Venue & Presenter
On the 22nd November our Historical Society, held the first of our planned events to marked the centennial anniversary of the taking of Carrigtwohill Barracks, with a presentation given by our former PRO, John (Bishop) O’Mahony, attracting an almost full house. The highest we have had to date.
Unlike any previous presentation or lecture our society has provided, this one was very different, given as an audio-visual documentary narrated by John O’Mahony with additional narrations by Willie Hogan, John FitzGerald and Marie FitzGerald (not related). It was a project long in the making, and one that John had meticulously researched for a number of years, and an item regularly on the agenda of our monthly meetings. John’s research was finally compiled as a DVD by Jim Barry with the humorous locally known song ‘Bobbies of Carrigtwohill’ being sung by Michael Cummins, with additional archival material researched by André Saubolle.
On this occasion St Aloysius College offered their school hall as the venue for John presentation, for which we are grateful, and extend our sincere thanks to Principal, Seán Twomey. Our additional thanks are given to Con Warren their caretaker for his kind assistance, who took care of us and single-handedly laid out the seating.
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Documentary DVD tells the story
The build up, the battle and annexation of the barrack and the aftermath are captured in graphic detail through the written testaments of seven of the volunteers directly involved, from the records of the Bureau of Military History as well as contemporaneous accounts from those in the barrack and the media who visited the site. “The Bobbies of Carrig”, a local song famously written about the epic event at the time, excellently performed here by Michael Cummins, brings some levity as well as local insight to events surrounding the attack.
This fast moving and eventful audio-visual production is both entertaining and informative. These DVDs proudly displayed by John upon which his presentation was based are available to purchase locally @ €10 each from any of the following outlets would make an ideal gift, or souvenir;
You may also obtain a copy by contacting any committee member, or alternatively order online using the secure PayPal facility. The latter method will attract a small PayPal service fee, and shall include Postage & Packing to European and American destination as dropdown list.
To give an indication as to content, a 90 second extract has been included to the right that may be previewed. Click on full screen for best image, and escape when finished to return to normal screen.
Commemorative plaque/panel
Our memorial events to mark the centenary do not end there. In partnership with the Community Council, and sponsored by Cork County Council, we are to hold an afternoon of events, and exhibitions in remembrance of this important anniversary, not only for the village, but the country as a whole. It is now generally accepted the attack at Carrigtwohill signalled the start of the War of Independence.
This day shall culminate with the unveiling of commemorative panel as near as possible the site of the former RIC Barracks, for which we are actively fundraising.