A powerful weapon of any war is the effective use of propaganda. State executions of Republican prisoners sparked organised protests and labour strikes among the general population, while the funerals of those killed were photographed and distributed. The Irish Bulletin news sheet was published by the IRA to spread news to the Irish population and abroad of atrocities and attacks by the British Forces, while on the British side propaganda newsreels were created and released by Dublin Castle.
Hunger strike was also a powerful weapon used by Republican prisoners throughout the revolutionary years, with many striking in Mountjoy Prison. The most famous hunger striker was Lord Mayor of Cork Terence MacSwiney whose death in Brixton Prison in London brought international attention and sympathy for the Irish cause.
