The Free Online Irish History Magazine Volume 3, Issue 3. July 2013

A Hungarian View of Northern Ireland: István Bibó on the Conflict Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 and Resolution 1 Contents

Volume 3, Issue 3, July 2013

4 Editorial 34 Review The Cups That REGULARS 5 News Cheered, New Tom Clarke bio and f 27 PhD Diary new releases.

IN THIS ISSUE i 12 The Grand Tour Correspondence of two Eighteenth-Century Clergymen from the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore

20 A Hungarian View of Northern Ireland: Istvn Bibó on the Conflict 28 Century Ireland, 1913-23: Using the internet to mark the Decade of Centenaries

Editor: Editorial Assistants: Review Editor: News Editor:

Dr Adrian Grant Dr Joanne McEntee Áine Mannion Gerard Madden Deirdre Rodgers Barbara Curran

2 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 3 Editorial News

It’s that time of success rate when we applied, and therefore History Teachers Slam Quinn Proposals year again, when we were prepared for the likelihood of re- the postgrads and jection. A huge congratulations to all those The History Teachers’ Association of Ireland (HTAI) has postdocs of Ire- who were successful. We here at Scoláire vocally criticised proposals to remove history as a compulsory land finally get the Staire hope that Irish history will feature subject for junior cycle students before a Oireachtas Educa- news they’ve been prominently in the humanities this year tion Committee hearing last month. There are widespread waiting months and into the future. As for the rest of us, concerns that it will cause numbers studying history at sec- to hear. The Irish we’ll keep scoping out funding opportuni- ondary level to plummet, despite Department of Education Research Council ties, trawling through the archives and pub- Principal Officer Breda Naughton’s assertion to TD’s that it announced the results of its postdoctor- lishing as much as we can. It is difficult the would be ‘very difficult for schools not to teach history’ under al and postgraduate funding competitions find anything positive to say about the cur- regulations which compel students to leave school with an on Monday 15 July. I, like ninety percent of rent competitive atmosphere amongst early understanding of the relationship between past and current the postdoctoral applicants, was unsuccess- career historians...but at least there is a lot Ruairi Quinn events. ful. This being my second application, I am of high quality research being published; by now prohibited from applying for the fund- those with and without funding. HTAI President Gerry Hanlon noted that subjects like History and Science could be used to fulfil this re- ing ever again. quirement, however, effectively forcing history as a subject out of schools. Senior academics also appeared For an account of the postgraduate experi- before the committee, with Caitriona Crowe of the National Archives raising the vista of ‘Neil Jordan’s bad This year’s application process was a differ- ence of the IRC competition see Shay Kin- movie’ becoming the key means of Irish children learning about Michael Collins if there was a serious roll- ent affair to previous years. The merger of sella’s PhD Diary on p. 27. back of the availability of history in our secondary schools – the recent declaration by a Direct Democracy IRCHSS and IRCSET and a move to a com- Ireland protestor on RTÉ News that ‘Constant Markievicz gave up his life’ in the Easter Rising would seem to pletely electronic system left many scratch- *** echo her argument! She also queried why Ireland is moving away from compulsory history education while ing their heads. After the arduous process The last issue of Scoláire Staire carried an Britain is moving towards it, and indeed Tory Education Secretary Michael Gove has recently been forced of building an application there was a long advert seeking help with the production of to back down on imposing his planned education curriculum on British children. UCD Professor of Mod- wait, followed by an anti-climatic change the magazine. There was a great response ern Irish History, Diarmuid Ferriter, also criticized Quinn’s proposed move, while Sinn Féin TD, Jonathan in online status from ‘application pending’ to this and I’d like to thank everyone who O’Brien, noted the irony of the state allegedly downgrading history in schools while it put effort into thede- to ‘application unsuccessful’. Although that applied for any of the positions. We now cade of commemorations. During his recent Michael Littleton Memorial Lecture on the Dublin Lockout, anti-climax would probably have been a have an editorial team that is finding its Michael D. Higgins declared that 'Without good history teaching there is no shared understanding of a public great experience had my status read ‘appli- feet and beginning to work together quite past' – hopefully Ruairí Quinn will take note! cation successful’. well. Joanne McEntee, Deirdre Rodgers and Barbara Curran are our new editorial assis- The new application system had its good tants. Áine Mannion will take up the posi- and bad points, although I think overall, it tion of review editor, while Gerard Madden is better than the old paper and email sys- takes on the role of news editor and is cur- tem. For example, applicants were spared rently increasing our presence on the social Military History Summer School at Aughrim the hassle of organising meetings with var- networks. ious academics and administrators in order The third year of the Colonel Charles O’Kelly Aughrim Military History Summer School took to rubber-stamp the hardcopy before both I would like to welcome the new members place in the East Galway village from Friday 12 July to Sunday 14 July in honour of the epon- emailing everything and cramming a bulky of the team and I look forward to work- ymous battle, arguably the most decisive of the Jacobite-Williamite conflict in Ireland. The envelope (complete with writing samples) ing with all of them to ensure that Scoláire event was organized by Dr. Pádraig Lenihan of the National University of Ireland, Galway, a into the nearest postbox. I would suggest Staire can continue into the future. The noted expert on the period, who discussed the folk memory of the battle. that the IRC put a large notice on their support of you, the readers, is also of par- online system next year though, warning amount importance to the success of the Among the other speakers was Éamonn Ó Cíardla, an expert of Jacobitism from the Universi- applicants to compose their responses in a publication. You can advertise your events ty of Ulster and Professor Keith Sidwell of UCC, who is working with Dr. Lenihan in publish- word processor (then copy and paste) rath- etc. at competitive rates, which helps us ing a Latin account of the Jacobite wars. The conference opened with a talk from Julie Cruise, er than adding them directly in the web meet our annual costs. Please continue to Aughrim Interpretative Centre Manager, who discussed an ancestor who was a surgeon at the browser. I turned the air blue for while back submit articles, reviews and other features, battle of Aughrim. The event is named after Charles O’Kelly, who participated in the battle in March when I lost a significant amount and encourage your peers, colleagues and alongside his brother and son despite being 70 years of age and survived to authorise the only of work due to the session timing out and students to do the same. Jacobite account of the battle, Macarie Excidium. the system not informing me of this devel- opment until I hit the save button. Dr Adrian Grant The Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre was also officially opened for the year at the Editor beginning of the event, and shall remain open till the end of August. Further information can It is a huge disappointment to those of us be found at: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/battle-of-aughrim-inter- who were unsuccessful but we all knew the [email protected] pretative-centre/49840

