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'The War of Independence in East Cork' is the story of conflict in one of Ireland's bloodiest eras
Probably the most extensive history of the War of Independence in one of the bloodiest regions in the country will be published later this year following years of painstaking research by three men.
The War of Independence in East Cork, which is being published by The History Press, will focus on East Cork which was a particularly violent area with many IRA ambushes and attacks on Crown Forces. It will feature never before published pictures and specially commissioned drawings and maps.
It has been extensively researched and complied by East Cork historians, Tom O'Neill and Eugene Power from Midleton, and Paul Busteed from Cobh.
The 400-page book will feature a comprehensive lists of local IRA men and Crown Forces who were involved in the actions.
The War of Independence in East Cork - by historians Tom O'Neill and Eugene Power from Midleton and Paul Busteed from Cobh.
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East Cork was the area of operations of the 4th Battalion, First Cork Brigade IRA. The 4th Battalion consisted of 17 companies, located in the towns and villages in the region. The three principal IRA Companies in East Cork were Cobh, Midleton, and Youghal, the activities of which will be extensively covered in the book.
It will also include details of IRA activities in the rural company areas, including the formation of the companies, actions carried out, and lists of the members in the companies.
One of the authors, Tom O'Neill, told the Irish Examiner the information regarding the company activities was compiled from accounts written by the IRA veterans involved in these actions.
IRA's first significant national success
'During the War of Independence, the first significant national success for the IRA was the attack, capture, and destruction of Carrigtwohill RIC Barracks on January 3, 1920,' Mr O'Neill said
"This was followed by the capture of Castlemartyr RIC Barracks the following month and the capture and destruction of Cloyne RIC Barracks that May."
Two of the book's co-authors — Eugene Power with a photo of the men who died at Clonmult in 1921, and Tom O'Neill with the Ballykinlar Cross.
Clonmult ambush anniversary procession passing through Main St, Midleton, Co Cork, on February 26, 1935. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive
These three successful barrack attacks are extensively documented and lists of the local IRA members and Crown Forces involved in the three attacks will be included in the book.
Several other actions are covered in detail, including the ambushes at Mile Bush, Ballyedekin, Churchtown North; the Midleton ambush, Bunker Hill in Cobh, and Youghal Bridge.
It will also include detailed information about 'the blowing up' of the band of the Hampshire Regiment near Youghal, and the attempted raids to capture arms from Ballyquirke Airship Station.
The IRA and Crown Forces killings in Youghal, Castlemartyr, Cloyne, Whitegate, Ballycotton, and Ballymacoda, are all thoroughly examined.
Clonmult ambush
'There were also reversals for the IRA,' Mr O'Neill said.
"Its worst tragedy of the War of Independence was at Clonmult near Midleton, when the East Cork flying column was wiped out.
"There were several IRA, British Army, RIC, and civilian fatalities in East Cork and the details of all are covered."
The accounts of the actions in the book are taken from primary sources, contemporary newspapers, and official documents.
The authors made extensive use of documents and lists from the Irish Military Archives in Dublin and the UK National Archives in Kew, London. Newspaper archives from across Ireland and the UK were also used for research material.
Mr O'Neill said the book presents 'a balanced history of the exciting, dangerous, and dramatic times of the war between the IRA and Crown Forces in East Cork, and will be an outstanding addition to the depth of our knowledge of the time.'
The authors aim to launch the book throughout East Cork during November.
