Lieutenant John (Sean) Brett Óglaigh na hÉireann/I.R.A. was accidently shot dead on the 4th of April 1921. He was from Mullinahone County Tipperary and was a member of the South Tipperary Active Service Unit. Brett was in a house with James Leahy, Brett had just finished cleaning and oiling an automatic revolver, he reloaded the gun putting a bullet in the breech and laid the gun on a small table. A young boy, a resident of the house, entered the room and pressed the trigger of the gun discharging the round in the breech, the bullet struck Brett, he died as a result of the bullet wound about half an hour later. Father Larkin of Windgap gave him the last rites. Brett had been a member of the I.R.A. in Dublin and was a player in the Tipperary team playing in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday. Michael Gibbs, a member of the Active Service Unit, constructed a makeshift coffin and Brett was buried at midnight in the Cemetery at Lamague. British Forces learned of the tragedy and shortly after visited several local cemeteries looking for fresh graves. Brett’s remains were discovered and disinterred by British Forces and reburied in a ploughed field belonging to the Maher’s of Cussane. Brett’s remains were reinterred in his native Mullinahone after the Truce.

06/04/1921

On the 6th of April Volunteer Patrick Edward Cloonan, Maree Company, 3rd Battalion, Galway Brigade, IRA, was found shot dead having been taken by persons unknown, believed to be members of the British forces, from the house of Lawrence Donohoe the previous day. Patrick Cloonan served with the Irish Volunteers from 1914, including the week of 23 to 29 April 1916. He was born in 1893 and worked as a Farmer.

06/04/1921

The Irish Time reported on the discovery of the body of Vincent Fovargue found by a boy on the golf links at Ashford Middlesex. Fovargue had escaped from British Army custody in Ireland. It was believed that Fovargue had given information on the I.R.A. to the British and was allowed to escape in return for that information, he fled to England but was tracked down by the I.R.A. The body was found on the 2nd of April. Fovargue had been a member of the Dublin Brigade of the I.R.A. Fovargue lived with his mother and sister at Dunville Avenue Renelagh. He was employed at a tea merchant in Batchelor’s Walk Dublin as a clerk.

Initially it was believed that the body was that of Mr. J Doherty of Trinity Street Dublin but it later transpired that Fovargue had purchased a suit from Mr. Doherty whose name appeared on the suit. Fovargue was a former pupil of the O’Brien Institute Dublin (an orphanage in Dublin).

06/04/1921

On the 6th of April 1921 three men died during an attack on a British Military lorry at the corner of Harcourt Street and Harcourt Road Dublin. Several bombs were thrown at the lorry and an exchange of fire between the attackers and the occupants of the lorry took place, during this exchange of fire several people were killed and wounded.

Volunteer Terence McGlynn, G Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, IRA was shot and killed by British forces in Harcourt Street. He was taken to the Meath Hospital but was dead on arrival. He was from Miltown, Cootehall, Boyle County Roscommom and had been living in Dublin where he had worked as a shop assistant at T. Hogan’s licensed premises for at least four years. James McGlynn a brother of Terence who also took part in the ambush at Harcourt Street later joined the National Forces and was wounded during the attack on the Four Courts in June 1922.

The two civilians were:

Michael Daly of 17 Crampton Buildings Dublin, aged about 26 years old.

Daniel Carew from Ivy Lodge said to be a native of Tipperary.

07/04/1921

Joseph O’Donoghue

I.R.A. Volunteer Joseph O’Donoghue was killed at Janesboro Avenue (now O’Donoghue Avenue) Limerick City on the March 7th 1921 in what became known as ‘The Limerick Curfew Killings.’ He was a native of Ballincarrigy County Westmeath and had been in Limerick for about two years. He was killed on the same night Michael O’Callaghan and George Clancy were murdered.

The funeral of Michael Tolan after the Truce

On the 14th of April 1921 Michael Tolan, a Tailor, of Ballina County Mayo was arrested by the Black and Tans in a house in Mill Street. Michael Tolan, described in reports as a cripple, had deformed feet. Wearing a grey suit and no socks or shoes he was taken to the Police Barracks where he was severely beaten, when visited by friends some days later they reported in was in severe pain. He was eventually given a pair of socks and a friend, Miss O’Hara, brought him a dark green overcoat. It was believed by the local I.R.A. Michael Tolan had been detained in Galway Jail although relatives stated they were unaware of this. Some weeks after the arrest of Tolan a badly decomposed body was found in Shraheen Bog, the body was dressed in a dark green overcoat and items, including a tailor’s thimble, indicated it was the body of Michael Tolan. The body was buried in Leigue cemetery by Police as an unidentified person but it was obvious Police were well aware it was the body of Michael Tolan, at some time before the body was buried by Police the feet were removed using a blunt instrument in an effort to prevent the body being identified as that of Tolan. Soon after the Truce in July 1922 the body buried by Police as unidentified was exhumed and positively identified as that of Michael Tolan. Doctor Staunton, who first examined the body, stated that there was a bullet wound to the head and a bayonet wound in the side. After Requiem Mass at Ballina Cathedral Michael Tolan was buried in Leigue Cemetery, it was reported that the funeral was attended by several thousand people. The image is reported to that of the funeral of Tolan after the Truce.

07/04/1921

On the 7th of April James Duffy, Section Leader, Active Service Unit (Flying Column), West Mayo Brigade, IRA was accidentally shot and killed near Cusheen, County Mayo.

07/04/1921

On the 7th of April 1921 three men were killed at Dromore, County Tyrone. The men were murdered as a reprisal for an attack on the Police Barracks when a bomb was thrown at the building. A large force of what were believed to be A or B Specials arrived in Dromore on Wednesday night and proceeded to shoot at shops and homes, it was during this raid the three men were killed.

Daniel O’Doherty, he was shot through the heart and both arms. He was a member of A Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Northern Division. He was born in 1897 and employed as a Cycle Mechanic.

John Devine, Volunteer, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Northern Division, IRA. Employed as a market trader dealing in clothes. He was shot in the head. He was born in 1878. He joined the IRA in 1917.

Charles Slevin. He received bullet wounds near the heart and the arm. Charles Slevin was sleeping in the house of Daniel O’Doherty as a result of his home being damaged in the bomb attack on the Police Barracks the previous day. Any records we have access to do not show that Slevin was a member of the IRA.

20/04/1921

On the 19th of April 1921 I.R.A. Captain Peter White suffered fatal injuries when he was hit in the side during an attack on the R.I.C. at Connor’s Public House in Balbriggan County Dublin, he died on the 20th of April from his wounds. During the attack R.I.C. Sergeant Stephen Kirwan was fatally wounded, Sergeant Kirwan died from his wounds on the 20th of April. White was about 32 years old at the time of his death and was employed as a labourer.

23/04/1921

On the 23rd of April 1921 six I.R.A. men were shot dead by a mixed RIC and Black and Tan Patrol at a farm at Ballycannon, Clogheen, Cork. The six men were staining on the farm of Cornelius O’Keefe which was a regular ‘safe house’ where those on the run or on active service with a flying column could stay. At about 4 am on the morning of the 23rd the house was raided and the six men discovered sleeping in a barn on the farm. The six men were:

Daniel Crowley, aged 23 and from Blarney Street Cork.

