English

Proper noun

Old IRA

1. The original Irish Republican Army organisation, operating against British forces in the early 1920's, as distinct from the more modern group operating in the latter half of the 20th century.

Usage notes

• The term was not used contemporaneously, but is often appended to unit names when discussed in a historical context. Eg, the 4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, would later be referred to as 4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Old IRA.
• The capital is sometimes not used for the letter O, without causing any difference in meaning.

See also

• IRB
• Provo, Provos
• IRA
• Provisional IRA
• Official IRA
• Continuity IRA