This new publication paints a compelling picture of Ireland during the period 1900-1924 in the context of the parish of Donoughmore, Co Cork. It explores, examines, and explains how in a remarkable display of perseverance a road to self-government was achieved. Building on the well-received Ancient Sweet Donoughmore: Life in an Irish Rural Parish to 1900 (2015) it broadens its scope, encompassing events in Cork City, Manchester and beyond giving a more expanded study of the period.

Land War to Civil War: Donoughmore to Cork and Beyond chronicles this development of a new invigorated nationalism which saw a reawakening of social, cultural, and political aspects of national identity. The visits of renowned Irish politicians Michael Davitt and William O’Brien to Donoughmore facilitated that resurgence. The area became one of the centres of attention along the road to independence in Cork and incidents such as the executions of Mrs. Lindsay and Geoffrey Compton- Smith propelled it to the forefront of international news.

The heroism displayed by ordinary men and women in putting their lives in danger in an era of intense vigilance and intimidation is captured in an incisive manner. This is aptly portrayed in the story of the Wallace sisters in Cork and by the previously unrecognised work of Mary Healy in Manchester.

Civil war brought out the worst in human nature and hunger strikes, executions and emigration created intense rancour and left a residual memory difficult to eradicate. On a lighter note, readers will be enthralled to hear of stories such as the IRA soldier who became a monk, the story of the ‘Moon Car’ which threatened to upsurge the treaty between Ireland and Britain and the ‘Titanic’ connection with Donoughmore.

€15 from each copy sold will be donated to Cancer Care services in Cork