[petepete]

Thanks for this.

Reusing already-prominent acronyms gets really confusing although I know often it's unintentional.

Many Americans won't know who the IRA were/are, but in the UK (and probably the rest of Europe) it's common knowledge and burnt in.

[delerio]

I'm american and remember some high profile movies that featured them. Then again, I'm almost 30. I thought it was common knowledge among many who the IRA were, even among americans.

[cirgue]

I think IRA is common knowledge in the US, at least it's well-known by anyone over ~40.

[PHGamer]

id say middle age and older people would. they were shown in various movies during the 90s but yea. younger people probably think of the IRA savings account.

[apotheothesomai]

We middle-aged folks also remember some big bombing incidents executed by the IRA. The IRA is still referenced in the news now and then.