4 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 5 News Banned O’Flaherty Book Launched in Galway The re-release of the first book banned in the Irish Free State, Liam O’Flaherty’s The House of Gold, took place in Galway City Library on Thursday June 13 at 6pm. The book’s reappearance, after its 1930 banning by Irish Censorship of Publications Board for its discussion of themes like priestly lust, greed, and murder, is thanks to publishers Nuascéalta Teo and the Tom and Liam O’Flaherty Society, a group formed to promote the two Connemara-born writers. A scathing portrayal of the Catholic Church and Ireland’s ‘gombeen’ post-1922 ruling class, the book tells the story of Ramon Mor Costello, a businessman who dominates the fictional town of Barra. Ramon is based heavily on Connemara-born Galway businessman Mairtín Mór MacDonogh, a relative of O’Flaherty’s and a fascinating figure who NUIG postdoctoral candidate Dr. Jackie Uí Chionna is currently writing a biography of.

The launch, which attracted a crowd of well over fifty people, was first addressed by Councillor and long-time Gaeltacht activist Seosamh Ó Cuaig, who Members of the Tom & Liam O’Flaherty Societyfrom left to right Úna McMahon, Kathleen McMahon (Treasurer), argued that the previously neglected book is indis- Renate Mitchell, Jenny Farrell and Celine Seoighe (commit- pensible in telling the story of the Southern Irish tee members). Fr. Pádraig Standún at the launch. state. He paid tribute to Margaretta D’Arcy of the Tom and Liam O’Flaherty Society for first raising the idea of re-releasing the book, noting that it was arguably Tom and not the much better known Liam NUIG History Society who was the more impressive of the two brothers and that he hoped the society would help increase knowledge of Tom’s work. Two members of NUI Galway’s An Cumann Staire (History Society), Annika Stendelback and John Devlin, are appealing for former members of the society Ó Cuaig then went on to introduce the next speak- to contact them in order to assist with their research into the society’s history. er, Connemara-based cleric and author Fr. Pádraig Standún, who praised the literary qualities of the An older cover of the banned book. Drawing on local newspapers in Galway, minutes of the society from the 1970s, book. Referring to O’Flaherty, Fr. Standún argued and most importantly, oral testimony from former Cumann Staire committee that Catholicism and socialism have much in com- members, the two have already generated much information on the society. mon despite the past antagonism between the two Other interesting facts include the Soviet Ambassador to Ireland’s visit to the in Ireland and elsewhere, arguing that the liberation society in the late 1980 when it operated under the English version of its name. theology of South America helped produce Pope The ambassador exercised diplomatic immunity to park outside the Skeffing- Francis. The launch then concluded with the reading ton Arms, where the Gardaí watched it for him! Student publications are also of different extracts of the book by Tom and Liam an important part of the research; O’Flaherty Society members. Annika is working with Dr. Sarah-Anne Buckley in digitising Unity, University The House of Gold will be of note to anyone in- College Galway’s student newspaper from 1959 until the 1990s, a move which terested in the history of Galway City or of early will go a long way towards uncovering the history of political activism and twentieth-century Ireland more broadly. For more cultural activity in Galway more broadly. Photographs of society events, most information email [email protected] notably the Arts Ball, are also requested, and anyone with relevant information is invited to contact the Society at [email protected]

