Theobald Walsh of Carrickmines had not intended to defend his castle. The commander of the besieging forces, Sir Simon Harcourt, had not planned to attack it. Yet, in March 1642, the castle was destroyed and hundred of occupants massacred. how did this come to pass? Ranging across the areas of Shanganagh, Kilgobbin and Balally in south County Dublin, and Old Court and Killincarrig in County Wicklow, Mark Clinton explores this fascinating story of family, feuds and, ultimately, ruin.
Insurgencies are as psychological and political as much as military. In the War of Independence, the Irish needed to remain active for longer than the nerves of liberal Britain could stand, and they succeeded. Irish governance, rather than military victory, was always the goal. If success can be defined as doing more with less, than Michael Collins must be counted as among the great guerrilla planners of the twentieth century.
Sport and sporting pastimes have always been an important part of life in Cork. What is remarkable about Cork sports men and women is their success across the entire range of sporting disciplines.