynch’s attitude to the ‘Cahill affair’ was that, because Cahill had been asked to resign before the 1st Division was set up (see Apr-26-21/1) then it was “GHQ’s business to fix up that area”.)

 

MacEvilly (2011), pgs 46-49; Hopkinson (2002), pg 128

Jun-24-21/1

 

Lloyd George, Chamberlain, other cabinet members, members of Irish administration & Smuts meet to discuss a peace offer; which is now possible after the response to the King's appeal for peace in Belfast – See Jun-22-21/1.

Lloyd George argues that there is political value in making such an offer because, if de Valera refuses, the British government would be in a stronger position to wage all-out war against the IRA.

Even Conservative ministers, who had earlier argued against a truce (see May-12-21/1), acquiesced.  (Pakenham says that both Chamberlain and Birkenhead came to the conclusion that the time had come to offer negotiations – perhaps after reading the reactions in the newspapers to speech given by the King of England in Belfast.)

The key argument within the British cabinet for making a peace offer was summed up by the Birmingham Post as follows:  Sinn Féin should be offered an “open invitation” to talks and, if the talks broke down on Sinn Féin’s demand for independence, “the [British] Government would still gain something – they would be able to proceed with a clear conscience and augmented public sympathy in those measures of sterner repression foreshadowed by the Lord Chancellor [Birkenhead] in Tuesday [21st June]”.

A letter is drafted by Lloyd George inviting de Valera (“as the chosen leader of the great majority in Southern Ireland”) & James Craig (as “Premier of Northern Ireland”) to London to "explore to the utmost the possibility of a settlement" and "with the fervent desire to end the ruinous conflict".   [Matthews says that this policy was approved at an emergency meeting of the British cabinet.]

Full text of letter given in Macardle. No specific terms and no mention of a truce but British Government knew its terms (including no army or navy for Southern Ireland) and cabinet authorised Llyod George to informally intimate it to de Valera.

Letter brought to Dublin on night of June 24th and released by the British Government as soon as it reached Dublin on June 25th - Jun-28-21/3.

Churchill later wrote that, given Birkenhead’s speech to the British House of Lords just three days earlier (see Jun-21-21/6) “No British Government in modern times has ever appeared to make so sudden and complete reversal of policy”.

 

Curran J M (1980), pgs 57-59; Townshend (1975), pg 191; Macardle (1999), pg 467-472; Leeson (2012), pg 65; Townshend (2014), pg 306; Matthews (2004), pg 34; Boyce (1972), pgs 138-139; Pakenham (1967), pg 64

Jun-24-21/2

 

Two Auxiliaries (Cadet Leonard Appleford and Cadet George Wames or Warnes) are shot dead on Grafton St. in Dublin near Chatham St. 

This was part of a larger IRA operation which was called off due to a large number of those who were due to partake being unable to make it through checkpoints around the city. 

 

Abbott (2000), pg 258; Abbott (2019), pgs 238-239;  Dalton (1929), pgs 168-172; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pg 54; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 492; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 315-316 

Jun-24-21/3

 

The IRA mine a troop train carrying the King's escort of the 10th Royal Hussars back from the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament at Adavoyle railway station, near Bessbrook, Co. Armagh. 

Townshend says four troopers are killed and 20 injured.  Gavin and O’Donnell say that three soldiers and one railway guard were killed.  Parkinson says that four soldiers and two civilians were killed and that 20 were injured. 

Lawlor says that a railway guard (Frank Gallagher from Donegal) and two British Army soldiers (Sgt Charles Dawson and Trooper Carl H. Harper) were killed and that Trooper William H Telford died on his way to Dundalk Hospital. Lawlor says a fourth soldier died but does not name him.  The three soldiers were from the BA’s 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales Own). O’Halpin and Ó Corráin confirms the deaths of Gallagher and the three BA soldiers but do not mention the death of a fourth soldier. 

 

Lawlor also says that, after disembarking quickly, British Army soldiers fired on two men working in a nearby field killing one (Patrick McAleer from Flurrybridge according to Hall but, according to O’Halpin & Ó Corráin, his name was Patrick McAteer). 

