I’m pleased to share that the Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New Perspectives, available on bookshelves now, includes a contribution by Robert Mulraney, Dr Marion Dowd and myself. This comprehensive and richly illustrated volume offers significant new insights into the Irish Civil War.
About the Book:
This book, edited by John Crowley, Helene O’Keeffe, Donal Ó Drisceoil, John Borgonovo and Mike Murphy, is organized into ten thematic sections. It includes thirteen core chapters, twenty case studies, and over 100 essay captions, along with nearly 400 photographs, paintings, archival documents, and forty maps. This landmark publication is a collaborative effort made possible through the support of the National Library of Ireland, and the 89 contributors.
My Contribution:
With my co-authors Robert Mulraney and Dr Marion Dowd, we contributed a chapter titled “The Strategic Use of a Cave Dugout During Sligo’s Civil War.” This chapter delves into the story of General Officer Commanding Billy Pilkington and his division’s use of Tormore Cave in County Sligo. We explore the history of their strategic retreat, survival, and the fascinating archaeological findings that bring their story to life. This chapter highlights how Billy Pilkington and his division utilized the cave as a refuge and strategic base during the Irish Civil War. Our detailed excavation reveals the harsh conditions the men endured, the crucial community support they received, and the preparations that made the cave a pivotal hideout. This narrative aims to enhance our understanding of guerrilla tactics and the resilience and ingenuity of those involved.
Full publication details:
Mulraney, R., Dowd, M. & Bonsall, J. 2024. The Strategic Use of a Cave Dugout During Sligo’s Civil War. In: Crowley, J., O’Keeffe, H., Ó Drisceoil, D., Borgonovo, J. and Murphy, M. (eds) Atlas of the Irish Civil War: New Perspectives. Cork University Press, Cork. pp74-77.
Dr James Bonsall 