Peader Clancy, Conor Clune and Dick McKee, three Irish Republican Army (IRA) members were killed by British soldiers in Dublin Castle on the evening of November 21 1920.
The British authorities claimed they were shot in a scuffle following the attempted escape of the three men while their family and the republican movement claimed they were shot in cold blood after being tortured.
Though the date is wrong (November 24 when it should November 21), Corbis have uploaded an amazing picture apparently showing the three men in Dublin Castle hours before their death.
The caption was obviously written by someone who believed the police’s version of events:
The scene in the Military Guard room, Exchange Court, Dublin, before the Sinn Fein prisoners, McGee, Claucy, and Clune escaped. The sentry is reclining on a couch, reading a paper, gun by side. Facing him were the three prisoners on a bench.
Below is a short clip of the funerals of the three men:
I believe there were several photos produced of the “escape” to try and back up the lies. The photos were obviously staged, maybe this is one of them?
chilling picture. Funny how ALL three get shot.
I think some of those staged pictures were reproduced in Michael Foy’s book on Michael Collin’s Intelligence War.
Yeah, this image is reproduced there alright, fascinating though. The plaque is one worth covering too.
Hi dfallon whats the story with the ‘plaque’, please tell.. Regards
Hi, maybe its just me but the names of the 3 Irish republican heroes in the guardroom that were sumarily executed were ‘Richard McKee, Peadar Clancy and Conor Clune’. McKee barracks and Clancy Barracks were named after them.. Aparently Collins wanted to display the bodies in open coffins to show the torture marks (bayonet etc) but due to circumstances he didnt, alot more of these ‘circumstances’ keep croping up in odd places though..?!
regards.
Paddy Mac
I have spent a little while looking at the photo of McKee, Clancy & Clune and I do have to say, yes it really does look like a set up. I mean the guards look so incredibly realaxed and casual (especially when being photographed) and the lads are made to look as if they are conspiring in some way…
It is clearly a staged photograph; Even the faces of the supposed prisoners are not clearly discernible. The shovel is prominent , so is the rifle . such an amateurish construction .