The sound that signalled death for IRA ‘informers’

During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) often targeted individuals they suspected of being informers for the British security forces. These “informers” were seen as traitors to the nationalist cause and were dealt with ruthlessly by the IRA.

One chilling aspect of these executions was the use of a particular sound that signalled death for the alleged informers. The sound was a single gunshot, fired at close range, which became synonymous with the IRA’s brutal tactics.

For those living in IRA-controlled areas, the sound of a single gunshot would strike fear into their hearts, knowing that someone had been marked for death by the paramilitary group. The sound became a warning to others who might consider collaborating with the British authorities.

Despite the end of the Troubles and the peace process in Northern Ireland, the legacy of the IRA’s use of violence and intimidation against informers continues to haunt the communities affected by the conflict. The sound of that single gunshot remains a powerful symbol of the dark days of the Troubles.