The Burning of Cork, December 1920
December 2020 marks the centenary of the devastating events which resulted from fighting during the War of Independence. Much of Cork City Centre was engulfed in fires that destroyed livelihoods, and caused many casualties.
Note: The green areas of the map above outline those parts of the city that were burned.
The attack on 34 Auxiliaries in Dillons Cross precipitated the events of December 11th and 12th. Seán O’Donoghue James O’Mahony Cornelius and Jeremiah Delaney were all subsequently executed in Dublin Hill, while elderly neighbour of the Delaney Brothers William Dunlea was wounded
Terence McSwiney, Thomás McCurtain, mayors of Cork both became martyrs in the struggle for independence.
The images of the devastation wrought on the city weakened the British position as their public was faced with the reality of the atrocities their government was committing in Ireland.
Cork played a pivotal role in the ending of British Rule.
St. Peter’s Cork 1920 Exhibition