1920

January 19, 1920

First Republican Courts Established

On January 19, 1920, the first Dáil Courts were established in West Clare, marking a significant step in the creation of an alternative legal system in Ireland. These courts operated in parallel to the existing British judicial institutions during the War of Independence, demonstrating the growing authority and legitimacy of the Irish independence movement and its efforts to establish self-governance.

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February 18, 1920

Timothy Quinlisk Executed as British Spy

On February 18, 1920, Timothy Quinlisk, a Catholic ex-soldier and former member of Roger Casement's Irish Brigade, was executed by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Ballyphehane, County Cork. Quinlisk was accused of being a British spy during the Irish War of Independence. His execution was one of many carried out by the IRA during this period, with County Cork being a particularly active region for such actions. This event highlights the intense and often brutal nature of intelligence and counter-intelligence operations during the conflict.

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March 10, 1920

Government of Ireland Bill accepted by Ulster Unionist Council

The Government of Ireland Bill, proposing a six-county 'Northern Ireland', was accepted by a two-to-one majority by the Ulster Unionist Council on March 10, 1920. This significant political development laid the groundwork for the partition of Ireland, aiming to establish separate parliaments for Northern and Southern Ireland. The Bill's acceptance by the Ulster Unionists marked a crucial step towards the creation of Northern Ireland, reflecting the deep political divisions within the island regarding self-governance and union with Great Britain.

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March 10, 1920

Six IRA prisoners executed in Dublin

On March 10, 1920, six IRA prisoners were executed in Dublin. Four of these individuals were convicted of high treason for their involvement in levying war against the British Crown. These executions were a grim reflection of the escalating conflict during the Irish War of Independence, highlighting the severe measures taken by British authorities to suppress the republican movement. Such events often fueled further resistance and intensified the struggle for Irish independence, leaving a lasting impact on public sentiment and the course of the conflict.

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March 20, 1920

Assassination of Thomas MacCurtain

Thomas MacCurtain, the Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork and commander of the 1st Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), was assassinated in his home on March 20, 1920. He was shot dead by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). A subsequent coroner's inquest controversially returned a verdict of wilful murder against the RIC, directly implicating the British government and its officials, including Prime Minister Lloyd George. MacCurtain's death was a pivotal event during the Irish War of Independence, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflict.

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March 25, 1920

Black and Tans Arrive in Ireland

On March 25, 1920, the first contingent of the infamous Black and Tans arrived in Ireland. Recruited primarily from unemployed World War I veterans, these demobilized British servicemen were intended to reinforce the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) during the escalating War of Independence. Their distinctive, mismatched uniforms earned them their notorious nickname. Lacking proper police training, they often acted as an occupation force, becoming synonymous with brutal tactics, reprisals, and widespread terror against the civilian population, including burning towns and committing acts of violence, leaving a lasting scar on Irish history.

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March 26, 1920

Assassination of Alan Bell

On March 26, 1920, Alan Bell, a resident magistrate and former district inspector of the Royal Irish Constabulary, was assassinated in Dublin. Bell was leading an investigation into the funding of the republican movement, particularly focusing on the Sinn Féin party's finances. He was shot dead by Michael Collins's 'squad', a special unit of the IRA. His killing was a significant act during the Irish War of Independence, demonstrating the IRA's determination to disrupt British administration and intelligence efforts in Ireland.

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March 31, 1920

IRA Intensifies Campaign Against Crown Forces

On March 31, 1920, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) significantly escalated its campaign against crown forces, launching coordinated attacks across several counties in Ireland. This intensification showcased the IRA's growing military capabilities and its capacity to execute simultaneous operations over a wide geographical area. The attacks specifically targeted police barracks, military installations, and other symbols of British authority, placing considerable pressure on British forces. The success of these coordinated actions highlighted the IRA's improving organizational skills and intelligence network, contributing to increased public support for the Irish independence movement during a critical period of conflict.

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April 1, 1920

Dublin Corporation Declares Allegiance to Dáil Éireann

In a significant act of defiance against British rule, the Dublin Corporation, Ireland's largest local authority, declared its allegiance to Dáil Éireann. This decision was a crucial step in establishing the revolutionary government's authority and encouraged other local bodies to follow suit. The move led to the creation of parallel administrative structures that directly challenged British governance, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for Irish independence.

