June 1921

 

Early Jun

 

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.

Farry (2012), pg 70

Jun-01

 

A policeman (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

Jun-01

 

Five policemen (including a sergeant and a DI) of a cycle patrol are killed in an ambush between Castlemaine and Milltown, Co. Kerry.  The ambush is carried out by the Kerry No. 1 Brigade Flying Column under Tadgh Brosnan and men from the 3rd Battalion under Tom O'Connor. 

The policeman killed were DI Michael McCaughey, Sgt James Collery, Constable Joseph Cooney, Constable John McCormack and Constable John Quirk.  An IRA man (Jerry Myles) was wounded.  Gallagher says that there were nine RIC men in the patrol and that the ambush party consisted of 18 to 20 men but they had only one rifle and one carbine between them with the rest of the IRA men armed with shotguns until additional men from "The Hut" arrived with five rifles.  The IRA got 8 or 9 rifles, 6 revolvers and a quantity of ammunition. O’Farrell says that Myles was killed in action.

 

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

Jun-01

 

Main office of Intelligence Section of IRA GHQ at 5 Mespil Rd is raided by British forces.  The owner of the house, Ms Patricia Hoey, feigns her mother’s illness to get message to warn Collins who is on his way to the house.

 

O'Farrell P (1997), pg 45

Jun-01

 

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 police in Dublin.

Townshend (2014), pg 267

Jun-01

 

Special Constable Robert Armstrong is accidentally shot dead in Gortin RIC Barracks in Co. Tyrone.

Abbott (2019), pg 403

Jun-01

 

The IRA’s North Mayo Flying Column ambush a seven-man RIC cycle patrol at Cullens south-west of Dromore, Co. Sligo.  Two RIC men (Constable Thomas Higgins and Constable John King) were taken prisoner and, as the IRA were pursued by police and military into the Ox Mountains, there was disagreement as to what should be done with the policemen but it was decided to give them “a few short seconds in which to say their prayers” before they were shot.  The Irish Bulletin said the policemen were shot in a running gun fight.

(Abbott and Price give the date as 1st July but Hopkinson and Farry give the date as 1st June.) 

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 137;  Abbott (2000), pg 26; Farry (2012), pg 71; Price (2012), pgs167-168

Jun-02

 

Attack on a police patrol (both cycle and car) by North Tipperary Flying Column led by Sean Gaynor at Kallegbeg Cross, Modreeny (between Borrisokane and Cloughjordan) results in the death 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

Jun-02

 

British cabinet endorses recommendations of Irish Situation Committee (see 26th May) and Worthington-Evans begins sending troop reinforcements.  Llyod George equivocal on military being right for the job.  

 

 

Jun-02

 

IRA Volunteer Mick Carty from Aughaderry, Loughglynn, Co. Roscommon is shot dead by the ‘Castlerea Murder Gang’ as he lies in bed in the Connor’s house in Aughadristan.  His comrade, Pete Shannon, who was sharing the bed with him, is shot seven times but manages to survive.

Gleeson (1962), pg 105; Breen (1989), pg 132; O’Farrell (1997), pg 103; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 174-175

Jun-02

 

A number of British soldiers, based in Drumboe Castle, in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal decide to go fishing on Trusk Lake. They are spotted and four local Volunteers led by James McCarron (an ex-British army soldier) who decide to attack them.  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 two IRA men manage to escape.

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 Sir Hamar Greenwood that Doherty tried to flee when the Crown Forces entered the house but this is not believed locally.  He was not a member of the IRA.  See June 10th.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 112; Lawlor (2011), pgs 169-172; Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 276-277; Ozseker (2019), pg 134

Jun-03

 

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 patrol at Carrowkennedy (between Leenane and Westport) resulting in the death of seven policemen (Hopkinson says six but Abbott names 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 surrendered and the IRA captured a substantial amount of arms including 28 Lee-Enfield rifles 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 four RIC killed were Irish.

Following this ambush, Crown Forces launched 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 the 20th June), the famous 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 BMH website: 

http://photogallery.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/displayimage.php?album=46&pid=433#top_display_media 

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 135; Abbott (2000), pgs 250-252; Price (2012), pgs 156-163; Abbott (2019), pgs 318-321

Jun-03

 

Chief Secretary (Greenwood) issues 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. 