6 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 7 News Lecture Series at the Tower Museum, Derry Upcoming Conferences

Landlords, tenants and their estates in Ireland: 1600-2013 Moore Institute, NUI Galway 13 – 14 September 2013

A series of lectures on Ulster Scots History & Heritage is due to take place between now Proposals for conference papers on the theme of landlords, tenants and their estates in Ireland and November. The series, hosted by the University of Ulster and the Derry City Council from 1600 to the present day are invited for a conference which seeks to offer fresh perspectives Heritage & Museum Service, includes a wide range of topics and speakers. to landed estate historiography. Life on landed estates in Ireland often varied from estate to estate and altered significantly across the centuries due to ever changing political, economic, and social Tuesday 30th July 2013, 7pm: landscapes. Research on landed estates in Ireland are frequently limited to studies of single estates. Annaleigh Margey (Dundalk Institute of Technology) While such studies are vital and informative, a great potential remains for a deeper penetration of 'Visualising Scottish Settlement in Ulster: the legacy of the plantation maps'. sources and for the development of new perspectives if a more comparative or trans-estate model was adopted within the island of Ireland, along with a much needed transnational approach. The Saturday 21st September, 3pm: conference intends to encourage new pathways for research and ultimately reshape understandings Symposium on Derry/Londonderry, the North-West of Ulster, and the Stuart Civil Wars. of Irish landed estates. Postgraduates and early-career researchers are particularly welcome.

Andrew Robinson (University of Ulster) Appropriate topics for 20-minute papers may include, but are not restricted to: ‘The North West of Ulster and the coming of the Covenant, 1644-1649’ Estate management and employees Pádraig Lenihan (NUI Galway) Secret societies, agrarian agitation, nationalism, and the land wars ‘Settler armies of West-Ulster, 1641-1690’ Politics, the courts, and religion Women and the estate John R Young (University of Strathclyde) Education, emigration, and leisure ‘Scotland, North-West Ulster, and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1637-91)’ The media and representations in literature

Friday 27th September, 3 pm: Speakers: Brendán Mac Suibhne (Centenary College, New Jersey) "Suck-hole Rascals’?; or, North-West Ulster Presbyterians, from Republicanism to Loyal- Professor Ewen Cameron, (University of Edinburgh) ty, 1798–1823’ Dr. Olwen Purdue, (Queen’s University Belfast) Prof. Christopher Ridgeway, (Curator Castle Howard andAdjunct Professor at Friday 25th October, 7pm: NUI Maynooth) Don MacRaild (University of Ulster) 'The North-West and the Scotch-Irish Diaspora in the 18th and 19th Centuries' Convenors:

Friday 8th November, 7pm: Dr. Brian Casey Andrew Holmes (Queen’s University Belfast) Dr. Joanne Mc Entee (NUI Galway) 'The Presbyterians of the North-West: religion, politics, and Magee College, Derry, 1798- 1914' The convenors welcome both individual proposals and suggestions for panels on additional themes. Please send your proposals (200 word abstract) as attachments to [email protected] by 9 August 2013. Proceedings will be funded by PRTLI 4.

