This day officially marked the last day of the Irish War of Independence after a truce was agreed upon by Ireland and England. Starting on July 11, the IRA suspended efforts by their forces. The truce, which had been in talks since December of 1920, was decided on by Eamon de Valera and Lord Middleton and was formally signed by Dail members Robert Barton and Eamon Duggan and … [Read more...] about July 11, 1921
May 3, 1921
On this day in 1921 following the Government of Ireland Act of 1920, the six Northeastern counties of Derry, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone and Fermanagh were established as a separate entity, becoming Northern Ireland. It was intended that Northern Ireland and the remaining 26 counties of Southern Ireland would be ruled as two separate territories of the United Kingdom. In 1922 … [Read more...] about May 3, 1921
November 21, 1920
The lesser known Irish Bloody Sunday (the other being the Derry 1972 Bloody Sunday) took place during the Irish War of Independence on this day in 1920. On the morning of November 21, Michael Collins's men killed 14 British intelligence officers. Later that afternoon during a GAA match at Croke Park in Dublin, British forces opened fire on Irish civilians watching the match. 14 … [Read more...] about November 21, 1920
August 10, 1920
James O'Neill, father of American playwright Eugene O'Neill, died on August 10 of 1920. With James's background in theater, it is evident that he provided Eugene with his first glance into the world of theater and playwriting. James O'Neill was born in Kilkenny and immigrated to Buffalo, NY. His most famous role in the theater was as the Count of Monte Cristo. James O'Neill is … [Read more...] about August 10, 1920
March 25, 1920
On this day in 1920, the first "Black and Tans," or auxiliary policemen, officially arrived in Ireland. 1919 saw the first declaration of an independent Irish Republic, which in turn led to IRA guerilla attacks on the Royal Irish Constabulary. The Royal Constabulary in turn hired Temporary Constables from 1920-1921. The force was established as a means of suppressing … [Read more...] about March 25, 1920