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April 12, 1920

Ireland General Strike

On April 12, 1920, a significant general strike was launched across Ireland. Workers initiated this strike in solidarity with pro-independence prisoners who were engaged in a hunger strike at Mountjoy Prison in Dublin. The widespread industrial action led to the closure of essential services, including the postal service, public transport, shops, and pubs. This demonstration of collective power and nationalistic sentiment proved effective. After only two days, the British government acceded to the demands, leading to the release of all the hunger-striking prisoners. This event underscored the potent combination of labor activism and the struggle for Irish independence.

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April 20, 1920

Irish Railway Munitions Strike Begins

On April 20, 1920, Irish railway workers initiated a significant act of civil resistance during the War of Independence by refusing to transport British military supplies. This action, coordinated by trade unions and supported by the Dáil Éireann, severely disrupted British military operations in Ireland. The strike demonstrated the potent effectiveness of non-violent resistance in supporting the Irish independence movement, highlighting the crucial role of organized labor in the struggle against British rule. The strike continued for several months, causing considerable logistical challenges for the British forces.

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April 27, 1920

Hunger Strike Victory

The release of republican prisoners in Mountjoy Prison marked a significant victory for the hunger strike campaign. The British government's capitulation demonstrated the effectiveness of hunger striking as a political weapon and strengthened public support for the independence movement. This success established a precedent that would influence future prison protests in both the War of Independence and later conflicts.

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May 15, 1920

RIC Resignations

The Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) experienced a significant wave of resignations as the force increasingly faced isolation and sustained attacks from the Irish Republican Army (IRA). This growing number of police resignations underscored the effectiveness of the IRA's campaign and signaled the diminishing British authority across Ireland. Many Catholic RIC members, in particular, found themselves in a difficult position, torn between their official duties and intense community pressure.

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May 17, 1920

Establishment of Dáil Courts

On May 17, 1920, the Dáil government formally established its own independent court system, offering an alternative to the existing British judicial institutions. These republican courts operated across a significant portion of the country, showcasing the burgeoning authority of the Irish independence movement. Their successful administration of justice played a vital role in legitimizing the movement's claim to govern and provide essential public services.

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July 4, 1920

Sectarian Violence in Derry/Londonderry

On July 4, 1920, Derry/Londonderry experienced a significant escalation of sectarian violence, resulting in 19 fatalities over four days. This period of unrest was part of the broader Irish War of Independence and the subsequent partition of Ireland. The violence reflected deep-seated political and religious divisions within the community, particularly between Irish nationalists and unionists. Such incidents underscored the turbulent nature of the era, as Ireland grappled with its future and the establishment of new political boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on the region's social fabric.

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Other

July 19, 1920

Belfast Shipyard Expulsions

On July 19, 1920, large-scale expulsions of Catholic workers commenced at Belfast's Harland and Wolff shipyard. Protestant workers, many recently returned from World War I, forcibly removed Catholic and socialist Protestant colleagues. This period represents a dark chapter in Belfast's industrial history, impacting over 7,500 workers and their families, and significantly exacerbating sectarian tensions within the city and wider Northern Ireland.

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July 21, 1920

Belfast Shipyard Expulsions and Riots

On July 21, 1920, sectarian violence erupted in Belfast as "Protestant and unionist" workers at Workman and Clark's shipyard, incited by political rhetoric, forcibly expelled Catholic and socialist colleagues from their workplaces. This action quickly escalated into widespread riots across the city, lasting for several days. The unrest resulted in the deaths of thirteen people—seven Catholics and six Protestants—and caused significant displacement and injury. This event highlights the deep-seated sectarian tensions prevalent in Belfast during the Irish War of Independence.

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August 2, 1920

Holywell Ambush

On August 2, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, approximately 20 IRA volunteers ambushed a British military detachment near Holywell, County Mayo. The IRA aimed to disarm the British soldiers guarding a broken-down petrol lorry. Although the ambush was deemed unsuccessful in its primary objective, as the IRA did not capture the soldiers' weapons, it resulted in at least three British casualties and provided valuable combat experience for the volunteers. The incident highlighted the ongoing conflict and the IRA's efforts to challenge British forces in rural Ireland.

