A new insightful book by local author Anthony Barrett is set to reveal for the first time the complete story of the Irish Civil War in West Cork.

West Cork at War is published by Eastwood Books is a fascinating new history of this dark and largely forgotten period in our past.

While he works as professional engineer working in the pharma industry, Anthony has a keen interest in researching and recording local history.

‘In this regard West Cork is well served by numerous active historical societies in its town and villages who highlight the historical features that every district possesses,’ said Anthony.

He hopes the book will make a positive contribution to the study of this difficult, little-researched aspect of our shared history from all perspectives and provide new insights into the many controversial incidents that took place during it.

‘While nearly every family has a story to tell of an ancestor’s activities in the War of Independence, very few know anything of their participation in the subsequent civil war that broke out one year after the truce which led to the departure of crown forces from our land,’ said Anthony.

‘From August 1922 West Cork was engulfed in another destructive guerrilla war that dragged on until the following autumn, leaving few areas untouched by this bitter, internecine conflict. The divisions it created still resonate today, many generations later.’

West Cork at War is available in all bookshops in West Cork and online and the launch will take place in Cronin’s Bar, Gougane Barra on Saturday October 4th at 4pm.

Guest speaker will be well-known UCC historian and expert on the revolutionary years, Dr John Borgonovo.