1922 in Ireland - Definition and Overview

See also: 1921 in Ireland, other events of 1922, 1923 in Ireland and the list of 'years in Ireland'.

Events

• January 2 - The first edition of the newspaper Poblacht na hÉireann is published. It is established by republican opponents to the Treaty who declare their loyalty to the Irish Republic.
• January 6 - The terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty are published. Eamon de Valera offers his resignation as President.
• January 7 - Dáil Éireann votes on the Treaty following Arthur Griffith's motion for approval. The result is 64 in favour and 57 against.
• January 9 - Eamon de Valera fails to be re-elected as President of Irish Republic.
• January 10 - Arthur Griffith is elected President of the Provisional Government. Michael Collins becomes Minister for Finance. Eamon de Valera and 56 of his supporters walk out of Dáil Éireann.
• January 30 - The first meeting of the committee to draft a constitution for the Irish Free State takes place under the chairmanship of Michael Collins.
• February 1 - The formal handing over of Beggar's Bush Barracks takes place in Dublin. This marks the first act of British withdrawl from Ireland.
• February 7 - At the opening of the British parliament in Westminster, King George V says that the world is anxiously awaiting the final establishment of the Irish Free State.
• February 10 - The Treaty Bill is introduced in the House of Commons. It provides for the dissolution of the Southern parliament and the election of a parliament to which the Provisional Government will be responsible.
• February 12 - At the launch of the Republican Party, Eamon de Valera says that the Treaty denies the sovereignty of the Irish people.
• April 1 - The British Government orders the release of all prisoners in British prisons convicted of Sinn Féin offences.
• April 26 - The Irish Hierarchy implores the people of Ireland to accept the Treaty and to make the best of the freedom which it undoubtedly brings.
• May 4 - A conference at the Mansion House between both sections of the IRA secures a three-day truce.
• May 16 - The final group of British troops leave the Curragh Army Camp.
• June 12 - In Windsor Castle, King George V receives the colours of the six Irish regiments that are to be disbanded - the Royal Irish Regiment, the Connacht Rangers, the South Irish Horse, the Prince of Wales Leinster Regiment, the Royal Munster Fusiliers and the Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
• June 30 - An official bulletin announces that National troops have stormed the Four Courts and take 33 prisoners.
• July 5 - Cathal Brugha refuses to surrender and is badly wounded as he tries to escape from the Hamman Hotel in Dublin.
• July 13 - The government appointes a War Council, comprising Michael Collins, Richard Mulcahy and Eoin O'Duffy, to direct military operations against the Irregulars.
• July 16 - 300 Irregulars are captured in Dundalk, County Louth by the National Army. 70 ore surrender in County Sligo and the last stronghold of the Irregulars in County Donegal is captured.
• July 27 - 105 Irregular prisoners escape from Dundalk Jail..
• July 31 - Eamon de Valera's Private Secretary, Harry Boland, is seriously wounded while resisting arrest in a hotel room in Dublin.
• August 12 - Arthur Griffith dies suddenly in Dublin. He founded Sinn Féin, was a supporter of national self-reliance and led the Treaty negotiations in 1921.
• August 16 - The funeral of Arthur Griffith takes place at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. W.T. Cosgrave delivers the graveside oration.
• August 17 - Dublin Castle is formally handed over to An Garda Síochána as the last Royal Irish Constabulary members leave.
• August 22 - Michael Collins is killed in an ambush at Béal na Bláth, County Cork. In his 32 years of life he fought during the Easter Rising in 1916, he was a member of the delegation that negotiated the Treaty in 1921 and at the time of his death he was Commander-in-Chief of the government forces.
• August 28 - All businessess close for the day as a mark of respect due to the funeral of Michael Collins which takes place today. Richard Mulcahy delivers the graveside oration.
• September 9 - The first meeting of the Provisional Parliament, or the Third Dáil, takes place at Leinster House. W.T. Cosgrave is elected President of Dáil Éireann and Chairman of the Provisional Government.
• September 18 - W.T. Cosgrave introduces the Constitution of Saorstát Éireann Bill to enable the implementation of the Treaty between Great Britain and Ireland.
• November 24 - Erskine Childers is executed for the unlawful possession of a gun. The gun was presented to him by Michael Collins in 1920 to defend the Irish Republic.
• December 5 - Twelve months after the signing of the Treaty the Irish Free State offficially comes into existence.
• December 11 - Pope Pius XI sends a message to the government of the Irish Free State praying for a happy era of peace and prosperity.
• December 13 - The Oireachtas meets for the first time. The Governor-General, T.M. Healy, delivers the first address to both houses. A message from King George V is also read out.

Arts and literature

Sports

• The All-Ireland Champions are Kilkenny (hurling) and Dublin (football)

Births

• July 30 - James Dooge, former Fine Gael TD and Cabinet Minister.
• October 1 - Neil Blaney, former Fianna Fáil TD and Cabinet Minister.

Deaths

• July 7 - Cathal Brugha, Irish Revolutionary.
• August 12 - Arthur Griffith, first leader of Sinn Féin and former President of Dáil Éireann.
• August 22 - Michael Collins, Irish Revolutionary and Commander-in-Chief of the Irish Free State Army.