Today in 1920 was one of the darkest in Cork’s history. British forces unleashed a wave of destruction known as “The Burning of Cork” that left the city centre in smouldering ruins and its citizens murdered and traumatised. Earlier that evening, the Cork No. 1 Brigade of the IRA, ambushed British Auxiliaries targeting soldiers at Dillon’s Cross, just outside the city.

Two Crossley Tender lorries carrying the despised Auxiliaries were leaving Victoria Barracks (later renamed Collins Barracks) around 8 p.m. These

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