Key statistics

1966
First Recorded Activity

First Attack

Profile Last Updated

How to Cite

Crenshaw, M., & Robinson, K. (2025). Mapping Militants Project. Rice University. https://doi.org/10.25613/G0K4-WF70
Mapping Militants Project. “Tara.” Last modified . https://mappingmilitants.org/node/528/

Profile Contents

Narrative

Narrative of the Organization's History

Organization

Leadership, Name Changes, Size Estimates, Resources, Geographic Locations

Strategy

Ideology, Aims, Political Activities, Targets, and Tactics

Interactions

Foreign Designations and Listings, Community Relations, Relations with Other Groups, State Sponsors and External Influences

Maps

Mapping relationships with other militant groups over time in regional maps

Main Tabs Group

Overview
Formed: 
January 1, 1966
Disbanded: 
January 1, 1981

Tara was a Unionist movement that strongly opposed a united Ireland. The group was known for its anti-Catholic views and also promoted an extreme sect of Evangelical Protestantism. Its loyalism to the United Kingdom drew the group closer to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and the Red Hand Commando (RHC). Its relationship with UVF was not consistent, due to tension over UVF proposals for Catholic-Protestant working-class solidarity. Tara's downfall can be linked with the multiple scandals involving its leader, William McGrath, including child sex abuse and illegal arms shipment. By the end of 1981, the group was practically disbanded.

Organization

Vertical Tabs

Strategy

Vertical Tabs

Interactions

Vertical Tabs