Were there any moves to exclude ALL Irishmen? No there were not. 

Everyone coming into the UK from Ireland was screened, regardless of passport, place of Birth. Same as trying to get a flight to Washington today.

But yes, there were people who did try and take it out of the Irish, including the odd Copper - wrong then, and wrong now.

"There are as many English Grannies stopped at airports as young middle eastern/muslim men. "

English Grannies sadly can be duped into inadvertently carrying stuff they shouldn't - happened to a young, smart, white barrister friend of mine.