Apr-01

Sean Corcoran, O/C East Mayo Brigade IRA killed near Ballyhaunis

Hopkinson (2002), pg 126

Apr-01

The RIC Barracks on Lecky Rd., Derry City is attacked resulting in the death of constable (Constable Michael Kenny).   An RIC sergeant  (Sgt John Higgins) is attacked on the Creggan Rd. in the city and shot dead.  Later a British private, J Whyte, is killed when a weapon is accidentally discharged.

Abbott (2000), pgs 218-219; Gallagher (2003), pg 36

Apr-01

Lord Fitzalan (Edward Talbot) appointed Lord Lieutenant to replace Lord French– the first Catholic Viceroy.  (Macardle says it was the 19^th May and Curran says mid-April.)

O’Farrell (1997), pg 33; Macardle (1999), pg 452; Curran J M (1980), pg 52

Apr-02

In an interview with Carl Ackerman of the Philadelphia Public Ledger, Collins says “It is only a question of time until we shall have Ireland cleared of Crown Forces”

Macardle (1999), pg 448

Apr-03

An RIC man (Constable James Duffy) and a civilian (Henry James) are attacked at the Mall, two miles from Carlow resulting in the death of the RIC man and the wounding of the civilian.

Abbott (2000), pg 219

Apr-03

The Dáil Ministry of Home Affairs offices at 11 Molesworth St, Dublin were discovered by British forces and several tons of documents seized.

Townshend (1975), pg 175

Apr-03

The Brigade Flying Column of the 3^rd Cork Brigade IRA is broken up into a number of battalion columns.

Deasy (1973), pg 262

Apr-03

A number of Protestant church leaders in England write to Llyod George saying that his government’s Irish policy was exposing Britain to “hostile criticism of even the most friendly of the Nations of the World” and asked him to take the initiative in bringing about a Truce.

Macardle (1999), pg 444

Apr-04

Courtmartial of Tom Traynor in City Hall, Dublin.  He had been arrested in possession of a pistol after shooting took place in Brunswick St on the 14^th March. He is charged with the murder of Temporary Cadet Farrell who had been killed during the shooting. He is found guilty despite it not being proved that Traynor killed Farrell or even that any shots had been fired from the pistol he was carrying.  Traynor claimed he had been given the pistol to bring to 144 Brunswick St (HQ of Dublin Brigade IRA) and arrived just as the Auxiliary patrol was pulling in to raid it.  (Note: According to Carey, the person Traynor is accused of murdering is called Temporary Cadet Francis Joseph Farrell but in Abbott he is called (RIC) Constable James J O'Farrell.)

Carey (2001), pg 137-147; Abbott (2000), pg 208

Apr-05

Eamonn de Valera gives an interview to the Illustrated News in which he says "One of our first government acts was to take over control of the voluntary armed forces of the nation. … The IRA is the national army of defence." 

O'Malley (2001), pg 98

Apr-05

The Northern Whig reports the Belfast Wholesalers, Merchants and Manufacturing Association as admitting that they have been “hit hard” by the Belfast Boycott.

Parkinson (2004), pg 78

Apr-05

A botched IRA robbery in Belfast leads to the arrest of three IRA men.

McDermott (2001), pg 74

Apr-06

A five-man RIC cycle patrol from Maam, Co. Galway is attacked near Oughterard resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable William Pearson).

Abbott (2000), pg 219

Apr-06

J. Conry from Tarmon, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon dies as does J. Monds from South Park, Castlerea.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 104 & 113

Apr-06

De Valera and Joe Devlin (Leader of Northern nationalists) agree to divide constituencies in the North between them.

Macardle (1999), pg 453

Apr-07

H. McKingney from Newry, Co. Down dies

O’Farrell (1997), pg 113

Apr-08

Two RIC men in a pony and trap are attacked at Mashanaglass (between Macroom  and Carrigadrohid) resulting in the death of one (Constable Frederick Lord).

Abbott (2000), pg 219-220

Apr-08

A number of attacks on the RIC took place in Limerick city.  In one attack an RIC man is killed (Constable Hubert Wiggins).  In another attack, a civilian is killed and four wounded (two civilians and two RIC men).

