Óglaigh na hÉireann
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Óglaigh na hÉireann (IPA: [ˈoːgɫ̪iː n̪ˠə ˈheːɾʲən̪ˠ], old orthography Óglaiġ na h-Éireann, pronunciation ) is an Irish language term traditionally translated as “Volunteers of Ireland” or “Warriors of Ireland”. Its exact designation has changed throughout recent history.
Since 1922, it has been the official title of the Irish Defence Forces,[1] recognised by the Irish Government as the only legitimate armed Forces of the southern state in Ireland.[2] The name reflects both the sense of the Irish state as inheritor of the pre-independence nationalist movement, and, as “Volunteers”, Ireland's historic opposition to conscription. The Irish Defence Forces regard the use of the title Óglaigh na hÉireann by groups other than themself as an insult[3], and furthermore it is illegal to be a member of a group falsely styling itself Óglaigh na hÉireann.[4]
The term may historically refer to:
- the Irish Volunteers (1913–1919)—an Irish nationalist paramilitary group
- the official title of the Irish Republican Army (1919–1922)—the successor to the Irish Volunteers and army of the secessionist Irish Republic.
Alternatively, it may refer to any other Irish Republican Army since 1922—various groups which have refused to recognise the legitimacy of Northern Ireland (and, for some, the Republic of Ireland). These include the Provisional IRA, the Continuity IRA and the Real IRA.
In February 2006, the Independent Monitoring Commission reported that a new dissident republican group styling itself Óglaigh na hÉireann had been formed after a split from the Continuity IRA.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Arm - Óglaigh na hÉireann — use on the official website of the Irish Defence Forces, retrieved 29 November 2006.
- ^ From 1922 to 1937, this southern state was the Irish Free State. Since 1937, this southern state was Éire, which translates into English as Ireland. The Irish Government passed an act in 1948 under which the name Republic of Ireland can also be used in English-language legal documents to refer to the southern state.
- ^ Ireland Department of Defence (22 February 2005). Speech by the Minister for Defence, Mr. Willie O’Dea at the Opening of the New Military Museum and the Refurbished Privates’ Mess, Collins Barracks, Cork. Press release. Retrieved on 2006-10-15.
- ^ "It is hereby declared that the organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army (also the I.R.A. and Oglaigh na hÉireann) is an unlawful organisation" — Statutory Rules and Orders, 1939, No. 162. Unlawful Organisation (Suppression) Order, 1939
