IRISH FREE STATE DECLARED 100 YEARS AGO
Dublin, Ireland (JFK+50) On December 6, 1922, the Irish Free State* was officially declared as a result of the Anglo-Irish Treaty signed in December 1921.
The IFS was a dominion of the British Empire with equal status to other states such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
On December 8, 1922, six counties opted out of the Free State becoming Northern Ireland.
The five year fight for Irish independence (1916-1921) had ended successfully. Michael Collins** was a key member of the Irish delegation which traveled to London to negotiate the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
*Irish Free State comprises 4/5 of Ireland with 26 counties. The remaining 1/5 of Ireland is Northern Ireland with 6 counties.
**Michael Collins (1890-1922) was born in Woodfield, County Cork & became director of intelligence in the Irish Republican Army. MC was chairman of the provisional government & commander of the national army. He was killed in an ambush.
SOURCE
"Irish Free State Facts and Worksheets," School History, www.schoolhistory.co.uk/
