November 2020  November will be a busy month for commemorations, and events are spread throughout the country.   

Many of the events listed below were originally planned as ‘in-person’ events and all organisers and participants are to be commended for adapting their programmes, some at very short notice.     

As always, if you would like to inform us of any suitable material – anything related to the Decade of Centenaries – please feel free to email [email protected].     

Carlow County Council Decade of Centenaries Programme – Kevin Barry and the Oral Tradition

When Kevin Barry was executed, on November 1^st, 1920, he had packed a lot of living into his eighteen years on this earth. From his own comments and letters, from comments of family and friends, we know that he played rugby and hurling, he loved dancing, he enjoyed the company of his friends, male and female and the camaraderie of sing-songs. He had a promising medical career before him, as well as potential for a political career. So, why did he, gladly, give it all away and sacrifice such a full and promising life for Ireland? 

Kevin Barry and the Oral Tradition examines that influences that moulded his character, gave him the principles and the physical and moral courage to engage in conflict with the forces of the British empire, and, to sacrifice his life and his future for those same principles.

Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Tom O’Neill stated: It is vitally important to recognise the part Kevin Barry played in the history of our county and country and I wish to acknowledge the work of all those involved in this Centenary project delivered in spite of the current demanding circumstances.’

The focus for the Carlow County Council Decade of Centenaries Programme 2020 is on Kevin Barry who was executed 100 years ago this coming November 1st.

The main event is Kevin Barry and the Oral Tradition which has been a year in the making. A Carlow story told by Carlow people, the event will outline the various influences on Kevin as a young boy growing up in Tombeagh, Rathvilly with particular emphasis on the songs and stories which shaped his views and principles.

Speaking as Cathaoirleach of the Carlow County Council Centenaries Committee, Cllr. Charlie Murphy stated: ‘Over the last number of years Carlow County Council have represented the Decade of Centenaries through thoughtful, respectful and appropriate programmes where the events of that period of Irish and Carlow history are acknowledged and commemorated in a considered fashion.’

Filmed in VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and GB Shaw Theatre, Carlow Central Library and the Barry household, the feature will provide for a fitting remembrance of and reflection on a young man who went to his death at a time of great difficulty for this country.

Kevin Barry and the Oral Tradition is complimented by three other events which will also be delivered online during the first week of November.

• Kevin Barry: a conversation with Professor Eunan O’Halpin hosted by Carlow County Museum on November 2nd at 8pm
• An Irish Hero for Children with Carmel Uí Cheallaigh and Rathvilly NS on November 3rd at 12pm
• A Memoir of Kevin Barry with Síofra O’Donovan and Michael Moriarty hosted by Carlow County Council Library Service on November 4th at 8pm

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, all events are being pre-recorded and will be broadcast online through the Carlow County Library YouTube Channel and circulated through social media.Kevin Barry and the Oral Tradition Commemoration Booklet

All information on upcoming events are available *here* and *YouTube* 

In Mountjoy Jail one Monday morning…’ —the Irish Revolution in ballad and song

Kevin Barry is one of the most popular, and certainly one of the most sung, of Irish ballads. 

But who was Kevin Barry? Why was he immortalised in song? 

And what has been the significance of the ballad tradition generally in the Irish Revolution and, indeed, of the Irish Revolution in the ballad tradition? 

Listen *HERE* to History Ireland editor, Tommy Graham,in discussion with Liz Gillis, Eunan O’Halpin, Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc and Fintan Vallely.

This Hedge School, supported by the Department ofTourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative.

New publication:    The Dead of the Irish Revolution 

The first comprehensive account to record and analyze all deaths arising from the Irish revolution between 1916 and 1921. 

This account covers the turbulent period from the 1916 Rising to the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 1921. Eunan O’Halpin and Daithì Ó Corráin catalogue and analyze the deaths of all men, women, and children who died during the revolutionary years; 505 in 1916; 2,344 between 1917 and 1921.  

This study provides a unique and comprehensive picture of everyone who died. Available now.    

Centenary events series launched to mark 100thanniversary of Bloody Sunday atrocity at Croke Park. 

The GAA Museum at Croke Park has launched a poignant commemorative events series to mark the centenary of Bloody Sunday, the darkest day in the history of the GAA and a pivotal day in the Irish War of Independence.

As the national custodian of the archives and artefacts of the Gaelic Athletic Association, the GAA Museum has unveiled a diverse and sensitively curated series of events entitled ‘Remembering Bloody Sunday’, 100 years on from the day 14 civilians were killed by the RIC and 60 more were injured during 90 seconds of gun fire during a football challenge match between Dublin and Tipperary at Croke Park.

A special edition of RTÉ Radio One’s Sunday Miscellany will also take place the GAA Museum on Saturday 14 November, focusing on Croke Park, the GAA and the events around Bloody Sunday. 

As part of the commemorations, community based creative writing project Fighting Words will run a series of workshops for local older residents that will involve having conversations to uncover a more personal history of the area and its people over the last 100 years.

Participants will discuss general history and accounts of Bloody Sunday that may have been passed down through generations. The process will culminate in the creation of a book capturing the stories, co-written by those who take part.                    

