Provisional Irish Republican Army

Easter Proclamation of 1916

Ruairí Ó Brádaigh 2004

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Martin McGuinness MLA (cropped)

Birmingham pub bombings plaque Birmingham England

IRA Resistance Poster

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Provisional Irish Republican Army

The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), also known as the Provos, was an Irish republican paramilitary organization that sought to end British rule in Northern Ireland and bring about an independent republic encompassing all of Ireland. The PIRA was formed in December 1969 following a split in the Irish Republican Army (IRA), and it became the dominant faction of the IRA.

History

The PIRA emerged from a split in the IRA in 1969, which was primarily due to differences in strategy and ideology. The split resulted in the formation of the Official IRA and the Provisional IRA. The PIRA was committed to a more militant approach, advocating armed struggle as a means to achieve its goals.

Early Years

In its early years, the PIRA focused on defending nationalist communities in Northern Ireland from attacks by loyalist paramilitaries and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). The organization quickly escalated its activities, launching a campaign of bombings, assassinations, and other forms of violence aimed at British security forces and economic targets.

The Troubles

The PIRA played a central role in the conflict known as The Troubles, which lasted from the late 1960s until the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The PIRA's campaign included high-profile attacks such as the Bloody Friday bombings in 1972 and the assassination of Lord Mountbatten in 1979.

Ceasefires and Peace Process

In the 1990s, the PIRA declared several ceasefires as part of the peace process. The first ceasefire was announced in 1994, but it broke down in 1996. A second ceasefire was declared in 1997, which held and led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The agreement marked a significant step towards peace and included provisions for the decommissioning of weapons.

Structure and Organization

The PIRA was organized into a hierarchical structure with a central command. It was divided into several brigades, each responsible for different geographic areas. The organization also had various departments responsible for logistics, intelligence, and finance.

Leadership

The PIRA's leadership included a Chief of Staff and a General Headquarters (GHQ) staff. Key figures in the PIRA's history include Gerry Adams, who later became a prominent political leader in Sinn Féin, the political wing associated with the PIRA.

Tactics and Operations

The PIRA employed a range of tactics, including bombings, shootings, and kidnappings. It also engaged in propaganda and political activities to garner support for its cause. The PIRA's operations extended beyond Northern Ireland, with attacks carried out in England and mainland Europe.

Legacy

The PIRA's legacy is complex and controversial. While it is credited with bringing attention to the nationalist cause and contributing to the peace process, its violent methods resulted in significant loss of life and suffering. The PIRA officially ended its armed campaign in 2005 and decommissioned its weapons.

Related Pages

• Irish Republican Army
• The Troubles
• Good Friday Agreement
• Sinn Féin
• Royal Ulster Constabulary
• Bloody Friday
• Lord Mountbatten