Athlone native publishes new book on revolutionary period in Roscommon

A new book on the revolutionary period in Roscommon by Baylough native Dr John Burke has been published.

'Roscommon – The Irish Revolution 1912-23' tells the story of a county transitioning to new political allegiances while retaining old economic desires.

Published by Four Courts Press as part of the Revolution in Ireland series, the book is available this week.

Son of John and Carmel (nee Curran), John Burke is a graduate of GMIT and holds a PhD in history from National University of Ireland, Galway.

He is the author of 'Athlone, 1900–1923: politics, revolution and civil war' and 'Athlone in the Victorian era'.

John told the Westmeath Independent the latest book was the result of five years of research. It utilises the most recent material available on the period, including releases by the Military Archives, and papers from the British War Office and Home Office.

It focuses on the fight for land as the ever present backdrop to the history of a county which was almost wholly dependent on agriculture to fuel the local economy and sustain the county’s people.

The book spans a period of rapid political and social change in Roscommon, from the pre-World War days of Irish Parliamentary Party political dominance right through to the end of the Civil War.

By 1912 the organisation that had provided leadership in the land fight – the Irish Parliamentary Party – was on the cusp of achieving Irish home rule, a measure believed to have the potential to settle the land issue.

The need to protect the bill saw thousands in Roscommon join the Irish Volunteers and proclaim their opposition to anti-home rule unionists.

The First World War led to the suspension of home rule and a call by Irish MPs for their followers to support the British war effort.

However, a combination of increasing wartime prices, inadequate food production, ongoing land issues as well as the toleration of partition by local MPs and the draconian British response to Easter 1916 caused many in Roscommon to reassess their political allegiance.

Sensationally, in February 1917, Roscommon elected the first Sinn Féin-backed MP. This proved a decisive step in the demise of the Irish Parliamentary Party and the success of Sinn Féin, which reinvigorated the fight for the land as part of its efforts for a republic.

In 1919, Roscommon men took up arms against the British to pursue Sinn Féin aims, only to turn the weapons on one another three years later when conflict over the continued pursuit of the Irish Republic led to civil war.

In tracing the history of Roscommon during these years of instability, Burke’s careful research has produced a comprehensive and accessible study that illuminates and explains the changes and continuities that defined the period.

Dr Burke explained that the South Roscommon area is well represented in the book, with the activities of James Tormey explored, along with incidents in Clonark, Drum and Kiltoom during the War of Independence and of course, the burning of Knockcroghery.

He traces the growth of Sinn Fein and highlights its positioning on the resurgent land agitation during the War of Independence as a key factor in its increasing strength in Roscommon.

Dr Burke said the value of books such as these is to provide a local level insight into the period concerned.

He said often there is a the assumption that there was little significant activity during the War of Independence and Civil War period in certain counties, when, in fact, often there is more to the local story than expected.

“I think it's very important to explore the reality of what happened with the sources that are available as opposed to making assumptions.”

John thanked the publishers, Dr Daithí Ó Corráin, lead editor on the book, and his family for their support.

Roscommon. The Irish Revolution, 1912-23 is available in paperback for €24.95 and is published by Four Courts Press.