Timeline of Real IRA actions
Encyclopedia
This is a timeline of activities by the Real Irish Republican Army
(RIRA), an Irish republican
paramilitary
group. The group was formed in late 1997 by members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army
who disagreed with its ceasefire. Its actions have resulted in the deaths of 29 civilians (the Omagh bombing
) and two British Army
soldiers (the Massereene Barracks attack
). Three Real IRA members have also been killed.
All actions listed took place within Northern Ireland
, unless stated otherwise.
Real Irish Republican Army
The Real Irish Republican Army, otherwise known as the Real IRA , and styling itself as Óglaigh na hÉireann , is an Irish republican paramilitary organisation which aims to bring about a united Ireland...
(RIRA), an Irish republican
Irish Republicanism
Irish republicanism is an ideology based on the belief that all of Ireland should be an independent republic.In 1801, under the Act of Union, the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland merged to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
paramilitary
Paramilitary
A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state's formal armed forces....
group. The group was formed in late 1997 by members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army
Provisional Irish Republican Army
The Provisional Irish Republican Army is an Irish republican paramilitary organisation whose aim was to remove Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom and bring about a socialist republic within a united Ireland by force of arms and political persuasion...
who disagreed with its ceasefire. Its actions have resulted in the deaths of 29 civilians (the Omagh bombing
Omagh bombing
The Omagh bombing was a car bomb attack carried out by the Real Irish Republican Army , a splinter group of former Provisional Irish Republican Army members opposed to the Good Friday Agreement, on Saturday 15 August 1998, in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Twenty-nine people died as a...
) and two British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
soldiers (the Massereene Barracks attack
2009 Massereene Barracks shooting
The 2009 Massereene Barracks shooting occurred on 7 March 2009, when two off-duty soldiers of the 38 Engineer Regiment were shot dead outside Massereene Barracks in Antrim town, Northern Ireland. Two other soldiers and two civilian delivery men, one Polish and one Northern Irish, were also shot and...
). Three Real IRA members have also been killed.
All actions listed took place within Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, unless stated otherwise.
1998
- 6 January: A 500 lb car bomb was defused by the security forces in the middle of BanbridgeBanbridgeBanbridge is a town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Bann and the A1 road. It was named after a bridge built over the Bann in 1712. The town grew as a coaching stop on the road from Belfast to Dublin and thrived from Irish linen manufacturing...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. A telephoned warning had been sent. It is unclear whether the bomb was planted by the Real IRA, the Continuity IRAContinuity Irish Republican ArmyThe Continuity Irish Republican Army, otherwise known as the Continuity IRA and styling itself as Óglaigh na hÉireann, is an Irish republican paramilitary organisation that aims to bring about a united Ireland. It emerged from a split in the Provisional IRA in 1986 but did not become active until...
, or members of both organizations. - 20 February: After a telephoned warning, a 500 lb car bomb exploded outside the Royal Ulster ConstabularyRoyal Ulster ConstabularyThe Royal Ulster Constabulary was the name of the police force in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 2000. Following the awarding of the George Cross in 2000, it was subsequently known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC. It was founded on 1 June 1922 out of the Royal Irish Constabulary...
(RUC) base in Moira, County DownMoira, County DownMoira is a village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is in the northwest of the county, near the borders with counties Antrim and Armagh. The M1 motorway and Dublin–Belfast railway line are nearby. The settlement has existed since time immemorial...
. Seven RUC officers and four civilians were hurt. The blast caused widespread damage. It is unclear whether the bomb was planted by the RIRA, the CIRA, or members of both organizations. - 23 February: After a telephoned warning, a 300 lb car bomb exploded near the RUC base on Edward Street in PortadownPortadownPortadown is a town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The town sits on the River Bann in the north of the county, about 23 miles south-west of Belfast...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. The blast caused widespread damage but no injuries. It is unclear whether the bomb was planted by the RIRA, the CIRA, or members of both organizations. - 10 March: There was a mortar attack on the RUC base on Newry Road in ArmaghArmaghArmagh is a large settlement in Northern Ireland, and the county town of County Armagh. It is a site of historical importance for both Celtic paganism and Christianity and is the seat, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland, of the Archbishop of Armagh...
. People were evacuated from the surrounding area after the British Army spotted the mortars, and there were no injuries. It is unclear whether the attack was carried out by the CIRA, the RIRA, or members of both organizations. - 1 May: RIRA member Ronan McLochlainn was shot dead by Gardaí during an attempted raid on a cash-in-transit van in County WicklowCounty WicklowCounty Wicklow is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wicklow, which derives from the Old Norse name Víkingalág or Wykynlo. Wicklow County Council is the local authority for the county...
, Republic of IrelandRepublic of IrelandIreland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. - 8 May: The RIRA issued a statement declaring war on the United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. - 9 May: There was a mortar attack on the RUC base in BelleekBelleek, County FermanaghBelleek is a village in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. While the greater part of the village lies within County Fermanagh, part of it crosses the border into County Donegal, a part of Ulster that lies in the Republic of Ireland. This makes Belleek the western-most village in the United Kingdom...
, County FermanaghCounty FermanaghFermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
. The mortars fell short of their target and one exploded as the RUC was clearing the area. There were no injuries. It is unclear whether the attack was carried out by the RIRA, the CIRA, or members of both organizations. - 11 May: The RIRA claimed responsibility for the mortar attack on the RUC station in Belleek.
- 23 June: The RIRA is believed to have been responsible for an explosion on a road near ForkhillForkhillForkhill or Forkill is a small village in south County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is within the Ring of Gullion, near Slieve Fuad. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 366.- Name :...
, County Armagh. - 19 July: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a mortar attack on Ardmore RUC base in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
. - 28 July: The RIRA was blamed for planting incendiary bombs in shops in Portadown.
- 1 August: The RIRA claimed responsibility for exploding a 500 lb car bomb in the middle of Banbridge. Two RUC officers and thirty-three civilians were hurt and the blast caused extensive damage.
