Clare and the War of Independence

The IRA Volunteers of County Clare were pioneers of the tactics of guerrilla warfare. In 1919, with the moral support of Dr. Michael Fogarty, Catholic Bishop of Killaloe, they took on the vastly superior forces of the Crown. Through their successful ‘hit-and-run’ tactics, the IRA undermined and paralyzed British rule in the county until the truce finally came on 11 July 1921.

In this comprehensively researched and scholarly work, the author tells a story that highlights the particular role of the men and women of Clare in the national conflict, which offers unique insights into the major events, successful ambushes, Black and Tan reprisals and controversial IRA executions during the national struggle for independence.