William Deasy, aged 20 and from Blarney Road Cork.

Thomas Dennehy, aged 21 and from Blarney Street Cork.

Daniel Murphy aged 24 from Orrery Hill Blarney Street Cork.

Jeremiah O’Mullane aged 23 from Blarney Street Cork.

Michael O’Sullivan aged 20 from Blarney Street Cork.

25/04/1921

Thomas Traynor was hanged at Mountjoy Jail for his part in an ambush on Auxiliary Forces who were on their way to raid a meeting of the I.R.A. in Brunswick Street (now Pearse Street) Dublin on the 14th of March 1921. Two Auxiliary Policemen and five others were killed in the ambush. Traynor was a native of Tullow County Carlow and was 39 years old when executed. Traynor had fought with the Boland’s Mill garrison during the 1916 Rising.

28/04/1921

On the 28th of April 1921 Patrick Ronayne and Thomas Mulcahy were executed at Victoria (now Collins) Barracks, Cork. They were sentenced to death for taking part in an ambush at Mourne Abbey. Information regarding the proposed ambush was passed to British forces who surrounded the IRA position and they were arrested. They were charged with levying war, tried by military court and sentenced to death.

Patrick Ronayne: A writ was issued in Chancery Division but before case could be heard the military at 6 Division Headquarters Cork executed Ronayne. He was serving with A Company, 5th Battalion, 4th Cork Brigade, IRA and was employed as a farmer.

Thomas Mulcahy was born in 1901. He was serving with A Company, 5th Battalion, 4th Cork Brigade, IRA and was employed as a farmer.

01/05/1921

Henry Clancy of 4 Garvey’s Range Limerick, I.R.A. Volunteer (Lieutenant), “C” Company, Limerick City Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade died when as part of a group preparing for an ambush at Singland Railway Bridge they were surprized by a patrol of R.I.C., it was reported that the I.R.A. fired on the R.I.C. and then fled across fields, in the ensuing battle Clancy was shot dead and another I.R.A. Volunteer Thomas Keane, was captured, Keane was executed for his part in the attempted ambush on the 4th of June 1921, see below. . It was reported in the newspapers at the time that the ambush took place on Sunday the 1st and this date is also recorded in a grant application by Clancy’s family to the Irish Department of Defence, the date of Clancy’s death is recorded as the 3rd on his headstone.

01/05/1921

On the 1st of May 1921 two IRA Volunteers were shot dead at a farm house near Gurthdrum County Tipperary. A police patrol was operating in the area after reports that a group of Sinn Feiners was gathering in the locality. As the Police approached the farm house three men were seen to leave, on of the men was in uniform. The Police opened fire, the fleeing men returned fire. The Police searched a large area around the farm house, no more rebels were found and the Police returned to the farm house where they found the bodies of the two men. The men were:

Patrick Maloney aged 21, unmarried and a native of Church Street County Tipperary. When Maloney’s body was found he was wearing a green uniform jacket with officers cuffs and riding breeches, he was armed with a Winchester repeating rifle loaded with flat-nosed bullets.

John Duffy aged 30, had served in the British Army with The Irish Horse, and lived at Main Street Tipperary. When Duffy’s body was found he was in civilian clothes and armed with a service rifle.





01/05/1921

On the 1st of May 1921 Denis Tuohy, Intelligence Officer, 3rdBattalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade IRA was shot dead in the Workhouse Barracks, Kenmare, County Kerry. He was a former member of the RIC, he resigned in 1918 in protest against conscription. He had enlisted in the RIC on the 2nd of November 1914 and was discharged on the 30th of April 1918, RIC number 68246. He was 28 years old and came from Cortalassa, Kenmare County Kerry.

01/05/1921

On Sunday the 1st of May 1921 Joseph Coughlan aged 14, Liscarroll, County Cork was shot dead at 1am. Reports stated that he was returning home after trenching roads at Glenfield, Liscarroll, County Cork when he was shot by British forces. He was a Volunteer with the Liscarroll Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Cork Brigade. He was employed as a Farm labourer.

02/05/1921

On Monday the 2nd of May 1921 four IRA Volunteers were killed during an ambush on a mixed patrol of British soldiers and RIC. The ambush took place at Lackelly, County Limerick. Fighting lasted several hours and was spread over a wide area.

Thomas Howard, 2nd Lieutenant, Cush Company, East Limerick Brigade. He was born in 1897 and was employed as a farmer.

William O'Riordan, Active Service Unit, former Captain F Company, 2nd Battalion, East Limerick Brigade. He was born in 1893 and employed as an Agricultural Instructor.

John Frahill, Second Lieutenant, Mid Limerick Brigade. He was employed as a part time Farm labourer and Shoemaker.

Patrick Ryan, Captain, Mid Limerick Brigade. He was born in 1898 and employed as a Farmer.

02/05/1921

On Monday the 2nd of May 1921 Patrick Casey was executed at Cork Barracks. He was convicted of taking part in the Mitchelstown Ambush, he was tried, convicted and executed within 25 hours, and the execution was carried out before the sentence had been announced to the public. Casey was a Captain with the 5th Battalion Mid-Limerick Brigade I.R.A.





04/05/1921

On the 4th of May 1921 Section Leader Patrick Michael Downey, B Company, 1st Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade was shot dead when attending the funeral of Henry Clancy. Clancy’s funeral was nearing Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery when police attempted to restrict the number on mourners attending the funeral, several mourners fled across fields and shots were fired at them, Downey was hit and mortally wounded. Another mourner named Noonan was also hit. Downey was a native of Limerick and was born in 1889, at the time of his death he was employed as a Farm manager for Mrs. Kinsella, The Barracks, Carnew, County Wicklow.

04/05/1921

John Jenkins

On the 4th of May 1921 a Volunteer with the Dun Laoghaire I.R.A. stationed at the naval base in Dun Laoghaire died as a result of an accident. Volunteer John Jenkins was cleaning his rifle when he accidentally discharged it resulting in a fatal bullet wound to the head. John Jenkins had served ten years in the British Army before returning to Ireland and joining the I.R.A.

John Jenkins lived at Saint Mary’s Cottages Monkstown and left a wife and six children. He was given a funeral with full military honours and many National newspapers reported on the large procession that followed the coffin as it was taken to Dean’s Grange Cemetery. The Procession included comrades from the Naval Base at Dun Laoghaire as well as other I.R.A. units as well as Fianna Scouts, ex-service men and a fife and drum band. John Jenkins was laid to rest in the Republican Plot.

05/05/1921

On the 5th of May 1921 John Stokes was shot dead by British forces while scouting for the Active Service Unit (Flying Column) at Tullylease, Charleville, County Cork. He was a Volunteer with A Company, 4th Cork Brigade, 6th Battalion, IRA. He was born in 1903 and worked as a farm labourer. His brother Simon Stokes also fought during the War of Independence.

