The Civic Guard Mutiny deals with an incredible incident that’s almost completely overlooked in the history of the Irish Civil War.
On the 15th of May 1922 over 1,200 recruits of the newly established policing service of the Irish Free State broke ranks during the commissioner’s address in Kildare Barracks. The mutineers raided the armoury and held the barracks under their control.
The commissioner had to withdraw under armed guard. The Provisional Government and the mutineers negotiated about bringing the Civic Guard back under government control.
As we approach the centenary of the Irish Civil War it would be appropriate to remember the mutiny and the events that caused it.