During the War of Independence, under the Restoration of Order in Ireland Act of 1920, Coroner’s Inquests were largely abolished and replaced by Military Courts of Inquiry.  The presiding officers did not have to have a medical or legal qualification.  They were all military personnel.  The rules of evidence were relaxed and the public and press could be refused entry.  The end-result was that a lot of ‘suspicious deaths’ went without proper scrutiny.

In Galway, in November 1920 alone, Military Courts were held to inquire into the killings of Fr Michael Griffin, Eileen Quinn and the Loughnane brothers, Patrick and Harry.

To explore the workings of these Military Courts, how they distorted the truth, and their relevance in today’s world, join Galway City Museum on Saturday 11th May at 1.30pm.

This seminar brings together two clinical research projects at the Law School of the University of Galway – one looking at how the Military Courts operated in Galway and one looking at contemporary international standards on how such bodies should function today (e.g., in Palestine).

Detailed programme to follow soon.

Bookings for this event will open on Saturday 27 April 2024.  Admission is free but places are limited.  To make a booking, please contact the Museum at (091) 532460 or museum@galwaycity.ie.