- 15 August: Omagh bombingOmagh bombingThe Omagh bombing was a car bomb attack carried out by the Real Irish Republican Army , a splinter group of former Provisional Irish Republican Army members opposed to the Good Friday Agreement, on Saturday 15 August 1998, in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Twenty-nine people died as a...
- The RIRA detonated a 500 lb car bomb in OmaghOmaghOmagh is the county town of County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is situated where the rivers Drumragh and Camowen meet to form the Strule. The town, which is the largest in the county, had a population of 19,910 at the 2001 Census. Omagh also contains the headquarters of Omagh District Council and...
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. The bomb killed twenty-nine civilians and wounded 220 others. Although warnings had been given 38 minutes beforehand, they proved to be insufficient. - 18 August: The RIRA announced it was suspending all military operations.
- 7 September: The RIRA announced a ceasefire.
1999
- 9 May: A 2007 inquest heard how the RIRA were responsible for the killing of Brendan "Speedy" Fegan in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
in 1999. It is believed Fegan was killed by the RIRA as a result of his alleged drug dealing activities.
2000
- 20 January: The RIRA announced an end to its ceasefire.
- 25 February: The RIRA is believed to have been responsible for a bomb attack against a British Army barracks in BallykellyBallykellyBallykelly is a village and townland in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It lies west of Limavady on the main Derry to Limavady A2 road and is east of Derry. It is designated as a Large Village and in 2001 the population of Ballykelly was 1,827...
, County LondonderryCounty LondonderryThe place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
. The Continuity IRA initially claimed responsibility for the blast but security sources said they believed it was in fact the RIRA who were responsible. - 6 April: The RIRA detonated a bomb at Ebrington British Army barracks in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. The bomb destroyed an unmanned guardhouse and damaged the permiter fence. - 14 April: The RIRA were blamed for a failed mortar bomb attack on an army base in Roslea, County Fermanagh.
- 24 May: The RIRA were responsible for a mortar bomb attack on an army base in the village of Glassdrumman, County Armagh.
- 1 June: The RIRA detonated a small bomb on Hammersmith BridgeHammersmith BridgeHammersmith Bridge is a crossing of the River Thames in west London, just south of the Hammersmith town centre area of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on the north side of the river. It allows road traffic and pedestrians to cross to Barnes on the south side of the river...
in LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. - 19 June: A RIRA bomb was on a railway line at Ealing Broadway in London.
- 20 June: The RIRA were responsible for a leaving an explosive device in the property of former Northern Ireland Secretary Of State Peter MandelsonPeter MandelsonPeter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson, PC is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004, served in a number of Cabinet positions under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and was a European Commissioner...
in HillsboroughHillsborough, County DownHillsborough is a village and townland in County Down, Northern Ireland, situated from the city of Belfast. It is within the Lisburn City Council area....
, County Down. - 30 June: The RIRA bombed the main Dublin-to-Belfast railway line near MeighMeighMeigh is a small village and townland near Slieve Gullion in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 444 people in the 2001 Census. It lies within the Newry and Mourne District Council area.-Geography:...
in County Armagh. - 9 July: The RIRA detonated a car bomb at StewartstownStewartstownStewartstown can refer to:*Stewartstown, New Hampshire*Stewartstown, Pennsylvania*Stewartstown, County Tyrone, a village in Northern Ireland...
RUC station, County Tyrone. - 12 September: The RIRA were responsible for planting two 80 lb bombs at MagilliganMagilliganMagilligan peninsula lies in the northwest of County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, at the entrance to Lough Foyle...
army base in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. Both bombs failed to detonate and were later defused by army bomb disposal experts. - 13 September: The RIRA were responsible for a mortar bomb attack on an RUC station in ArmaghArmaghArmagh is a large settlement in Northern Ireland, and the county town of County Armagh. It is a site of historical importance for both Celtic paganism and Christianity and is the seat, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland, of the Archbishop of Armagh...
. - 13 September:The RIRA were responsible for planting two 80 lb bombs at Magilligan army camp in County Londonderry, one of which was planted in a wooden hut and partially exploded when a soldier opened the door to the hut. The second bomb was found during a follow-up search and made safe by bomb disposal experts.
- 22 September: The RIRA fired an RPG-22RPG-22The Soviet RPG-22 Netto is a one-shot disposable anti-tank rocket launcher first deployed in 1985, based on the RPG-18 rocket launcher, but firing a larger 72.5 mm fin stabilised projectile. The weapon can be prepared to fire in around 10 seconds, and can penetrate 400 mm of armour, 1.2 meters of...
anti-tank rocket at the headquarters of MI6 in London. - 13 October: A RIRA member, Joseph O'Connor, was shot dead in the BallymurphyBallymurphyBallymurphy may refer to:*Ballymurphy, Belfast - an area in Belfast, northern Ireland, known for the Ballymurphy Massacre.*Ballymurphy, County Carlow - a village in County Carlow, Ireland....
area of BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. It is believed the Provisional IRA were responsible. - 24 September: The RIRA were responsible for detonating a 50 lb bomb on a railway line in DunmurryDunmurryDunmurry is an urban townland, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Located between Belfast and Lisburn, it was once a rural village, but is now within the Greater Belfast conurbation...
, County AntrimCounty AntrimCounty Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 2,844 km², with a population of approximately 616,000...
. - 1 November: A RIRA booby trap bomb hidden in a traffic cone exploded in CastlewellanCastlewellanCastlewellan is a village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is beside Castlewellan Lake and Slievenaslat mountain, southwest of Downpatrick. It lies between the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob. It had a population of 2,392 people in the 2001 Census....
, County Down, seriously injuring an RUC officer who lost a leg and two fingers.
