A momentous day as first Dáil meets and first shots of War of Independence occur

One hundred years ago today, Ireland took major steps towards freedom from the British Empire. An independent parliament opened in Dublin, however it was overshadowed by an unsanctioned ambush in Tipperary, writes Ryle Dwyer.

“The Irish historian of the future will, no doubt, regard the 21st January, 1919, as a date that marked a turning point in the political history of this country — a new departure that influenced Ireland’s outlook and helped to mould her fate.

The opening of An Dáil Éireann yesterday must be regarded as a political event of the first importance,” The Cork Examiner began its lead editorial.