"An armed organisation of the Irish working class is a phenomenon in Ireland. Hitherto the workers of Ireland have fought as parts of the armies led by their masters, never as a member of any army officered, trained and inspired by men of their own class. Now, with arms in their hands, they propose to steer their own course, to carve their own future."
(James Connolly, Workers' Republic 30 October 1915)
The Irish Citizen Army (Arm Cathartha na hÉireann) or ICA, was the armed wing of the Irish trade unions established in Dublin in 1913, Ireland for the defence of worker’s demonstrations from police attacks.
The Irish Citizen Army took part in the Easter Uprising of 1916 and in response the British army destroyed their headquarters at liberty Hall