2024

THERE IS MUCH INFORMATION AND A COMPLICATED STORY

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About 17 years ago, I mentioned the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park, but for various reasons, I did not have the opportunity to visit and photograph it until today [30 March 2024].

The Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park, Dublin, is in poor condition due to years of disuse and lack of maintenance. Built in 1735, it was used by British forces to store gunpowder and ammunition.

After the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1922, the Irish Defence Forces took it over. However, the site was demilitarised in the 1980s and has fallen into disrepair.

The fort opened for guided tours in 2016 as part of the Decade of Centenaries, but these have since been discontinued. The exact date of closure to the public is unknown.

In October 2021, the Office of Public Works (OPW) announced plans to renovate, restore, and protect the building. Dublin City Council granted planning permission in August 2022, and the OPW appointed the main contractor for the conservation works in May 2023.

The first phase of works is ongoing and should be completed by mid-2025. This phase includes stabilisation and structural repairs to the rampart walls, roof, and vaulted magazine store buildings. It also involves conservation refurbishment works to the bakery and minor drainage works surrounding the Magazine Store Buildings.

The OPW has extensive plans for the restoration and redevelopment of the Magazine Fort. The entire site will be repaired and restored for public access. The officers’ and sergeants’ quarters will be turned into visitor and staff facilities, including a visitor reception, tea room, and locker room. The Bakery Building will become an exhibition space, and the magazine vaults will also house exhibitions featuring immersive audio-visual installations. However, a timeline for public access is not yet available.

Over the years, this post has attracted some communications, examples of which I include below:

About 16 years ago, I received the following message: “Well, if you would like the name of that one Military Policeman (MP), his name was Michael Murphy, my grandfather. A proud Irishman who was dishonourably discharged for this event – even after fighting for the IRA in the flying columns and with Michael Collins during the Irish War of Independence and being presented with the Civil War medal by Collins himself. He was there when they opened fire on the Four Courts, an event that led to the end of the Civil War and the freedom we all enjoy today in the 26 counties. I am a proud grandson of [an Irishman], and I will not let history forget. Sláinte, Mick”

14 years ago, I received the following message from Patrick Murphy: “I too am a grandson of (MP) Michael Murphy, and I, along with my cuz Michael, would like to make it understood that our Grand Dad was a hero of Ireland. We wish for his rank and name to be restored and would like any help in this matter. His dishonourable discharge is wrong, and we want it removed.”

2 years ago, I received the following message: “My grandfather Michael Murphy was the bravest man I know. He loved and fought for his country alongside Michael Collins and his fellow Irishmen. I am proud of what he did for his country. Michael Murphy’s name should be in the history books for his involvement in the Christmas Raid on the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park. Proud Granddaughter, Teresa Murphy”

The Christmas Raid

Date: December 23rd, 1939
Target: The Magazine Fort in Dublin’s Phoenix Park (primary ammunition storage for the Irish Army).
Goal: The IRA aimed to seize weapons and ammunition for a renewed campaign against British rule in Northern Ireland.
Outcome: Initially successful, the IRA seized over a million rounds of ammunition. However, several IRA members were captured, and much of the weaponry was recovered.

Michael Murphy’s Role [disputed]

Irish Army soldier stationed at the Magazine Fort.
Allegations of complicity in the raid due to an IRA informant within the fort. His exact involvement is disputed.
Arrested, courtmartialed, found guilty of aiding the IRA, and dishonourably discharged.
Campaign to Restore His Reputation

Murphy’s family maintains his innocence, arguing wrongful conviction and insufficient evidence.
The family believes he was scapegoated to deflect from the Irish Army’s embarrassment.
Petitions to the Irish government for case review have occurred over the decades. Some renewed interest exists, but no official review or change in status to date.