Abbott (2000), pg 220

Apr-09

D. Carew from Golden Gardens, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary dies as does M. Galvin from Crampton Buildings, Dublin and T. Glynn from Drumshinnagh, Cootehall, Co. Roscommon.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 103 & 108

Apr-09

Ambush by recently-formed flying column of the Carlow Brigade of the IRA results in the capture of its O/C.

Hopkinson (2002), pg 145

Apr-09

At a meeting of the brigade council of the 3^rd Cork Brigade IRA held in Foley's, Mualnadruck near Newcestown, Liam Deasy was appointed Brigade O/C (in succession to Charlie Hurley) and Tadgh O'Sullivan (brother of Gearoid) was appointed QM to replace Dick Barrett who had been captured on 22^nd March.  Gibbs Ross was appointed Adjutant (he was previously Adjutant of the Schull Battalion).  There was also a detailed discussion of the issue of reprisals given the British implementation of its execution policy of IRA men captured under arms.

Deasy (1973), pg 263 & 320

Apr-10

Two policemen (Constable Joseph Boynes and Constable George Woodward) are killed at Scart,  Kildorrey, Co Cork.

O'Donnoghue (1986), pg 133; Abbott (2000), pg 220-221

Apr-10

A five-man RIC patrol goes to investigate unusual activity in a public house in Creggan, Co. Armagh.  They are attacked by 15 IRA men resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable John Fluke) and the wounding of two others.

Abbott (2000), pg 220; McDermott (2001), pg 75

Apr-11

P. Freaney from Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny dies.

O'Farrell P (1997), pg 108

Apr-13

A five-man RIC patrol is attacked near Fedamore, Co. Limerick resulting in the death of one (Constable George Rogers) and the wounding of three others.

Abbott (2000), pg 221

Apr-13

A bomb explodes in Springfield Rd. police station in Belfast – there are no casualties.

Parkinson (2004), pg 115; McDermott (2001), pg 75

Apr-14

Sir Arthur Vicars killed in his home (Kilmora House, Listowel) in North Kerry allegedly for spying.  Kilmora House then destroyed.

Hopkinson (2002), pg 126; O’Farrell (1997), pg 99

Apr-14

GOC in Ireland, British Army (Macready) issues a proclamation saying the jurisdiction of Courts of Justice in the Martial Law area is suspended.  This is in response to the appealing of martial law court decisions to the civil courts and the ensuing delays.  However, Greenwood is furious as he was not consulted.  

Townshend (1975), pg 161

Apr-15

Major B.A. McKinnon, O/C H Company of Auxiliaries is killed on Tralee golf course by a four-man IRA team.  Reprisals and retaliatory killings follow.

Hopkinson (2002), pg 126; Abbott (2000), pgs 221-222

Apr-15

An RIC man (Constable Wilfred Jones) is shot dead when he out walking with his girlfriend in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim.

Abbott (2000), pg 222

Apr-15

Capt King and his two fellow Auxiliaries are acquitted by a court martial of the murder of two IRA prisoners - see 9^th February 1921.

Townshend (1975), pg 164

Apr-16

Major Compton Smith is captured by the IRA (led by Frank Busteed) while on a train in Blarney, Co. Cork.  He is taken to Meenachoney near Donoughmore. He is held as a hostage for four IRA men due to executed by the British – see April 28^th.

Sheehan (1990), pg 187

Apr-17

An RIC man (Constable John MacDonald) is shot dead by two IRA men when he out walking with his girlfriend in Cove St., Cork City

Abbott (2000), pg 222

Apr-18

During action near Loughglynn Wood, Co. Roscommon, IRA man John Bergin is wounded.  Later, he and another IRA man (Stephen McDermott) are shot dead.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 7

Apr-18

IRA man Michael Fay killed in action at Ballymurphy, near Borris, Co. Carlow.  Also J. Farrell from Ballymurphy, Borris dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 33 & 107

Apr-19

Replying to protests from English churchmen, Llyod George says “So long as Sinn Féin demands a Republic, the present evils must go on.  So long as the leaders of Sinn Féin stand in this position, and receive the support of their countrymen, settlement is in my judgment impossible”

Macardle (1999), pg 446

Apr-19

During an affray in Ballyboghil, Co. Dublin, an RIC man (Sgt Stephen Kirwan) is wounded and later died from his wounds.

Abbott (2000), pg 223

Apr-19

A raiding party led by Major Percival kill IRA man Tadgh O'Sullivan from 2^nd Battalion, Cork No. 1 Brigade (who had been one of an IRA party waiting for Percival at Liverpool St Station in London a month earlier).