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

Jun-03

 

Seán (or John) McIntyre (or McEntyre) from Lagan, Belturbett, Co, Cavan dies.  Apparently, he was trying to blow up the home of landlord David Griffith (which was due to be occupied by British forces) when the bomb explodes as he goes to see why it was taking so long and masonry falls on him, killing him.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 112; Carolan (2019), pg 29; Lawlor (2011), pgs 173-174

Jun-03

 

Two members of the Dublin Brigade ASU, Paddy O'Connor and Jim McGuiness, attack a cricket match in Trinity College involving the Gentlemen of Ireland vs the Military of Ireland but the only casualty is a young woman who was a spectator called Kate Alexander Wright (21).  

 

O'Connor and Connolly (2011), pg 51 

 

Jun-03

 

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

Abbott (2019), pg 409

Jun-04

 

The coastguard station at Teelin near Kilcar, Co. Donegal is attacked by the IRA’s No. 3 Donegal Brigade.  It is claimed that a British soldier and a coastguard (called Kensington) are killed in this attack.

Ó Duibhir (2009), pgs 278-279; Ozseker (2019), pg 258

Jun-04

 

Attempted ‘springing’ of republican prisoners from Crumlin Road jail.  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 were to take custody of some IRA prisoners (those captured at Lappinduff – see May 8th) 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

Jun-04

 

IRA burn ordnance store in the Dublin Shell factory destroying 5 armoured cars and 35 other vehicles.  Townshend comments that this type of action could have been repeated elsewhere.

 

Townshend (1975), pg 185-186; Townshend (2014), pg 290

Jun-04

 

P. Burns from Cork dies

O’Farrell (1997), pg 103

Jun-04

 

Thomas Keane executed in Military Detention Barracks Limerick.  Mourners outside attacked by Black and Tans. 

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 49; Macardle (1999), pg 984

Jun-05

 

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, is shot dead when cycling through Swatragh and, over the next few days, over 200 houses are raided.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 253; Grant (2018), pg 115; Lawlor (2011), pgs 174-175

Jun-05

 

P. McAteer from Faughilotra, Co. Antrim dies

O’Farrell (1997), pg 111

Jun-05

 

A police 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

Jun-06

 

In his weekly summary, the Chief Secretary (Greenwood) admitted that there was 'a very marked increase in rebel military activity'.  In late March, British military and police casualties were about 30 per week, but 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

 

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

 

IRA volunteer, John Cummmins, is killed by Crown Forces at Ballyvoile, Co. Waterford.

McCarthy (2015), pg 84

Jun-06

 

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 Mr O’Hanlon had been given for his protection.  Both men had notes pinned to their chest saying “Spies beware – IRA”.  Both men were Catholics.

Lawlor (2011), pgs 166-168

Jun-06

 

The home of RIC Constable John Carroll (see 14th February 1921) at Ballywilliam, Co. Tipperary is burnt down and his brother, on exiting the house, is shot dead.

Abbott (2019), pg 253

Jun-06

 

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

Abbott (2019), pg 412

Jun-07

 

Edward Foley (Galbally, Co Limerick) and Paddy Maher (Knocklong, Co Limerick) hung in Dublin for their part in the rescue of Sean Hogan at Knocklong Railway Station on 13th May 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. 

An RIC man called William Mitchell was also hung in Mountjoy that morning - he had been convicted of murdering a Justice of the Peace, George Dixon, in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow while trying to extort money from him.  He was the only member of the Crown Forces to hang for murder during this period.  See February 2nd. 

 

Abbott (2000), pg 39; Carey (2001), pg 6; Breen (1989), pg 59 & 68 - who says 6th June; Carey (2001), pg 174; Leeson (2012), pgs 199-200

Jun-07

 

Opening of the Parliament of Northern Ireland by the Lord Lieutenant, Viscount Allen, 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.  (This is somewhat ironic as it meant that Ireland’s first Catholic Lord Lieutenant was addressing an all-unionist – and probably all-Protestant - body.)  James Craig elected Prime Minister.  Senate elected with 24 Unionist members.  Later announced that the British king, George V, would formally open the parliament on 22nd June.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 53; Macardle (1999), pg 454; Phoenix (1994), pg 132; Parkinson (2004), pg 129

Jun-07

 

The Irish Bulletin reports the shooting dead by Crown Forces of John Murphy in Ballinalee, Co. Longford.  He was killed on the 26th May and his wife said that the six men who killed him had English accents and were probably Auxiliaries from the nearly Ballinalee Barracks.   However, Dublin Castle claims that he was killed by the IRA.  (He was a brother-in-law of IRA leader, Sean Connolly, who was killed at Selton Hill – see March 11th.)

