Óglaigh na hÉireann 2

Óglaigh na hÉireann (ONH2) was one of two republican paramilitary splinter groups to operate separately under the same name in the 2000’s. The exact date of ONH2’s formation is unclear. Most sources claim that ONH2’s original foundation was laid when dozens of Real IRA (rIRA) imprisoned leaders called for a ceasefire and split from Real IRA (rIRA) leadership in 2002. However, the group did not become active until 2008, when it murdered a member of rIRA. The group aims for British withdrawal from Northern Ireland and the unification of Ireland. The name "Óglaigh na hÉireann" means "Volunteers of Ireland" and has also been used by several other factions of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) throughout IRA history. The group came to national prominence in 2009 after claiming responsibility for several bombings targeting police officers. They continued this campaign of attacking and PSNI and British Police officers. In 2018, the group announced it had entered a ceasefire. In 2019, the death of ONH2’s leader spurred most former members to merge with the New IRA.