‘Land War to Civil War 1900-1924: Donoughmore to Cork and Beyond’ launch meets with positive response
Performing the official honours was prolific writer and Lord Mayor, Kieran McCarthy in the company of Deputy Co. Mayor Cllr. Michael Looney.
For the author, the project became a labour of love, working on the publication over a number of years and ultimately dedicating the book to his late wife, Tricia.
“Tricia was an inspiration for the production and wanted it to be published, it is now a tribute and legacy to her memory. €15 of each copy sold will be donated to cancer care services in Cork, this is a legacy to her kindness and concern for other people, it’s somewhat ironic when one reflects that this book about war and suffering is now a catalyst for promoting healing”, said Gerard.
“I respectfully ask families, friends and connections at home and abroad to buy this book and this will achieve a significant sum for such cancer services. Many have availed of the wonderful services out there but, unfortunately, they need money to continue that great work”.
The author related the book to one of the most turbulent periods in Irish history and the aftermath in the fight for independence.
“Cork at the turn of the century was very much part of the British Empire and when King Edward visited Cork in 1903 it was not rebel flags that flew in the city but Union Jack flags. Gradually, a reawakening of Irish nationalism, notably the emergence of the GAA, Gaelic League and a literary revival energized and transformed the Irish people”, said Gerard.
“National independence was driven by a constitutional process with Irish MPs fighting the cause in the British Houses of Parliament.
“The 1903 Land Act afforded small tenant farmers an opportunity to purchase their own holdings while the Labourers Act provided workers with improved habitation from their existing hovels”.
That era was a period of dissension and infighting amongst various political groups with the Irish Parliamentary Party the butt of criticism. The constitutional strategy of seeking independence was becoming outdated for many of the separatist movements.
“A feature of the time were hotly contested elections which were ferociously canvassed; rallies were attended by vast crowds with travelling contingents going to various parts of the Mid Cork area accompanied by local bands. Results were celebrated passionately with victory parades, men carrying pikes with lighted turf sods, and unashamed delirious shouting and taunting.
“Today’s councillors facing election will appreciate that they are very fortunate in working in what we can call a more subdued environment”, said Gerard.
While the 1st World War interrupting a long-awaited Home Rule Bill, the emergence of the Ulster Volunteers and the resulting formation of the Irish Volunteers brought a potentially dangerous situation to the island of Ireland. What followed was the Easter Rising and the subsequent execution of its leaders.
“This brought a huge outpouring of national grievance, reflecting in much opposition to British Rule leading to the War of Independence.
“The volunteers of Donoughmore and Cork seemed to have a renewed focus in determining their own and their families’ fortunes”, said the author.
“On this occasion they were not going to be reminded of their non-contribution to a failed Easter Rising and immersed themselves in the war. Many of those families suffered greatly for their input, enduring bereavements and economic distress.
“There is always an amusing story amid all the mayhem, one in particular concerns the Easter Rising in Dublin where a certain zealous priest, having heard of wholesale thieving in the city centre, decided to attempt to stop the looting. He met a boy who was bent down with the weight of some 20 pairs of boots, and asked the boy where he had got the boots. The youngster, looking over his shoulder and conscious that he need to hurry on, answered: ‘In Tyler’s, Father, but you’ll have to hurry up or they’ll be all gone’,” Gerard related.
Irish soldiers who fought for the Allies and recruited by Britain in the 1st World War did so in most cases to survive. Living in poor conditions, they faced a difficult decision and on returning to Ireland many endured resentment and were ostracised from society.
Many years later this was reflected on by a more passionate and considered viewpoint, most notably from former Taoiseach Sean Lemass.
“During the War of Independence, Donoughmore and the greater district became international news with the executions of Mrs Lindsay, Major Compton Smith and the aftermath of the Dripsey Ambush when five volunteers were executed and one died from wounds received. These fatalities were debated on the floor of the British parliament and became headlines across the international press”, said Gerard.
“Meanwhile, over in Manchester, Mary Healy, a little known girl from this parish, became one of the leading women in the IRA, helping De Valera not alone to escape from Lincoln Jail but shielding him in her own house for a week thereafter. She accompanied Dev on his evening walks in a manner that depicted them as the happy couple and never arousing suspicion”, he said.
The tremendous contribution of women to the war is epitomized by the Wallace sisters from Kilcullen who, from humble beginnings on an evicted farm, fronted a little stationery shop near St. Augustine’s Church in Cork that concealed what was the official headquarters of the Cork No 1 IRA Brigade.
In attendance at the book launch was their niece, Bernadette Wallace, and grand -nephew, Ted Murphy.
Many safe houses were instrumental in helping the weary volunteers continue the fight, but spies and informers were always a danger and day-to-day living became a constant source of stress.
“The resulting civil war was a complete disaster with brother against brother, and resulted in many years of what could only be described as an atmosphere of venom and toxicity. In a complete transformation, the heroes of the War of Independence were vilified and became the subject of animosity”, said Gerard.
“The execution of William Healy from Lackabawn, Donoughmore was a low point, he was the last prisoner to be executed in Cork Gaol.
“The subsequent struggle of many volunteers in applying for pensions and the emigration of other volunteers led to an enhancement of this discontentment and resentment.
“A reluctance by survivors of the Civil War to reflect and relate their stories contributed to an air of uncertainty and inaccurate portrayals”, said the author.
“Happily, with more records becoming available, the picture becomes clearer and a more informed analysis can be reflected on. 100 years later, who would have thought that these civil war parties would now be at one, forming a government and guiding the state. The question obviously arises then what would the civil war veterans think of it all”, he said.
Lord Mayor Cllr. Kieran McCarthy applauded the impressive and detailed book, covering 480 pages, and expressed delight on formally launching the publication.
“Stories from the past can disturb you, impress you, make you curious or remember and, indeed, make you forget. All these emotions are in the book with the depth of storytelling incredible.
“Some stories were disturbing, especially around the civil war era where comrades became very bitter.
“The focus on daily life is highlighted by fantastic images portraying that period. One thing that was noticeable was the meticulous detail in the publication, drawing on nostalgic currency and woven together in spectacular fashion”, he said.
Deputy Co. Mayor Cllr. Michael Looney thanked the author for bringing history to the ordinary people and, more importantly, preserving that record.
Also contributing to the launch night were Gerard Forde, Bernadette Wallace, Bob Honohan, Brian Ó Donchu, Matt Healy and John Arnold, proceedings completed with the Lord Mayor, Cllr. McCarthy singing a rendition of ‘Smile’.