2001
- 23 January: The RIRA were responsible for a mortar attack on Ebrington barracks in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. One mortar landed inside the perimeter fence of the base after being fired from a parked van. No one was injured. - 5 February: The RIRA were responsible for a pipe bomb attack in which a couple were injured in Newcastle, County DownNewcastle, County DownNewcastle is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 7,444 people recorded in the 2001 Census. The seaside resort lies on the Irish Sea coast at the base of Slieve Donard, one of the Mourne Mountains, and is known for its sandy beach and the Royal County Down Golf Club...
. The RIRA would later kill the man, in a gun attack a year later in February 2002. - 21 February: A RIRA bomb disguised as a torch exploded outside a British Army barracks in Shepherd's BushShepherd's Bush-Commerce:Commercial activity in Shepherd's Bush is now focused on the Westfield shopping centre next to Shepherd's Bush Central line station and on the many small shops which run along the northern side of the Green....
, West London, after an army cadet picked it up, the explosion blinded the cadet and caused him to loose his hand. - 4 March: The RIRA detonated a car bomb outside BBCBBCThe British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
headquarters in London, England. (See 4 March 2001 BBC bombing4 March 2001 BBC bombingAt 12:30 AM on Sunday 4 March 2001, the Real IRA detonated a car bomb outside the BBC's main news centre within BBC Television Centre, on Wood Lane in the White City area of West London....
) The explosion was captured by a BBC cameraman and the footage was broadcast on TV stations worldwide, gaining mass publicity for the group. - 14 April: The RIRA was blamed for a small bomb explosion at a postal sorting office in HendonHendonHendon is a London suburb situated northwest of Charing Cross.-History:Hendon was historically a civil parish in the county of Middlesex. The manor is described in Domesday , but the name, 'Hendun' meaning 'at the highest hill', is earlier...
, London, England. - 23 April: The RIRA were blamed for a grenade attack on an RUC station in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. - 6 May: The RIRA was blamed for a small bomb explosion at a postal sorting office in HendonHendonHendon is a London suburb situated northwest of Charing Cross.-History:Hendon was historically a civil parish in the county of Middlesex. The manor is described in Domesday , but the name, 'Hendun' meaning 'at the highest hill', is earlier...
, London, England. One man was wounded. - 15 May: The RIRA was blamed for a mortar attack on an army base in BessbrookBessbrookBessbrook is a village in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It lies about three miles northwest of Newry and close to the main Dublin–Belfast road and rail line...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. - May 27: The RIRA were responsible for a failed rocket attack on an RUC station in StrabaneStrabaneStrabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. The device contained just over one pound of SemtexSemtexSemtex is a general-purpose plastic explosive containing RDX and PETN. It is used in commercial blasting, demolition, and in certain military applications. Semtex became notoriously popular with terrorists because it was, until recently, extremely difficult to detect, as in the case of Pan Am...
. - 8 June: The RIRA was blamed for a gun attack at a polling station in DraperstownDraperstownDraperstown is a village in the Sperrin Mountains of County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 1,638 people in the 2001 Census.-Name:...
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. Two RUC officers and a civilian were wounded. - 1 August: The RIRA planted a 44 lb car bomb at Belfast International AirportBelfast International AirportBelfast International Airport is a major airport located northwest of Belfast in Northern Ireland. It was formerly known and is still referred to as Aldergrove Airport, after the village of the same name lying immediately to the west of the airport. Belfast International shares its runways with...
. It was made safe by bomb disposal officers. - 3 August: The RIRA detonated a car bomb in EalingEalingEaling is a suburban area of west London, England and the administrative centre of the London Borough of Ealing. It is located west of Charing Cross and around from the City of London. It is one of the major metropolitan centres identified in the London Plan. It was historically a rural village...
, west London, England (See 3 August 2001 Ealing bombing3 August 2001 Ealing bombingOn 3 August 2001 the Real IRA detonated a car bomb containing 45kg of explosives in Ealing Broadway, West London, England, injuring seven people. Debris caused by the bomb spread more than 200m...
). - 22 August: The RIRA planted a small bomb on a bridge in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. The group gave a telephoned warning and the bomb was defused. - 1 November: The RIRA were blamed for planting an incendiary device that partially exploded in a shop in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. - 3 November: The RIRA planted a car bomb in the centre of BirminghamBirminghamBirmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
, England. It failed to explode properly.
2002
- 3 January: The RIRA carried out a pipe bomb attack on a police officer's home in AnnalongAnnalongAnnalong is a seaside village in County Down, Northern Ireland at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. It had a population of 1,778 people at the 2001 Census and lies within the Newry and Mourne District Council area. The village was once engaged in exporting dressed granite and is now a fishing and...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. - 26 January: The RIRA were believed to have been responsible for a blast bomb attack during disturbances in north BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. Three police officers and two soldiers were injured in the blast. - 21 February: The RIRA claimed responsibility for the killing of Matthew Burns in CastlewellanCastlewellanCastlewellan is a village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is beside Castlewellan Lake and Slievenaslat mountain, southwest of Downpatrick. It lies between the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob. It had a population of 2,392 people in the 2001 Census....
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. It is believed the killing was a result of a personal feud between Burns and the RIRA. - 3 March: Two teenage boys are injured with a RIRA booby trap bomb in ForkhillForkhillForkhill or Forkill is a small village in south County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is within the Ring of Gullion, near Slieve Fuad. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 366.- Name :...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. The device was hidden inside a traffic cone when it exploded. - 29 March: The RIRA targeted a former member of the Royal Irish RegimentRoyal Irish RegimentThe Royal Irish Regiment is an infantry unit of the British Army.-1992 creation:With an antecedence reaching back to 1689, the regiment was formed in 1992...
in Sion MillsSion MillsSion Mills is a village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland on the River Mourne. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 2,050 people. It lies within the Strabane District Council area...
