#OnThisDay 1922 The funeral of Michael Collins was held in Dublin. Hundreds of thousands of people, Pro and Anti-Treaty & even some British soldiers attended. His funeral procession from the Pro-Cathedral to Glasnevin Cemetery was many miles long. #Ireland #History
#OnThisDay 1798 General Humbert’s mixed French & Irish force marched on & routed a Crown militia of 6,000 in Castlebar. Huge caches of arms & ammo were left to the rebels. Some militia did not stop until they reached Tuam. This is known as the Races of Castlebar.
#OnThisDay 1940 the German Luftwaffe bombed the Shelbourne Co-Op in Campile Co. Wexford, killing three women; sisters Mary Ellen (30) & Kitty Kent (26) & Kathleen Hurley(27). There are many theories as to why this happened from pilot’s navigational error, dropped bombs to ensure sufficient fuel levels for return flight home and that this was in retaliation for Ireland supplying Britain with food stuffs during WW2.
Whatever the reason, unfortunately three innocent women died as a result.
#OnThisDay 1913 The Dublin Strike and Lockout began over workers’ pay & conditions. James Connolly would set up the Irish Citizen Army during the strike to protect workers from police attacks. Connolly &the ICA would play a major role in the 1916 Easter Rising. #Ireland #History
#OnThisDay 1915 Private George Gallagher from Bellaghy, Derry was killed in action in Gallipoli. In the trenches even the most mundane tasks were dangerous. Gallagher volunteered to get water & was shot by a sniper. He was 20 years old.
The Irish at War 