February saw a steady escalation in violence and reprisals, and the IRA made several daring raids on British forces. There were costly ambushes resulting in multiple IRA deaths and both sides made summary assassinations. IRA executions of suspected spies and informers also increased, while Ernie O' Malley and two others had a daring escape from Kilmainham Gaol. Dail Eireann meanwhile stepped up its diplomatic endeavors, appointing an Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs and concentrating heavily on publicity.
This is the ninth lecture in our War of Independence Centenary Series with Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Stack.