1846 - Relief Commission

The government established the Relief Commission to coordinate famine aid efforts across Ireland. This body was tasked with gathering information about conditions throughout the country and organizing the distribution of food and other assistance. The Commission represented the first major administrative response to the growing crisis of the Great Famine.

Despite its mandate, the Relief Commission faced significant challenges including limited resources, bureaucratic obstacles, and the sheer scale of the disaster. Its reports provided crucial documentation of the Famine's impact, though its ability to provide effective relief was hampered by government policies and inadequate funding.

1921 - Crossbarry Ambush

Tom Barry's Flying Column engaged in one of the largest battles of the War of Independence at Crossbarry, County Cork. The IRA force of about 100 men successfully broke through an encircling British force of over 1,200 troops. The engagement demonstrated the effectiveness of IRA tactics and the leadership capabilities of commanders like Tom Barry.

The battle became legendary in IRA folklore, representing a significant victory against superior British forces. Barry's tactical decisions, including the successful breakout maneuver, were studied and celebrated in republican circles. The aftermath of Crossbarry led to increased British military presence in Cork but also boosted IRA morale and recruitment.

1969 - People's Democracy March

The People's Democracy movement organized a major civil rights march that attracted thousands of participants. The demonstration called for an end to discrimination in housing, employment, and voting rights. The march represented a growing alliance between student activists and the broader civil rights movement.

The event faced significant opposition from loyalist counter-protesters, leading to several confrontations. Police handling of the situation drew criticism from civil rights supporters, while unionists accused the marchers of deliberately provoking tension. The march contributed to the increasing polarization of Northern Ireland society and the escalation of the developing conflict.