On This Day / August 3, 1921

Summary: On This Day – 3rd August 1921, a judge examined compensation for the devastating Lisburn riots while a young Special Constable’s death revealed a remarkable IRA connection. Edited by Éamon Phoenix.

Judge on Lisburn Riots | On This Day – 3rd August 1921

MR JUSTICE Samuels delivered judgement yesterday on the question of the area of charge for the damage arising out of the sacking and burning of Catholic property in Lisburn.

The town was the scene of serious rioting on the 24th and 25th July 1920.

The riot was unquestionably connected with the murder of Brigadier-General Smyth, Divisional Commissioner in Munster, at Cork on 17th July [1920] and his funeral at Banbridge, his native place, on 24th July when the riots began.

On Sunday, 22nd August District Inspector Swanzy, RIC, who had been transferred from Cork, was assassinated when leaving church after morning service.

Very shortly after the assassination, bands of men, infuriated by indignation, set fire to several shops and houses in the town and arson, looting and wild destruction of property and goods went on day and night continuously for three days.

A total number of 278 houses or other premises were burned and immense destruction was caused to furniture, goods and merchandise. The losses inflicted on the sufferers had been appalling.

In assessing the area to be levied for compensation, the Judge said he thought it almost certain that the rioters in Lisburn were assisted by people of the country districts.

He had no doubt that the originators were residents in Lisburn and that when the flames and smoke ascended from the burning buildings people crowded into the town and, intent on reeking vengeance on those whom they regarded as political and sectarian antagonists, joined the mob of incendiaries.

‘IRA’ Twist in Tyrone Barrack Tragedy

A DISTRESSING tragedy in which Special Constable Michael Watters (20), a native of County Leitrim, lost his life in Dromore Police Barracks, County Tyrone on Saturday formed the subject of an inquest at Dromore.

Sergeant Walsh, Dromore said that on the night in question he found Constable Watters’s dead body lying on the floor.

A service rifle was lying across the body and there was a large pool of blood. Witness sent for Dr Hamilton and Fr McDermott.

Witness knew the deceased’s handwriting and identified a letter which was addressed to Sergeant Walsh as follows: ‘… I plainly see there is no fair play in this country now. Force will rule the day.’

On the back of the letter was written: ‘I am a soldier of the IRA and I die the same.’

Sergeant Walsh said the deceased was a very sober young man. The jury found that the deceased died from a bullet wound, self-inflicted.

(Éamon Phoenix editor’s note: THE so-called ‘Lisburn Pogrom’ of 1920 following the IRA assassination of DI Swanzy eliminated every Catholic business, costing £220,000 in compensation.)

Further Reading on Irish History:

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Other resources: National Library of Ireland Irish News CAIN Archive

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