Many horses were killed or injured.

The attack was carried out by Frank Aiken’s 4th Northern Division IRA.

 

Townshend (1975), pg 192; Gavin and O’Donnell (1999), pg 29; Parkinson (2004), pg 136; Lawlor (2011), pgs 177-184; Hall (2019), pgs 83-84; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 491; Sheehan (2009), pgs 102-103; Parkinson (2020), pgs 122-123; O’Farrell (1997), pg 111

Jun-24-21/4

 

Two IRA men attempt to disarm two Black and Tans in Ennis, Co. Clare but the attempt fails and a fire fight breaks out in which six-year-old Patrick Morrissey is killed. 

The two IRA men – Frank Keane and Patrick O’Keefe – are captured.

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 253; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 491-492

Jun-24-21/5

 

Private George Caen (17) of the BA’s Manchester Regiment is reported missing from his barracks in Ballincollig, Co. Cork.  He was captured and killed by the IRA.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 492

Jun-25-21/1

 

The body of Arthur Treanor from Dunmadigan outside Emyvale in Co. Monaghan is found with a note attached to it saying that he was an informer. 

He had been the president of the local branch of the AOH and a rural district councillor.  This was a contentious killing by the IRA.

 

Dooley (2017a), pg 89; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 492-493

Jun-25-21/2

 

An ex-BA soldier, James Doherty (aka Boland) is abducted from his home in Mungret St in Limerick. 

His body is found on June 28th with a sign on it saying “Tried, Convicted, and duly executed by the IRA. Men and women, spies and traitors beware.”

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 498

Jun-25-21/3

 

Private Donald McKenzie of the BA’s Manchester Regiment is accidently killed in Kinsale in Co. Cork.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 493

Jun-25-21/4

 

The IRA North Mayo flying column, waiting in ambush at Ballycastle, Co Mayo, is itself attacked on three sides resulting in the death of one IRA volunteer, Tom Nealon. Another is wounded and five others captured, including O/C North Mayo Brigade, Eamon Gannon. 

These arrests throw the North Mayo Brigade into disarray so IRA GHQ appoint Micheál Ó Cléirigh as Brigade Adjutant to reorganise the brigade.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 133;

Price (2012), pgs 166-167 & 185; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 494

Jun-25-21/5

 

Two civilians, Michael McNamara and David Carroll, are shot by RIC patrol for ‘failing to stop’ in Limerick City.  Both men die from their wounds.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 493 & 505

Jun-25-21/6

 

An ex-BA soldier, Patrick Maher, is shot dead by the IRA as an alleged informer near his home at Mount Kinane, Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 493-494

Jun-26-21/1

 

Writing to his sister Hilda Chamberlain, Austen Chamberlain describes the British government’s change of policy towards Ireland as a “last attempt at peace before we go the full length of martial law”.

 

Matthews (2004), pg 34

Jun-26-21/2

 

One Auxiliary (Cadet William Hunt of R Company) shot dead and one wounded (Cadet Enfield W. White) in the dining room Mayfair Hotel, 30 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin. 

This killing was carried out by No. 4 Section ASU of the Dublin Brigade, IRA.  It was led by Pádraig Ó Conchubhair (Paddy O'Connor). 

According to O’Halpin and Ó Corráin, he had five colleagues – Peter Larkin, Jack Hanlon, Jim O’Neill, Jack Hanlon and James Tully. However, according to Molyneux and Kelly, Ó Conchubhair’s six colleagues included Michael Stack and Alec O’Toole as well as James Tully and Jim O’Neill.

Hunt was having tea with his wife, Alice Hunt and his ten-year-old daughter, Doris.  White’s wife, Annie White, was also present. 

The previous August (see Aug-31-20/2) the BA in Ireland issued an order that “wives and children” should be sent to England.  It seems extremely strange that, ten months later when the situation in Ireland had got a lot worse, that two Auxiliaries still thought it safe to be staying with their families in an hotel in Dublin – not even in an RIC barracks.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 259;  Hopkinson (2002), pg 102; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pgs 54-55; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 494; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 316-318

Jun-26-21/3

 

Thomas Goulding, who had earlier escaped an IRA attempt to kill him (see Apr-01-21/4), survives another attempt to kill him.

