The Irish Times

[Drivindeath]

02 Jan 1997
WEAPONS CACHE FOUND NEAR DUNDALK
Written by: Mary Doyle

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At 11:35 P.M. a large weapons cache was found near Dundalk in the Co Louth approximately 14km from the border with N. Ireland. A large raid was conducted on a small farm house approximately 10km from Dundalk town center. Two individuals were arrested at the residence and taken to Dundalk Garda Station for questioning. At this time it is unknown who these individuals are and how many weapons were ceased. This station will report more when updates arrive.

Some of the weapons ceased​

Written by: Mary Doyle​

 

[Drivindeath]

03 Jan 1997
IS THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY ARMING UP?
Written by: Mary Doyle
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At 6:05 P.M. the police reviled the identities of the two arrested at the farmhouse and are suspected of being members of the Irish Republican Army. Donny McNeil (19) and Robert Douglas (26) were arrested by a farmhouse 10km from Dundalk, 14km from the border with N. Ireland. Inside the farmhouse was found, 28 AK variants, 12 AR variants, 2 LMGs, 5 RPGs, 2 Mortars with 142 shells. An Ireland Army EOD unit was called in to defuse the shells and RPGs. Both McNeil and Douglas denied being IRA members. The two individuals are being transported to Cloverhill Prison to await sentencing.

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Written By: Mary Doyle​

 

[Drivindeath]

06 Jan 1997
CALL FOR DISBANDMENT
Written by: Mary Doyle
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President Mary Robinson gave a speech on 04 Jan 1997, at 5:00 P.M. local time in Dublin, Ireland. The Republic of Ireland officially does not support the Irish Republican Army and will do what is necessary to Disarm Disband these terrorist. The Republic of Ireland is giving amnesty to any member of the Irish Republican Army that lays down their arms and turns them into the local authorities.

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Republic of Ireland President Mary Robinson has called for a Disbandment of the Irish Republican Army. President Robinson states "Lay down your weapons, the time for peace has come. We will negotiate a peace and open borders for Irish citizens. I am calling for an armistice and for the Irish Republican Army to lay down their weapons. Local Police Departments will be collecting and confiscating all weapons brought to them with no repercussion to the citizens turning them in. Now is a time for peace and prosperity between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Irish government is in agreement, we want to have peace with our neighbor across the channel and have a prosperous relationship. From here on out any act of violence against the British Government, British Soldiers, British Infrastructure, or British Citizens will seen as an act of terrorism. The Republic of Ireland will work with the United Kingdom to rid of the Irish Republican Army and any other associated groups."

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This speech has Ireland split. After the Speech on 4 Jan, there has appeared to be no further acts of aggression. Reports across the country has seen the turn in of over 2,000 various weapons and munitions. However there is speculations that this is still a small percentage that has been turned in. The Irish Government wants peace and many citizens seem to be annoyed yet cooperative with the statements made 2 days ago. Could this truly be the end of the Irish Republican Army? Can Ireland and the United Kingdom live in peace? Will there be open borders and if so when? These are the real questions the citizens want to know.

WE DEMAND ANSWERS!​

Written by: Mary Doyle

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Jamie

 

[Drivindeath]

07 Jan 1997
PRESIDENT ROBINSON DEAD
Written by: Mary Doyle

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At 6:37 A.M. local time President Mary Robinson was leaving her residence and entered her vehicle that her driver Mark Kelly brought to the front of her house. President Robinson’s destination was Trinity College to speak with the students. At 7:22 A.M. local time, the presidential convoy came to a stop at the intersection of Chancery St. and Ormond Square, just past Four Courts.

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A protest blocked the convoy. Nearly all the protesters where wearing masks. A member of the crowd was seen walking toward the Presidential Car, carrying an object in his hand. The lone crowd member threw the object at the hood of the Presidential Car. A large explosion went off. At 7:47 A.M. local time the Dublin Police and Garda Síochána cordoned the area.

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President Mary Robinson was found dead in the back seat of her Presidential car along with Mark Kelly. Three other individuals were found dead including the individual who threw the bomb. The terrorist was not identified. An estimated 50 protesters are injured. Witnesses heard the bomb thrower yell “UP THE RA” as he threw the bomb.

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This is truly a sad day, as a nation morn for their loss of a genuinely great leader. The funeral is to be held on the 15th of January. President Robinson is survived by her loving husband Nicholas Robinson.

