Ireland's OWN: History

 

A Fateful Time —from An T-Oglaigh Vol II, No 12, 1 June 1920* The present time is certain to be a fateful one in Ireland's history, and on the discipline, courage and efficiency of the Irish Republican Army will largely depend the issue of the combat. The enemy at the present moment is pouring men, equipment and munitions of war into this country. His plan of campaign has not yet developed but the inspired forecasts in enemy papers (whether deliberately published with intent or not) indicate an intention of acting chiefly on the defensive. Whether this will be the line of action of the enemy army or not largely depends on ourselves. His intention may really be to strengthen his forces solely with a view to defensive, or at most to counter-offensive, action; but it is quite certain, that if we remain inactive, the enemy will not long remain so, and a violent offensive against us may be anticipated. We pointed out in these columns some months ago that the offensive had passed from the enemy's hands to ours and that it was our business to retain the advantage we had gained; that it was our duty to make our guerrilla warfare against the enemy still more intense and menacing; to give his forces not a moment's ease or rest in any part of their country. This line of action has been followed out to a considerable extent, though not in as widespread a manner as it should, it still remains our object. Since we wrote, large tracts of country have been abandoned by the enemy forces, and the abandoned barracks and other strongholds have been destroyed by our troops. In most of those places Republican law is now predominant and peace and order is successfully maintained by the Volunteers. Had all the Brigades been equally efficient and equally active, the enemy's hold on the country today would be even more precarious than it is. To keep up the fight effectively it is necessary that every officer, every corps and every individual Volunteer should maintain themselves at the highest efficiency. Prompt and cheerful obedience to orders, and zeal, skill and courage in carrying them out on the part of all will bring us far. In recent operations throughout the country the number of mishaps or miscarriages was exceedingly small. The men who were able to do much successfully should be able to bring off much bigger things, if they keep themselves 'on tap' and leave no stone unturned to perfect their organisation, training and equipment. It will be necessary for us all to strain every nerve to intensify warfare against the invader and make his position an impossible one. In some parts of the country opportunities are being neglected at the present time, which may not be there at a later date, and Volunteers may be lamenting lost chances when it is too late. *Note: In the early 1900s, the IRA newspaper was called An T-Oglaigh. Page updated 17 Aug 2008 Ireland's OWN Logo by Eamann Website Design and Celtic Background by Míchealín Daugherty Copyright © 2008 Ireland's OWN All Rights Reserved.