Pat McCarthy's Lecture: Gun Running in Waterford

 

On 26 October last Dr Pat McCarthy, well-known military historian and member of the Society, delivered a lecture on the successful IRA gun running operation through Waterford Harbour in 1921.

Sourced in Germany, a large consignment of weapons (rifles, pistols ) and ammunition was shipped on board the Frieda, a small vessel which sailed up the harbour. The consignment was successfully unloaded and moved inland. 

This was probably the most significant importation of arms in Ireland since 1913. Although the weapons arrived in Ireland after the Truce, the episode was considered an important morale booster for the IRA asIrish representatives prepared to enter treaty negotiations with the British government.