Successful Arms Raid at Gunsmiths

Murrays sporting goods shop on Cork's main thoroughfare was the scene of a successful arms raid in 1919.

A raid for arms took place at the premises of T. W. Murray, Gunsmiths, 87, Patrick Street on the evening of November 18, 1919, when a number of I.R.A. volunteers entered the building and a large quantity of arms and ammunition was taken away.

Sometime between 7.30 and 10.00 pm. the lockup shop was entered by the use of a duplicate key.  The shop contained fire arms of various types, the majority of which was wrapped up in canvas and removed to a car which was waiting outside the premises. The raiders then drove off unnoticed.

At the time of the raid only four policemen were on duty in the vicinity of Patrick Street.  None of these noticed anything unusual occurring and it was some time before the raid was reported to Tuckey Street R.I.C. station. Enquiries into the incident were then begun immediately.