 

Borgonovo (2007), pgs 68-69

Jun-26-21/4

 

RIC Constable Alex McDonald goes missing in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  It is assumed that he was abducted and shot by the IRA.  His body is never found.

McDonald was from Caithness in Scotland and have seven months’ service with the RIC.

 

Hall (2019), pg 83;  Abbott (2000), pg 313; Abbott (2019), pg 400; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 495

Jun-26-21/5

 

A civilian, Manus O’Donnell, is shot for ‘failing to halt’ when ordered to do so by soldiers from the BA’s Rifle Regiment.  He dies two days later in the Infirmary in Lifford, Co. Donegal.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 498

Jun-26-21/6

 

Sean Twomey, O/C of the IRA’s Cork City ASU is being arrested by members of the BA’s Manchester Regiment when he makes a run for it down Kyle St.

The BA soldiers fire after him killing Mary Parnell who lived at 11 Kryl’s Quay.  Twomey is recaptured.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 494-495

Jun-26-21/7

 

An ex-BA soldier, Thomas Smith, disappears after he leaves his home in Kilmeasan, Co. Meath to inquire about his army pension in Navan.  His body is fished out of the Boyne on July 5th. 

He hands, arms and feet were tied and iron weights had been tied to him. Presumably killed by the IRA as a suspected informer.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 495

Jun-27-21/1

 

RIC Constable Patrick Clarke is shot and killed at Cleerykeel or Creevykeel Cross, near Cliffoney, Co. Sligo.  It would appear that this was an unauthorised killing by the local IRA as Constable Clarke was “an older well-liked Mayoman”.

Abbott (2000), pg 259; Farry (2012), pg 71; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 494

Jun-27-21/2

 

Two RIC men are returning from church in Kildorrery, Co. Cork when they are attacked resulting in the death of one (Constable Thomas Shanley). 

Abbott (2000), pg 259; Abbott (2019), pg 330; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 494; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-27-21/3

 

A five-man RIC patrol is ambushed near the RIC barracks in Milltown, Co. Galway resulting in the death of two RIC men (Sgt James Murren and Constable Edgar Day). 

Sgt Murren was to have retired on pension a week before, but due to an administrative delay, his papers had not come through.

The ambush was carried out by the North Galway Flying Column led by Thomas Dunleavy, O/C Tuam Battalion.  (Henry says July 2th but that is unlikely to be the case.)

Constable Day was from Nottingham in England and had five months’ service in the RIC.  Sgt Murren was from Sligo.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 260; McNamara (2018), pgs 131; Henry (2012), pg 205; Abbott (2019), pg 330; Lesson (2012), pg 64; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 495

Jun-27-21/4

 

A civilian, William Connolly from Rossulty, near Thurles in Co. Tipperary, is shot by an RIC patrol and dies soon after from his wounds.  He told his brother that the RIC had seized him by the neck, told him to move a few steps and shot him as he did so.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 104; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 494

Jun-27-21/5

 

A civilian, William Henderson, is shot for failing to stop when challenged at a roadblock near the BA’s Finner Military Camp in Co. Donegal.  Henderson was deaf.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 495

Jun-27-21/6

 

Private Frederick Crowther of the BA’s South Staffordshire Regiment is one of three BA soldiers attacked on their way back to Victoria Barracks in Cork City from Mayfield.  The other two soldiers manage to get back to their barracks but Crowther is killed.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 495-496

Jun-27-21/7

 

A civilian, John Crimmin, is shot by members of H Company, Auxiliary Division, RIC who claim that they fired after shots were fired at them near the Railway Station in Limerick City.  Crimmin dies the following day in hospital.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 496

Jun-27-21/8

 

Walter Leo Murphy, O/C 3rd (Ovens) Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade, IRA is shot dead by a member of the BA’s Manchester Regiment in Donovan’s pub in Waterfall (near Ballincollig) in Co. Cork. A large number of arrests are made “including 23 of the key personnel of the No. 3 Battalion”.