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. A bomb was attached to his car but failed to explode. - 13 April: The RIRA were blamed for two bomb attacks on Police Service of Northern IrelandPolice Service of Northern IrelandThe Police Service of Northern Ireland is the police force that serves Northern Ireland. It is the successor to the Royal Ulster Constabulary which, in turn, was the successor to the Royal Irish Constabulary in Northern Ireland....
(PSNI) stations in DownpatrickDownpatrickDownpatrick is a medium-sized town about 33 km south of Belfast in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the county town of Down with a rich history and strong connection to Saint Patrick. It had a population of 10,316 at the 2001 Census...
& ArdglassArdglassArdglass is a coastal village in County Down, Northern Ireland and still a relatively important fishing harbour. It is situated on the B1 Ardglass to Downpatrick road, about 11 kilometres to the south east of Downpatrick, in the Lecale peninsula on the Irish Sea. It had a population of 1,668...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. - 5 June: The RIRA are believed to have been linked to a kidnapping in BallyhornanBallyhornanBallyhornan is a village and townland in eastern County Down, Northern Ireland, located along the coast of the Irish Sea. It is located less than 10 miles from Downpatrick, County Down, and it is near the site of the former RAF Bishopscourt installation...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. - 17 July: The RIRA claimed responsibility for an attack on a Police Service of Northern IrelandPolice Service of Northern IrelandThe Police Service of Northern Ireland is the police force that serves Northern Ireland. It is the successor to the Royal Ulster Constabulary which, in turn, was the successor to the Royal Irish Constabulary in Northern Ireland....
patrol car in DownpatrickDownpatrickDownpatrick is a medium-sized town about 33 km south of Belfast in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the county town of Down with a rich history and strong connection to Saint Patrick. It had a population of 10,316 at the 2001 Census...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. An explosive device was fired at the car but bounced off and failed to explode. - 2 August: The RIRA was blamed for detonating a bomb at a British Territorial Army base in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. A civilian builder was killed in the blast. - 20 October: The RIRA claimed responsibility for an attempted bombing of CastledergCastledergCastlederg is a village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It lies on the River Derg and is close to the border with County Donegal. The village has a ruined castle and two ancient tombs known as the Druid's Altar and Todd's Den...
PSNI station, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. A coffee jar bomb packed with shrapnel was thrown over the perimeter fence but failed to explode. - 24 November: The RIRA were believed to have been responsible for an attempted bombing of a motor tax office in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. The operation was intercepted by undercover police and one of the bombers was severely injured after police fired a number of shots. Two men were arrested at the scene.
2003
- 13 March: The RIRA left a bomb in a van outside Laganside Courthouse in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. It was defused by bomb disposal officers. - 5 April: The RIRA claimed it had sent an incendiary bomb to Maghaberry prison. The bomb was defused by the British army.
- 5 May: The RIRA were responsible for an attempting bombing of a motor tax office in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. The device, which was in a van parked outside the motor tax office in Upper Queen Street, contained three pipe bombs and three fuel containers. - 19 June: The RIRA abandoned a 1,200 lb van bomb on the outskirts of DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. The Device was described as "one of the biggest ever found in the UK" - 17 August: The RIRA were responsible for killing Danny McGurk, a civilian, in West BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. The group later issued a statement offering an apology and saying that the killing was "criminally wrong and detracted from the goal of Irish liberation". - 3 September: The RIRA were blamed for leaving a roadside bomb near BryansfordBryansfordBryansford is a small village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It sits at the northern side of Tollymore Forest Park, roughly halfway between the towns of Newcastle and Castlewellan. The village is within the townlands of Ballyhafry and Aghacullion...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. It was believed to have been meant for a passing PSNI patrol. - 21 September: The RIRA were blamed for firing a number of shots near the home of Social Democratic and Labour PartySocial Democratic and Labour PartyThe Social Democratic and Labour Party is a social-democratic, Irish nationalist political party in Northern Ireland. Its basic party platform advocates Irish reunification, and the further devolution of powers while Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom...
councillor Peter Fitzpatrick in Kilcoo, County DownKilcoo, County DownKilcoo is a small village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies between Rathfriland and Castlewellan, within the Down District Council area. Kilcoo had a population 1415 people in the 2001 Census.-Places of interest:...
. Fitzpatrick had recently denounced the group's actions. - 12 October: The RIRA were responsible for an attempted bombing of a PSNI station in Roslea, County FermanaghCounty FermanaghFermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
. A 130 lb car bomb was defused by the British army. - 20 November: The RIRA attempted to ambush PSNI and British Army members in Newcastle, County DownNewcastle, County DownNewcastle is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 7,444 people recorded in the 2001 Census. The seaside resort lies on the Irish Sea coast at the base of Slieve Donard, one of the Mourne Mountains, and is known for its sandy beach and the Royal County Down Golf Club...
. The group claimed there was a bomb at the empty Enniskeen Hotel. However, this was a hoax meant to draw the police and army towards the real bomb. The time bomb was found and made safe.
2004
- 4 February: The RIRA claimed responsibility for planting a bomb inside a British Army base at BallykellyBallykellyBallykelly is a village and townland in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It lies west of Limavady on the main Derry to Limavady A2 road and is east of Derry. It is designated as a Large Village and in 2001 the population of Ballykelly was 1,827...
, County LondonderryCounty LondonderryThe place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
. It failed to explode. - 26 March: Four men were charged with RIRA membership after involvement in a RIRA firebomb attack on a house in CorkCork (city)Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
, Republic of Ireland. - 8 May: The RIRA were responsible for sending packages containing a number of bullets and a sympathy card to elected representatives on Newry & Mourne District Council. The packages were addressed to the District Policing Partnership members at SDLP premises and council offices in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. - 8 September: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a gun attack on Strand Road PSNI station in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. No one was injured but builders who were working on an extension in the fortified base had to dive for cover as the gunman opened fire. - 30 September: The RIRA were responsible for sending a parcel bomb to an SDLP councillor, Eamonn O'Neill in CastlewellanCastlewellanCastlewellan is a village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is beside Castlewellan Lake and Slievenaslat mountain, southwest of Downpatrick. It lies between the Mourne Mountains and Slieve Croob. It had a population of 2,392 people in the 2001 Census....
