Ernie O'Malley Books

The second book in Ernie O'Malley's memoirs of the War of Independence and Civil War in 1920s Ireland.

Set against the backdrop of the Irish Civil War from Easter 1916 onwards, this collection presents firsthand accounts from key participants in Kerry's conflict. Narrated to Ernie O'Malley in the late 1940s and early 1950s, these stories reveal the personal experiences of men who were previously hesitant to share their exploits, even with family. O'Malley, a revered IRA leader, provides a unique lens through which these untold narratives come to light, offering a profound insight into the complexities of war and memory.

Capturing the essence of early 20th-century Ireland, the narrative offers vivid portrayals of everyday life, societal attitudes, and influential figures surrounding the Easter Rising and the subsequent War. O'Malley, initially apathetic towards the quest for independence, experiences a transformation during the 1916 uprising, ultimately aligning himself with the Irish Republican Army. The book provides a personal perspective on the tumultuous events that shaped modern Ireland, reflecting the complexities of loyalty and identity during a pivotal historical moment.

Classic memoir of fighting in Ireland's War of Independence and the Civil War that followed.

The book offers a rare glimpse into the memories of Galway survivors from the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, as captured in Ernie O'Malley's handwritten notebooks. Many of these individuals were reluctant to share their stories even with family, yet they opened up to O'Malley, a prominent Republican military leader. Their accounts shed light on significant events like the Clifden attack and the struggles faced by Galway IRA volunteers, providing invaluable insights into a pivotal era in Irish history.

In 1941, 1955 and 1956, the former revolutionary leader Ernie O'Malley visited the Aran Islands. While there, O'Malley kept diaries recounting his daily conversations and interactions. The diaries, devoid of sentiment and often highly critical, reveal his views on art, literature, history and contemporary Irish life and international affairs.