08/05/1921

On Sunday the 8th of May 1921 IRA Volunteer John McCartney was shot dead in a house on Lappinduff Mountain, County Cavan. The two story house which had been abandoned for some time was being occupied be young men described by locals as ‘not being from the area.’ Shortly before dawn on Sunday several lorry loads of Crown Forces arrived in the area and several local men taken in to custody. As troops approached the house several shots were fired. John McCartney was occupying an outpost and is believed to have been the first to fire on the approaching troops. The gun battle lasted about two hours during which one other occupant of the house was wounded and several other taken prisoner. After the battle the house was searched and a quantity of Mills Bombs, rifles, bicycles and a large quantity of food was found. All the men occupying the house were believed to have been from Belfast.

John McCartney was a member of D Company, 1st Brigade, 3rd Northern Division, IRA, he was born in 1897 and was from 55 Norfolk Street, Falls Road, Belfast. He had been a member of the IRA since October 1919. He was a former member of the British Army and in receipt of 16 shillings per week disablement pension for a gunshot wound to his hand.

A Military Court of Inquiry was held in lieu of an Inquest at Cavan to investigate the circumstances of the death of John McCartney Falls Road Belfast. The Court found that McCartney died as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted by Crown Forces in the execution of their duty McCartney being at the time in a state of armed insurrection against His Majesty.

09/05/1921

I.R.A. Captain Frank Hurley was captured and shot by soldiers of the Essex Regiment in Bandon County Cork. He was from Laragh Bandon. He was the sister of Anna Hurley leader of the Bandon Cumann na mBan.

11/05/1921

I.R.A. Lieutenant Con Murphy was shot dead by soldiers from the Essex Regiment at Cloundreen Kilbrittan. He was from Clachfluck Timoleague County Cork.

12/05/1921

On Thursday the 12th of May 1921 three I.R.A. Volunteers were shot in a field near the crossroads near Knockanure County Kerry. There are differing versions as to how they died. The authorities claimed the men were part of an ambush consisting of about 100 Volunteers who ambushed an R.I.C. convoy at Kilmorna near Listowel. An I.R.A. Volunteer Con Dee stated that he was with the three I.R.A. men near the bridge at Gortaglanna when they were picked up by a mixed patrol of R.I.C. and Auxiliaries who beat and mistreated them before shooting the three men dead, Con Dee managed to escape. The three men were:

Paddy (Padraic) Dalton

Jerry (Diarmuid) Lyons

Paddy Walsh (Padraic Breathnach)

13/05/1921

On 13th of May 1921 two I.R. A. Volunteers, John Quinn and Patrick Walsh, were killed in action when they encountered a mixed force of British Army and RIC between Tubrid, County Kilkenny and Mullinahone, County Tipperary. 5 IRA Volunteers were captured including Quinn and Walsh who were wounded along with a quantity of arms and ammunition, one British officer was slightly wounded. Both wounded men were removed to Kilkenny Military Hospital. The large force of IRA had taken over the village of Kilmanagh, a mixed force of RIC and British Army arrived to retake the village, as they approached the IRA retreated and it was during the pursuit of the IRA by Crown Forces that the encounter in which Walsh and Quinn were shot.

Volunteer John Quinn, Kilkenny Brigade, IRA died at Kilkenny Military Hospital from wounds to the leg and stomach. He was born in 1898 and from Mullingar County Westmeath, he was employed as a Baker.

Patrick Walsh wounded in the leg he died after his leg was amputated. While his body was being waked Crown Forces entered the premises removing a tri-colour from the coffin.

13/05/1921

On Sunday the 13th of May 1921 Volunteer Michael Ryan, 3rd Battalion, Tipperary Brigade, IRA was shot dead at his father’s house at Ballybrack, Annacarty, County Tipperary. He was on the run at the time. A cycling patrol of British military approached the Ballybrack district he ran away and was shot and mortally wounded while crossing a field. He was removed to the Military Hospital, Tipperary where he died in the early hours of the morning. He was 24 years old and worked as a farmer. He was buried in Kilpatrick graveyard.

13/05/1921

On Friday the 13th of May 1921 IRA Section Commander Sean (John) Joseph Magee, North East Louth Unit (Cooley), was taken from his father’s home at Millgrange, Greenore County Louth and shot dead by armed and masked men as a reprisal for the burning of a protestant house in the locality earlier. He was 24 years old and had served with the IRA since about 1917. He was employed as a railway clerk.

16/05/1921

ON Monday the 16th of May 1921 Daniel O’Brien of Liscarroll, County Cork was executed at Cork Detention Barracks. He was found guilty by Drumhead* Court Martial of being in possession of a revolver and ammunition. In a statement before execution O’Brien stated that he was a soldier of the Irish Republican Army and expected the treatment of a captured soldier adding that if he captured an enemy soldier he would not shoot him. After he had received spiritual ministrations, O’Brien walked to the place of execution reciting prayers and unaccompanied, and met his death bravely.

* A drumhead court-martial is a court-martial held in the field to hear urgent charges of offences committed in action. The term is said to originate from the use of a drumhead as an improvised writing table.

16/05/1921

On the 16th of May 1921 Volunteer William Connor, B Company, 5th Battalion, Carlow Brigade, IRA was shot dead during an attempted ambush of an RIC patrol at Barrowhouse, Ballylinan, County Laois. He was born in 1895 and had joined the Irish Volunteers/IRA early in 1918, he was employed as a farm labourer.

16/05/1921

During reprisals for the killing and wounding of several British Soldiers, Black and Tans and R.I.C. men in Midleton County Cork on the 14th of May soldiers of the Cameron Highlanders picked up three local I.R.A. men, the three men’s bullet riddled bodies were later found in the district. The three men were:

Michael Ahern from Ballyrichard, Midleton.

Richard Barry from Knockgriffin, Midleton.

John Ryan from Woodstock, Carrigtwohill.





19/05/1921

On Thursday the 19th of May a force of between forty and sixty I.R.A. Volunteers ambushed a patrol of two Tenders and a Ford car at Kilmeena between Westport and Newport County Mayo. The Ford car leading the patrol was fired on and Head-Constable Potter was seriously wounded and Constable Harry Beckett 80290 born in Lancashire England in 1900 killed. A ditch which ran at an angle to the road prevented the I.R.A. from seeing the two Tenders which were some distance behind the car. The occupants of the Tenders dismounted and using the ditch as cover out-flanked the I.R.A. and attacked the rear. During the ensuing gun-battle four I.R.A. Volunteers were Killed:

Seamus (James) McEvilly Thomas Street Castlebar. He had spent three months in jail in 1918 for illegal drilling. Two of his brothers Jerimiah and Tom were also active in the IRA.

Patrick Staunton Kilmeena

Thomas O’Donnell, Rossanrubble, Newport

John Collins, a native of Belfast he was working as a Tailor in Westport

Patrick (Paddy) Jordan, Islandeady, died three weeks later from wounds received in the ambush. He was 25 years old died in hospital in Dublin on the 15th of June.

20/05/1921

Thomas McEver from Kinsale was killed by Crown Forces on the 20th of May 1921, he was a member of No.4 Brigade Galway, his killing was described as a brutal murder.

