The Knocklong History Group are enjoying a very positive reaction to the publication of ‘Honouring The Men and The Women of the War of Independence Volunteers in East and Mid Limerick’, writes John Barrett.
This book, which is the brainchild of the noted Limerick historian, Tom Toomey, features a comprehensive list of volunteers who were involved in the War of Independence Battalions, Cumann na mBan, the Flying Columns and the Brigade Command.
Battalion Boards
The publication is based on the Battalion Boards that have been displayed annually at the Knocklong History weekend, portrayed in Limerick City Hall for Heritage week in 2018 and made available on loan to other communities for history seminars. Many people who, having viewed the boards, expressed the view that it would be great to be able to have a copy of the boards in book form.
In addition to the original Battalion Boards, the publication committee has added the Flying Columns (Active Service Units), the Brigade Command structures and the key activities of the Flying Columns.
A roll call
This book acts as a roll call of honour to the men and women who risked their lives and sacrificed much in order to achieve Irish Independence. The majority of the people named on the boards were members of their own local companies and served in a variety of ways in freeing the country from British rule. The publication endeavours to give as complete a record as possible of the members of The Battalions, The Brigade Command Structure, Cumann na mBan and The Flying Columns. However, not every volunteer was in receipt of a military pension which means that their service may have gone undocumented due to this. Some volunteers chose not to apply for a pension, some emigrated and others died early due to poor health.
Volunteers listed
The volunteers listed stretch from the Limerick borders of North Cork, South West Tipperary and deep into Mid Limerick. The Kilteely Battalion included the companies of Knocklong, Herbertstown, Emly, Knockainey, Hospital, Garryspillane and Kilteely. The Caherconlish Battalion involved the companies of Caherconlish, Ballybricken, Fedamore, Ballyneety, Croom, and Killonan.
The Kilmallock Battalion incorporated Martinstown, Bulgaden, Elton, Ballingaddy, Dromin, Bruree and Kilmallock, while the Kilfinane Battalion includes the companies of Ardpatrick, Kilfinane, Glenroe, Knockanevin, Ballyorgan, Knockadea and Cush.
The Galbally Battalion involved Galbally, Barna, Anglesboro, Ballylanders, and Kilbehenny, while the Doon Battalion included Doon, Cappawhite, Oola, Cullen, Templebraden and Pallasgreen.
The Castleconnell Battalion featured the companies of Castleconnell, Ahane, Murroe, Cappamore, Annacotty and Abington.
The Bruff Battalion involved the companies of Bruff, Athlacca, Manister-Meanus, Grange and Lough Gur.
How to purchase
‘Honouring The Men and The Women: The War of Independence Volunteers in East and Mid Limerick’ is on sale at €20 per copy in Meade’s, Knocklong, Creeds’ of Elton and O’Sullivan’s Centra in Hospital.
The book can be delivered by post at an additional cost of €10 for postage and packaging, total cost €30.
Electronic transfer can be made to account using BIC: MIEUIE21. IBAN: IE22MIEU99106256013812
Please include your name in the transaction and text Mary Harty at 087-9776047.
Further information is available via Twitter on Knocklong History or on Facebook at Knocklong History and Knocklong Development-Association.
* The publication was made possible due to the generosity of patrons and funding from Creative Ireland: Made in Limerick.