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. - 24 November: The RIRA carried out a firebomb attack on a commercial premises in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. - 4 December: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a gun attack on a PSNI station in BelleekBelleek, County FermanaghBelleek is a village in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. While the greater part of the village lies within County Fermanagh, part of it crosses the border into County Donegal, a part of Ulster that lies in the Republic of Ireland. This makes Belleek the western-most village in the United Kingdom...
, County FermanaghCounty FermanaghFermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
.
2005
- 6 November: The RIRA were blamed for a hoax bomb alert at the Down RoyalDown RoyalDown Royal is a horse racing venue near Lisburn in Northern Ireland. The most valuable race run there is the JNwine.com Champion Chase, run at the Northern Ireland Festival of racing in November...
Racecourse in County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. The bomb warning disrupted a two-day racing festival in when 9,000 racegoers had to be evacuated.
2006
- 9 August: The RIRA carried out a number of firebomb attacks on businesses in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. Buildings belonging to JJB SportsJJB SportsJJB Sports plc is a United Kingdom sports retailer. It currently operates 251 stores in the UK and Ireland.- History :The sportshop chain was founded in 1971, when ex-footballer Dave Whelan acquired a single sports shop in Wigan. The original store was established by JJ Broughton in the early...
and CarpetrightCarpetrightCarpetright plc is one of the largest British retailers of floor coverings. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.-History:...
were destroyed, and ones belonging to MFI and TK Maxx were badly damaged. - 13 August: The RIRA claimed it left two devices on the Belfast–Dublin railway line in south County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
, between NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
and DundalkDundalkDundalk is the county town of County Louth in Ireland. It is situated where the Castletown River flows into Dundalk Bay. The town is close to the border with Northern Ireland and equi-distant from Dublin and Belfast. The town's name, which was historically written as Dundalgan, has associations...
. The alert caused massive disruption to railway and road traffic in the area. - 16 August: The RIRA were blamed for an attempted bombing on the home of an Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Ballyedmond in County LouthCounty LouthCounty Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county...
. - 8 September: The RIRA were blamed for a hoax bomb threat against a DPP meeting in DownpatrickDownpatrickDownpatrick is a medium-sized town about 33 km south of Belfast in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the county town of Down with a rich history and strong connection to Saint Patrick. It had a population of 10,316 at the 2001 Census...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. - 1 November: The RIRA were responsible for a number of fire bomb attacks on businesses in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. Businesses such as HomebaseHomebaseHomebase is a British home improvement store and garden centre, with 350 stores across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It is well known by its green and orange colour scheme. Together with its sister company Argos , it forms part of Home Retail Group. Homebase recorded sales figures...
, SmythsSmythsSmyths is an Irish toy superstore chain founded c.1987, and the largest toy retailer in Ireland, claiming to have 60% of the €320M market. It is a family-run company, with four Smyth brothers running the business...
& JJB SportsJJB SportsJJB Sports plc is a United Kingdom sports retailer. It currently operates 251 stores in the UK and Ireland.- History :The sportshop chain was founded in 1971, when ex-footballer Dave Whelan acquired a single sports shop in Wigan. The original store was established by JJ Broughton in the early...
were badly damaged. - 4 December: The RIRA are believed to have been responsible for a failed mortar attack on a PSNI Station in CraigavonCraigavonCraigavon is a settlement in north County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It was a planned settlement that was begun in 1965 and named after Northern Ireland's first Prime Minister — James Craig, 1st Viscount Craigavon. It was intended to be a linear city incorporating Lurgan and Portadown, but this plan...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
.
2007
- 18 July: The RIRA claimed responsibility for the discovery of two bombs during a security alert in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. One of the devices exploded, while army experts carried out a controlled explosion on the other. It was claimed in a statement that the bombs were intended for use against members of the PSNI. - 25 August: The RIRA carried out a gun attack on the home of a former SDLP councillor, Pat Bradley, in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. - 10 October: An inquest heard how the RIRA were responsible for the murder of Brendan "Speedy" Fegan in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
in 1999. It is believed Fegan was killed by the RIRA as a result of his alleged drug dealing activities. - 8 November: A PSNI officer was shot and wounded by the RIRA as he sat in his car on Bishop Street, DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. - 12 November: A PSNI officer was shot and wounded by the RIRA in DungannonDungannonDungannon is a medium-sized town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is the third-largest town in the county and a population of 11,139 people was recorded in the 2001 Census. In August 2006, Dungannon won Ulster In Bloom's Best Kept Town Award for the fifth time...
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. - 16 December: The RIRA were blamed for a pipe bomb attack on a PSNI station in StrabaneStrabaneStrabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
.
2008
- 7 February: The RIRA announced that after a three year period of reorganisation it was ready to "go back to war".
- 14 February: A former RIRA member, Andrew Burns, was killed by a small republican organisation, Óglaigh na hÉireann in the County DonegalCounty DonegalCounty Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
village of Doneyloop. - 12 May: The RIRA exploded a booby-trap bomb underneath the car of a PSNI officer in SpamountSpamountSpamount is a small village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, near Castlederg. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 309 people. It is in the Strabane District Council area and has a small community hall and its own sports ground.- Sport :...
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. The officer was pulled to safety by a passing motorist before the car was engulfed in flames. - 9 September: The IMC blamed the RIRA for the discovery of an under vechile explosive device under the car of a civilian in LisburnLisburnDemographicsLisburn Urban Area is within Belfast Metropolitan Urban Area and is classified as a Large Town by the . On census day there were 71,465 people living in Lisburn...
, County AntrimCounty AntrimCounty Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 2,844 km², with a population of approximately 616,000...