Thomas McKeever (McEver), aged 37, single and employed as a chemist in Stafford’s Medical Hall, Dunmore County Galway. Found shot dead in Clooneen about a mile from Dunmore. He was taken from his bed in the boarding house he was staying in at 3am by three armed men in civilian clothes. Reports stated that 10 to 12 gun shots were heard in the neighbourhood where his body was found. A notice found on his body stated ‘Convicted spy. Traitors beware. IRA.’

McEver had left Kinsale County Cork about October or November 1920 when he went to Galway he went under the name McKeever. He was due to return to Kinsale to get married.

There are two versions as to why McEver was killed. One is that he was a member of the Cork IRA and turned informer and had to flee Cork and the IRA caught up with him in Galway. The other is that he was a member of the IRA in Cork and because of too much attention from the RIC he fled to Galway to lay low but the RIC in Galway found out who he was and killed him.

Captain Thomas Mannion, Dunmore Company, IRA, states in his witness statement WS1408 that McEver was not a member of the Dunmore IRA. Mannion also states that he instructed his brother Martin Mannion also Dunmore IRA to have a mass said for McEver by the parish priest Dean Macken. Martin Mannion told the priest that McEver was not a spy and this was announced by the priest during the mass.

Mannion also states in his witness statement that McEver had bayonet wounds to his neck, the inquiry into McEver’s death stated he was shot twice in the head and up to nine time in the body. Mannion also states that he heard that McEver’s family were prominent in the Volunteers. An auction lot sold in Whytes Dublin (Auction Date/Lot No.: / 1460) containing a memorial card and photo of McEver’s grave also stated he was a member of the IRA.

23/05/1921

On Monday the 23rd of May 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer John Brown was shot and fatally wounded when taking part in an ambush of an R.I.C. patrol at Skirdagh four miles north-east of Newport County Mayo. The I.R.A. had ambushed a group of twelve R.I.C. men lead by District Inspector. One Constable Joseph Maguire was killed. Brown was fatally wounded and died some time later in the County Infirmary Castlebar.

24/05/1921

On the night 24th of May 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer Denis Broderick was shot and killed by British forces at Ballycarthy, Tralee, County Kerry. He was born in 1897, aged about 24 years old when he died. He worked as a farm labourer and was single. He was part of a party of I.R.A. Volunteers on their way to destroy Ballycarthy Bridge. British military were concealed in a wood nearby and opened fire on the I.R.A. party as they approached the bridge. Broderick, who was carrying a mine on his back, was shot through the head, he lay on the roadside before he succumbed to his injuries. It was reported that the death of her son had such an effect of his mother that she had to be treated in Killarney District Asylum.

25/05/1921

The Customs House

The following I.R.A. men died in the attack on the Customs House:

Edward Dorins was shot dead in a battle near Talbot Street on the 25th of May 1921. He was part of a group involved in the burning of the Custom House. While keeping lookout with several other members of his Battalion they were confronted by a group of Black and Tans, in the ensuing battle Edward Dorins was mortally wounded and died in the street where he fell.

Edward Dorins was 22 years old and worked in the City as a plumber. He was a member of the 2nd Battalion Dublin Brigade I.R.A.

Edward Dorins was interred in Dean’s Grange cemetery, the inscription on his headstone reads.

Erected in loving memory of my son Edward Dorins.

Late I.R.A. Killed in Action at the Custom House on May 25th 1921.

Also his dear Father Thomas Dorins died 19th of January 1940 aged 76 years.

Seán Doyle was another member of the IRA killed in the attack on the Customs House On the 25th of May 1921. His brother Patrick Doyle was executed on the 14th of March 1921 for taking part in attack on Crown Forces in Drumcondra. Seán Doyle’s memorial in Glasnevin records the date of his death as the 30th of May 1921.

Dan Joseph Head (Heade) aged 17. He was employed as an Apprentice Carpenter from 3 Courtney Place, Ballybough Road, the eldest son of Michael Head a Carpenter, born Rathmines 1870 and Mary née Hammond born Dungarvan, Co Waterford 1878.

The Reilly family headstone in Glasnevin Cemetery Dublin

Lieutenant Stephen John Reilly (O'Reilly) was a 19 year old Commercial Traveller. He was the brother of Patrick O’Reilly killed in the same incident. It was believed he was a prisoner at Arbour Hill, it was not until the Friday when the family went to the George V hospital to collect the remains of Patrick that they identified the body of Stephen lying next to that of his brother.

Captain Patrick (Paddy). Employed as a Clerk at Arnott’s depertment store Dublin. Brother of Stephen Reilly. Although recorded as O'Reilly in almost all accounts of the incident the family headstone in Glasnevin records the family name as Reilly, the last name on the headstone added in 1982 records the addition of the O’.

Image Des White

The five men are commemorated on a memorial on Beresford Place/Memorial Road

Three other I.R.A. members were wounded in the Customs House attack

Commandant Tom Ennis

Lieutenant Jim Slattery

Volunteer J. Ward

28/05/1921

I.R.A. Commandant Jeremiah Hurley ( AKA Diarmuid Hurley) 4th Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, I.R.A., was shot dead by a joint patrol of R.I.C. and Black and Tans. Travelling on foot between Midleton and Carrigtowhill was shot and killed at Ballyedmond, County Cork. Surprised by the police patrol, Hurley, well known in the area for his I.R.A. activities as leader of a Flying Column, he was pursued and shot dead by the patrol.

30/05/1921

On the 30th of May 1921 two IRA Volunteers were shot at Tipperary Military Barracks. The British Army alleged they were shot while attempting to escape the IRA allege they were executed. The two men were:

Adjutant Martin Purcell, A Company, 3 battalion, 3rd Tipperary Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1902. He joined the Irish Volunteers/IRA in 1917.

Lieutenant William O'Brien, South Tipperary Brigade, IRA. Born in 1896 and employed as a Farm labourer.

30/05/1921

Thomas Murphy was shot by the Black and Tans on the morning of the 30th of May 1921. Employed as a part-time porter for the Dublin and South Eastern Railway and part-time driver for Sir Horace Plunkett Murphy was shot in his bedroom in the local hotel where he lived with his mother and sisters. He is buried in Deamsgrange Cemetery.

Thomas was a Corporal with the local I.R.A. and it is believed he was shot in reprisal for the shooting of a local policeman Albert Skeats at Cabinteely Barracks, constable Skeats had been in a coma for nearly two week and had died two days before Thomas Murphy was shot. Constable Skeats had been shot by another local I.R.A. activists Leo Murphy (not related).

31/05/1921

On the 31st of May 1921 3 IRA volunteers were killed during the destruction of Croom Court House, County Limerick. After the Court House was set on fire the two men became trapped in the building and were burned to death. The 3 men were:

Volunteer Edward Donnelly, E Company, 3rd Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA. He was born in 1898 and from Croom, he was employed as a Carpenter. He had served with the Volunteers/IRA since 1919.

Volunteer John Moloney, Croom Company, 4th Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA. He was from Croom and employed as an Ambulance driver. He had been a member of the Irish Volunteers/IRA since 1917.

Volunteer James Hogan Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA. He died on the 9th of June as a result of burns received during the destruction of Croom Court House. He was from Patrickswell, Limerick and employed as a Agricultural Labourer. He had served with the Irish Volunteers/IRA since 1919.

