#OnThisDay 1922 The RIC had its final parade in the Phoenix Park although it’s not until 30 August that the force is officially disbanded. Some join the RUC, others the Garda Síochána, some go further afield. I talk to historian Sean Gannon on the next week’s podcast about this.
#OnThisDay 1893 Dick McKee Commandant of IRA Dublin Brigade was born in Dublin. McKee who was influential in helping Michael Collins establish the Squad, was one of three men captured, tortured & shot dead in Dublin Castle by Auxiliaries on Bloody Sunday 1920.
#OnThisDay 1918 The 16th (Irish) Division was relieved & taken off the front line during the German Spring Offensive (Operation Michael), having been in constant contact with the Germans since March 21st. It had suffered 7,149 casualties, 1000 dead. An officer with the 16th Division wrote;
“The division has ceased to exist. Wiped off the map”.
#OnThisDay 1918 Michael Collins was charged for making a seditious speech in Longford & was remanded in Sligo Gaol for three weeks. Having been arrested outside his office on Bachelor’s Walk, Dublin, he was transported to Longford by train where he was met by a huge cheering and waving crowd. He called the proceedings a “farce” & declared “I do not enter into bail with blackguards & tyrants”.
He finally gave bail & went on the run.
The Irish at War 