. It is believed the RIRA had mistaken the civilian for a member of the PSNI. - 15 September: The IMC blamed the RIRA for the discovery of a 100 lb bomb in Jonesborough, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. - 25 September: A man survived after being shot in the neck by the RIRA on the County LondonderryCounty LondonderryThe place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
-County DonegalCounty DonegalCounty Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
border. The same man was targeted in a pipe bombPipe bombA pipe bomb is an improvised explosive device, a tightly sealed section of pipe filled with an explosive material. The containment provided by the pipe means that simple low explosives can be used to produce a relatively large explosion, and the fragmentation of the pipe itself creates potentially...
attack on his home on 25 October, the RIRA did not claim responsibility for the attack, but security forces believe they were responsible for it. - 19 November: The IMC blamed the RIRA for the discovery of a coffee jar bomb near a PSNI station in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. - 19 December: The RIRA claimed to have fired a rocket at police on patrol near NewtownbutlerNewtownbutlerNewtownbutler or Newtown Butler is a small village in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is in the southeast corner of the County, close to the border with County Monaghan and the town of Clones. It is surrounded by small lakes and bogland and close to Lough Erne...
, County FermanaghCounty FermanaghFermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
. Police immediately warned people to be careful, and carried out a search operation. Nothing was found.
2009
- 7 March: 2009 Massereene Barracks shooting2009 Massereene Barracks shootingThe 2009 Massereene Barracks shooting occurred on 7 March 2009, when two off-duty soldiers of the 38 Engineer Regiment were shot dead outside Massereene Barracks in Antrim town, Northern Ireland. Two other soldiers and two civilian delivery men, one Polish and one Northern Irish, were also shot and...
- The RIRA shot dead two British Army soldiers as they collected a delivery outside Massereene British Army Barracks in County AntrimCounty AntrimCounty Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 2,844 km², with a population of approximately 616,000...
. Two other soldiers and two civilian deliverymen were also wounded by gunfire. - 2 April: The RIRA claimed responsibility for carrying out a punishment shooting in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
against a convicted rapist who was awaiting sentencing for raping a 15-year-old girl. - 12 April: The RIRA claimed responsibility for shooting dead MI5 informant Denis DonaldsonDenis DonaldsonDenis Martin Donaldson was a volunteer in the Provisional Irish Republican Army and a member of Sinn Féin who was exposed in December 2005 as an informer in the employment of MI5 and the Special Branch of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Denis Martin Donaldson (Short Strand, Belfast,...
on 4 April 2006. Donaldson was shot dead at his cottage near GlentiesGlentiesGlenties is a village in the northwest of Ireland in central County Donegal. It is situated where two glens meet, northwest of the Blue Stack Mountains, near the confluence of two rivers. Glenties is the largest centre of population in the parish of Iniskeel...
, County DonegalCounty DonegalCounty Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
, Republic of Ireland. - 5 July: Democratic Unionist PartyDemocratic Unionist PartyThe Democratic Unionist Party is the larger of the two main unionist political parties in Northern Ireland. Founded by Ian Paisley and currently led by Peter Robinson, it is currently the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the fourth-largest party in the House of Commons of the...
(DUP) MPMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
William McCreaWilliam McCrea (politician)Robert Thomas William McCrea is a politician from Northern Ireland, and a member of the Democratic Unionist Party.-Career:...
was warned of a death threat by the RIRA. - 13 July: The RIRA was blamed for shooting at the PSNI in the ArdoyneArdoyneArdoyne is an Irish nationalist, working class and mainly Catholic district in north Belfast, Northern Ireland. It gained notoriety due to the large number of incidents during "The Troubles". It is home to approximately 20,000 inhabitants...
area of North Belfast during heavy rioting after an Orange Order parade. - 28 August: Armed RIRA members staged a roadblock in MeighMeighMeigh is a small village and townland near Slieve Gullion in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 444 people in the 2001 Census. It lies within the Newry and Mourne District Council area.-Geography:...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. A PSNI patrol in an unmarked patrol vehicle spotted the group, but withdrew fearing that their presence would provoke a gun battle. - 29 August: The IMC blamed the RIRA for the discovery of an improvised explosive near a school in ArmaghArmaghArmagh is a large settlement in Northern Ireland, and the county town of County Armagh. It is a site of historical importance for both Celtic paganism and Christianity and is the seat, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland, of the Archbishop of Armagh...
. The device was defused by the British Army. - 5 September: The IMC blamed the RIRA for an attack on a man with iron bars and a sledge hammer in StrabaneStrabaneStrabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. - 17 September: The RIRA claimed responsibility for targeting an individual with an under vechile explosive device in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. It is believed the individual was employed by an engineering company with PSNI & Defence contracts. - 21 September: The RIRA claimed responsibility for two pipe-bomb attacks on the homes of family members of a PSNI officer in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. One of the devices exploded and destroyed a car. - 7 October: The IMC blamed the RIRA for a hoax bomb alert outside a couthouse in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. The alert caused massive disruption for both businesses and traffic in the city. - 8 October: RIRA members fired a volley of shots over the coffin of RIRA member John Brady in StrabaneStrabaneStrabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. Brady had died on 5 October in PSNI custody. - 10 October: The IMC blamed the RIRA for a hoax bomb alert at a courthouse in StrabaneStrabaneStrabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. Armed and masked men hijacked a taxi in the town, claiming they had left a device in the vechile and then ordered the driver to abandon the vechile outside the courthouse. The alert caused massive disruption. - 22 October: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a small explosion at a British Territorial Army base in North Belfast which caused damage to the perimeter fence.
- 19 November: The IMC blamed the RIRA for the discovery of a "crude wire mortar type device" in ArmaghArmaghArmagh is a large settlement in Northern Ireland, and the county town of County Armagh. It is a site of historical importance for both Celtic paganism and Christianity and is the seat, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland, of the Archbishop of Armagh...
