Book launch - The Republican Struggle in Clare

clare | history and heritage | event notice Wednesday February 25, 2009 18:47 by An Puca - Me Fein

The Book Launch for "Blood On The Banner - The Republican Struggle In Clare" Will take place in The Ennis Bookshop, 13 Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare on Friday 27th February at 6.30 p.m.

The Book Launch for "Blood On The Banner - The Republican Struggle In Clare" By Padraig Og O Ruairc. Published by Mercier Press. Will take place in The Ennis Bookshop, 13 Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare on Friday 27th February at 6.30 p.m. T. Ryle Dwyer historian and columnist for thye Irish Examiner will be the guest speaker. All are welcome.

The book itself provides for the first time the full history of the War of Independence and Civil War in County Clare, as well as a background on the 1798 rebellion and the Fenians in the county. The book is now on sale.

Below is a review of the book by Brendan Griffan an amateur historian originally from Dublin, but now living in Killaloe Co. Clare.

"Blood on the Banner is a new book covering the history of the Clare Republican movement up to the end of the Irish Civil War. The book is rich in detail and provides sufficient context and background information to make it of interest to anyone with an interest in Early Modern Irish history or the history of the County Clare.

From the outset it is clear that the author has a radical but well argued message, proven by his willingness to name all of the Auxillaries and Black and Tans from the County Clare, something that goes completely contrary to the received history of the time. The author extends this approach to a frank assessment of the politcal and religious establishment, including many who were nominally pro independence, and their role in countering and later subverting the republican ideals expressed in the 1916 proclamation and the 1919 Democratic Programme.

However, this is not just a book of facts and figures. The author tells the story of the struggle for Independence, and brings alive the story of those involved in the fight for an independent Irish Republic. He conveys the strength of character of those involved, men and women who fought and overcame a strong imperial power. But this is a human story and the frailties of those involved are exposed, whether it be the misfire of a shotgun that spoiled an ambush or the divisions that threatened to split the Republican movement in Clare from its earliest days.

The book does not dwell on the 'bigger' national struggle except where it is necessary to provide a context for local actions and reprisals. The author shows how the movement that has emerged from the people rather than one that was driven by a few strong, national, personalities.

The emotive force and passion of those involved in the fight for freedom is conveyed through first hand accounts and at times carries the reader along with the sort of spirit that must have motivated those involved, an idealism and growing commitment that was fueled by British actions.

But this build up is not about driving republican sentiment, it is a precursor to the emotive impact of the Truce, Treaty and Civil War, in which former comrades carried out actions that the British were unwilling to.
The Civil War period is carefully addressed and sticks to the facts of what happened rather than a particular viewpoint. While the author seems to be more in favour of Republican idealism than pragmatism he is careful to present both sides of the story."

On the whole this is an accessible and worthwhile read and certainly a strong contribution to understanding the experience of the fight for Irish independence.