The Terror War

 The Terror War

Author, historian and public speaker Joe Connell will discuss the effects of the actions of both sides of the Irish War of Independence, during which the British and the Irish sides often reflected one another. They both did well in some areas, and were deficient in others.  Further, it must be emphasised that both sides used terror – burnings – murder – shearing women’s hair etc. – to intimidate the Irish population. 

British Field Marshal Henry Wilson said of the Black and Tans: “reprisals were being carried out without anyone being responsible; men were being murdered, houses burnt, villages wrecked … It was the business of the Government to govern.

If these men ought to be murdered, then the Government ought to murder them”.

Michael Collins could equally chillingly say: “Careful application of terrorism is also an excellent form of total communication”. 

The actions of the British and Irish frequently mirrored one another – an uncomfortable reality of the war.

This talk will examine the trauma of the times – both the exceptional and the ordinary – through a diverse range of topics, including one of the major IRA attacks, the burning of the Custom House on May 25, 1921 and its effect on those who executed it and those who suffered by it.

Joe Connell

Joseph E. A. Connell Jnr. Is the author of several acclaimed books on the Irish revolutionary years 1916-1923, including Where’s Where In Dublin; Who’s Who in the Dublin Rising 1916; Dublin Rising 1916; Michael Collins: Dublin 1916-22; Dublin In Rebellion; The Shadow War; Rebels’ Priests; Unequal Patriots; Teaching Rebels; Who Shot Michael Collins? and is a regular contributor to “History Ireland” and other publications.

Available to view *here*