Coleman (2003), pg 133; Lawlor (2011), pg 164

Jun-07

 

Crown Forces enter the Ryan home in Knockfune in 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

Jun-07

 

D. Crowley from Dunmanway, Co. Cork dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 105

Jun-08

 

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 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 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. 

 

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

Jun-08

 

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. 

Horgan (2018), pg 252

Jun-08

 

D. Buckley from Macroom, Co. Cork dies

O’Farrell (1997), pg 103

Jun-09

 

RIC Constable Denis O'Leary was cycling to his home in the village of Carrigbeg, Co. Waterford from his station 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

Jun-09

 

Colonel Comdt Lambert, who was traveling along with his wife, Colonel Challoner and his wife, when their car is ambushed at Moydrum, near Glasson, Athlone resulting in his death.  (O’Callaghan says 17th June.)  

This results in a major reprisal on the village of Knockcroghery, across the Shannon.  Many houses are burnt including that of the parish priest. 

O’Farrell (1997), pgs 53-54; O’Callaghan (2012), pg 186-187

Jun-09

 

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

Abbott (2019), pg 413

Jun-10 to 15

 

From 10th to 15th June, riots in Belfast in which 150 Catholic families driven from their home. Six Catholic men killed by Specials and another 11 killed during the riots.  Phoenix says that 14 people killed in June and 76 wounded.  McDermott says that 14 people were killed in Belfast during June – 10 of whom were Catholics with 5 of the latter killed in reprisals by the Crown forces.  (This is roughly in line with what Parkinson gives.)

 

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

Jun-10

 

An RIC patrol is attacked at the corner of Falls Rd. and Cupar St., Belfast resulting in the death of one policeman (Constable James Glover) and the wounding of two others.  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 young Catholic men after they were dragged from their beds. Parkinson, who says the 10th June, states that the attack was carried out by a six IRA men led by Seamus Woods.  He also says that there was indiscriminate firing by Auxiliaries in the Falls Rd. area that night but he does not report any fatalities. McDermott also says there were shots discharged in Cupar St on the night of the shooting but no reprisals.  He also claims that the IRA targeted Glover as he was thought to be a member of the Nixon-Harrison gang.

 

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

Jun-10

 

When holding up a train near Meelick, IRA men from the East Clare Brigade are surprised by a party of British Royal Scots troops travelling on the train and, in the ensuing gun battle, Chris McGrath is killed after being captured and Michael (or Patrick) Gleeson is mortally wounded.  Brennan also claims that two British soldiers are killed in this period.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 38; Brennan (1980), pgs 103-104; Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 247-249

Jun-10

 

M. Donovan from Bandon, Co. Cork dies as does P. Morris from Co. Tyrone.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 106 & 114

Jun-10

 

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.  Local IRA company led by Captain James Mackey.  Butler’s public house was burnt down by the Auxiliaries and the owner 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

Jun-10

 

Patrick McAteer, who had been wounded at Trusk Lake (See June 2nd) had been kept in a dugout on a remote mountain side several miles from Ballybofey, Co. Donegal.  On the 10th, he was visited by three Volunteers - Henry McGowan, John Smith and Dan Deery.  However, they were surrounded by a strong force of RIC and military and all four were captured.

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

Jun-11

 

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.)

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 195

Jun-11

 

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

Parkinson (2004), pg 138

Jun-11

 

Members of the 6th Battalion, Kerry North Brigade IRA kidnap James Kane at Shanacool Bridge.  His body is found four days later.  The IRA believe he gave information leading to the arrest of eight men for the killing of DI Tobias O'Sullivan on the 20th January in Listowel.  They say they found evidence of Kane's informing on RIC Divisional Commander Holmes when they captured him after the ambush at Toureengarriv on the 28th January.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 185-186

Jun-11

 

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-12

 

In the early hours of 12th June, 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 an 80-year old retired Church of Ireland clergyman.  The IRA remove Mrs Finlay and the servants to a nearby house and proceed to burn down the house (as they thought that it was going to be used by the RIC as a barracks).  When Mrs Finlay returns in the morning, she finds the body of her husband lying on the lawn.  It would seem that the killing of Rev. Finlay was either an accident or an act of ill-discipline.