Coogan (1990), pg 147; O'Kelly in The Kerryman (1955), pg 26

Apr-19

A raiding party from the G company of the Auxiliaries (based in Killaloe) descends on the Shannon View Hotel, Castleconnell, Co Limerick.  As they are in mufti, they are mistaken for rebels by three off-duty RIC men in the hotel.  In the ensuing gun fight, one RIC man (Sgt William Hughes), an Auxiliary cadet (Cadet Donald Pringle) and the hotel landlord, (Denis O'Donovan) were killed.

Townshend (1975), pg 166-168; Abbott (2000), pg 317 & pg 319

Apr-19

J. Bergin from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary dies as does S McDermott from Blacklion, Ballinagard, Co. Roscommon

O’Farrell (1997), pg 102 & 112

Apr-19

Two RIC men (Constable Thomas Kelly and Constable James Hetherington) are removed from a train in Ballisodare, Co. Sligo and shot dead.

Abbott (2000), pg 222-223

Apr-20

Charles Nicholson, a 28-year-old Protestant, who had been lifted for curfew violation in Belfast dies in custody.  (It is said by the military that he accidentally fell under wheels of their lorry but it is suggested that the evidence given by military personnel is contradictory.)

Parkinson (2004), pg 115

Apr-21

A convention of the American Association for Recognition of the Irish Republic (AARIR) is held in Chicago and calls on President Harding to recognise the Republic of Ireland.

Macardle (1999), pg 445

Apr-21

A DMP man (Constable William Steadman) bringing despatches across the city, is shot in Mary St., Dublin and dies later.

Abbott (2000), pg 223

Apr-21

C. Keating from Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 110

Apr-21

An RIC man (Constable Denis O'Loughlin) is shot dead in Knightly public house, Castle St., Tralee, Co. Kerry

Abbott (2000), pg 223

Apr-21

An unofficial intermediary from the British Government, Lord Derby, arrives in Dublin and meets with de Valera.

Macardle (1999), pg 449

Apr-22

The Flying Column of the South Tipperary Brigade IRA (including Dan Breen, Dinny Lacey, Con Maloney and Sean Hogan) attacks a military convey between Clogheen and Cahir, Co. Tipperary which results in the death of one British soldier and the wounding of two others. The remainder surrender, they are disarmed and set free.   Afterwards the IRA capture RIC DI Gilbert Potter nearby at Curraghcloney.   As an IRA man (Tom Traynor) was due to be hung in Mountjoy on the 25^th April, a message is sent to the British saying that Potter life will be saved if Traynor is not killed - see Apr-25 and Apr-27

Breen (1989), pgs 160-161; Abbott (2000), pgs 225-226; O’Malley (1990), pg 306 & 308

Apr-22

The Bulletin prints allegations of serious mistreatment and torture carried out by Captains King and Hardy – two British Intelligence officers working out of Dublin Castle.

Gallagher (1953), pg 285

Apr-23

Two members of the Auxiliaries (Cadet John Bales and Constable Ernst Bolam) are shot at the corner of Donegall Place and Fountain St. in Belfast resulting in the death of both. A passing detective shot at the fleeing IRA gunmen who shoot back.  Two civilians are wounded in the cross-fire.  That night two Catholics brothers (Patrick and Daniel Duffin (24) from 64 Clonard Gardens) were shot dead in their home by a four-man gang.  These killings were probably carried out by the RIC gang associated with Inspector Nixon.  The funerals of the brothers took place on the 27^th; their coffins were draped in tricolors and the cortege was accompanied by marching ranks of the IRA.  A number of clerics joined the IRA men at the front of the cortege and Bishop MacRory gave a graveside oration.

Abbott (2000), pg 224; Hopkinson (2002), pg 157; O’Farrell (1997), pg 106; Parkinson (2004), pgs 116-117; McDermott (2001), pgs 75-77

Apr-23

A 14-man RIC cycle patrol is ambushed at Kilmilkin, 5 miles from Maam, Co. Galway by the 24-man strong flying column of the West Galway Brigade under Peter Joe McDonnell resulting in the death of one RIC man (Constable John Boylan) and the wounding of another. 

