On a day marked by celebrations and jubilations, Coronation Day in Ireland witnessed a stark contrast in sentiments as black flags were hoisted in certain areas, serving as symbols of protest. The events in Limerick, Dublin, and Castlebar on that memorable day shed light on the complex tapestry of Irish history and the divergent views held by different communities.

In Limerick, the local police took action by removing five black flags that had been raised defiantly on telegraph poles and other prominent locations. Simultaneously, a shed filled with fireworks intended for celebration was maliciously broken into, with its contents ruthlessly destroyed. The actions in Limerick exemplified the deep-seated discontent that lingered beneath the surface, despite the widespread enthusiasm surrounding the coronation.

Moving east to Dublin, police faced a similar situation in the Rathfarnham area, where numerous black flags had been raised as symbols of opposition to the festivities. The authorities swiftly intervened, removing these flags in an effort to maintain order and prevent any escalation of tensions. Meanwhile, in Castlebar, County Mayo, a single black flag, symbolizing dissent, was captured by the police without any resistance when it was hoisted from the United Irish League Rooms.

The incidents of black flags on Coronation Day provide a poignant snapshot of the underlying tensions and contrasting sentiments that prevailed in different Irish communities at that time. While many across the country revelled in the coronation festivities, others chose to voice their dissent through these symbolic acts of protest. The police’s intervention in removing these flags and preventing further disruption underscored their role in preserving peace and order amid these conflicting viewpoints.

These historical events serve as a reminder of Ireland’s intricate political and social past, marked by a diversity of opinions and emotions that continue to influence the nation’s present. The black flags that flew on Coronation Day stand as symbols of a complex and multifaceted history, showing that even during moments of grand celebration, Ireland’s divisions and discord were never far from the surface.

Dundee Evening Telegraph – Wednesday 13 August 1902