Kevin McKenna (Irish republican) facts for kids

Kevin McKenna (Irish: Caoimhín Mac Cionnaith; 25 June 1945 – 25 June 2019) was an important figure in Irish republicanism. He was a volunteer in the Tyrone Brigade and later became the Chief of Staff (the main leader) of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA). McKenna was known for being private and quiet. He served as the IRA's Chief of Staff for the longest time, from 1983 to 1997.

Early Life and Joining the IRA

Kevin McKenna was born on June 25, 1945, in Brantry, near Dungannon, in County Tyrone. In the mid-1970s, he moved to Smithborough, County Monaghan.

McKenna first joined the IRA in the mid-1960s. After this, he moved to Canada. However, when a policy called "internment" began in Northern Ireland, he returned to Ireland. Internment meant people could be held without trial.

When he came back, McKenna became involved with the IRA again. He helped create a new small group called an "active service unit" (ASU) in the Eglish and Aughnacloy areas. Because he had money to buy a car and was very dedicated, he quickly moved up in his local IRA group. In 1972, he became the commander of the Tyrone Brigade.

Becoming the Chief of Staff

In September 1983, the previous Chief of Staff, Ivor Bell, was briefly put in prison. According to the rules of The Green Book (which was like a rulebook for the IRA), Bell lost his position. Kevin McKenna then took over as the new Chief of Staff. At this time, many saw McKenna as a strong supporter of Gerry Adams.

In 1970, McKenna went to Northern Ireland. He worked with the South Fermanagh Battalion of the IRA. Later, he became the main officer in charge of the IRA in the Fermanagh, Monaghan, and Armagh areas.

In 1973, he was promoted to the IRA General Headquarters Staff (GHQ). After the arrest of Séamus Twomey later that year, McKenna was appointed Chief of Staff for the first time. He held this position until he was arrested and imprisoned in Portlaoise jail in 1974. After his release, he continued his work with the IRA GHQ. A year later, he went on a mission to the United States, where he was arrested and held for a year. He then carried out other missions for the IRA in different parts of the world.

Challenges as Chief of Staff

During McKenna's time as Chief of Staff, there were some disagreements. There was growing tension between the main leadership group, the IRA Army Council, and the East Tyrone Brigade, which was a more active part of the IRA.

McKenna had some disagreements with Pádraig McKearney since the 1983 Maze escape. This tension grew when McKenna did not approve a plan by McKearney and Jim Lynagh to form "flying columns." These were small, fast-moving groups of fighters.

After a ceasefire (a stop to fighting) in 1994, McKenna's leadership was questioned. He was later replaced by Thomas "Slab" Murphy.