Rising Out: Sean Connolly of Longford (1890-1921) (Classics of Irish History)

This biography of Brigadier Seán Connolly, O/C of the Longford Bridgade, who was fatally wounded in 1921 during the Irish war of independence, was recorded by his associate, Irish author Ernie O'Malley. The manuscript was left unpublished for many years until it was discovered by O'Malley's son. Connolly's story is brought to life here with an experienced and even hand; his schooling, love of music, education, farming family background and devotion to the nationalist cause. O'Malley, who had actually organized the Irish Volunteers in parts of the area and had known many of the local leaders, gives the social setting for the IRA activities and explains the subtle roles of the IRA General HQ, of the Catholic Church and the Anglo-Irish gentry. Most memorably, it describes in detail what the fighting men actually did locally and what a local leader had to do in order to organize his men.