. - 21 November: The IMC blamed the RIRA for an attempted assassination of a serving PSNI officer in GarrisonGarrisonGarrison is the collective term for a body of troops stationed in a particular location, originally to guard it, but now often simply using it as a home base....
, County FermanaghCounty FermanaghFermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
. The operation was intercepted and a number of shots were exchanged between RIRA gunmen and police. - 30 November: The IMC blamed the RIRA for failed pipe bomb attack on a PSNI station in StrabaneStrabaneStrabane , historically spelt Straban,is a town in west County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It contains the headquarters of Strabane District Council....
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. The Device which failed to explode was defused by the British army. - 31 December: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a gun attack on CrossmaglenCrossmaglenCrossmaglen or Crosmaglen is a village and townland in south County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 1,459 people in the 2001 Census and is the largest village in south Armagh...
PSNI station, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
.
2010
- 24 January: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a gun attack on CrossmaglenCrossmaglenCrossmaglen or Crosmaglen is a village and townland in south County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 1,459 people in the 2001 Census and is the largest village in south Armagh...
PSNI station, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. - 25 January: The RIRA claimed responsibility for shooting dead a man in CorkCork (city)Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
, Republic of Ireland. The RIRA claimed he was a drug dealer. - 31 January: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a gun attack on a PSNI station in BessbrookBessbrookBessbrook is a village in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It lies about three miles northwest of Newry and close to the main Dublin–Belfast road and rail line...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. - 3 February: The RIRA claimed responsibility for throwing a pipe bomb at Oldpark PSNI station in BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
. The device exploded causing damage to a perimeter fence of the station. - 22 February: The RIRA were blamed for detonating a 250 lb car bomb outside a courthouse in NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. The bombers issued a code-worded warning that the bomb would explode within 30 minutes, but it exploded 17 minutes later while police were evacuating the area. The courthouse guardhut was heavily damaged. - 24 February: The RIRA claimed responsibility for kidnapping and shooting dead a man in County LondonderryCounty LondonderryThe place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
. His body was found on the outskirts of DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
, close to the County DonegalCounty DonegalCounty Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
border. The statement claimed he was a RIRA member. - 12 March: The PSNI claimed it had intelligence that a Press Officer for Sinn FéinSinn FéinSinn Féin is a left wing, Irish republican political party in Ireland. The name is Irish for "ourselves" or "we ourselves", although it is frequently mistranslated as "ourselves alone". Originating in the Sinn Féin organisation founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith, it took its current form in 1970...
in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
was under threat from the RIRA. - 19 March: The RIRA claimed responsibility for security alerts in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. At least three controlled explosions were carried out on suspect devices which had been left in various locations around the city. - 21 March: The RIRA were blamed for a gun attack on PSNI officers dealing with a "suspect device" on the Belfast–Dublin railway line near NewryNewryNewry is a city in Northern Ireland. The River Clanrye, which runs through the city, formed the historic border between County Armagh and County Down. It is from Belfast and from Dublin. Newry had a population of 27,433 at the 2001 Census, while Newry and Mourne Council Area had a population...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. The device was found to be an "elaborate hoax". - 28 March: Four masked men, claiming to be RIRA volunteers, hijacked a van on Coshquin Road in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
and left it outside "Blackthorn Amusements" in BridgendBridgend, County DonegalBridgend or Bridge End is a small village in County Donegal, in the northwest of Ireland, located on the Inishowen peninsula.. It is located on the road to Letterkenny, on the western outskirts of Derry and at the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. It has a population of 334...
, County Donegal. The hijacking sparked a security alert which caused disruption to traffic in the area. - 22 April: The IMC blamed the RIRA for a car bomb attack on a PSNI base in NewtownhamiltonNewtownhamiltonNewtownhamilton is a small village in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is within the townland of Tullyvallan and the barony of Upper Fews. It is part of the Newry and Mourne District Council area...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. A telephoned warning was given an hour beforehand, but two civilians were hurt. - 23 April: The IMC blamed the RIRA for a pipe bomb attack on a house in CoalislandCoalislandCoalisland is a small town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, with a population of 4,917 people . As its name suggests, it was formerly a centre for coal mining.-History:...
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. It was claimed that the RIRA accused the occupants of being involved in drug-dealing and criminality. - 30 May: The IMC blamed the RIRA for a pipe bomb attack on a house at Windmill Court, DungannonDungannonDungannon is a medium-sized town in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. It is the third-largest town in the county and a population of 11,139 people was recorded in the 2001 Census. In August 2006, Dungannon won Ulster In Bloom's Best Kept Town Award for the fifth time...
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. The bomb was thrown through the kitchen window and caused considerable damage. - 17 June: The IMC blamed the RIRA for an attempted van bomb attack on a PSNI station in AughnacloyAughnacloyAughnacloy, sometimes spelt Auchnacloy , is a village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Close to the border with County Monaghan, the village is about southwest of Dungannon, and southeast of Ballygawley. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 801....
, County TyroneCounty TyroneHistorically Tyrone stretched as far north as Lough Foyle, and comprised part of modern day County Londonderry east of the River Foyle. The majority of County Londonderry was carved out of Tyrone between 1610-1620 when that land went to the Guilds of London to set up profit making schemes based on...
. A telephoned warning was received and the 300 lb bomb was made safe by the British Army. - 18 June: The IMC blamed the RIRA for an attempted pipe bomb attack on a PSNI station in CraigavonCraigavonCraigavon is a settlement in north County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It was a planned settlement that was begun in 1965 and named after Northern Ireland's first Prime Minister — James Craig, 1st Viscount Craigavon. It was intended to be a linear city incorporating Lurgan and Portadown, but this plan...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. The device was made safe by the British Army. - 22 June: The IMC blamed the RIRA for an attempted ambush on the KeadyKeadyKeady is a town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is situated south of Armagh city and very close to the border with the Republic of Ireland. The town had a population of 2,960 people in the 2001 Census....