Murphy is replaced by Michael O’Regan. 

Sheehan suggests that the BA was acting on “Information from local agents”.

See Jun-28-21/6.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 496; Sheehan (2017), pgs 87 & 89

Jun-27-21/9

 

A tender carrying Auxiliaries is attacked at the junction of Westland Row and Lombard St by IRA men from K Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade.

 

Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 318

Jun-28-21/1

 

Formal opening of the Parliament of Southern Ireland attended only by the 4 Trinity unionists (out of 128 seats) and the 15 (out of 64) senators nominated by the Viceroy.  It met for 15 minutes and adjourned sine die.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 52; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 321

Jun-28-21/2

 

O’Callagahan says patrol of 12 soldiers from the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry is ambushed by the IRA near Fortine (or Fortane) Crossroads, Tulla, Co. Clare.  Their leader, Lieutenant Richard Crawford Warren is shot in the stomach and later dies of his wounds.

Ó Ruairc says that the ambush took place on June 12th at Four Roads, a mile outside Tulla and that the British army patrol was a “large force of soldiers”.  Along with Lieutenant Warren, he says that Lance Corporal M. Hudson was also killed in the ambush.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that the ambush took place at Fortane Cross on June 28th and that it became known as the Four Roads ambush.  They say that Lieutenant Warren was wounded in the ambush and died later in Limerick.  O’Halpin and Ó Corráin do not say anyone else was killed as a result of this ambush but they do say that two other BA soldiers were wounded.

See Jun-29-21/8.

 

O’Callaghan (2017), pg 551; Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 242-243; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 497

Jun-28-21/3

 

De Valera replies to Llyod George’s letter of June 24th stating that Sinn Féin wants peace but this could not come about while British deny Ireland's unity.  He goes on to say that before replying more fully he seeking a conference with “certain representatives of the political minority in this country”. 

De Valera invites James Craig, the Earl of Midleton, Mauruce Dockrell, Robert H. Woods and Andrew Jameson to Dublin.  Craig refuses (but see Jun-28-21/5). The others accept and they meet with de Valera on July 4th – See Jul-04-211.

See also Jul-01-21/4.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 59

Jun-28-21/4

 

William Horgan or Hogan is arrested by the BA near Dillion’s Cross in Cork City.  A BA officer claims at the subsequent Military Court of Inquiry that, when being searched, Horgan tried to grab an officer’s revolver and was shot dead in the ensuing struggle.

The CFR says that “The evidence of this officer is not very credible. His name was 2nd Lieutenant Adelin Eugene P.F.M.G. van Outryve d’Ydewalle of the 2nd Battalion of the South Staffordshire Regiment, and he was in the process of acquiring an unsavoury reputation for his harsh treatment of prisoners whom he suspected of being Volunteers. He was later in command when Volunteer Denis Spriggs was killed in Cork city after his arrest on 8 July 1921. “ – see  Jul-09-21/4.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin say that Horgan was an IRA Volunteer but the CFR says that he was probably a civilian.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 496; O’Farrell (1997), pg 108; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-28-21/5

 

Responding to Llyod George’s letter of June 24th, the Northern Ireland cabinet agrees to Craig attending the talks.

 

Boyce (1972), pg 140

Jun-28-21/6

 

Charlie Daly from 3rd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade IRA, who was captured at Waterfall on June 27th (when Walter Leo Murphy was killed – see Jun-27-21/8) is tortured by the British Army while in custody in Victoria Barracks in Cork City.  Lieutenant H. Hammond (of the BA’s Dorset Regiment) was one of his torturers.   He is taken to Mount Vernon near Douglas where, according to Hammond, he is shot ‘trying to escape’. 

According to the CFR “In fact, Daly may have been tortured or even beaten to death in Victoria Barracks in Cork” before he was taken to Moutn Vernon.  Borgonovo noted: ‘Florrie O’Donoghue retained a medical examiner’s autopsy of Daly’s body. It reported that Daly suffered six bullet wounds, five bayonet wounds, a broken left eye socket, a crushed skull, fractured ribs and fingers, and a broken arm, tibia, and fibula.’

