FROM THE ARCHIVES:In the months before the Civil War began in June 1922 there was a growing stand-off between pro- and anti-Treaty forces as the IRA split. Limerick was one of the flashpoints, with the British army still occupying two barracks, the pro-Treaty forces in another and the anti-Treaty IRA headquartered in the Glentworth Hotel. A correspondent reported from there. – JOE JOYCE
THE SITUATION in Limerick is extremely menacing. Twenty-four hours ago it was believed peaceful settlement of the differences between the opposing forces was only a matter of a couple of days, but the failure of the negotiations in Dublin has brought matters to a climax.
Statements in this morning’s papers by Mr. Griffith and Mr. de Valera brought home to the majority of citizens, perhaps for the first time, that the situation could not be regarded only from the humorous point of view, but possessed the elements of tragedy. The rival forces are strong in numbers, but so far nothing of an unpleasant character has taken place between them. At any moment, however, something may occur, which may be trivial in itself, but may involve the city in bloodshed. Every effort is being made to avert such a calamity
The position is a most unusual one, as neither of the forces in the city is local. The regular I.R.A. under Commandant-General Brennan are the First Western Division, from Clare and Galway, and the anti-Treaty forces are formed of men from various centres, and, under Commandant Barry, have taken the Glentworth Hotel as their headquarters.
Their officers include three members of Dáil Éireann, who used their influence to bring about the the rejection of the Treaty during the historic [Dáil] debate in University College, Dublin, a couple of months ago. They are Commandant Sean Moylan, who was sentenced to death and reprieved; Commandant Seamus Robinson of the South Tipperary Brigade, and Captain M.P. Collivet, who is acting, among other capacities, in that of Press Agent.
It is claimed for these forces that they include three of the flying columns most active during the recent hostilities – namely, two of the original flying columns of the Second Western Division, representing South Mayo and Tuam Brigades, and one column from West Connemara.
Commandant Slattery, who was recently appointed to the command of the Limerick area, is in charge of the regular I.R.A. in Castle Barracks. These forces are daily being reinforced by the arrival of men who, up to the present, had not intimated with which side their sympathies lay.
To-day, a further batch of men from the City Battalion joined, and, like those who threw in their lot yesterday with the regulars, have been sent to Renmore Barracks for training.
The Republican troops, as the anti-Treaty men style themselves, are also being strengthened, and to-day the two Courthouses and the Custom House were occupied by them. More men came to them to-day from Mayo, and a large contingent is expected from Cork.
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