   ——————————————–

Bloody Sunday was one of the most significant eventsin the Irish War of Independence, marking a decisive turning point in the military struggle betweenthe British forces and the IRA. 

On Sunday 21 November 1920, sixteen British intelligence agents were shot dead and five were wounded in Dublin City by Michael Collins’ IRA squad. Later that evening thousands gathered at Croke Park to watch a great challenge match between rivals Dublin and Tipperary, when combined forces of RIC and British Military surrounded the grounds and opened fire on the crowd in retaliation. 

Tipperary footballer Michael Hogan, along with 13 spectators, lost their lives, and more than 60 were injured. Later than evening, the killing of two high ranking Dublin IRA Officers, Dick McKee and Peadar Clancy, in
Dublin Castle brought the tragic day to an end. Bloody Sunday marked a decisive turning-point in the military struggle between the British forces and the IRA. 

Full programme details *HERE*

 The Story of the 14 Victims

A brief overview of each of the 14 victims *here*

Have you listened to the History Ireland podcasts?

Well more than 10K people have since May 2020.

See what you are missing: the History Ireland podcast channel *here* – Apple podcast channel *here* or wherever you get your podcasts.

In addition to those already available, the list of podcasts due for the remainder of 2020 is listed above. 

India, Ireland and World War 1: The Connaught Rangers 1920 Mutiny and its Socio-Political Dimensions   The Embassy of Ireland (EoI) in collaboration with the history department at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have organised this online academic conference on the centenary of a significant milestone in the history of theConnaught Rangers, an Irish regiment of the British army, who were posted to India in 1919-1920.  The Connaught Rangers represent a deep connection between Ireland and India and the conference aims to celebrate this connection. Registration for the webinar can be found *here*   In advance of the webinar listen to a recent History Ireland podcast on the Connaught Rangers mutiny. On 28 June 1920, five men from CCompany of the 1st Battalion of the Connaught Rangers led a mutiny in Jalandhar, Punjab, in protest against martial law in Ireland.  Following their surrender a few days later, 88 mutineers were court-martialed, of whom 77 were imprisoned; the leader, James Daly, was executed.  The imprisoned mutineers were released in 1923; they returned to Ireland, and in 1936 were granted State pensions.  In 1970 the remains of James Daly and two other mutineers were repatriated from India.  Listen to Tommy Graham, editor of History Ireland, discuss the complex web of issues arising from these events and their commemoration both in 1970 and today with John Gibney, Cécile Gordon, Brian Hanley and Kate O’Malley.  Spotify link *here* Available on the History Ireland website *here*   This podcast is part of the History Ireland Hedge School programmesupported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht underthe Decade of Centenaries 2012–2023 initiative.

