Irish Republican Army Irish Republican Army (IRA), nationalist
organization devoted to the integration of Ireland as a complete
and independent unit. Organized by Michael Collins from remnants
of rebel units dispersed after the Easter Rebellion in 1916 (see
Ireland), it was composed of the more militant members of the
Irish Volunteers, and it became the military wing of the Sinn
Féin party. With the establishment of the Irish Free State in
1922, the IRA became the stronghold of intransigent opposition
to Ireland's dominion status and to the separation of Northern
Ireland. During the troubled early years of the Free State, the
IRA was responsible for numerous bombings, raids, and street
battles on both sides of the Irish border. Popular and effective
at first, its fortunes turned after Eamon De Valera, a former
IRA supporter, took over the Free State government in 1932.
Weakened by internal dissensions, by a loss of popular support
because of its violence and pro-German agitation during World
War II, by the at