For the British government , the action at Kilmichael was an indication that the violence in Ireland was escalating . Shortly after the ambush ( and also in reaction to the events of Bloody Sunday ) , barriers were placed on either end of Downing Street to protect the Prime Minister 's office from IRA attacks . On 10 December , as a result of Kilmichael , martial law was declared for the counties of Cork , Kerry , Limerick and Tipperary
Bloody Sunday
Bloody Sunday (1920)
Kilmichael Ambush