01/05/1921

In May 1921 I.R.A. Captain Patrick White was shot dead while attempting to escape from Spike Island prison. The circumstances of White’s death were somewhat controversial as many other prisoners claimed White was shot dead by a trigger-happy sentry.

02/06/1921

On the 2nd of June 1921 IRA Volunteer John McIntyre was killed in an accidental explosion at a premises at Tomkin Road Belturbet County Cavan. The premises was to be occupied by British Forces, the IRA were in the process of destroying it when a bomb accidently exploded, John McIntyre was killed instantly, he was 21 years old and employed on the family farm. He was a member of G Company, 1st Battalion, West Cavan Brigade.

04/06/1921

On Saturday the 4th of June 1921 at 8am Thomas Keane was executed in Limerick Detention Barracks by firing squad, he was convicted of levying war and possession of arms. It was reported that after hearing Mass and receiving Holy Communion he walked to his death with fortitude and calmness. Outside large crowds including the deceased’s wife and mother assembled to pray for the repose of his soul. Hymns were sung and after the official word that the execution had taken place the crowd dispersed quietly. Keane was a railway worker and was married with two young children, they lived at 1 Moore Lane, Limerick.

04/06/1921

On the 4th of June 1921 the Irish Independent Newspaper reported on the death of James McCarron who was killed when as part of a party of six men they attempted to ambush a party of Crown Forces returning to Ballybofey County Donegal by car from a fishing trip. The road was partially blocked and the ambushers opened fire on the car, the occupants of the car returned fire killing one attacker and wounding two.

James McCarron. It was reported that McCarron lived for about five minutes after being shot. James McCarron was 24 years old and had served with the Inniskilling Fusiliers during WW1. He had been injured on several occasions during the war having been gassed and on one occasion he lay wounded on the battlefield for three days before being discovered. He was also interned in Ballykinlar for I.R.A. activities, he was released from Ballykinlar due to ill health.

04/06/1921

Details were released by Crown Forces of an incident which occurred at a disused house of a man named Connor at Loughglynn Castlerea County Roscommon on Thursday about 5am. Crown Forces had surrounded the house, shots were fired from the house and in the exchange of fire with Crown Forces Miles Carty aged 24 was killed. Thomas Shannon aged 24 was seriously wounded, it was reported that a third man had escaped the scene.

06/05/1921

Seán Wall

On the 6th of May 1921 Seán Wall was killed in an engagement with British forces at Annacarty, County Tipperary. Wall was arrested by British forces on the 6th of May, the column of British forces escorting him was attacked by the IRA. During the attack Wall was killed. Wall had served with the Volunteers since 1917 and at the time of his death he was Commandant of the Bruff Company, 3rd battalion, East Limerick Brigade, Óglaigh na hÉireann/IRA. He was from Limerick, born in 1890 and worked as a Building Contractor.

05/06/1921

On the 5th of June 1921 the body of IRA Volunteer John Cummins was found by the Military in a search at Ballyvoyle County Waterford. The Military were searching for arms after they had been ambushed. A military report stated a civilian appeared to be lying in a ditch with a firearm levelled in the direction of the approaching Military. Two shots were fired at the civilian by the military. When the Patrol reached the civilian it was found that life was extinct. The rifle was found to be loaded. Medical evidence showed that death was due to two bullet wounds, one in the region of the heart and one in the calf of the leg, death would have been instantaneous. A Military Court of Inquiry found that John Cummins was shot dead by Crown Forces in the act of offering armed resistance to the above mentioned force in the execution of their duty. John Cummins was aged 23 and from the Ballyvoyle area.

07/06/1921

On Tuesday the 7th of June 1921 two men were executed in Mountjoy. The two were found guilty of the murder of RIC Sergeant Peter Wallace at Knocklong Railway Station County Limerick on May 14th 1919. The two men had been tried twice before for this crime but the jury in both occasions was unable to reach a verdict. Both men were found guilty and sentenced to death by a Military Court Martial. The two executed men were:

Edmond Foley of Duntryleague Galbally County Limerick.

Patrick Maher, Knocklong County Limerick

15/06/1921





On the 15th of June 1921 the Meelick Company of the I.R.A. suffered a double blow when Captain Michael Gleeson was Killed in Action when engaging the Royal Scots Regiment at Burton Hill in Meelick another I.R.A. Captain, Christopher McCarthy, was killed in the same ambush. A small group of I.R.A. Volunteers attempted to ambush the Limerick to Ennis train, a Volunteer onboard the train failed to warn the ambushers that the British military were on the train, a small stone barricade had been constructed across the railway line, the British Soldiers, members of the Royal Scots Regiment, forced the driver to ram the barricade and the train continued to Cartloe station, passengers on the train were removed and the soldiers forced the driver to return to the ambush site where the military engaged the I.R.A.. Gleeson died in the opening burst of machine gun fire, McCarthy was captured by the British when he attempted to rescue Gleeson, McCarthy body was found after the ambush, his throat had been cut and he was shot several times at point-blank range.

16/06/1921

On the 16th of June 1921 Second Lieutenant Thomas Fleming, 1st Battalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade, IRA was killed when a mine exploded at Glountane, Cordal, Castleisland, County Kerry. Fleming was an instructor and it was believed he was demonstrating the making of mines when one exploded killing him. He was from Kerry and employed as a driver, he had been a member of the Irish Volunteers and IRA and had taken part in ambushes at Clounbannon, Toureengoriv, Headfort, Dingle, Scartaglen and Brosna. He was involved in making bombs and land mines, he became an instructor to the East Kerry IRA. He was born in 1893.

18/06/1921





On the 18th of June 1921 two I.R.A. men were killed and one wounded when they were lying in wait to ambush a British Army patrol at Coolbarw, Castlecomber, County Kilkenny. It was believed the Military had been tipped off about the ambush and outflanking the ambushers they mounted a surprise attack from behind.

Sean (John, Jack) Hartley, 2nd Lieutenant, 5th Battalion Flying Column, I.R.A. Born in 1898, from Weatherstown, Glenmore, County Waterford. He was employed as a grocer’s assistant by Mr. Grace, Kilkenny. He was interned in Wakefield Prison in the UK after the 1916 Rising

Nicholas Mullins, Volunteer, 5th Battalion, Kilkenny Brigade, I.R.A. Born in 1893, from Market Street, Thomastown, County Kilkenny. Employed by Kilkenny County Council.

19/06/1921

On the 19th of June 1921 the ASU (Active Service Unit) of the Dun Laoghaire I.R.A. conducted an assassination attempt on British Military officers staying at the Royal Marine Hotel Dun Laoghaire. The Hotel was a long time billet for officers staying in Dun Laoghaire and had been used by General Maxwell during the 1916 Rising.

On the night of the 19th the I.R.A. enter the Hotel and came face to face with their targets. A gun battle ensued in which local I.R.A. man James McIntosh was fatally wounded. McIntosh managed to escape the Hotel but only managed to make it as far as Marine Road a short distance from the Hotel. He was taken to the local St. Michael’s Hospital where he died two days later on the 22nd of June 1921.