Lawlor (2011), pg 169; O’Farrell (1997), pg 33; Carolan (2019), pg 29

Jun-12

 

A number of policemen were on their way to the church in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath when they were attacked resulting in the death of H/Constable James McElhill.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 255; Abbott (2019), pg 325

Jun-12

 

There was widespread rioting in Belfast. In the early hours of the 12th June, 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 and William Kerr (26) – are arrested, taken away and their dead bodies are found later.  None of the three are IRA men – McBride was a member of Sinn Féin. 

Mrs McBride alleged that DI 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 he 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.

 

Parkinson (2004), pgs 138-139; O’Farrell (1997), pg 112; McDermott (2001), pgs 88-89 & 91-92; Leeson (2012), pgs 187-188

Jun-12

 

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 house in North Thomas St. McDermott also says that a 19-year-old Protestant called Hugh Jenkins was shot dead by someone from the Catholic side.  

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 St and shoot him dead.  A short time later, a similarly attired group entered the house in New Dock St. of another Catholic, Joseph Miller (25), dragged him from his bed and shot him in the street.

 

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

Jun-12

 

Two RIC men (Constable Michael Brannan and Constable John Smith) are attacked in Rainsfort St., Dublin resulting in the death of both men.

Constable Brannan 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

Jun-12

 

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

 

Breen (1989), pgs 162-165

Jun-13

 

Smuts meets King George V and suggests peace appeal when opening Northern Ireland parliament.

Curran J M (1980), pg 56

Jun-13

 

Large sweep of area of Clydagh mountains (near Ballyvourney) by British Army.  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 but IRA do not engage.  Three unarmed IRA men shot dead.

 

O’Donoghue (1986), pg 171

Jun-13

 

John Cosgrave from Eshwary, Camlough, Co. Armagh dies.  He had been taken from his home by a group of armed men and shot dead.  Apparently, he was killed by the Specials.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 105; Lawlor (2011), pg 168

Jun-13

 

An ex-soldier, Michael Power, was shot dead by the IRA near Nurney, Co. Kildare for allegedly giving information to the British on IRA men who had accused him of stealing.

Durney (2013), pgs 199-202

Jun-13

 

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

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 140

Jun-14

 

Smuts drafts speech for the King to give at the opening of the Belfast parliament and sends it to Llyod George with harsh criticism of British policy in Ireland.

Curran J M (1980), pg 56

Jun-14

 

Sean MacEoin (O/C Longford Brigade IRA) charged before a court martial in Dublin with the murder of RIC DI McGrath on the 7th Jan 1921.  Despite evidence from Auxiliaries on his good treatment of wounded prisoners after the Clonfin ambush (2nd February 1921) and a plea that he be spared from Mrs McGrath (the wife of the dead RIC man) and her three sons, he was sentenced to be hanged.  He was lodged in Mountjoy jail.  Subsequently, the Church of Ireland rector of Ballinalee, Archdeacon Johnston and James Mackay Wilson (cousin of Sir 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

Jun-14

 

The IRA shoot dead Philip Dunne at his home at Grangehiggin, Allen, Co Kildare. His mother is also injured. 

Durney (2013), pg 203

Jun-14

 

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-soldier, Hugh McAree, is also fatally wounded when he goes to the aid of the boy.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 140; McDermott (2001), pg 90

Jun-15

 

Neville Macready (GOC British Army in Ireland) presents to the British Cabinet's Irish Situation Committee with a draft proclamation of martial law.  It was draconian.  He stressed that the British Government would have to be prepared for many shootings, perhaps a hundred a week.  Macready also made no concealment of his own belief (shared by John Anderson, Under Secretary) that coercion would not work.  

 

Townshend (1975), pgs 189-190

Jun-15

 

M.McGreal from Craughwell, Co. Galway dies as does C. McCarthy, Coore, Milltown Milbay, Co. Clare.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 108 & 112

Jun-15

 

A sweep made by the Essex Regiment in 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-16

 

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

Jun-16

 

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.  So starting on this day, his appeal was heard by the House of Lords.  He pleaded his case during the second week of July.  The Military Authorities suspended executions.  (King George also requested that executions be suspended.)

 

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

Jun-16

 

Ambush of four lorries containing 25 Auxiliaries by 130/140 men from the Cork No. 2 Brigade under Paddy O'Brien near Rathcoole (between Millstreet and Banteer).  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

Jun-16

 

RIC Constable Harold (Sammy) Round goes missing from his barracks in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon. He was captured by the local IRA, court-martialled and sentenced to death. He was drowned in the River Suck at Dumammon.