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Written by: Mary Doyle​

 

[Drivindeath]

09 Jan 1997
NEW ELECTION AND AUSTRALIAN POLICE
Written by: Mary Doyle
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Following the events that happened on the 7th of January, the Garda Síochána have upped their security all across the Emerald Ilse. On the 8th Australian Prime Minister and Governor-General have requested addition personnel to their Embassy which was approved today. Additionally Australia has been given access to the investigation and have been approved to send over Federal Police to assist the Gardaí. WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE is the Government trying to make? That we can't handle our own internal affairs'. This is completely uncalled for. What will the Australian Federal Police do that our own law enforcement can't or haven't done? There has been no word as to when these "Federal Police" will arrive.

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In other news the Government has announced that the Elections for President will be held in June this year. Currently the Office of the President is being run by John Bruton, Taoiseach, Pat Rabbitte, Minister of State and Seán Barrett , Minister of Defence. For laws to pass all three must come to a unanimous decision. Currently the election results are as followed:

Party	Leader	Percentage
Fianna Fáil	Bertie Ahern	39.3
Fine Gael	John Bruton	27.9
Labour Party	Dick Spring	10.4
Progressive Democrats	Mary Harney	4.7
Sinn Féin	Gerry Adams	2.5
Democratic Left	Proinsias De Rossa	2.5
National Party	Nora Bennis	1.1
Socialist Party	Joe Higgins	0.7
Christian Solidarity	Gerard Casey	0.5
Workers' Party	Tom French	0.4

IN OTHER NEWS
Former President Mary Robinson Funeral
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Former President Mary Robinson's funeral will be held at Dublin Cemetery at 7:00 A.M. local time on the 1st of February. Former President Robinson's wake will be held at Dublin Cathedral from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. local times on the 30th of January. She is survived by her husband Nicholas Robinson. Armed security will be at both the wake and the funeral. Plan ahead as there have been thousands to have already pledged to be at both events. The Irish Times gives it's condolences to Nicholas Robinson and the rest of her family. Former President Robinson was a woman of peace and justice. She had the nations best interest at heart and worked effortlessly to end violence between our neighbors. Her last bill signed was to pledge assistance to the people of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The council of three and the rest of the Ministers have all agreed to move forward with her last act as President. May you find peace President Mary Robinson, Erin go Bragh!

Written by: Mary Doyle​

 

[Drivindeath]

2 Feb, 1997
Football gets a lashing

Written by: Sean Moran ​

MUNSTER secretary Donie Nealon has criticised football on two fronts. In his report to be delivered at next week's Munster Convention in Adare, Nealon expresses unhappiness with both the current standard of football and the awarding of Players' All Stars to a number of footballers who were under suspension after last September's All Ireland final replay.

Under the heading "Discipline/Sportsmanship" he says: "The disgraceful row that took place in Croke Park... was a terrible embarrassment to the whole Association. Croke Park's GAC did their duty in imposing the requisite suspensions on the culprits but it was utterly ridiculous to see some of these players... being the recipients of All Star awards a few weeks later".

He goes on: "This is a major departure from the criteria laid down when the original All Star awards system was first introduced, sportsmanship on the field of play was very much an integral part of the award scheme then and... I don't think anyone could reasonably object now to a player who had incurred just a two week suspension being qualified for consideration for such a prestigious honour, but anything more than that should disqualify a layer".

During the course of the original All Stars scheme, the GAA resisted attempts to qualify or abolish the rule that suspensions should affect a player's availability for an award. However, once the players' scheme was inaugurated, Croke Park performed a speedy volte face which meant that five players serving suspensions longer than a fortnight were honoured in last November's awards.

In his report, Nealon also calls on Croke Park to consider setting up a body similar to the Hurling Development Committee to examine the state of football. "Certainly," he says, "the game is not nearly as attractive to watch as it was in former years and an in depth look at some of its playing rules, the tackle and the solo run, in particular, is necessary because too many football games have taken on a monotonous pattern".

Written by: Sean Moran​

 

[Drivindeath]

1 Mar, 1997
Heat for the Irish Republican Army
Written by: Mary Doyle

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Tensions are rising here in Ireland as the Garda Síochána ramp up operations at catching the Irish Republican Army. A mandatory 2100 Curfew has been put in place across Ireland. The Gardaí have been given emergency powers by Minister of Defence Seán Barrett, to stopping this threat. Many citizens are concerned with the recent recruiting of military personnel and now the curfews. Many believe that the government in particular Seán Barrett and Pat Rabbitte are trying to seize power for themselves while the Taoiseach is away in the United State. We have no evidence to prove these accusations but tensions are high across the Country. For now however travel to Ireland remains open, but they are telling tourist to stay in 'Green' areas on maps that are provided with their visas. Drew Harris, Garda Commissioner, has reported that Dublin is the safest of all the cities in Ireland and encourages tourist not to travel outside city limits.