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August 9, 1920

Restoration of Order in Ireland Act

The British Parliament passed the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act, granting additional powers to the military. The legislation effectively placed much of Ireland under martial law, allowing for internment without trial and military courts. These measures marked an escalation in Britain's attempt to suppress the independence movement.

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August 22, 1920

Assassination of RIC District Inspector Oswald Swanzy

On August 22, 1920, Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) District Inspector Oswald Swanzy was assassinated in Lisburn by a four-man IRA unit from Cork. Swanzy had been implicated by a Cork jury in the murder of Lord Mayor Tomás MacCurtain earlier that year. His assassination was a retaliatory act during the Irish War of Independence, highlighting the escalating violence and the IRA's reach beyond its traditional strongholds. This event further intensified the conflict between Irish republicans and British forces.

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August 24, 1920

Belfast Sectarian Violence

On August 24, 1920, Belfast experienced a surge in sectarian violence, a grim period marked by intense clashes between Catholic and Protestant communities. This unrest led to the displacement of approximately 400 Catholic families from their homes and resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals. The violence was a manifestation of the deep-seated political and religious divisions prevalent in Northern Ireland during the early 20th century, particularly exacerbated by the ongoing Irish War of Independence. These events significantly contributed to the complex and often tragic history of sectarian conflict in the region.

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September 17, 1920

Cork Prison Hunger Strike

By September 17, 1920, the hunger strike in Cork Prison had entered a critical phase, with several prisoners nearing death. Among them was Terence MacSwiney, the Lord Mayor of Cork, whose deteriorating condition garnered significant international attention. The protest, initiated by Irish republican prisoners demanding political status during the Irish War of Independence, underscored the growing use of hunger strikes as a potent political weapon against British rule. MacSwiney's eventual death in October, after 74 days on hunger strike, transformed him into a martyr for the Irish cause and intensified global scrutiny of British policy in Ireland.

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September 19, 1920

RIC Resignations Amidst War of Independence

In September 1920, a significant wave of resignations swept through the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) as the Irish War of Independence escalated. Many Catholic officers, caught between their duty and intense community pressure, found their positions increasingly untenable. The IRA's campaign of intimidation and ostracization, coupled with a growing sense of national identity, led to a mass exodus from the force. These resignations severely weakened the RIC's effectiveness and demonstrated the widespread support for the independence movement, further isolating British authority in Ireland.

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September 20, 1920

Sack of Balbriggan

The Sack of Balbriggan occurred on September 20, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence. Auxiliary members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, known as "Black and Tans," retaliated for the shooting of two police officers by the Irish Republican Army. They rampaged through Balbriggan, County Dublin, burning over fifty homes and businesses, looting, and killing two local men. This event, the first major reprisal against an Irish town, garnered international attention, sparking debate in the British Parliament and drawing criticism of British policy in Ireland. Many residents were left homeless and jobless, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflict.

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September 21, 1920

Balbriggan Reprisals

The Black and Tans conducted extensive reprisals in Balbriggan following an IRA attack. They burned homes and businesses and killed two suspected republicans. These actions epitomized the pattern of unofficial reprisals carried out by British forces during the Irish War of Independence. The incident caused widespread outrage and drew international condemnation, further escalating the conflict and hardening public opinion against British rule.

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September 22, 1920

Rineen Ambush and Reprisals

On September 22, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) carried out an ambush at Rineen, County Clare, resulting in the deaths of five Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) officers and one Black and Tan. In retaliation, British forces subsequently attacked the towns of Ennistymon, Lahinch, and Miltown Malbay, leading to the deaths of at least five civilians. This incident was a significant escalation of violence in the region, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflict between Irish republicans and British forces. The reprisals caused widespread fear and destruction in the affected communities.

