1918

Abstract

This chapter looks at the deaths of the people who died in Ireland in 1918. A detachment of the Welsh Regiment in Kilrush adopted an abrasive attitude towards Sinn Féin supporters. On March 24, 1918, soldiers unexpectedly interrupted the weekly meeting of the Carrigaholt Sinn Féin club. National school teacher Thomas Russell was treated for a bayonet wound before being removed to hospital next day, where he died. Meanwhile, in what could arguably be termed the opening clash of the War of Independence, Irish Volunteers under Tom McEllistrim raided the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) Barracks at Gortatlea on April 13, 1918. John Browne was shot in the temple, while Richard Laide was mortally wounded in the stomach. Martial law was then declared in Tralee for three weeks.