8 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 9 News Upcoming Conferences Upcoming Conferences

The Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies,University of The Sports History Ireland conference will take place at Magee College, Derry on 14 September. The programme is now available to view of Aberdeen has issued a call for papers for its forthcoming conference, ‘The ‘Strike’ in Scot- , their Facebook page and includes some interesting papers on topics like tish and Irish Labour History’, which shall take place in the University on the 8-9 Novem- ber 2013. Local sports history Sport, politicals and religion Scotland and Ireland historically possess many common concepts and ideals which make Sport and identity them suitable comparators. In terms of labour history, Irish émigrés have constituted a International sports history strong presence among the working class in Scotland. There have also been many individ- The history of lacrosse in Ireland uals who possessed dual relations with both Labour Movements, such as the Scottish-born Irish socialist, James Connolly. This conference will draw on these common themes in rela- For more information contact [email protected] tion to Scottish and Irish Labour History. Papers are especially encouraged issues such as

- Anti-Conscription in Scotland and Ireland - Community based struggles and the role of women - The influence of the American Left - Political developments of the Left in Scotland and Ireland - The inter-war depression year

The keynote speakers include Professor Arthur McIvor of the University of Strathclyde and Dr. Emmet O’Connor of the University of Ulster.

Abstracts of about 100 words should be sent to Chloe Ross ([email protected]) before is an exciting new initiative Friday 2 August. The Irish Centre for the Histories of Labour and Class founded earlier this year in NUI Galway. Noting its formation in the July/August issue of History Ireland, veteran labour historian Fintan Lane hailed it as a ‘game-changer’, arguing that it could help end the margin- alisation of labour history as a discipline within Irish academia. The group is holding its debut conference in NUI Galway’s Moore Institute on 21-22 November 2013. Suggested themes include, but are not limited to, the following:

labour struggles & political mobilisations; experiencing & resisting poverty; The annual confonference of the Irish Economic and Social History Society institutionalisation of children & adults; will take place at NUI Galway over the weekend of 22-23 November 2013. This conference will class & gender; run alongside the ICHLC conference which takes place on 21-22 November. The organisers of labour & theatre; both events are in contact to ensure as little conflict in timetabling as possible. working-class life in autobiography, literature & art; Plenary speaker (Connell Memorial Lecture): Prof. Cormac Ó Gráda. power & society; labour, class & archives; Papers on all aspects of the economic and social history of Ireland are welcome. Please send pro- digital history; posals for papers to: mobile labour; transnational classes. Niall Ó Ciosáin ([email protected]) or Caitriona Clear ([email protected]) The chief focus of the conference will be on the Irish working class, both at home and abroad, but submis- There’s still time to submit a proposal, which should include an abstract of 100-250 words, a very sions unrelated to Ireland which contribute methodologically or theoretically to the study of labour and class brief CV and full contact details. are also welcome. Deadline for receipt of proposals: July 31st, 2013. Proposals and panels are invited from all disciplines and postgraduate students are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please send proposals to [email protected] You can find out more about the Irish Centre for the Histories of Labour and Class at its Facebook page.

10 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 11 Travel

The correspondences of Dr Richard Pococke and his cousin Jeremiah Milles, tracing in detail their eighteenth century travels through Europe and the Orient, have been previously overlooked in historiographical terms. Rachel Finnegan’s article brings these letters to life, charting the personal and professional lives of these two clergymen, revealing the disparate range of subjects dealt with in their correspondences and thereby highlighting the potential value of these documents as historical sources. The Grand Tour Correspondence of two Eighteenth-Century Clergymen from the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore

First Grand Tour: 1733-34 counts of the history and the they spent their time view- architecture of places they ing, measuring and drawing r Richard Pococke visited. Both collections classical antiquities, building and his cousin Jere- exist in their original manu- up their collection of coins D miah Milles set out script form and in books of and inscriptions, and visiting on their Grand Tour of Eu- fair copies compiled by Mrs renaissance and more mod- rope in the summer of 1734. Pococke and by the bishop’s ern libraries, hospitals, and Pococke was then Precentor scribe, respectively. These palaces. They mixed with (or Chantor) of Lismore manuscripts, which all bear other foreign visitors and Cathedral, a position he had evidence of subsequent ed- residents while in France and earned by being the nephew iting by the original authors, Italy and encountered a num- of Thomas Milles, Bishop of are in the British Library ber of people from Ireland. Waterford & Lismore, and and were published for the In Avignon, for example, Milles had just graduated first time in 2011 under the they spotted at the theatre the from Oxford with a BA. title, Letters from Abroad: the Irish peer, James Butler, 2nd Both wrote copious letters Grand Tour Correspondence Duke of Ormonde (1665- back home, Pococke to his of Richard Pococke & Jeremi- 1745) who had in lived in widowed mother in England ah Milles, (Letters from the that city for the previous year. (sister of Bishop Milles) Continent, 1733-34). He is described by Milles and Milles to his uncle .The as ‘very old and wrinkled’ former comprises a huge This first Grand Tour taken and by Pococke as dressed collection of chatty, witty and by the two cousins followed in ‘scarlet embroider’d with at times irreverent entries in the traditional route from gold’. In the same city they a daily journal informing his Dover to Calais, across spent the evening with the mother of his daily activities France, with a month in Major of the Garrison, the abroad; and the latter is an Paris and then to Italy, until Irishman Captain Lawless, equally large collection of they reached the pinnacle who is described as a ‘very scholarly and detailed ac- of their travels, Rome. Here good natur’d affable man’. At