As the funeral procession left St. Michael’s Church Dun Laoghaire British Soldiers stopped the procession and removed a Tricolour from the coffin, a young lady grabbed the flag from the soldier a minor scuffle broke out and Black and Tans accompanying the Soldiers fired over the head of the mourners causing panic as people dived for cover.

The funeral procession managed to continue to Dean’s Grange Cemetery where James McIntosh was buried in the Republican Plot.

James McIntosh served with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers during World War 1, he was born in County Laois in 1885.He joined the Dublin Fusiliers on the 1st of October 1914.He was wounded during the battle of the Somme and was sent home on the 6th of July 1916. He was returned to France in December 1916 and was again seriously wounded during the battle of Passchendaele on the 11th of August 1917 and spent 131 days recovering in hospital in London. He was discharged medically unfit from the Army on the 23rd of February 1920.

20/06/1921

On the 20th of June Edward Fox, Volunteer, 5th Battalion, Engineers Dublin Brigade, IRA died from wounds received on the 19th of June. He was drinking with Daniel Whelan in Corbett’s pub on South Cumberland Street, after closing time Whelan pulled a gun a shot Fox. It was alleged that Whelan was a spy and insane. The IRP (Irish Republican Police) investigated the matter and a trial was held at which Whelan was found not guilty. Whelan was committed to the Richmond Asylum and subsequently released.

21/06/1921





John O’Meara a farmer’s son from Ballyhone County Tipperary was shot dead near Emly railway station County Tipperary on Tuesday the 21st of June 1921. It was reported that an R.I.C. Constable was searching O’Meara was when O’Meara grabbed the constable by the arms restricting his movement, O’Meara then called on a colleague to come to his aid. As O’Meara's colleague approach brandishing a Webley revolver the constable managed to free himself a drew his revolver, in the struggle O’Meara was shot dead and the constable and O’Meara's colleague engaged in a gun battle, both emptying their revolvers, the other man escaped. It was also reported that a search of O’Meara revealed he was carrying a five chamber revolver loaded with four sharp-nosed bullets. O’Meara who was 21 years old had served six months prison in 1920 for a political offence. O’Meara had served six months in Cork Jail but had been detained without charge or trial and had taken part in a hunger strike along with several other prisoners demanding their release.

Events of the shooting differed locally, it was reported that John O’Meara was climbing over a ditch when he was seen by three Black and Tans drinking in a nearby Public House, it was not known if O’Meara was armed at the time. His body was removed to the Public House and laid out on the counter.

22/06/1921

On Wednesday the 22nd of June 1921 two I.R.A. Volunteers Edward Shannon aged 26 and John Vaughan aged 22 were shot dead by the R.I.C. at the home of Mrs Ellen Vaughan in Cloonsuck near Castlerea County Roscommon. Accounts of the deaths differ but the official account states that the as the R.I.C. approached the house a bomb was thrown. R.I.C. Sergeant King and Constable Jameson were slightly wounded. It was stated that after the bomb was thrown the R.I.C. returned fire and in the ensuing shooting Shannon was shot dead while Vaughan who was mortally wounded died within the hour. Two other I.R.A. Volunteers were arrested at the house, Thomas Vaughan aged 18 and Martin Ganly aged 26. It was reported that the two dead Volunteers were ‘on the run’ at the time of the incident and that revolvers and ammunition were recovered from the house after the raid.

24/06/1921

Early on the morning of the 24th of June 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer Michael Dineen from the Kilcorney Company County Cork was taken prisoner by Auxiliaries in a round-up of I.R.A. suspects. He was picked up at his brother’s house Ivale, his body was later found at Tooreenbawn some three hundred yards from his home he had been shot after being tortured it was reported that his legs and arms were broken.

The memorial to Michael Dineen located near Kilcorney village in Co. Cork.

26/06/1921

On Sunday the 26th of June 1921 during an attack on a vacant barrack at Roskean (Rooskey) County Roscommon shots were fired on the attackers when they were challenged by Police. Later that day the body of Volunteer William Connolly of Rooskey was found in a local house, Connolly had died from bullet wounds believed to have been inflicted during the attack on the barrack.

27/06/1921

On Monday the 27th of June 1921 Thomas Nealon, Clydagh Ballycastle County Mayo was shot dead when he along with four other Volunteers had just finished a meal in a local ‘safe house’ . The house was surrounded by R.I.C. and Nealon was shot dead in the ensuing shoot-out. The other four Volunteers were captured along with what was reported to be several important documents.

27/06/1921

On the 27th of June 1921 Walter Leo Murphy, Company Captain, Cork City Brigade, IRA was shot and killed by British forces at Waterfall, County Cork. He had been attending a company meeting at Waterfall when the premises was surrounded by British forces, he was shot while attempting to escape. He was from Cork and employed as a Draper's assistant and was 20 years old.

29/06/1921

On the 29 of June 1921 I.R.A. Volunteer died in action from a heart attack while he was taking part in a battle with the Black and Tans at Enrights’ Farm near Sixmilebridge. The Volunteer was Thomas Healy an ex member of the R.I.C. from Duagh in County Kerry. Healy had worked as a clerk for the district inspector of the R.I.C. in Ennis and had been supplying the I.R.A. with information but when his activities came under suspicion he retired from the R.I.C. and joined the I. R A.

10/07/1921

On the 10th of July 1921 three I.R.A. Volunteers were Killed in Action when they ambushed a party of British Soldiers on Upper Main Street Castleisland County Kerry. One British Soldier was killed in the ambush. The three I.R.A. Volunteers were:

John Flynn.

Jack Prendiville.

Richard (Dick) Shanahan. Captain, 7th Battalion, 2nd Kerry Brigade. He was born in 1900 and worked as a drapery shop manager before joining the I.R.A.

11/07/1921

On the 11th of July a Truce was agreed between the British and the Government of the Irish Republic, the Truce came into effect at noon on Monday the 11th of July 1921.

21/07/1921

On the 21st of July 1927 two men were shot dead at Corracunna Cross Mitchelstown County Cork when they were fired on by British forces. The two men were among a group standing at the corner when a party of British Soldiers from Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs) arrived in a lorry and fired at the group killing the two men. The jury at the inquest held into the deaths found the British Soldiers were guilty of wilful murder.

Thomas McDonnell Volunteer, 2nd Cork Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1894 and employed as a farm labourer.

Daniel McGrath 2nd Cork Brigade, IRA. He was born in 1901 and employed as a farm labourer.

Although both men were members of the IRA they were not on active service at the time of the murders.





26/07/1921

On Tuesday the 28th of July 1921 Stephen Geoghegan, an ex-British Soldier aged 26 and employed as a porter of 44 Bridgefoot Street Dublin died as a result of a bullet wound in Dr. Steeven’s Hospital. It was believed that Geoghegan received the fatal wound when taking part in an I.R.A. raid at Gallenstown and a revolved he attempted to fire misfired and caused the wound. A witness at the inquest, Peter Keenan, stated that he was on the raid with Geoghegan and the account given was the correct account.