Decade of Centenaries Local Legacies Programme in 2020  Louth 1920 Online Archives Exhibition 1920 was yet another momentous year in the Decade of Centenaries.  With the War of Independence raging, all-island local elections were held, which were the first elections in Ireland to use Proportional Representation. Much of what occurred during this significant period in Irish history took place at a local level and is documented in local archival sources which have heretofore been available to those able to visit the County Archives.  Now with the kind assistance of funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Louth County Archives Service has digitised and made available online a selection of these surviving public and private archives, dating to the 1920 period. It has also utilised these sources to create an online archives exhibition to commemorate 1920. Included in the digitisation are extant minute books of Louth County Council, the former Drogheda Corporation, Dundalk Urban District Council and the Rural District Councils of Ardee and Drogheda, in addition to a selection of other archives from the 1920 – 1922 period such as music and theatre programmes and photographs or local trade and business directories. The purpose of developing this digital content is to support local research and scholarship by providing free online access to local archival sources, and thereby assisting in the democratisation of accessto records and serving as an additional preservation method for the original collection. Furthermore, it will assist individuals in working remotely and will support studentsin their studies. The exhibition which includes archives of a general, social, political and military nature provides a flavour of what life was like at this time and of the journey from revolution with violence into a functioning democracy. The hope is that by creating this digital content, it will have the benefit of enhancing public knowledge and developing a deeper understanding of local circumstancesduring this fundamental time in our history. It should be of interest to members of the public, students, local historians, opinion formers and writers.  Louth 1920 Online Archives Exhibition available *here*   The link to the County Louth Online Digital Archives is *here*   County Longford Online events 3 November, at 7pm ‘The burning of Granard, 3-4 November 1920’, a talk by Fr Tom Murray PP. Fr Murray is a well-known local historian and a member of the County Longford Decade of Centenaries Working Group.  4 November, at 7 pm ‘The Battle of Ballinalee, 4 November 1920’, a talk by Bernard Sexton.Bernard is an expert on the North Longford Flying Column and a grandson of one of its members. He is a member of the County Longford Decade of Centenaries Working Group.  5 November, at 7 pm A reading of Canon James Butler’slecture on the burning of Granard, by Tom Pettit, Granard. Canon Butler was a witness to the destruction of Granard and he gave the lecture on the 50th anniversary in 1970. Tom Pettit’s family premises were destroyed in the attack on the town.  6 November, at 7 pm ‘Ballinalee: Dawn of Victory’, performed by the Ballinalee Players. This is a specially-commissioned piece, dramatising aspects of the battle.  14 November, 11 am to 6 pm A conference on ‘County Longford and the War of Independence’. The contributors are: Dr Marie Coleman (Queen’s University Belfast), Dr Mel Farrell (Royal Irish Academy), Dr Paul Hughes (independent scholar) and Prof Eunan O’Halpin (Trinity College Dublin). The conference will explore the militaryand political dimensions of the war in Longford; the work of Laurence Ginnell; and the ‘Dead of the Irish Revolution’ project.  25 November, at 7pm ‘The 1920 local elections in County Longford’, a talk by Martin Morris. Martin Morris is the Archivist in Longford County Council and the Decade of Centenaries Coordinator for the county.  The above will be made available on the Youtube channel of Longford County Library, Heritage and Archives Services, with links to them from the Decade of Centenaries – Longford and Longford Heritage and Archives Facebook pages.  December Online talks for schools, incorporating material from ‘County Longford in Times of War and Revolution’ education pack (dates to be confirmed).  Publications The forthcoming edition of Teathbha: Journal of County Longford Historical Society will include essays on the burning of Granard and the Battle of Ballinalee. The journal is due for publication in November and copies can be ordered from [email protected].  The Longford Leader will publish online and in its hardcopy edition, an article on the events of 31 October to 4 November 1920, by local historian Seán Ó Suilleabháin, to coincide with the centenaries. See www.longfordleader.ie. A City Remembers – Cork 1920 1920 was a year of profound importance in Ireland’s history. During this time of great challenges and strife, Cork City played a pivotal role in our country’s fight for freedom. It has been Cork City Council’s aim to commemorate the centenary of 1920 to gain a deeper understanding of how Irish society has been shaped by our past, to walk for a moment in the footsteps of our ancestors and learn from the men and women of this era who fought for the freedom that we take for granted today.  Take a step back in time and watch the history of Cork come to life through video, imagery, behind the scenes tours and interviews.  All details available *here*  Muriel MacSwiney  A Cork-based contemporary abstract pop artist remembers the women of the Centenary as part of this years’commemorations. Jeanette Collins created a piece featuring Muriel MacSwiney – the wife of former Lord Mayor of Cork Terence MacSwiney. The artist said that her focus for this piece is to draw attention to the women of 1920-23, that they remain largely unspoken of and their stories and struggles aren’t always to the forefront of remembrance.  This art piece now hangs in St. Peters in North Main Street, Cork, where copies of the image are for sale.To order, please email [email protected] (please remember that they are closed under Level 5 restrictions).               Cork Historical & Archaeological Society  As part of their online Winter lecture series, the CorkHistorical & Archaeological Society will be hosting the following lecture:   Wednesday 11th November @ 7.30pm, Michael Lenihan speaking on ‘Cork Burning, an illustrated talk’. The numbers who can attend these lectures is limited, so early registration is strongly recommended. Registration will be made available in the in the period leading up to each lecture. Register *here*    Terence MacSwiney—martyrdom, civil resistance & the Irish Revolution  On 25 October 1920, after 74 days on hunger strike, Terence MacSwiney, lord mayor of Cork, died in Brixton Prison.His death not only evoked huge sympathy within Ireland but was also a turning point in the mobilisation of Irish nationalism abroad.In addition, his martyrdom inspired anti-colonialstruggles throughout the world, particularly in India.  Listen *HERE* to History Ireland editor Tommy Graham discuss these and related questions, in particular the relationship between passive, civil and physical resistance, with Dr John Borgonovo, Dr Sarah-Ann Buckley Dr Kate O’Malley and Dr Pádraig Yeates.    This podcast is part of the History Ireland Hedge School programme supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under the Decade of Centenaries 2012–2023 initiative. Cork—crucible of the War of Independence  Why was it that Cork (county and city), which accounted for c. 10% of the country’s population, produced nearly 25% of those killed in the War of Independence? What role did its substantial (c. 10%) non-Catholic (mainly loyalist) population play? Did individual IRA commanders like Tom Barry make a difference and what was the significance of the engagements he led at Kilmichael and Crossbarry?    Listen *HERE* to Tommy Graham, editor of History Ireland, discuss these and related questions with Andy Bielenberg,  Eve Morrison, Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc and Gerry White.   This podcast is supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under the Decade of Centenaries 2012–2023 initiative Commemorating Bloody Sunday in the Junior Cycle history classroom In the early morning of Sunday 21 November 1920 units of Dublin’s IRA assassinated 11 suspected British intelligence agents; two Auxiliaries and two civilians were also killed. That afternoon Crown forces opened fire on the crowd at a Dublin vs Tipperary football match in Croke Park, killing 14 people. Later that evening senior IRA officers Peadar Clancy and Dick McKee, and civilian Conor Clune, were ‘shot while trying to escape’ from Dublin Castle. Collectively these killings became known as Bloody Sunday. To discuss these events, with particular relevance to history teachers, join History Ireland editor, Tommy Graham *HERE*, in discussion with Donal Fallon, John Gibney, Liz Gillis and Angela Hanratty.