TODAY IN IRISH HISTORY (published by For the Love of Being Irish)
1920: Three members of the Cork Brigade of the IRA are shot dead in Bandon. In what was turning into a vicious War of Independence, two captured members of the Essex Regiment responsible for the IRA deaths were executed two days later.
1920: Hansard reports the following exchange in the English House of Commons about the shooting of “escaping” Irish prisoners:
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many prisoners in Ireland have been shot dead while trying to escape, according to police reports, up to the end of November of this year and during the present year; how many have been wounded; and how many of these were handcuffed at the time of their death or wounding?
Mr. GALBRAITHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the total number of persons who have been shot at in Ireland when attempting to escape from custody; and how many of such persons have been wounded and killed, respectively?
Mr. HENRYAccording to the police reports the number of prisoners fired at while attempting to escape from custody within the period from 1st January to 30th November, 1920, is 11. Of these nine were killed and two wounded. One of the prisoners killed and one of those wounded are stated to have been handcuffed while attempting to escape.
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that when the bodies have been given to the relatives that in many cases those men have been found to be riddled with bullets through the head: how does he think that men can try to escape from police lorries; and can he inform me if all these cases have been investigated by a court of inquiry?
Mr. HENRYI must have notice of that question.
Mr. MacVEAGHCan the Attorney-General say whether the figure he has quoted includes those shot dead on the allegation that they were attempting to resist arrest?
Mr. HENRYThe question put to me was as to the number of men shot whilst attempting to escape from custody.
Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYSurely the right hon. and learned Gentleman can say whether there has been an inquiry into these cases, in view of the very serious allegations made and reported in the newspapers throughout the country?
Mr. SPEAKERWe are getting a long way from the question on the Paper.
1954: Joe McCarthy is censured by US Senate for conduct unbecoming a Senator. McCarthy was son of Bridget Tierney, from County Tipperary and Timothy McCarthy whose own father emigrated from Ireland. Robert Kennedy served as counsel for McCarthy’s investigative committee for a period of time. McCarthy terrified Washington and ruined many lives for a period of years with many unsubstantiated allegations.
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This history is written by Irish author, business keynote speaker and award winning humoristIrishmanSpeaks – Conor Cunneen. If you spot any inaccuracies or wish to make a comment, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the comment button.
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