 In 1917 Robinson came to Tipperary at the request of Eamon Uí Dubhir, whom he had met while they were both imprisoned.Robinson became active in the work of the Irish Volunteers in South Tipperary, and in 1918 was elected as commanding officer of the Third Tipperary Brigade.In 1919 together with Seán Treacy, Dan Breen and Seán Hogan, he led the party which took part in an attack on a convoy transporting gelignite during the Soloheadbeg Ambush in County Tipperary on the same day that 1st Dáil met.