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 92014), pg 265

Jun-16

 

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

Abbott (2019), pg 409

Jun-17

 

RIC Constable William Campbell is shot dead outside Dundalk, Co. Louth.  That night three brothers (Patrick, John and Bernard Watters), who lived in the 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.  The Watters brothers were members of the IRA.  (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.)

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), pg ?

Jun-17

 

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

 

Two IRA men, John Vaughan and Ned Shannon, are shot dead as they try to escape a raid by Crown Forces on the Vaughan home at Cloonsuck near Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.  Shannon was wounded but still alive when he was shot dead.

O’Farrell (1997), pgs 118 & 119; O’Callaghan (2012), pgs 175-179

Jun-17

 

RIC Constable George Jones drowns while bathing.

Abbott (2019), pg 407

Jun-17

 

P. Loughran from Dungannon, Co. Tyrone dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 111

Jun-18

 

Irish Committee of British cabinet, chaired by Chamberlain, agrees speech by King at 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.)

Curran J M (1980), pg 56

Jun-18

 

Anderson writes to Greenwood "No war can be carried out effectively in the glare of public criticism"; he also quoted Macready as saying "It is a case on 'all out or get out' "

Hopkinson (2002), pg 85 & 194

Jun-18

 

An extended search starts in the Rathcoole area, Co. Cork following the ambush on the 16th.  It uses some 1,850 troops but with little effect.

Townshend (1975), pgs 187

Jun-18

 

The ASU of the 1st Kilkenny ASU, 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.   See 7th July.

Walsh (2018), pgs 91-94

Jun-18

 

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

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

Jun-18

 

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 is 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

Jun-18

 

A number of officers of the 3rd Cork Brigade of the IRA (including Liam Deasy, Tom Barry and Tadgh O'Sullivan) are staying in Walsh's, Maulatrahane (between Skibereen and Drinagh) when the house is raided by British troops from the King's Liverpools.  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

Jun-18

 

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 his famous method 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

 

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.  It turns out to be the body of Michael J Tolan – See April 16th.  (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

Jun-18

 

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.  He is the only Protestant 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

Jun-18

 

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

Abbott (2019), pgs 410

Jun-19

 

A British Army group escorting the body of Constable Bradford – see June 18th - was ambushed at Newbridge, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary resulting in the death of one soldier (Pte Smith of the First Devons).

Abbott (2000), pg 257

Jun-19

 

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

McCarthy (2015), pg 72

Jun-20

 

In letter to Llyod George, Macready says that he thinks coercion would be a mistake which might produce an "apparent calm" but not a lasting settlement.  Also he states that drastic action must have public support.  Chamberlain, Winston Churchill (Colonial Secretary) and Lord Birkenhead (Lord Chancellor) lean towards supporting truce (because Ulster is safeguarded).

Curran J M (1980), pg 55 & Hopkinson (2002), pg 194

Jun-20

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Walsh (2018), pg 86

Jun-21

 

Patrick Darcy, a native of Cooraclare, Co Clare who was a teacher in Doonbeg is court-martialled by the IRA, chaired by Sean Liddy, O/C West Clare Brigade.  He is executed and a label pinned to his body saying ‘Spies Beware’.  He was executed 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 January 19th, 1920).  Also, suspicion also fell on an ex-RIC man called Sheehan but he fingered Darcy and is reprieved.

 

Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 251-253

Jun-21

 

The Anti-Sinn Féin Society blows up the property of IRA man Michael Hartney in Limerick which results in the death of one civilian.  (The Anti-Sinn Féin Society would seem to be mostly a cover name used by Crown Forces for unofficial reprisals.)

O’Callaghan (2018), pg 84

Jun21-

 

In a speech in the British House of Lords, Birkenhead 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”. 

Lesson (2012), pg 65; Townshend (2014), pg 303

Jun-22

 

In contrast to Birkenhead, King George V of England delivers speech, with an appeal for peace, in Belfast at formal opening of Parliament of Northern Ireland.  He says, inter alia, “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.”  This appeal meets with an enthusiastic response in Britain and from a lot of the Irish press (especially the Belfast Telegraph).  However, on the 23rd, the Irish News stated that one could detect “the tainted hand of Llyod George in every sentence”.