05/08/1921

I.R.A. man Frederick Fox was shot and mortally wounded by his I.R.A. comrade Francis Joseph Crumney of Raglan Street Belfast. The two I.R.A. men were on a surveillance mission when they were stopped by the police on Earlswood Road Belfast, a struggle ensued and one policeman, Constable Kane, was shot in the leg. The two I.R.A. men attempted to escape and in the chase Crumney shot Fox, Fox was mortally wounded and died a week later in hospital.

11/11/1921

On the 11th of November 1921 Volunteer Daniel Clancy, 2nd Cork Brigade, IRA died as a result of ill treatment while in custody on Spike Island, Cork. He was arrested early in 1921 and detained on Spike Island, during his detention he became ill and required an operation to remove his appendix, while recovering from this operation he was involved in a protest against conditions in the prison, during this protest the prison was wrecked. After the protest prisoners responsible were paraded in the cold and rain for 12 hours, although Daniel Clancy collapsed he was refused medical treatment. He was eventually removed to the hospital on Spike Island where he died. His brother Maurice was also a member of the IRA and another brother Peter was interned in Rath Camp while Daniel was imprisoned on Spike Island. Daniel Clancy was 23 years old and had joined the Irish Volunteers/IRA in 1918.

09/12/1921

On Friday the 9th of December at Thurles Railway Station county Tipperary a bomb was thrown at a large party of returning Internees from Ballykinlar Detention Camp. Declan Hurton (recorded in most newspapers as Hourton) was severely wounded, he died later from his injuries. He was a native of Ardmore County Waterford.

10/12/1921

On the 10th of December 1921 Charles Emerson, Commandant, Monaghan Brigade, 5th Northern Division, IRA died from effects of hunger strike and ill-treatment in prison. He had served during the 1916 Rising and had been imprisoned on several occasions had had been imprisoned in Dundalk, Derry and Belfast Jails, it was after his release from Belfast jail he became ill and died. He was employed as Carpentry instructor, Monaghan Committee of Agriculture and Technical Instruction.

26/01/1922

Na Fianna Éireann member Percy Hannifin died for wounds received when as part of a look-out detail guarding a meeting of I.R.A. men they engaged a party of Black and Tans who had parked a Crossley Tender on the street. During the exchange of fire Hannifin received a bullet wound to the head and died some days later on the 26th of January 1922.

05/02/1922

On the 5th of February 1922 Volunteer Patrick Doran, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Meath Brigade, IRA, died from Enteric Fever at the Meath County Hospital, Navan, County Meath. He had been sentenced to six months in Mountjoy Prison during which time he became ill and was removed to the County Hospital where he died 4 days after admission.

11/02/1922

On Saturday 11 February 1922 a gun battle at Clones Railway Station, County Monaghan, resulted in the deaths of four Ulster Special Constables and the local IRA commandant. A group of I.R.A. Volunteers attempted to ambush a party of Special Constabulary policemen, the I.R.A. entered the carriage and ordered the Specials to put their hand up, a shot rang out and I.R.A. Commandant Matthew Fitzpatrick fell dead. In the ensuing gun battle 4 of the Specials were killed.

21/02/1922

On Tuesday the 21st of February 1922 2nd Lieutenant Joseph Duffy, D Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Northern Division, I.R.A. was shot dead at the home of retired British Army officer Leslie Huddleston. He was part of a party raiding for arms, while attempting to gain entry to the Huddleston household at Low/High Cairn, Ramelton, County Donegal the front door opened and one shot was fired hitting Duffy in the heart. Duffy was born in 1898 and from Milford County Donegal, he was employed as a labourer. It was stated by the I.R.A. that Duffy was engaged in an official raid for arms when he was shot and killed.

08/03/1922

On the 8th of March 1922 Captain Edward Slevin IRA, died from pulmonary tuberculosis the illness was attributed to service with the IRA. Edward Slevin was born in 1893 and from County Monaghan, he was employed as a farmer and had served with the Irish Volunteers and IRA since 1919.

24/03/1922

On the 24th of March 1922 Private John Fox, 3rd Southern Division, Óglaigh na hÉireann/National Forces died from Influenza and Pneumonia, cause of death attributed to service. He was born in 1913 and had joined the IRA in 1920 serving with the Terryglass Company, 1st Tipperary Brigade IRA during the War of Independence. He was from Borrisokane County Tipperary.



08/04/1922

I.R.A. Volunteer Daniel Byrne died from wounds received when a rifle he found in the abandoned Gorey, County Wexford R.I.C. Barracks exploded when he tried to fire the weapon. Byrne was from Coolnaleen, Ferns. He was 42 years old, married with three children.

11/04/1922

On the 11th of April Volunteer Michael O'Neill, D Company, 2nd Battalion, Mid Limerick Brigade died at Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick from the effects of a gunshot wound accidentally received by him on the 9th of April 1922 from a fellow member of the IRA, named as John Hogan, at the New Barracks, Limerick during the Truce Period. At the time of his wounding he was serving as a member of the IRA garrison at that barracks. Michael O’Neill had served with the Irish Volunteers and IRA from January 1919 and during the War of Independence and Truce Period.

19/04/1922

On Wednesday the 19th of April 1922 two IRA Volunteerswere killed at Kealkil West Cork, the dead men were named as:

Kelly of Bantry County Cork.

Cronin of Bantry County Cork.

26/04/1922

On Wednesday the 26th of April 1922 Fianna Éireann Volunteer Henry O’Connor aged 22 died as a result of a gunshot wound received when a party of Fianna Éireann went to a house in the Ferns District of Enniscorthy County Wexford. The Fianna party were acting on information that a local Orangeman had firearms and ammunition at his address. The inquiry into O’Connor’s death heard that when the occupants of the house refused to open the door O’Connor began banging on the door, a shot was heard and O’Connor fell wounded. It was suggested that O’Connor was killed when he accidently discharged the rifle when banging on the door, the medical examiner stated he believed this to be impossible due to the entry point of the bullet. The Jury at the inquiry held by Officers of the I.R.A. Executive at Enniscorthy found that O’Connor had died as a result of a bullet accidently discharged from a rifle.

26/04/1922

On the 26th of April I.R.A. Commandant Michael O’Neill died as a result of wounds received when he was engaged in raiding the house of a local loyalist in Ballygroman County Cork. O’Neill was attempting to take a car belonging to Thomas Hornibrook, the I.R.A. entered Hornibrook’s house in an attempt to get the magneto (the magneto was a part which could be removed from the car to prevent it being stolen). The three men in the house at the time who refused to give the Magneto to the I.R.A. were Thomas and his son Samuel Hornibrook and his son in law Herbert Woods. O’Neill was from Maraboro, Kilbrittain County Cork. A local inquest held into the killing of O’Neill found he had been ‘wilfully murdered in the execution of his lawful duty', Herbert Woods was found to be responsible for firing the fatal shots. For more on this event see The Killings in Ballyroman in the Civilians Killed in War of Independence page.

08/05/1922

On the 8th of May 1922 eight or nine men called to the house of Samuel J. Milligan aged 18, a member of the “B” Specials, who lived at Castleecauifield County Tyrone. Milligan died as a result of wounds revived in the attack. After the attack the body of one of the attackers, 19 year old Owen Mcgill, was found near the scene, he had a shotgun and two Mills Bombs. The Commissioner at the Inquest into his death expressed the view that Magill had been forced to take part in the attack, Mcgill died from bullet wounds to the heart.