12 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 13 Lismore Cathedral, from James Ware’s History of Ireland, 1739 Pococke’s copies) this giant, Milles giving his several other ‘City of Water- was appointed Precentor of that the eminent uncle the following account: ford men of that place’, and in Waterford Cathedral. In the Chantor not only Vienna they regularly dined meantime, having promised had to borrow mon- ‘It is doubtless for the hon- and visited the sites with an his ever-anxious mother that ey from his younger our of Ireland that the tallest unidentified Irish priest. he would follow at a more cousin, but also had Grenadier in all the Kings leisurely pace, Pococke in- to ask for a loan regiment is an Irishman. His Their travels this time around stead busied himself putting from his mother, in name is Kirkland born in the were dominated by news of into action his real plan: to order to keep afloat county of Longford; and only the bishop’s health. He had obtain a Firman (Ottoman whilst travelling twenty two years of age. We been suffering for years from passport) which would make abroad. On their measured him exactly and the ‘gravel’, or gallstones, and him ‘master of the East’. return to Waterford, found his height to be seven regular updates were provid- Though, as is evident from Jeremiah Milles was feet three inches of English ed in the letters from both the correspondence, Milles hastily ordained by measure; and his reach from his doting sister Mrs Poco- was originally to have joined his uncle and in- the ground is nine feet four cke and from himself. On him on his eastern voyage, it stalled as Treasurer inches. What makes this reaching Trieste, just a year appears that Pococke was in of Lismore Cathe- man a great prodigy is that into their journey, the pair truth relieved that his cousin dral. he is every way well propor- received news of a deteriora- had returned home, since tioned; and all his limbs of tion in his health and Po- he had become rather tired Second Grand a thickness suitable to the cocke persuaded somewhat of his boastful and tiresome Tour: 1736-37 length of his body. He has reluctant Milles to return ways. The more youthful been about two years in the to Waterford immediately. Milles was more proficient in Two years later, in service, during which time This was a wise move, since foreign languages and was a Florence, Pococke informed at Turin (the Royal Academy 1736, the cousins he grew an inch or two. As (as was well known) Milles better draughtsman, and the the Duke of Liria (‘the Duke of Savoy). decided to make a second he far exceeds the rest of the was to be his wealthy uncle’s expurgated sections of Poco- of Berwicks son by Lady Grand Tour, but this time soldiers in height so is he the heir; and on his return he cke’s letters from the second Vah’s sister, who is Lady of On reaching Verona, the took an unconventional Kings great- Col. Butler of Killcash’) that cousins received news from route through the Low est favourite. he was well acquainted with their uncle the bishop, to Countries, Austria, Germa- His constant Waterford Cathedral, from James Lady Vah (Iveagh), and on the effect that Rev. Barbo- ny, Hungary, Poland and pay is twenty Ware’s History of Ireland, 1739 hearing this the Duke vowed ne (Waterford) was on his the Balkans. As with their Dollars per that ‘he would do [them] any death-bed, leaving a vacancy first voyage, they continued month, which service that lay in his power’. for Jeremiah Milles in the to write to the same cor- amount to Also in Florence, as record- Diocese of Waterford & Lis- respondents, and likewise about three ed by Pococke, ‘we went to more. Though Milles had not copy letters were made by pound ten visit Mr Moor of the Barn even considered taking Holy each. On this occasion shillings En- in the County of Tipperary Orders, Pococke advised his Pococke did not suffer any glish money. who is travelling these three cousin to accept this offer and financial problems, since he The two years to educate his two sons, they returned to Waterford replaced his unreliable Irish tallest in the one of 12, the other about 17 as quickly as they could, thus banker with the famous regiment after years of Age, I knew him in cutting short their continen- London banker, William this Kirkland Ireland, he has about 3000 tal tour. Pococke’s original Hoare. As the cousins trav- do not come pr An...’ Here Pococke refers letters for this first grand tour elled through the various up to him by to Colonel Stephen Moore are full of complaints about countries of the Hapsburg half the head.’ (1689-1750) who was Mayor his Irish banker ‘Mr Bagwell’ Empire they met with fewer of Clonmel in 1724 and in (John Bagwell of Clonmel), Irish people than they had At Prague 1726, and infamously killed and allude to malice from the on their earlier travels, the they met a his opponent, Counsellor church authorities who were most notable example being Mr Hogan, Slattery, in a duel. The two allegedly withholding his, not James Kirkland, a soldier in Guardian sons referred to are Rich- inconsiderable, pay of £300 the King of Prussia’s curi- of the Irish ard and Stephen, who later, per annum. It emerges from ous regiment of Potsdam College or during their Grand Tour, at- the letters (in extracts which Guards. Both cousins de- Monastery of tended the military academy were later scored out of Mrs scribed their encounter with that city, and

