Michael Fitzgerald (Irish republican)

Commandant Mick Fitzgerald

Michael Fitzgerald (20 December 1881 – 17 October 1920) was an Irish republican and a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He is notable for being one of the first IRA members to die on hunger strike.

Early Life

Michael Fitzgerald was born in Ballyoran, near Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. He was the son of a farming family and grew up in a rural environment. Fitzgerald was educated locally and became involved in the Irish nationalist movement at a young age.

Involvement in the Irish Republican Army

Fitzgerald joined the Irish Volunteers in 1914, which later became the Irish Republican Army (IRA) following the Easter Rising of 1916. He was an active member of the IRA's Cork No. 2 Brigade and participated in various operations against British forces during the Irish War of Independence.

Arrest and Imprisonment

In September 1919, Fitzgerald was arrested by British forces and imprisoned in Cork Jail. He was later transferred to Brixton Prison in London, and then to Wormwood Scrubs.

Hunger Strike and Death

On 11 August 1920, Fitzgerald, along with several other IRA prisoners, began a hunger strike to protest their treatment and demand recognition as political prisoners. The hunger strike lasted for 67 days, during which Fitzgerald's health deteriorated rapidly. He died on 17 October 1920, becoming one of the first IRA members to die on hunger strike.

Legacy

Michael Fitzgerald's death had a significant impact on the Irish republican movement. His sacrifice is commemorated annually, and he is remembered as a martyr for the cause of Irish independence. His story is often cited in discussions about the use of hunger strikes as a form of protest.

See Also

• Irish Republican Army
• Irish War of Independence
• Hunger strike
• Easter Rising
• Cork No. 2 Brigade