 

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

Jun-22

 

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

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 58; Macardle (1999), pg 467; Brennan (1950), pgs 313-314; Townshend (2014), pg 304

Jun-22

 

J. McIntosh from Portlaoise dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 113

Jun-22

 

An RIC man (Constable George Duckham) is reported missing at Bandon, Co. Cork.  His father later gets a letter from Macroom saying that he had been executed by the IRA the day after he was captured.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 312

Jun-22

 

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.

 

Macardle (1999), pg 463

Jun-22

 

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 areas.

Dooley says 21st June

 

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

Jun-23

 

Large scale sweep near Rathcoole, Co Cork.  An IRA man (Michael Dineen) from the Kilcorney Company, Millstreet Battalion is taken from his brother's house at Ivale, Kilcorney and shot dead by Auxiliaries.  Also, a number of IRA men captured 'by pure chance'.

 

Lynch in The Kerryman (1955), pg 236; Townshend (1975), pgs 187; O’Farrell (1997), pg 28

Jun-23

 

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

McCarthy (2015), pg 78

Jun-23

 

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”.

 

Parkinson (2004), pg 135

Jun-24

 

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 King's appeal for peace.  Lloyd George argues that there is moral value in having made such an invitation.  Letter drafted from Lloyd George inviting De Valera & James Craig to London to "explore to the utmost the possibility of a settlement" and "with the fervent desire to end the ruinous conflict".  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.  See June 25th.

 

Curran J M (1980), pgs 57-58; Townshend (1975), pg 191; Macardle (1999), pg 471-472; Leeson (2012), pg 65; Townshend (2014), pg 306

Jun-24

 

Two Auxiliaries (Cadet Leonard Appleford and Cadet George Wames) are shot dead on Grafton St. near Chatham St by men from the 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA.  This was part of a larger IRA operation.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 258; Dalton (1929), pgs 168-172; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pg 54 

Jun-24

 

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 WH Telford died on his way to Dundalk Hospital. Lawlor says a fourth soldier died but does not name him.  

Lawlor also says that, after disembarking quickly, British army fired on two men working in a nearby field killing one (Patrick McAleer from Flurrybridge – Hall names him as Patrick McAteer.).  80 horses were also killed (50 horses and one mule according to Lawlor).  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

Jun-24

 

M. Dineen from Kilcorney, Co. Cork dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 106

Jun-24

 

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

Jun-25

 

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 was the president of the local branch of the AOH and a rural district councillor.

Dooley (2017a), pg 89

Jun-25

 

Llyod George letter delivered to de Valera and published.  See June 28th.

Curran J M (1980), pg 59; Macardle (1999), pg 467

Jun-25

 

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 GHQ appoint Micheál Ó Cléirigh as Brigade Adjutant to reorganise the brigade.

 

Hopkinson (2002), pg 133;

Price (2012), pgs 166-167 & 185

Jun-26

 

One Auxiliary (Cadet William Hunt) shot dead and one wounded (Cadet White) in the Mayfair Hotel, 30 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin by IRA man Paddy O'Connor and three colleagues. Hunt was having tea with his wife.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 259;  Hopkinson (2002), pg 102; O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pgs 54-55

Jun-26

 

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

Hall (2019), pg 83;  Abbott (2000), pg 313; Abbott (2019), pg 400

Jun-27

 

RIC Constable Patrick Clarke is shot and killed at Cleerykeel 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

Jun-27

 

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 says 26th June in the 2009 edition of his book.

Abbott (2000), pg 259; Abbott (2019), pg 330

Jun-27

 

An RIC patrol is ambushed near Milltown, Co. Galway resulting in the death of two policemen (Sgt James Murren and Constable Edgar Day).  Sgt Murren was to have retired on pension a week before but due to some delay, his papers had not come through. The ambush was carried out by the North Galway Flying Column.  (Henry says 27th July but this 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

Jun-27

 

W. Connolly from Upperchurch, Co. Tipperary dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 104

Jun-28

 

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 adjourned sine die.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 52

Jun-28

 

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 the 12th June 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’Callaghan (2017), pg 551; Ó Ruairc (2009), pgs 242-243

Jun-28

 

De Valera replies to Llyod George’s letter of the 24th stating that Sinn Féin wants peace but this could not be 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 the others accept and they meet on the 4th July.  Also see 1st July.

 

Curran J M (1980), pg 59

Jun-28

 

Charlie Daly from 2nd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade IRA is killed. (O’Farrell says June 29th.)