Abbott (2000), pg 224; McDonnell in The Kerryman (1955), pgs 203-210

Apr-24

The RIC Barracks, British Army post and the Coastguard Station at Kilrush, Co. Clare are attacked resulting in the death of RIC Sgt John McFadden.  The attack was led by Michael Brennan (O/C East Clare Flying Column) and men from the West Clare brigade led by Sean Liddy and Bill Haugh.  British casualty list said one RIC sergeant was killed and 20 British Army wounded.  However, Brennan believes a number of British soldiers were killed.

Abbott (2000), pg 225; Brennan (1980), pgs 86-92.

Apr-25

GOC of Dublin District Division, British Army (Boyd) congratulates his forces in the capture since March 22^nd of 3 machine-guns, 16 rifles, 97 revolvers, 305 grenades and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

Townshend (1975), pg 175

Apr-25

Tom Traynor is hung in Mountjoy Jail - he had been captured after a gun battle in Brunswick (Pearse) St. on the 14^th March and found guilty after a trial on the 4^th April. 

Abbott (2000), pgs 208-209; Carey (2001), pg 6

Apr-26

Formation of First Southern Division at a meeting held in Kippagh near Millstreet.  This was the first move in the divisionalisation of the IRA. More Detail

O'Donnoghue (1986), pg 155; Lynch in The Kerryman (1995), pg 230; Deasy (1973), pgs 266-268; O’Malley (1990), pgs 300-302

Apr-26

An 8-man patrol of the Special Constabulary is attacked at the corner of Merchant's Quay and King St. in Newry, Co. Down resulting in the death of S/Constable George Graham.

Abbott (2000), pg 225

Apr-27

RIC DI Potter is executed by the IRA - see April 22^nd above.  As a result, ten houses are blown up by the British in South Tipperary as an official reprisal.  (DI Potter was the son of Rev Potter, Letterkenny, Dean of Raphoe.)

Abbott (2000), pg 225-226;  Breen (1989), pg 162

Apr-27

The British Army discover a major IRA arms dump in Baggot Lane, Dublin and capture a machine gun, 14 rifles, 54 revolvers and 12,442 rounds of ammunition.

Townshend (1975), pgs 175-176

Apr-28

An RIC man (Sgt Jeremiah Moroney) is shot at Parkbridge, Limerick city.  He died from his wounds a few days later.

Abbott (2000), pgs 226-227

Apr-28

Four IRA prisoners executed in Cork jail - Maurice Moore, Patrick O'Sullivan, Thomas Mulcahy and Patrick Ronayne.  The first two had been captured after Clonmult (see Feb-20) and the second two after Mourne Abbey ambush (see Feb-15).  Major Compton-Smith, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who was being held hostage by the IRA was shot by the IRA on the same day.  The IRA had told Major General Strickland, Commander of the British 6^th Division, that Compton-Smith would be shot if the IRA men were executed

O'Donnoghue (1986), pg 157; Breen (1989), pg 162

Apr-28

A British forces raid in Blackhall Place, Dublin succeeds in capturing 40 men of the Dublin Brigade, IRA.

Townshend (1975), pg 176

Apr-30

Two RIC men (Constable William Smith and Constable John Webb) are attacked when fishing near Castlemartyr, Co. Cork resulting in the death of both men.

Abbott (2000), pg 227

Apr-30

An RIC man (Constable Arthur Harrison) who had just resigned disappears after leaving Carrigadrohid for Coachford Railway Station.  It is reported that he was kidnapped and later shot.

Abbott (2000), pgs 312-313

End-Apr

Michael Dockery and John Clancy (O/C and Adj of North Roscommon Brigade IRA) are captured in Cootehall, Co Roscommon.  (Dockery later escapes from Boyle military barracks.)

End-Apr

British claim that number of people shot by the IRA as spies (and placards placed on their bodies) between 1^st Jan and end of April was 73.  Macardle disputes this saying some were the victims of common murderers while others were the victims of Crown Forces.

Macardle (1999), pg 442

Apr

A middle-aged Protestant spinster is taken from his home near Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan by the IRA and shot dead as a spy.

Dooley (2000), pg 44

Apr

Arson attacks by IRA in London and Manchester

Curran J M (1980), pg 48

Apr

A man named Latmer from Leitrim dies.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 111

Apr

Land League activist Frederick Stenning shot dead near Bandon, Co. Cork.

O’Farrell (1997), pg 96