1867 - Rising in County Dublin

The Fenian rebels launched their uprising in Tallaght, County Dublin, marking one of the most significant actions of the 1867 Rising. Several hundred men, led by local IRB leaders, assembled to attack police barracks and establish rebel control. Despite initial organization, the rebels faced superior police and military forces.

The engagement at Tallaght demonstrated both the commitment of Fenian activists and the limitations of their military capabilities. While the rising was quickly suppressed, with several casualties and numerous arrests, it established a pattern of armed resistance that would influence future generations of republicans. The aftermath saw increased surveillance and suppression of Fenian activities throughout Ireland.

1923 - Civil War Operations

Free State forces launched a major offensive in the Kerry mountains, targeting anti-Treaty IRA units that had been conducting guerrilla operations in the region. The campaign involved thousands of troops and represented one of the largest military operations of the Civil War. The Kerry mountains had become a crucial stronghold for anti-Treaty forces.

The operations marked a new phase in the government's strategy to end the Civil War, combining large-scale sweeps with targeted intelligence-led missions. The intensity of the campaign reflected the Free State's determination to establish control over remote areas that had become republican strongholds. These operations would contribute significantly to the eventual defeat of anti-Treaty forces.

1988 - Gibraltar Killings

Three IRA members - Mairéad Farrell, Daniel McCann, and Sean Savage - were killed by the SAS in Gibraltar. The controversial shootings occurred as part of a British operation to prevent a planned IRA bombing. The operation, while successful in preventing the attack, raised serious questions about the use of lethal force.

The killings sparked intense debate about British security policy and the rules of engagement in anti-terrorist operations. The subsequent inquest and European Court of Human Rights case highlighted tensions between security needs and human rights considerations. The incident had significant ramifications for the peace process and republican strategy, particularly regarding the use of armed struggle.