–CastleblayneyCastleblayneyCastleblayney or Castleblaney is a town in County Monaghan, Ireland. The town has a population of about 3,000.Castleblayney lies near the border with County Armagh and is on the N2 road from Dublin to Derry...
road in County Armagh. Security forces were lured into the area by a fire and a bomb warning. A bomb with a command wire was found and made safe by the British Army. - 2 July: The IMC blamed the RIRA for a gun attack on a PSNI station in CrossmaglenCrossmaglenCrossmaglen or Crosmaglen is a village and townland in south County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 1,459 people in the 2001 Census and is the largest village in south Armagh...
, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. - 10 July: The IMC blamed the RIRA for exploding a bomb under a small stone bridge on Carrickrovaddy Road near Belleeks, County ArmaghCounty Armagh-History:Ancient Armagh was the territory of the Ulaid before the fourth century AD. It was ruled by the Red Branch, whose capital was Emain Macha near Armagh. The site, and subsequently the city, were named after the goddess Macha...
. - 26 July: The RIRA were blamed for a gun attack on the Players' Lounge pub on Fairview Strand, Dublin. A lone gunman entered the pub shortly after midnight and fired shots at a doorman. The doorman and two bystanders were wounded.
- 8 August: The IMC blamed the RIRA for planting a booby-trap bomb under a PSNI officer's car in KilkeelKilkeelKilkeel is a small town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is the main fishing port on the Down coast, and its harbour houses one of the largest fishing fleets in Ireland. It had a population of 6,338 people according to the 2001 Census...
, County DownCounty Down-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. It fell off the car and failed to explode. - 10 August: The IMC blamed the RIRA for planting a booby-trap bomb under a PSNI worker's car in CookstownCookstownCookstown may refer to either of the following:*Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland*Cookstown, Ontario, Canada*Cookstown, New Jersey, United States...
, County Tyrone. The man worked as a civilian security guard at Cookstown PSNI base. It partially exploded but the man was unhurt. - 4 October: The RIRA claimed responsibility for exploding a car bomb outside the Ulster Bank on Culmore Road in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. The bomb was more than 200 lb and exploded at 23:56, about an hour after a telephoned warning. Two PSNI officers were lightly hurt and the bank, a hotel and nearby shops were heavily damaged. - 15 October: In a statement to the Derry Journal, the RIRA claimed it attempted a sniper attack on a PSNI officer in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. It claimed that "the sniping operation was abandoned due to civilian interference". - 20 October: The RIRA claimed responsibility for shooting a man in the legs in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. The man was a convicted sex offender.
2011
- 18 January: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a blast bomb attack on the offices of UK City Of Culture in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. The bomb caused minor damaged to the offices. - 16 February: The RIRA admitted responsibility for a viable pipe bomb device that was discovered outside a home in MagherafeltMagherafeltMagherafelt is a small town in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 8,372 people recorded in the 2001 Census. It is the biggest town in the south of County Londonderry and is the social, economic and political hub of the area...
, County LondonderryCounty LondonderryThe place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
. - 3 March: The RIRA admitted responsibility for a gun attack on a police patrol in DerryDerryDerry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
. A number of shots were fired as police investigated a report of a stolen car. Although no one was injured, one shot did hit the police car.
- 2 April: The RIRA was blamed for placing a booby trap bomb in the car of a PSNI officer which killed him in Omagh, Tyrone.
- 17 May: The RIRA was blamed for placing a pipe bomb on a bus, in the luggage compartment in Maynooth, during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II.
- 22 May: The RIRA claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on a bank in Derry. No one was injured.
- 9 June: The RIRA was blamed for shooting dead a leading member of the Continuity IRA linked to drug trafficking in Dublin.
- 22 August: The RIRA claimed responsibility to have being responsible for the attempted bombing of a bank in Newry, the bomb was made safe before it detonated and is said to have being a "viable device which was capable of causing death, serious injury and substantial damage to the area".
- 24 August: The RIRA were blamed for a booby-trap bomb attack on former Garda Informant Paddy Dixon in Navan, Meath. He was a informant working inside the RIRA for An Garda Siochana,he was wounded in the attack.
- 14 September: The RIRA are blamed for the double bombing at the homes of a Catholic police officer and a retired police doctor in county Derry.
- 16 September: The RIRA are blamed for the murder of Dublin Gangland leader Micheal "The Panda" Kelly in Clongriffin, North Dublin. The hitmen are believed to have shot the victim 5 times in the head and chest using a handgun and a high-powered rifle then reversing their car over his head.
- 13 October: The RIRA claimed responsibility for planting a small explosive device outside the UK City of culture offices in Derry. The small device caused substanial damage to the office and surrounding buildings in what was the second attack on the UK city of culture offices in 9 months.
See also
- Timeline of Provisional Irish Republican Army actions
- Timeline of Continuity Irish Republican Army actions
- Timeline of Óglaigh na hÉireann (2006–present) actions
- Timeline of Irish National Liberation Army actions
- Timeline of Ulster Volunteer Force actionsTimeline of Ulster Volunteer Force actionsThis is a timeline of actions by the Ulster Volunteer Force , a loyalist paramilitary group formed in 1966. It includes actions carried out by the Red Hand Commando , a group integrated into the UVF shortly after their formation in 1972. It also includes attacks claimed by the Protestant Action...
- Timeline of Ulster Defence Association actionsTimeline of Ulster Defence Association actionsThis is a timeline of actions by the Ulster Defence Association , a loyalist paramilitary group formed in 1971. Most of these actions took place during the conflict known as "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland....
- Timeline of the Northern Ireland Troubles and peace processTimeline of the Northern Ireland Troubles and peace processThis article lists the major violent and political incidents during the Troubles and peace process in Northern Ireland. The Troubles was a period of conflict in Northern Ireland involving republican and loyalist paramilitaries, the British security forces, and civil rights groups. The duration of...