Two RIC officers killed that day - James McDonnell, in his 50s, from Co Mayo and Patrick O'Connell (30) from Co Cork - are thought to be the first casualties of the War of Independence.

Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc has spent years researching the stories of victims who were secretly executed during the Irish War of Independence ... in the bog in west Co Clare,” he told IrishStar.com.

It is a victory for the independence of Ireland, and for an Irish Republic.' The Rising made de Valera a leader in prison; prison leadership made him a candidate in Clare; and Clare made him a ...