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September 26, 1920

MacSwiney Hunger Strike Crisis

Terence MacSwiney's condition deteriorated further as his hunger strike continued in Brixton Prison. International pressure mounted on the British government to intervene as his protest attracted worldwide attention to the Irish cause for independence. His hunger strike became a symbol of Irish resistance during the War of Independence.

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September 28, 1920

IRA Raid on Mallow Barracks

On September 28, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) successfully raided the British military barracks in Mallow, County Cork. Led by figures like Ernie O'Malley and Liam Lynch, the Cork No. 2 Brigade executed a meticulously planned operation. Two IRA volunteers, working undercover as craftsmen, provided crucial intelligence, enabling the IRA to infiltrate the barracks when most of the garrison was on maneuvers. The raid resulted in the capture of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, marking the first time the IRA had successfully attacked a British military barracks. The event was a major propaganda victory for the IRA, though it was followed by severe British reprisals in Mallow.

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October 8, 1920

IRA Ambush in Cork City

On the morning of October 8, 1920, during the War of Independence, the IRA's Cork No. 1 Brigade ambushed a British military lorry on Barrack Street in Cork. The attack, led by Commandant Michael Murphy, involved blocking the street and throwing grenades into the vehicle, followed by revolver fire. The ambush resulted in the death of one British soldier, Private Gordon John Squibb, and wounded several others. The IRA unit successfully withdrew without major casualties. The incident was a significant action in the urban guerrilla war in Cork and was followed by swift but unsuccessful British reprisals, including an attempt to burn down Cork City Hall the following night. The attack highlighted the IRA's growing effectiveness and the escalating intensity of the conflict in the city.

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October 22, 1920

Toureen Ambush

On October 22, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, the Cork No. 3 Brigade (West Cork) of the Irish Republican Army, led by Tom Barry, carried out a successful ambush against members of the Essex Regiment at Toureen, County Cork. The engagement resulted in the deaths of five British soldiers, with four wounded and six captured. This operation was a significant victory for the IRA, demonstrating their tactical effectiveness and contributing to the ongoing guerrilla warfare against British forces in Ireland. The ambush highlighted the intensity of the conflict in rural areas and further fueled the struggle for Irish independence.

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Deaths

October 25, 1920

Death of Terence MacSwiney

On October 25, 1920, Terence MacSwiney, the Lord Mayor of Cork, died in Brixton Prison, London, after a 74-day hunger strike. Imprisoned for sedition by the British authorities during the Irish War of Independence, his death garnered international attention and sympathy for the Irish cause. MacSwiney's sacrifice became a powerful symbol of Irish resistance and inspired other hunger strikes, significantly impacting public opinion and intensifying pressure on the British government regarding Irish self-determination.

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October 31, 1920

Start of the Siege of Tralee

The night of October 31, 1920, marked the beginning of a brutal period in Tralee, County Kerry, during the Irish War of Independence. Two Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) officers, Patrick Waters and Ernest Bright, went missing and were subsequently executed by the IRA. In retaliation, the RIC and Black and Tans imposed a severe curfew, burned businesses, and engaged in widespread violence and intimidation, effectively laying siege to the town for a week. This event highlighted the escalating cycle of reprisals and violence.

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October 31, 1920

Terence MacSwiney's Burial

On October 31, 1920, Terence MacSwiney, the Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork, was buried in Cork city. MacSwiney had died in Brixton Prison, London, after a 74-day hunger strike in protest against his imprisonment by the British authorities during the Irish War of Independence. His death garnered international attention and sympathy for the Irish cause, becoming a significant moment of political martyrdom and further galvanizing nationalist sentiment across Ireland.

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November 1, 1920

Kevin Barry Execution

Kevin Barry, an 18-year-old medical student, was executed in Mountjoy Prison for his role in an IRA operation. His death marked a significant moment in the War of Independence, generating widespread public sympathy for the republican cause. The manner of his execution and his young age created a powerful martyrdom narrative.

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November 10, 1920

Black and Tan Reprisals in Ireland

British forces initiated a series of severe reprisals in several Irish towns, directly following attacks carried out by the Irish Republican Army (IRA). These retaliatory actions, which included widespread burnings and shootings, marked a significant escalation in the cycle of violence during the Irish War of Independence. The brutality of these reprisals further alienated public opinion, intensifying anti-British sentiment and undermining the British administration's authority in Ireland.

