Ordinary lives in extraordinary times
A new book about Limerick's role in the War of Independence highlights the contribution of the ordinary people of Limerick
THE true story of Limerick's heroic and violent involvement in the War of Independence is set to be revealed in a new book released this week by UL historian Dr John O'Callaghan.
In 'Revolutionary Limerick: The Republican Campaign for Independence in Limerick, 1913-1921', Dr O'Callaghan uncovers evidence that Limerick was one of the most violent areas of revolutionary activity during this defining period in our history.
Dr O'Callaghan said that his intention in researching the book was to focus on local protagonists rather than more well-known Republican freedom fighters.
"We always hear about Michael Collins and the great revolutionary heroes but this book focuses on ordinary people like the Limerick IRA and Sinn Fin leaders.
"An example would be the Daly family from Limerick city, who were local business people involved in the IRA.
"John Daly, the patriarch, was one of the leading Fenians in Ireland from the late 19th century. The Daly family ran a bakery on William Street, lived on Barrington Street and would have been well-known at the time.
"Ned Daly, a nephew of John's, was executed after the 1916 Rising. Madge Daly and Kathleen Daly, who married Thomas Clarke, were leading figures in Cumann na mBan," he said.
Dr O'Callaghan set out to investigate such controversial issues as the part played by spies and informers in Limerick's struggle for independence, along with details of individuals executed by the IRA.
"There are several instances of individuals being executed in Limerick by the IRA for allegedly passing information to British forces for use against the Republican movement. In Limerick there were seven people executed in such a manner," he explained.
Among the heroes, Dr O'Callaghan counts the two mayors of Limerick, George Clancy and Michael O'Callaghan, whose memory is kept alive by the Sarsfield Bridge monument near the Strand Hotel.
"They were both members of the Republican movement. Their monument seems to have been downgraded in importance in recent years and that's a sore point for a lot of Limerick people," he said.
As part of the intelligence war in Limerick, the IRA Infiltrated institutions like Limerick railway station to aid the communication of important messages around the country.
"Two of the main IRA members in county Limerick were Sean Wall, Commandant of the East Limerick Brigade, and Sean Finn in West Limerick. Between 1919 and 1921, over 130 people were killed in Limerick as a result of political violence. Just under 50 of them were IRA members, another 50 would have been members of the Crown forces and the rest would have been civilians caught up in the crossfire," he added.
The first half of the book examines the advance of militant nationalism prior to 1916, while the second half considers how a republican counter-state was established by analysing the military campaign of the IRA.
Dr O'Callaghan described Limerick as "one of the most violent theatres of the Revolution" with a graphic example.
"In August 1920, the IRA carried out an operation in Limerick city sparking British retaliation. After that, for much of the day, the British forces went on a rampage around the city, destroyed a lot of property and opened fire on civilians. Around the Carey's Road area of the city, houses were severely damaged. Some properties were burnt and windows were smashed," he said.
The motivation of Limerick participants in the war was also analysed for the presence of any sectarian undercurrent.
"My findings would suggest that in Limerick there was no evidence that sectarianism played any part. Limerick's struggle was politically-motivated and not driven by religious hatred," he added.
As an academic hailing from Caherdavin, Dr O'Callaghan completed an undergraduate degree in history and politics in UL before continuing to PhD level.
"This kind of work hadn't been done to any great extent on Limerick before. It's an academic book but it will hopefully appeal to all Limerick people," he said.
'Revolutionary Limerick', available in bookshops now, will be officially launched on May 31 by head of the history department, Dr Run O'Donnell, at Plassey House in UL.
"The launch is open to any interested members of the public to attend," Dr O'Callaghan added.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Limerick
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
