70 year old Denis O'Brien, who worked as a coachman was trying to make his way back to his lodgings at 397 Blarney Street on the night of March 2nd 1921. Cork was under martial law and unfortunately for Mr O'Brien he was on the streets during curfew hours.
Castle Street today.
As he was making his way down Castle Street, heading towards North Main Street, a patrol of soldiers from the Hampshire Regiment emerged from Paul Street and upon spotting the hunched figure trudging up Castle Street they called on him to halt.
Either Denis O'Brien failed to hear the order or perhaps he just ignored it but what is certain is that a young private took aim and shot at O'Brien who fell dead on the spot. The Hampshires were notorious for their behaviour on the streets of Cork. Many civilians fell to their bullets, including the unfortunate Mr O'Brien.
The Hampshire Regiment leaving Cork (Collins) Barracks at the end of the War of Independence.
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