Cambridge-based historian John O’Beirne Ranelagh interviewed 100 former members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood during the 1970s. Much of the material has been unused - until now
‘Ireland’s freedom was not won, it was given’: Historian’s new book casts fresh light on old struggleUK government could face court challenge to force unity referendum, says Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty
For the Cambridge-based historian, the “consciously small and elite” IRB is in today’s world the forgotten chapter in Ireland’s revolutionary years, but one whose history is central to understanding the period. For centuries, the most enduring role for republicans, if not successful in rebellion, was to be the holders of the flame for a new generation, a role the IRB played in advance of the Fenian Rising in 1867 and up to 1916.
Deasy he particularly admires because of the vitriol he faced in the decades afterwards: “A wonderful man. But he stood up and looked them in the eye. Didn’t go to America. Stayed here.” Here, O’Beirne Ranelagh pauses, thinking about his next words. He has thought about them carefully, so he delivers them in slow, measured tones.“That’s unpalatable, but it is a fact. A recognition would mean that we could build with greater amity because nothing’s going to be won by force any more on these islands. It’s got to be won by agreement and friendship.”
“The truth is what you must deal with. Because if you deal with it, you can make a better future rather than pretend that the past was a great success, which it wasn’t,” he goes on. If generous about Maguire, the historian is withering about Tom Barry: “He was an egomaniac. Daddy said that in 1919 in Bandon he saw Barry running looking for Shinners to beat up.
“That car was in bright yellow. People don’t realise this. How many yellow cars do you see? It was probably the only one in Ireland then. I think it was probably specially painted yellow,” he says. O’Beirne Ranelagh’s 1970s search for documents brought him – with the aid of a 1936 phone directory – to the North Circular Road in Dublin in search of Martin Conlan, the last secretary of the IRB’s supreme council.
Northern-Ireland Weekendreview Irish-Civil-War
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump ticks enough boxes to ensure debate about American fascism will continueHis actions and rhetoric have divided historians over whether he is a fascist
Read more »
Joe Canning: Cork deserved their win, but this Limerick team is far from finishedLimerick will win more All-Irelands as long as John Kiely and Paul Kinnerk don’t walk away
Read more »
John Hunt given tribute during England coverage after BBC star's wife and daughters killedMark Pougatch sent his love and thoughts to BBC horseracing commentator John Hunt before going on air on ITV to broadcast England's Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands
Read more »
– Tony Delaney on James Clarence Mangan, John Keegan and the cholera epidemic of 1849The epidemic took hold quickly in 1849 with devastating effect
Read more »
Legendary American jockey John Velazquez's Naas visit ends in disappointmentVelazquez, one of the most decorated riders in the sport, made the most of a two-week holiday in Ireland by taking a ride at Naas on Wednesday
Read more »
Fine Gael Senator John McGahon sued in High Court for alleged assault and batteryCo Monaghan farmer Breen White claims politician attacked him as he and his wife waited for a lift outside a Dundalk pub
Read more »