Eurocopter patrolling the boarder of Northern Ireland​

Rotary wing aircraft like this Eurocopter seen above have been seen patrolling the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Drew Harris, Garda Commissioner had this to say,

"We have had our air patrols traveling along the border using spot lights, thermal imaging, and night vision to catch border crossers into and out of Northern Ireland. Last week we caught five individuals coming into the border carrying AR style rifles."

Ireland's Gardaí currently have two of these helicopters and have them on a rotational basis.

Border Guard at crossing in Rathmore Co.​

Border guards have also been posted on all major roadways leading in and out of Norther Ireland. They also have personnel on some back roads at random times and dates. They have been stopping all vehicles and checking IDs both into and out of the country. This has caused many traffic issues and complaints. It is unknown at this time how many people have been detained at these check points.

Gardaí at Dublin Port​

The Gardaí are also at the shipping ports in Cork, Dublin and Galway catching any illegal activity. A few weapons have been seized, although mostly illegal substances such as Marijuana and Cocaine. Most ships that come through however are from foreign nations and are delivering supplies. They are also checking IDs of all ship crews that arrive at port. This has also delayed ships from entering and leaving Ireland, leaving many irritated.

Gardaí patrol in Dublin​

Many patrols of have spotted in the major cities. These patrols have been spotted with military style weapons and armor. They have been seen raiding homes, raiding local businesses and stopping cars and pedestrians. This has cause a lot of civil unrest and many protest have broken out. Pat Rabbitte, Minister of State had this to say,

"It is the citizens right to protest. However many of these protest are turning violent and are carrying over past curfew. This is unacceptable and these law breakers will be prosecuted with the fullest extent of the law!"

This is confirming many citizens suspicion of the Governments attempt to seize power. Citizens are advised to stay home unless necessary. As of right now Martial Law has not been declared, however it certainly seems like it already has been.

Member of the 2nd Ordinance Group, 2nd Brigade with Gardaí near the border in Dundalk Co.​

Military have been seen working side by side with the Gardaí near the border. Most of these military members are from the 2nd Ordinance Group and 2nd Military Police Company, 2nd Brigade. They have been called in as reinforcements to assist the Gardaí in their operations along the border.

There has been no word as to how long this operation will continue or when citizens can go back to their normal day to day lives. The Irish Republican Army has been quite now for the past three weeks with no attacks. So the question is with the decline in attacks, while is the government so invested in stopping them now?

Written by: Mary Doyle

Jamie​

 

[Drivindeath]

5 July, 1997
Two Officers Found Dead
Written by: Mary Doyle​

Two Law Enforcement Officers found dead just outside of Irish National War Memorial Park. Their bodies were badly burned and found in the River Liffey. The bodies were identified as Mike Keenly and Brett Foster upon further analysis. It is still unknown who committed this crime, suspects are still at large.

If you have any information please contact your local Garda Síochána.

Mike Keenly is survived by his wife Barbra Keenly, and his two daughters.

Brett Foster is survived by his mother Erin Foster, and his father Berry Foster.

Written by: Mary Doyle​

 

[Drivindeath]

28 June, 1997
Killarney Police Lay Down Their Weapons and Hand Over Their Badges
Written by: Mary Doyle​

Reports from Killarney suggest that the Irish Republican Army has seized the city. Many flood from the city, a local had this to say:

"They completely took the city, we where being forced to stay in our homes, they are arresting anyone who attempts to leave the city. I had to sneak past them. People are being killed daily. Last night as I was leaving they had the police in a line and anyone who didn't turn over their guns and badge where just executed."

Shocking indeed, the Department of Defence and Department of Justice are fully aware of this situation. The President who was meeting with the Argentine ship in Dublin, has been taken to a secure unknown location. A leaked anonymous source stated that the Army has been activated and is on standby.

Written by: Mary Doyle​

Jamie

 

[Drivindeath]

02 July, 1997
Explosion in Cork, 2 Naval Sailors Dead
Written by: Mary Doyle​

Cork Fire Brigade would respond to the impound lot, and arrive on scene in approximately 8 minutes after the explosion. Engines 2, 5, and 8 arrived and immediately started putting out fires. Corks HAZMAT Team and Rescue Boat also arrived approximately 20 minutes after the explosion. The fires would blaze on land and sea for approximately 3 hours. After the fires are put out a total assessment of the situation. 2 Naval Shore Patrol Sailors KIA; Mairnéalach Inniúil (Able Seaman) Kathrine Kelly and Mairnéalach (Ordinary Seaman) Sean Maloney. Another 23 people have been reported injured in the explosion. Gardi report that this may link to Irish Republican Army activity, but have not placed blame on the organization directly.

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Written by: Mary Doyle​