[DoughtyOne]

From what I have read, the IRA was around prior to and during the 1920s, but having achieved some milestone during that time, it basicly phased out.

I don't get the impression that the IRA of 1969, had any connection to a prior group. It merely took the name.

That's my understanding.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Here is a BBC article on the Subject.

IRA

The IRA has been around for over eighty year with various splits and splinter groups which all are calling themselves "IRA" to confuse the issue.