[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":4},["ShallowReactive",2],{"event-plain-first-shots-of-war-of-independence":3},"On January 21, 1919, the first engagement of the Irish War of Independence took place at Soloheadbeg, County Tipperary. Volunteers from the Irish Republican Army (IRA) ambushed Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) officers who were transporting gelignite explosives. The ambush resulted in the deaths of two RIC constables, marking an unauthorized but pivotal escalation in the conflict. This event is widely considered the effective beginning of the military campaign for Irish independence from British rule.",1789333839245]