The War of Independence ended with the truce which came into effect at noon on July 11th, 1921, lifting an enormous weight off most peoples shoulders, as this report of the first day of the ceasefire makes clear.
DUBLIN HAS undergone many ordeals in the past 10 years, during which labour and political upheavals have been frequent, but it has seldom enjoyed a greater feeling of relief than that experienced at noon yesterday, when a general political truce was observed. The long and painful strain under which every citizen was labouring was at last broken, and people breathed freely once more. The machines of war were laid aside, and peace reigned supreme. The effect on Dublin citizens was almost magical. During the week-end they had spent many happy hours by the sea and in rustic retreats, and when twelve o’clock struck yesterday they rejoiced in a manner that recalled the piping times of peace. The long hours of broken sleep were over, and on every hand one looked forward to the night aequo animo.
In the heart of the city the approach of noon was eagerly anticipated. The central thoroughfares were crowded. Everywhere people moved freely, but still a little apprehensively. Would there be an outbreak before the fateful hour of noon? Would anything happen to spoil the splendid work of the past few days? Nothing occurred, and the ordinary work-a-day round was faithfully observed. The people went to work early, made a break for dinner, returned to duty as usual, and left their business in the evening as if nothing exceptional had happened. A general feeling of relief was everywhere noticeable.
Men who had been on Government duty for many anxious months walked the streets without the slightest molestation, entered cafés and made purchases as if they were ordinary citizens. Men on the Sinn Féin side who had not been seen for a long time in the city went about conversing with their friends.
Shortly before noon motor lorries containing Crown forces on business bent were driven through the shopping centres. Heretofore machine-guns were an essential part of their equipment, but now the guns were neatly wrapped in canvas – a sure sign that the truce was being rigorously observed on the part of the Government forces. The occupants of the lorries were unarmed, and were obviously glad to be driven through Dublin streets without the risk of facing a bomb at every corner.
Later in the day it was not an uncommon sight to see members of the Auxiliary force with towels and bathing costumes making their way to seaside resorts. Prominent Sinn Féiners availed themselves of the truce, and made the most of the delightful spell of summer weather. The members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police pursued their activities as in pre-war days.
There were no demonstrations in the streets as citizens devoted themselves to the serious task of business.
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