December 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, December 10th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2020
Broadside issued by the IRA announcing the first day of The Irish Civil War. It breaks news of the war's initial military confrontation, the Battle of Dublin on 28 June 1922. After its war for independence from England ended in 1921, Ireland was divided over the Anglo-Irish Treaty resolution between the pro-Treaty Free State forces led by Michael Collins, and the anti-Treaty Republican opposition led by Eamon de Valera of the IRA. Convinced Ireland was still under English rule, the IRA demanded a renegotiation of the Treaty, occupying the Four Courts building in Dublin for powerful effect. On 28 June 1922, Free State forces attempted to quash the rebellion with an attack on the IRA at the Four Courts. A statement by IRA General Rory O'Connor printed at the top is dated Wednesday, 28 June 1922, and reads in huge print: ''...At 3:40 a.m. this morning we received a note signed by Tom Ennis demanding...our surrender at 4 a.m...He opened attack at 4:07...with Rifle, Machine, and field pieces...HOW LONG WILL OUR MISGUIDED FORMER COMRADES OUTSIDE ATTACK THOSE WHO STAND FOR IRELAND ALONE?...'' The highly destructive, week-long Battle of Dublin was won by the Free State forces. Civil War fighting descended into guerrilla warfare throughout the country, with the Free State ultimately emerging victorious over the ill-equipped IRA one year later. Broadside measures 15'' x 20''. Toning and folds, with minor tears and chipping to edges, else near fine.
The Battle of Dublin & Start of The Irish Civil War Announced in This Broadside -- 28 June 1922
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