The Irish jury ruled, however, that he was an IRA commander and a smuggler.

In September, McMillen called a meeting of IRA commanders in Belfast.

A fight ensued, which resulted in the IRA commander being knocked out by Kearney.

Aiken, operating from the south Armagh/north Louth area, was one of the most effective IRA commanders in Ulster during the conflict.

Craig was known to meet IRA commanders to discuss their racketeering activities - he was later killed by his comrades for "treason".

Another noted IRA commander at that time was the commanding officer of the first battalion, Captain Michael McVerry.

Brian Keenan, 66, Irish IRA commander, cancer.

December 19 - Martin Savage, IRA commander (b. 1898)

During this time he was in a boxing competition which placed him against Martin Meehan, later a senior IRA commander, with whom he went three rounds.

IRA commanders became concerned about the morale of their units as to many Volunteers the Auxiliaries seemed to be 'super fighters and all but invincible'.