THE RISE AND IMPACT OF NATIONALISM AND UNIONISM IN IRELAND, 1911–1923
The Munster Republic The Republicans retreated south of a line from Limerick to Waterford. This area became known as the ‘Munster Republic’. However, the Free State army, which now had 60,000 soldiers, easily captured Limerick and Waterford. Collins decided to use ships to carry troops to Cork, and to Fenit in Kerry. The Republicans were now forced to retreat to the countryside.
Deaths of Griffith and Collins The two most important leaders of the Free State government died within a short time of each other. Griffith died on 12 August 1922 of a brain haemorrhage. Collins was killed ten days later in an ambush at Béal na Bláth, Co. Cork (pp. 7–8). W. T. Cosgrave and Kevin O’Higgins became the new leaders of the Free State government.
15
The main fighting in the Civil War PROFILE – MICHAEL COLLINS, POLITICAL AND MILITARY LEADER