O'Kelly in The Kerryman (1955), pg 26; O’Farrell (1997), pg 105

Jun-28

 

RIC Constable Owen Hoey was shot and killed on St James Walk, near Grand Canal Harbour, in Dublin. 

Abbott (2000), pg 260; Abbott (2019), pg 331

Jun-28

 

Castle Administration orders British forces to suspend raids on places frequently by persons of political importance in Sinn Féin.  Around this time a number of prominent Sinn Féiners 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

Jun-29

 

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

 

Deasy (1973), pg 294

Jun-29

 

In an operation similar to the rescue of Frank Carty (26th June 1920), Liam Pilkington leads a party of IRA men into Sligo goal and frees Charles Gildea, Tom Deignan and Frank O’Beirne.  They had assistance from prison warder.

Farry (2012), pgs 70-71

Jun-29

 

A police patrol was ambushed at Kilraine or Kilrean on the Glenties to Ardara road in Co. Donegal resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable Thomas Devine).  There were three lorries in the patrol and the ambushers had to retreat section-by-section as they were being hotly purused until they reached the foothills of the Blue Stack mountains.

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

Jun-29

 

The body of an ex-RIC man (Thomas Hannon) was found in a bog at Ballyduff, Co. Offally.  He had been shot in the head.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 260-261; Abbott (2019), pgs 331-332

Jun-29

 

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

 

McDonnell in The Kerryman (1955), pg 210

Jun-29

 

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

 

After an attack on an RIC Crossley tender at Craighalough, near Newmarket-on-Fergus in Co. Clare, the IRA column is attacked by another lorry load of RIC men who were trying to cut off the IRA men.  During exchanges, Volunteer Tom Healy died from a heart attack.

Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 254

Jun-29

 

J. Grogan from Feakle, Co. Clare dies after being shot by British army; as does W. Hogan from Dillon’s Cross, Cork and Patrick McCarthy from Killarney, Co. Kerry. McCarthy was a member of the 4th Battalion, Kerry No. 2 Brigade and was killed accidently.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 105 & 108 & 109 & 112; Ó Ruairc (2009), pg 328; Horgan (2018), pgs 138-139

Jun-30

 

An RIC man (Constable Joseph Burke) was shot dead as he stood at the door of the police barracks in Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

 

Abbott (2000), pg 261

Jun-30

 

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 but caused no harm.

McCluskey (2014), pg 101

Jun-30

 

Attack by IRA on Auxiliary patrol in Dolphin’s Barn in Dublin.

O’Connor and Connolly (2011), pg 57

Jun-30

 

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. More Detail

 

Stanley (2005); Heaney et al (2008)

Jun-30

 

Two brothers – Michael and Thomas McEneaney -  who are members of the IRA are killed when, during an ambush on a train at Carnagh railway station in Co. Monaghan, they are surprised by a party of Auxiliaries.

Dooley (2017a), pg 87

Jun -30

 

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

 

Abbott (2000), pg 261; Lawlor (2011), pgs 184-185

Jun-30

 

Bill Freaney killed in action near Athenry, Co. Galway

Henry (2012), pg 250

Jun-30

 

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 this R[oman] C[atholic] neighbours [who] they have always been taught to hate”.

McCluskey (2014), pg 100

Jun-30

 

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.  The army said that he refused to stop when called upon but Mr McCarron was hard of hearing so probably did not hear the call.

Lawlor (2011), pg 184; Ó Duibhir (2009), pg 293

Jun-30

 

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 the 7th July, 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

Jun-30?

 

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

Dooley (2017a), pg 114

June

 

Tom Healy (an RIC man working for the IRA) died of a heart attack while being involved in an attack on the Black and Tans near Newmarket-on-Fergus. 

 

Brennan (1980), pgs 103-104;

June

 

Effects of the expulsion of workers in Belfast still on-going.  Also, families (mainly Catholics) still being intimidated from their homes – 150 in June. 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 and substantial sums came from the American White Cross. 

 

Phoenix (1994), pgs 137-138; Parkinson (2004), pg 140; McDermott (2001), pg 91

June?

 

Three British officers are captured near Rosgreen, Tipperary and shot dead. 

 

O’Malley (1990), pgs 327-332

June

 

E. Donnelly from Croom, Co. Limerick dies

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 106

June

 

L. Hickey from Rathmore, Co. Kerry dies.

 

O’Farrell (1997), pg 109

 

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