AUTHORS Diarmuid Begley, Trevor Collins and Nuala O’Farrell have in their new book on the country’s struggle for independence kept the voices and spirit alive in the community which they loved so dearly, according to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Launching ‘The Journey to Irish Independence’ in Courtmacsherry Hotel he said the trio have gone deep into the archives to give readers a comprehensive and enthralling presentation of the country’s struggle for independence and the unique and irreplaceable role in this by the men and women of Cork.

‘The foundation for this book was laid in countless hours engaged in reading background literature and the enormous trove of accounts available in state collections,’ said Mr Martin.

‘The authors have provided detailed direct quotations from the accounts of the people who planned, participated in and retained vivid memories of some of the most remarkable moments from the most dramatic part of our revolution.’

He noted that both Diarmuid and Nuala have done a great service to the memory of their heroic kinsman, Flor Begley.

‘As the bullets and explosions sounded all around him in Crossbarry, he proudly played his pipes, rallying his comrades and instilling fear in their opponents. It seems like Flor never liked being called ‘the Piper of Crossbarry’ because he thought it would have been nobler to have been holding a rifle and fighting with others.’

He said this small band of rebels facing down the forces of a powerful empire resounded not just through Cork and Ireland but throughout the world.

‘Crossbarry was reported on in many language and in countries large and small. The story of what happened on March 19th 1921, undermined the ability of British propaganda to present the rebels as wild outlaws. It showed their heroism and it highlighted their romantic idealism.’

An Taoiseach also pointed out that it wasn’t just The Skibbereen Eagle which was paying attention to the rest of the world, it was actually a defining characteristic of those who inspired and led Ireland’s revolution.

‘The nationalism and republicanism of our revolution was never parochial  – it was always part of a rising tide seeking national sovereignty.’

He pointed out that of all the states established in the five years after World War 1, Ireland is the only one which has remained democratic through the following century.

‘Our is the only one which protected the basic democratic rights of all, resisted extremism and has always promoted peace and human rights internationally.’

He said that when he reads the stories of the men and women of Cork who risked and so often sacrificed everything for their ideals, this is where he sees the strength which has protected our democracy for more than a century.

‘The voices we hear from this wonderful book speak to us of a sense of community, a sense of fraternity and absolute belief in independence as an opportunity and not an end in itself.’

‘Diarmuid, Trevor and Nuala have done us a great service in keeping their voices and spirit alive here in the community which they loved so dearly. The Journey to Irish Independence is currently available in local book shops.

Diarmuid Begley (left) a co-author of "The Journey To Irish Independence" with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who launched the book at the Courtmacsherry Hotel. Photo: Shane Begley.