An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 45 authors: Alan Bogan, Pádraic Agnew & Marcus Howard published by: The Write Space Isbn: 978-1911345381 pages: 348 price: €19.99 A definitive account of the journey of the Louth Volunteers, and how it corresponded with events in Dublin as told in their own words. The book also shines a light on the social history of Louth in the years leading up to the Rising and the aftermath. Members of the Louth Volunteers 1916 Facebook page, Alan Bogan, Pádraic Agnew and Marcus Howard felt it important to do justice to their memory:"These Volunteers were not motivated by money, but by love of their country, to take on an Empire." The book was completely financed by the authors. The foreword is written by Eoin MacLochlainn, a relative of Pádraic Pearse who was fascinated to find out what happened outside of Dublin. The book gives a real insight into how the Louth Volunteers did everything they could to follow directions given to them in spite of the countermanding order by Eoin MacNeill. The Louth Volunteers had tried to form an alliance with the Fingal battalion to help form a ring around the city. The book was launched to relatives in 2016 as it was important to get it out for the 100th anniversary. "We were blown away with the demand for the book and it sold out in just over 2 weeks. A second run with more photos and improvements is due out shortly." The book also tells the story of the confrontation a number of Volunteers had in 1910 when they faced down the town of Dundalk, who at that time, wished to praise the accession of King George V as King of Britain and Ireland. Many witness statements given to the Bureau of Military History are bursting with fascinating details. A number of 1916 relatives from around the country have purchased the book as well as many history enthusiasts. One person at the relatives launch bought 16 books! Orders have been received from Australia, Chicago and London. the book is available from the Louth 1916 Volunteers Facebook page and in Carroll's bookshop and Sloanes newsagents in Dundalk, as well as many local businesses. orders can also be placed through dundalk1916relatives@gmail.com or 087 2186127. THE lOuTH vOlunTEERS 1916 author: Liz Gillis publisher: Kilmainham Tales Teo (June 2017) www. kilmainhamtales.ie Isbn: 978-1-908056269 pages: 116 price: €18 or €24 with P&P It is interesting to note, that since the burning of the Custom House in Dublin on the 25th May 1921, little has been written on one of the most daring and audacious operations ever conducted by the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence. The odd article in a newspaper or journal has, in some way, contributed to keeping this event in the public domain. That is, until now. Historians and authors Liz Gillis and Mícheál Ó Doibhilín have, in their latest work rectified the omission of this military operation from the annals of Irish history. Often considered by some as a military failure that destroyed the IRA's Second Battalion in the city, these two historians have, based on their extensive research, challenged this view. They argue that the operation was a success that contributed greatly to the bringing about of a truce with Britain and the subsequent Treaty negotiations that followed. Their interest in the subject was heightened by the discovery of a photographic album held in Kilmainham Gaol. Further research of the names of those within the album resulted in the historians discovering that they were men involved in the burning of the Custom House in 1921. The operation is often perceived as a failure by a number of historians but witness statements and the recently released pension files held by Military Archives in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, reveal a very different story. Those involved stated that the mission had been a success, with their target destroyed. Though many were arrested by crown forces, the operation had succeeded and the designated mission had been accomplished. It is perhaps, later political opinions that have overshadowed and sidelined the operation and those involved to only a brief mention in our nations rich and vibrant history. During the decade of centenaries and the years that follow, this book will prove an invaluable source of information both on the operation and those involved. An essential and excellent read, for all those interested in this period of Irish history. PC mAy 25: The BUrnInG oF The CUSTom hoUSe

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