Following the Irish Civil War, which ended in 1923, many republicans found themselves imprisoned without trial under the newly established Irish Free State government. The climate in Ireland post-conflict was rife with political tension and division. Many of these prisoners believed that their internment was unjustified and politically motivated, leading to widespread discontent. In October 1923, thousands commenced an organized hunger strike to challenge their conditions and assert their rights as political prisoners. Their actions aimed to bring awareness to their plight and ignite public sympathy for their cause.

The hunger strikes captured the attention of the Irish public and international media, serving as a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for civil rights in Ireland. Numerous prisoners were from the ranks of the IRA (Irish Republican Army), and their actions were intended not only as a protest against internment but also as a statement against the political repression they faced. Many prisoners, weakened by their refusal to eat, faced dire health consequences, which heightened concern for their well-being and further provoked public outrage against the government's policies.

Ultimately, the hunger strikes resulted in increased pressure on the Free State government, which eventually led to discussions of releasing some prisoners. This period highlighted the tensions and divisions lasting beyond the Civil War, as well as the broader struggles for identity, rights, and sovereignty within the island of Ireland.