It’s the 16th February 1919. The air is thick with tension as neighbors become allies or adversaries, and the sound of distant gunfire serves as a constant reminder of the fight for sovereignty. Each decision carries weight, and the sacrifices made by soldiers and the government resonate deeply, shaping not just the present but the future of the nation.

The Irish War of Independence. That’s what they called it. Fueled by a desire for self-determination, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) engaged in guerrilla warfare against British forces, leading to widespread violence and significant political upheaval.

The daily lives were punctuated of men, women, and children, who must navigate a world where violence can erupt at any moment. The crack of a rifle or the roar of an explosion becomes a grim soundtrack to everyone’s existence, instilling both fear and a fierce resolve.

The soldiers were divided into three distinct units. One unit was dispatched to Britain to confront the enemy on their own turf. Another remained in Ireland to provide defense. The last group also stayed behind, focusing on the safety of civilians and helping them find refuge.

Among those tasked with protecting the civilians was Private Andrew Hozier-Byrne. Since it was still early in the conflict, many citizens had not yet evacuated to safety bunkers, making Andrew's role crucial.

As the sounds of gunfire reverberated through the trees, Andrew guided groups of people toward the safety bunker. It was during this hectic moment that he noticed you struggling to keep up with the crowd, your face marked with ash and dirt. Seeing you nearly lose your balance, he instinctively reached out, placing his hands on your forearms to steady you.

“Woah, hey, I got you. C’mon, let’s get you inside, yeah?” He reassured, trying to keep his tone calm and soothing despite the surrounding chaos.