Real Irish Republican Army facts for kids

The Real Irish Republican Army, often called the Real IRA (or RIRA), was a group that wanted to see Ireland become a single, independent country. They were a "dissident" group, meaning they disagreed with other Irish republican groups about how to achieve their goals. They used military-style actions to try and force the British government to leave Northern Ireland.

What the Real IRA Wanted

The main goal of the Real IRA was to create a United Ireland. This meant they wanted Northern Ireland to stop being part of the United Kingdom. Instead, they wanted it to join the Republic of Ireland. They believed this could only happen by using "physical force," which means using violence.

Why They Disagreed with Peace Deals

The Real IRA did not agree with the Good Friday Agreement. This was a peace deal signed in 1998 that helped end a long period of conflict called The Troubles. The Real IRA thought this agreement was similar to an older treaty from 1921. They felt both agreements divided Ireland instead of uniting it. They wanted Ireland to be completely united and independent, without any compromises.

How They Tried to Achieve Their Goals

The Real IRA used different methods to try and reach their goals. They would bomb town centers to cause economic damage in Northern Ireland. They also attacked members of the police and army. They used devices like land mines, homemade mortars, and car bombs. They even targeted places in England to cause disruption.

History of the Real IRA

The Real IRA was formed in 1997. It started when some members of another group, the Provisional Irish Republican Army, disagreed with a ceasefire (a stop to fighting) that their group announced. These members decided to leave and form their own group.

Naming and Legal Status

Like the Provisional IRA before them, the Real IRA believed they were the true continuation of the original Irish Republican Army. They called themselves "the Irish Republican Army" in English, or Óglaigh na hÉireann in Irish. However, the Real IRA was considered an illegal group in the Republic of Ireland. It was also officially named a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Actions and Campaigns

The Real IRA carried out attacks in Northern Ireland. They targeted the Police Service of Northern Ireland (which used to be called the Royal Ulster Constabulary) and the British Army. They were known as the largest and most active of the "dissident republican" groups. They used firearms, bombs, grenades, and rockets in their attacks.

The group was also responsible for bombings in Northern Ireland and England. Their aim was to cause economic harm and disruption. The most well-known attack was the 1998 Omagh bombing. This tragic event killed 29 people. After this bombing, the Real IRA announced a ceasefire, but they started their operations again in 2000.

Merging with Other Groups

In July 2012, reports said that the Real IRA was joining with other smaller republican groups, like Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD). This new combined group was called the New IRA by the media. However, members of this new group still call themselves "the Irish Republican Army." Some small parts of the Real IRA that did not join the New IRA still exist in the Republic of Ireland, especially in Cork and Dublin.

Images for kids

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  The damage caused by the 3 August 2001 Ealing bombing

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  Real IRA graffiti in Bogside, Derry

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  Real IRA graffiti on a road sign in Derry, 2012

See also

In Spanish: Ejército Republicano Irlandés Auténtico para niños