12/05/1922

On Friday the 12th of May 1922 Patrick Tubridy (Tubriddy) aged 18 and a member of Fianna Éireann died in Barrington’s Hospital Limerick from a bullet wound in the throat, he was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. An inquest into his death returned a verdict of accidental death due to the accidental discharge of a comrade’s revolver at Frederick Street Barracks. The inquest was held at Barrington’s Hospital Limerick where Tubridy was taken after the accident.

12/05/1922

On the 12th of May 1921 Battalion Commandant John Morrissey, 7th Battalion, Waterford Brigade, IRA. He was accidentally shot and killed by a comrade on. Morrissey was guarding a prisoner at the time at The Lodge, Lackendarra, County Waterford. It was reported by the inquest that Morrissey was accidentally shot by William Queally, Quartermaster, 7 Battalion, IRA.

29/05/1922

On Monday morning of the 29th of May 1922 a member of the Anti Treaty forces was shot dead by the Royal Irish Constabulary at Gormanston County Meath. With a party of other the victim had been waiting for a train at the station when challenged by the police man, a gun battle ensued in which the victim was shot, he was named as:

Staff Captain James Flanagan.

17/06/1922

On the 17th of June 1922 Hugh Morrison. A Company, 1st Brigade, 1st Northern Division, IRA died in Lifford Infirmary, County Donegal from the effects of an accidental explosion which took place the previous day at Skeog, County Donegal. He was testing bombs when the explosion took place. He was born in 1900 and employed as an Apprentice engineer. He had served with the Volunteers/IRA from 1919 and was from Derry.

20/06/1922

On the 20th of June William Thornton, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Northern Division, was shot dead when 4 men from C Company was sent to burn down the Cotton Oil Store, Glouchester Street, Belfast. The Specials were to occupy the warehouse as a barracks. Thornton and another entered the building and were in the process of setting the fire when they were surprised by a large force of Specials. During the ensuing gun battle Thornton became trapped in a window and was riddled with bullets. Thornton served as a Lance-Corporal with the British Army, he was discharged on the 24th of May 1921. He was born in 1899.

23/06/1922

After an alleged ambush on soldiers of the East Yorkshire Regiment on Friday the 26th of June 1922 ‘Specials’ from Ballymena arrived in the seaside town of Cushendall and in what was described as an orgy of violence 3 men were killed. At the time it was claimed by locals that no ambush had taken place and none of the young men killed he any political or military connections.

James McAllister Section Commander, C Company, 3rd Battalion, Antrim Brigade, IRA. In a statement made by Lieutenant F J Tully AG’s Department, GHQ he stated that McAlister was a member of the IRA and that during the raid on Cushendall McAlister was beaten with the butt end of rifles and kicked up and down the street until he was unrecognisable then shot in the mouth and dumped in an outhouse. James McAllister was born in 1903 and was 18 years old when he died, he was employed as a farm labourer.

John Hill. Volunteer, 4th Battalion, 2 Brigade (Antrim Brigade), IRA. Born in 1891 and employed as a Motor Driver. John Hill’s father was refused compensation by the Irish government because it was deemed his son “…did not receive any wound or injury while engaged in Military Service.” John Hill was awarded a posthumous Service (1917-1921) Medal.

A civilian, John Gore aged 22 from Ashbrook, Cushendall, was killed in the same incident.

30/06/1922

On the 30th of June William Spillane Lieutenant, G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Cork Brigade, was accidently shot by a comrade, he was 21 years old and the son of James and Hannah Spillane of Bandon Road Cork. He had served as Captain with the 5th Cork Brigade during the War of Independence. He is buried in the Republican plot, Saint Finbarr’s Cemetery Cork.





16/09/1922

On Saturday the 16th of September 1922 Anthony Dean, a civilian attached to the Criminal Investigations Department at Oriel House was shot dead when two armed men enter Oriel House on the pretence of reporting a stolen car. When the two men had gained entry they opened fire with two Webley revolvers. Dean was hit once and died instantly from his wounds. Dean was unmarried and was 27 years old.





13/10/1922

On the night of Monday the 13th of October 1922 Civic Guard Henry Phelan 1347 stationed at Callan was shot dead in Mollinahone County Tipperary. Phelan, with two other Civic Guards, had cycled to Mollinahone to buy a Hurley ball, they stopped off at Miss Mulhall’s Public House for some refreshments. Soon after the three Civic Guards had entered the Public House when a group of armed men entered shouting ‘Hands Up’ as the armed men were shouting ‘Hand Up’ a shot was fired and Phelan fell mortally wounded, the bullet entered the lower part of his left jaw and exited through the back of his neck his spinal cord being severed. Unknown to Phelan and the other tow Civic Guards the Public House was a well know anti-treaty establishment, Miss Mulhall’s son was a member of Na Fianna. Phelan was a native of Mountrath where he was buried.

23/08/1923

On the 23rd of August 1923 Patrick Joseph McBride, Company Intelligence Officer, GHQ Staff, IRA, died from tuberculosis, he death was deemed to have been due to his service with the IRA. During the treaty negotiations he was employed as a courier between Dublin and London. He was refused entry to the United States of America due to tuberculosis before travelling to Switzerland. Liam Tobin states that from the Truce to the time the delegation went to London McBride was entrusted with very important work, "which I do not consider it advisable to disclose." Tobin claims in letter dated 7 April 1954, that Michael Collins had McBride medically examined by Dr Robert McLarenty. He was a member of Intelligence staff GHQ, Brunswick Street up to December 1921. During the War of Independence he was employed as an Auditor's clerk and served as Adjutant, C Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade. IRA. He was born in 1897.

19/10/1923

On Friday the 19th of October 1923 C.I.D. Driver was shot dead during an armed raid on Ashtown Candle Factory, Castleknock. Three soldiers of the National Army held up staff at the factory and stole £40. One of the soldiers, William Downes, was executed in Mountjoy and another was shot dead while fleeing from pursuing police.

07/11/1922

On the 7th of November 1922 I.R.A. Volunteer John Sharry died of wounds received while fighting the Black and Tans during the War of Independence. He had been injured near Moymore Church County Clare. He was born in Liscannor and had been a member of the Volunteers since 1917.

21/09/1924

On the 21st of September 1924 Volunteer Hugh Hennon 1st Brigade (Belfast Brigade), 3rd Northern Division, IRA died in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, County Antrim from acute Oedema of lungs, Chronic Parenchymatous and Nephritis was deemed to have been attributable to his service with the IRA. He was from Antrim and employed as an Apprentice Saddler, J. Erskine & Co., Ann Street, Belfast, County Antrim. He was born in 1901 and had served with Fianna Éireann prior to joining the IRA.

07/03/1925

On the 7th of March 1925 Captain James Morrissey, 1st Waterford Battalion, IRA died from toxaemia in Dr Steeven's Hospital, Dublin. The Army Pensions Board were of the opinion that death was attributable to injury sustained in November 1921 while interned in Bere Island. He was employed as a labourer and from Kilkenny.