Memoirs of an Old Warrior () von Dónal Ó hEalaithe

This is a gripping account of the War of Independence in Muskerry and in the Mid-Cork area. It covers many events not detailed elsewhere, and includes a detailed account of Cumann na mBan in the region, statements by some of the key participants and details of the intelligence and communication systems and chain of command used by the rebels.

ContentsFocal Buidheachais/Acknowledgements5Preface7Introduction15The Volunteers' Chain of Command25The Cúil Aodha Volunteers43Map of Mid Cork Ambush Sites54The Baile Mhúirne Volunteers56The Ballingeary Volunteers68The Kilnamartyra Volunteers77Map of Muskerry IRA Security Circle82The Inchigeela Volunteers84Béal a'Ghleanna The Mouth of the Glen Ambush90The Ráth Attack and the Burning of the Court House and theGreat House98The Geata Bán and Slippery Rock Ambushes116The Keimaneigh and Tuírin Dubh Ambushes127The Muskerry Murders131The Capture and Torture of Neddy MacSweeny149The Lissarda and Dripsey Ambushes155The Cúil na Cathrach Ambush 161The Encirclement of the Column201

Jamie Moynihan had the unique distinction of being officer commanding the group of Volunteers who carried out the FIRST armed attack on crown forces in Ireland during the War of Independence, at the Mouth of the Glen, in Muskerry, on 7 July 1918, and also of the volunteers who carried out the LAST armed attack of that war, at Céim Carraige, Carriganima, at 3pm on the day of the Truce, 11 July 1921. This is a gripping and detailed account of the War of Independence in Muskerry and in the Mid-Cork area that will capture the imagination of the reader. It covers many events not detailed elsewhere, including the hijacking of 'Sliabh na mBan' the armoured car in which Michael Collins was later shot and the Battle of Ballyvourney, the Rath attack and the burning of the courthouse. It also includes a detailed account of Cumann na mBan in the region, several statements by some of the key participants in events of the time and details of the intelligence and communication systems and chain of command used by the rebels.It has been compiled from Moynihan's extensive records of the time and will be of huge interest to anyone wanting to find out more about this turbulent time in Ireland's history.

Dónal Ó hEalaithe has lived all his life in Cúil Aodha in mid Cork. He has published many plays, poems and articles in Irish and has carried out extensive research on history, heritage and folklore, particularly in his local area. His father and several of his relations fought in the War of Independence alongside Jamie Moynihan, and he interviewed him extensively about his experiences at the time. He has also spent many years going through Moynihan's own papers and many other primary sources to compile this fascinating account of the man and his times.