Daly may have been informed on by Daniel ‘Monkey’ McDonnell.

 

O'Kelly in The Kerryman (1955), pg 26; O’Farrell (1997), pg 105; Borgonovo (2007) pgs 59 & 112; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 497; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-28-21/7

 

RIC Constable Owen Hoey was shot and killed on St James’s Walk, near Grand Canal Harbour, in Dublin.  He had been visiting his sister in Dolphin’s Barn. 

His killers were men from the No. 4 Section ASU, Dublin Brigade, IRA led by Pádraig Ó Conchubhair (Paddy O’Connor).

Abbott (2000), pg 260; Abbott (2019), pg 331; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 496; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 318

Jun-28-21/8

 

The Dublin Castle Administration orders British forces to suspend raids on places frequently by persons of political importance in Sinn Féin. 

On June 30th, a number of prominent Sinn Féiners are released from prison (including Arthur Griffith, Robert Barton, Eoin MacNeill, Eamonn Duggan and Michael Staines) but 34 members of Dáil Eireann remain in prison.  De Valera makes the Mansion House his HQ.

 

Townshend (1975), pgs 196; Macardle (1999), pg 473; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pg 321

Jun-28-21/9

 

Two civilians, Patrick Sheehan and John O’Sullivan, were court martialled by the IRA with Jim Brislane, O/C 4th (Charville) Battalion, Cork No. 2 Brigade presiding.  (Liam Lynch was also present.)

They were found guilty of spying for the British and executed at Clonmore, Charville, Co. Cork.  O’Sullivan was 17-years-old.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 497-498; Cork Fatality Register

Jun-29-21/1

 

Macready writes to Wilson outlining the measures which would be introduced if martial law is declared throughout Ireland (except NI).

These included making membership of the Dáil, IRA and IRB treasonable offences; death sentence after drumhead court on anyone found in the possession of arms or explosives; identify cards to be carried by everyone; civil courts to be suspended; all fairs, markets and race meetings to be stopped; all banks to be closed; etc. 

These proposals were submitted to the British Cabinet for their approval by the Secretary of State for War.

 

Kautt (2014), pgs 173-175

Jun-29-21/2

 

The IRA burn down the Allin Institute in Bandon, Co Cork.

 

Deasy (1973), pg 294

Jun-29-21/3

 

IRA Volunteer John Buckley is taken from his home at Gortdrum, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary by unidentified men and shot dead.  He may have been killed by Crown Forces or by the IRA.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 498-499

Jun-29-21/4

 

In an operation similar to the rescue of Frank Carty (See Jun-26-20/3), Liam Pilkington leads a party of IRA men into Sligo goal and free Charles Gildea, Tom Deignan and Frank O’Beirne.  They had assistance from prison warder.

 

Farry (2012), pgs 70-71

Jun-29-21/5

 

An ex-BA soldier, Timothy Murphy, is shot dead by men from the BA’s South Staffordshire Regiment for ‘failing to halt’ in Old Market Place, off Cattle Lane in Cork City.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 499

Jun-29-21/6

 

An RIC patrol was ambushed at Kilraine or Kilrean on the Glenties to Ardara road in Co. Donegal by men from the 1st and 3rd Battalions, Donegal No. 3 Brigade, IRA.  This ambush resulted in the wounding and eventual death of one RIC man (Constable Thomas Devine) and the wounding of one Volunteer.  There were three lorries in the patrol and the ambushers had to retreat section-by-section as they were being hotly pursued until they reached the foothills of the Blue Stack mountains.

Constable Devine did not die until July 15th. At his funeral in Lifford, Co. Donegal, his mother said “I want the Irish people to know that I did not send my son on this mission to Ireland … I have the greatest sympathy with the Irish people and I wish them every success”.

Constable Devine was from Lancashire in England and had eight months’ service in the RIC.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 260; Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 269-270; Abbott (2019), pg 331; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 521-522

Jun-29-21/7

 

A civilian, James Grogan, is shot dead by a soldier from the BA’s Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in the townland of Core, near Tulla, Co. Clare because “he made for some scrub bushes” when ordered to stop.  The Military Court of Inquiry, as usual, found the soldier who fired the shots not guilty. 

