Each week, we look back at what was “in the news” the same week 100 years ago – as reported in the Cork Examiner in 1916.

By Nicola Stathers

“The Dublin Outbreak” or “Dublin Disturbances” and the “Irish Problem” feature prominently in the newspapers this week, as martial law is still in effect across Ireland only a month after the Easter Rising.

Tuesday, May 23, 1916

Death sentences are confirmed and commuted daily, as the names of rebels are published in Correspondence from the Court-Marital proceeding in Dublin.

Wednesday, May 24 1916

The War continues to be of primary importance, as discussions concern a supplementary note of credit sought from the House of Commons as colossal expenditure on the war to date totals £241,000,000 or £4,880,000 per diem since February 1916. 

Thursday, May 25, 1916

However in an interesting development, plans for the establishment of a munitions factory in Cork are proceeding despite the rebellion in Dublin.

In March 1916, as reported by A 1916 Diary, a representative from the Ministry of Munitions visited Cork to inspect St. Peter’s Market with a view to establish a National Shell Factory.

The Lord Mayor of Cork (Councillor T. C. Butterfield) received confirmation that the Ministry would rent the market at terms of £200 per annum for the duration of the war. The Chairman ‘was sure that the citizens would be very pleased to hear of the successful conclusion of the negotiations.’