Denny Barry

Commandant Denis Barry

Denny Barry (1883 – 20 November 1923) was an Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteer and hunger striker. He is remembered for his role in the Irish War of Independence and his participation in the 1923 hunger strike.

Early Life

Denny Barry was born in 1883 in County Cork, Ireland. He grew up in a period of significant political and social upheaval in Ireland, which influenced his later involvement in the fight for Irish independence.

Involvement in the Irish War of Independence

Barry joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). The IRA was the military organization that fought against British rule in Ireland, seeking to establish an independent Irish Republic. Barry was actively involved in various operations and activities aimed at undermining British authority in Ireland.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

In 1923, following the end of the Irish Civil War, Barry was arrested by the Free State forces. He was imprisoned in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin. During his imprisonment, Barry participated in a hunger strike along with other IRA prisoners. The hunger strike was a form of protest against the conditions of their imprisonment and the policies of the Free State government.

Death

Denny Barry died on 20 November 1923 as a result of the hunger strike. His death, along with the deaths of other hunger strikers, drew significant attention to the plight of the IRA prisoners and the broader political situation in Ireland at the time.

Legacy

Barry is remembered as a martyr for the cause of Irish independence. His sacrifice is commemorated by various republican groups and his story is an important part of the history of the Irish struggle for independence.

See Also

• Irish War of Independence
• Irish Civil War
• Irish Republican Army
• Mountjoy Prison
• Hunger strike