This could have been a reprisal for the killing of Lieutenant Warren – See Jun-28-21/2.

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 499; Mac Conmara (2021), pg 204; O’Farrell (1997), pg 105; Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 328;

Jun-29-21/8

 

Major round-up by British forces in south-west Mayo with BA troops being landed in from British Navy ships in Killary Harbour.

 

McDonnell in The Kerryman (1955), pg 210

Jun-29-21/9

 

An IRA raiding party of 12 men remove 17 boxes of gun-cotton and three boxes of detonators and charges from Fasnet Rock Lighthouse

 

Deasy (1973), pgs 308-311

Jun-29-21/10

 

A civilian, Hugh Newman, is taken from his home at Lisdeegan, five miles from Cavan, Co. Cavan. 

His body found in a field near his home with a note tied to it saying “IRA, Tried and Convicted Spy”. 

The RIC County Inspector claimed that Newman gave them no information.  At all masses the following Sunday in Cavan Cathedral, the congregation is asked to pray for Newman.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 498; Lawlor (2011), pg 186; Hughes (2016), pg 131

Jun-29-21/11

 

Patrick McCarthy from Killarney, Co. Kerry accidently kills himself as he was dismounting from a sidecar at Annagh, Headford, Co. Kerry.

McCarthy was a member of the 4th Battalion, Kerry No. 2 Brigade.

 

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg  109; Horgan (2018), pgs 138-139; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 499

Jun-30-21/1

 

An RIC man (Constable Joseph Bourke) was shot dead in the RIC barracks in Templemore, Co. Tipperary by a fellow RIC man (Constable Sheehan) after they had an argument.  Sheehan was tried - his plea of insanity was accepted by the court.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 261; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 499

Jun-30-21/2

 

The Tyrone Courier (a unionist supporting paper) reports that Special Constables raided the home of a constitutional nationalist, John Monaghan of Clogher, Co. Tyrone.  They put a rifle in his mouth before beating him and burning his house.  The IRA had earlier raided his home for arms.

 

McCluskey (2014), pg 101

Jun-30-21/3

 

Edward Weir is taken from his home in Knockalaghta, Ballintober, Co Roscommon by two masked men who his wife said did not sound local.  He is shot dead.  Ballintober is about 6kms from Castlerea.

It is said that this killing was carried by members of the Auxiliary Division of the RIC. Weir was a member of Sinn Féin but not of the IRA.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 499; O’Callaghan (2012), pg 79

Jun-30-21/4

 

Attack by IRA men from Section 4 of the Dublin Brigade ASU on a Model T Ford car carrying four members of the RIC in Dolphin’s Barn in Dublin.  The occupants of the car are wounded.

O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pg 57; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 318-319

Jun-30-21/5

 

The Killings at Coolacrease

A party of IRA men raid the farm of the Pearson family at Coolacrease, Co. Offally.  They kill two members of the family - Richard and Abraham - and burn the farmhouse.  The family were members of the Cooneyites - a small Protestant sect.  These killings became very controversial in the 2005 to 2008 period.

 More Detail

 

Stanley (2005); pgs 21-27; Heaney et al (2008); O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 500-501& 503

Jun-30-21/6

 

Two brothers – Michael and Thomas McEneaney - who are members of the IRA are killed.  They were waiting in an ambush position with sixteen other IRA men near Carnagh railway station in Co. Monaghan when they are surprised by a party of Auxiliaries.

Dooley (2017a), pg 87; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 499-500; O’Farrell (1997), pg 111

Jun -30-21/7

 

Ulster Special Constable Hugh Gabbie was in civilian clothes when attacked on John Mitchel Place in Newry - he later died from his wounds.

