Limerick

29 part-time school bus drivers took part in the action, protesting increasing 'flexibility' in working practices. 2,000 children in Askeaton, Doon, Hospital, Kilfinnan, Newport and Pallaskenry were affected today as part-time school bus drivers carried out a strike at the Limerick bus depot for the second week running. The action also impacted on services in Tipperary and south Galway.

Twenty-five workers at the Bus Eirann bus company awaiting the implementation of a new pay deal took part in the stoppage as part of an ongoing dispute. The union, SIPTU, did not support the action, however, as it is still in negotiations at the Labour Relations Commission and urged the striking workers to go back to work.

Introduction

On 21st January, 1919, Dail Eireann held its opening session and the Irish Volunteers drew their first mortal blood since 1916 at Soloheadbeg, Co. Tipperary. These facts have set the seal for subsequent historians of the first months of the year.