12. IRA Funding Came from Many Sources
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) financed its operations through a diverse array of methods. Domestically, the group engaged in activities such as bank robberies, extortion, and smuggling. Internationally, it received support from the Irish diaspora, notably through organizations like the Irish Northern Aid Committee (NORAID), which raised funds for families of imprisoned IRA members. Additionally, the IRA secured arms and financial support from foreign governments, including Libya. These varied funding sources were crucial in sustaining the IRA’s campaigns over several decades (Irish Central).