That night, the USC take William Hickey from his bed in Newry and bring him outside the town to Lisdrumgullion when he is shot dead.  Hickey was not a member of the IRA or Sinn Féin.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 261; Lawlor (2011), pgs 184-185; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 501 & 502

Jun-30-21/8

 

Bill Freaney or Freeney, who was captain of the Derrydonnell Company, Galway No. Brigade, IRA dies from burns he receives when trying to burn down the pavilion of the County Galway Tennis and Cricket Club near Athenry, Co. Galway. 

He was so badly burnt that a doctor could not even identify the sex.

 

Henry (2012), pg 250; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pgs 501-502

Jun-30-21/9

 

A former British Army Major, Robert Stevenson, who served as District Commander of the USC in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone up to this time reveals that the regulation which required the RIC to accompany all USC patrols and raids was being ignored. 

He goes on to say that, in his view, the B Special was “an ordinary Protestant countryman and in many cases corner boys” who was being “supplied with arms and clothing by his Government and ‘authorised’ to get ‘on top’, as it were, of his R[oman] C[atholic] neighbours [who] they have always been taught to hate”.

 

McCluskey (2014), pg 100

Jun-30-21/10

 

An elderly farmer, Owen McCarron, is shot dead by a British Army patrol as he bringing his cattle along a road near Cockhill Chapel outside Buncrana, Co. Donegal. 

Soldiers from the BA’s Dorsetshire Regiment said that he refused to stop when called upon.  They also say that they fired two warning shots before firing a third shot which killed him.  McCarron was deaf.

 

Lawlor (2011), pg 184; Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 293; O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 501

Jun-30-21/11

 

IRA man, Frank Morgan and three O’Connor brothers (John, Peter and Thomas – who may or may not have been in the IRA) are arrested in Grenagh House on the shores on Lough Leane near Killarney, Co. Kerry by the British Army.  Loaded guns and bandoliers with bullets are found in the house. 

The four men are taken to Victoria Barracks in Cork when they are tried and on July 7th.  Morgan and John and Peter O’Connor are sentenced to be shot despite Morgan saying that the O’Connor brothers had nothing to do with the guns and ammunition. (Grenagh House is the home of the O’Connor brothers.)

They are saved from the firing squad by the onset of the Truce.

 

Horgan (2018), pgs 58-64

cJun-30-21/12

 

Ballybay House, Co. Monaghan, the residence of J H E Leslie, is burnt by the IRA.

Dooley (2017a), pg 114

Jun-30-21/13

 

The IRA capture and execute a BA deserter in Ovens, Co. Cork.  It would appear that he could not be found on BA rolls.  His surname was Smith or Smyth.

 

O’Halpin and Ó Corráin (2020), pg 501

Jun-1921/1

 

The effects of the expulsion of workers in Belfast is still on-going.  

Also, families (mainly Catholics) are still being intimidated from their homes – 150 in June alone.

Bishop MacRory says in June that ‘almost 50,000 Belfast Catholics are on the verge of starvation’.

An August RIC reports that “Poverty is still rife in the nationalist quarters (of Belfast)”.  

£150,000 was raised in the south for the alleviation of distress. Substantial sums also came from the American Committee for Relief in Ireland (ACRI) which was founded in December 1920 by Dr William Maloney.  The ACRI money was funnelled through the White Cross which was chaired by Quaker James Douglas (with Collins among its executive boards members).  ACRI eventually raised $5 million with most of its money spent in Belfast, Munster and Connaught.

 

Phoenix (1994), pgs 137-138; Parkinson (2004), pg 140; McDermott (2001), pg 91; Molyneux and Kelly (2021), pgs 185-186

Jun-1921/2

 

After the post-war boom in Britain ended towards the end of 1920, unemployment had been on the rise.  By the end of June 1921, there were over two million unemployed.  This gave rise to the threat of a general strike (for which the British government would need troops to control).

 

Matthews (2004), pg 28

Jun-1921/3

 

According to its managing director, Smith Gordon, the National Land Bank had extended over £315,000 in loans to over 40 co-operatives for the purchase of land.

Applications for loans outstripped the ability of the Land Bank to finance them.  Naturally, some applications were refused because “the bank had a duty to its depositors to only issue well secured loans”.

See Feb-23-22/1.

 

O’Sullivan Greene (2020), pgs 163-164

 

 

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