Kerry looks at its 1916 role

A new book titled ‘Kerry 1916: Histories and Legacies of the Easter Rising – A Centenary Record’ was launched to coincide with the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Featuring extensive newspaper reports, photographs from the period, first-hand testimonies and with a foreword by Kerry native and eminent historian Professor JJ Lee, the book is set to prove a must-read for those interested in local and national Irish history.

Detailing the stories of Kerry men and women involved in the rebellion and the impact of key events in Kerry during the wider revolutionary period, the book, compiled and edited by Kerry Writers Bridget McAulifee, Owen O’ Shea and UCD historian Dr Mary McAuliffe also outlines important social and political developments in the county before and after 1916.

Particular figures of note include Dan Healy, JJ McElligott and Michael T Knightly who were among the many Tralee natives active before and during the Rising in Tralee which is at the core of the book and was central to the wider Kerry and national story at the time.

“The significance of events in Kerry, the role of Kerry in the preparations for the Rising and the role of many Kerry men and women in those preparations are often overlooked or understated in the broader narrative of the period”, explained Dr McAuliffe.

She added that new research specifically details the role of women in Kerry in 1916 including that of Máirín Cregan who smuggled guns to Kerry, Lizanne O’Brien who organised Cumann na mBan and the sisters of The O’Rahilly – Nell and Anno – who were active in Cumann na mBan in Dublin.

“This is the first time the histories of all these Kerry men and women are detailed and presented in such a comprehensive form”, added Dr McAuliffe.

Kerry 1916: Histories and Legacies of the Easter Rising – A Centenary Record (Irish Historical Publications, pp320, €25 paperback, €35 hardback) was published on 22 April with an official launch at the Rose Hotel, Tralee, Co Kerry.