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November 21, 1920

Bloody Sunday (1920)

On November 21, 1920, Dublin experienced a day of intense violence during the Irish War of Independence, known as Bloody Sunday. In the morning, Michael Collins's "Squad" assassinated fourteen suspected British intelligence agents. In retaliation, British forces opened fire on spectators at a Gaelic football match in Croke Park, killing twelve civilians and injuring many more. Additionally, three IRA prisoners were shot dead by the British army in Dublin Castle under the pretense of "trying to escape." This series of events marked a significant escalation in the conflict, making it one of the bloodiest days of the war.

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November 23, 1920

Dublin's Bloody Sunday

On November 23, 1920, Dublin experienced a day of intense violence during the Irish War of Independence, known as "Bloody Sunday." The morning saw assassinations of British intelligence officers by the IRA. In retaliation, British forces opened fire on spectators at a Gaelic football match in Croke Park, killing and injuring many civilians. This tragic event significantly escalated the conflict and became a pivotal moment in Irish history, influencing subsequent negotiations for Irish independence.

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November 28, 1920

Kilmichael Ambush

On November 28, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, the Kilmichael Ambush took place near Kilmichael, County Cork. A column of 36 Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteers, led by Tom Barry, ambushed two lorries carrying members of the Royal Irish Constabulary's Auxiliary Division. The engagement resulted in the deaths of sixteen Auxiliaries and three IRA volunteers. This ambush was a significant victory for the IRA, boosting morale and marking an escalation in the conflict against British forces in Ireland.

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November 29, 1920

Bloody Week Escalation

November 29, 1920, marked a significant escalation in the Irish War of Independence, as violence intensified across the country in what became known as "Bloody Week." This period was characterized by a surge in operations conducted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and severe reprisals from Crown forces. The brutal nature of these events underscored the increasing ferocity and ruthlessness of the conflict. The widespread violence and retaliatory actions during Bloody Week highlighted the deteriorating situation and the deep-seated animosity between the warring factions, further cementing the conflict's place in Irish history.

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Other

November 30, 1920

Kilmichael Ambush Commemoration

While the Kilmichael Ambush, a pivotal event in the Irish War of Independence, occurred on November 28, 1920, its annual commemoration often takes place around November 30. This ambush saw the Irish Republican Army's West Cork Flying Column, led by Tom Barry, successfully engage a patrol of the Auxiliary Division. The event, though controversial, is remembered as a significant military victory for the IRA. Commemorations serve to honor those involved and reflect on the legacy of the conflict, maintaining its place in Irish historical memory.

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December 11, 1920

The Burning of Cork

On the night of December 11-12, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, Auxiliary policemen, in retaliation for an IRA ambush, burned much of the commercial center of Cork city to the ground. This devastating act of reprisal resulted in the destruction of over five acres of property, including the City Hall, and caused significant financial damage. The event highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict and the severe measures taken by British forces against Irish civilians.

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December 15, 1920

Canon Thomas Magner and Tadgh O'Crowley killed

On December 15, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence, Canon Thomas Magner and a young man named Tadgh O'Crowley were shot dead by an Auxiliary officer, Vernon Anwyl Hart, near Dunmanway, County Cork. Hart was leading a convoy of Auxiliaries to Cork for the funeral of a fallen comrade. The incident sparked outrage and highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict. Hart was later discharged and declared insane by British authorities, but the killings remained a stark reminder of the violence and reprisals that characterized this period in Irish history.

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December 23, 1920

Éamon de Valera Returns to Ireland

On December 23, 1920, Éamon de Valera, the president of Sinn Féin, returned to Ireland after an extensive eighteen-month fundraising tour of the United States. His tour was crucial for garnering financial and political support for the Irish independence movement during the Irish War of Independence. De Valera's return marked a significant moment for the republican cause, as he resumed leadership within Ireland amidst escalating conflict with British forces. His presence was a morale boost for Irish nationalists and a strategic move in the ongoing struggle for self-determination, influencing subsequent political developments.

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