14 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 15 Wall monument at St. Michael’s Church, Highclere, in memory of Bishop Milles. Photo courtesy of Mike Searle : (i) Mrs Pococke months in the Holy Land, the Divan Club, which he criticism from two rival east- ‘insisted’ on his Lebanon & Syria, six months co-founded with Irish noble- ern travel writers whose help keeping a journal in Egypt, six months in the man William Ponsonby, Lord he had failed to acknowledge, and telling her Greek islands & six months Duncannon (future 2nd Earl and who accused him of ‘the most trifling in Turkey & Greece, includ- of Bessborough), who had academic malpractice), he particulars’ of ing three in Istanbul. On been travelling in the East at brought out Volume II (1745) his journey; (ii) reaching the Greek main- the same time as him. During which described his travels in he felt guilty for land, in late August, 1740, he this time he wrote and pub- all of the other Eastern coun- being the cause heard the ‘melancholy news’ lished Volume I of his famous tries, together with some of of her anxiety of his uncle’s death (which book, A Description of the the countries he had visited (‘If I had thought had taken place three months East & some other Countries in Europe. This volume con- you would have earlier) and decided to make (London, 1743) which de- tained almost a hundred even taken my voyage his way back home, presum- scribed his travels in Egypt more magnificent engravings so very much to ably realising that he could and presented to the world and is particularly noted for heart, I would not no longer neglect his church seventy six magnificent en- those representing Egyptian have gone, but duties in Waterford. His re- gravings, largely of buildings and Classical antiquities. His now that I am so turn journey from that point and antiquities. Encouraged act of dedicating this volume far from home, I took a year and the corre- by the success of this book to Lord Chesterfield, Lord have a great desire spondence includes a record (though it did receive severe Lieutenant of Ireland, led to to see everything of his dangerous descent into this way, & make Mount Vesuvius, and a week’s it a complete jaunt, with six Englishmen, to voyage’); (iii) he the ‘ice mountains’ of Cham- was totally reliant onix, where he surprised the on his mother to company by appearing in manage both his eastern garb. He landed at travel manuscripts Dover on 29 August, 1741, & the boxes of and immediately proceed- objects (antiqui- ed to Dulwich where he ties, ‘trumperies’, met with the new Bishop of seeds, specimens Waterford & Lismore (Bishop of natural histo- Este), and then made his way ry, etc.) regularly to Newtown, in Berkshire, for sent back home his promised reunion with to her; and (iv) he his mother. By this time, required her to Jeremiah Milles had inherited continually for- his uncle’s huge fortune (in ward letters and return for which he set up relay messages to a handsome memorial for the bishop and to him in his native Highclere Jeremiah Milles, Church, Hamphsire) and had the latter of whom returned to England where tour are full of unflattering in Volume 2 of Letters from had been charged he was to marry Edith Potter, and spiteful comments about Abroad), Pococke stayed in with organising his ‘License daughter of the Archbishop him. constant contact with her, of Absence’ from the Diocese of Canterbury and subse- keeping a daily journal in of Waterford & Lismore. quently become Dean of The Eastern Tour: 1737-41 letter form, which he dis- Exeter. patched every 3 or 4 weeks. During his subsequent three- Having at last confessed his The regularity of this contin- year voyage of the Eastern For the next four years plans to his mother (in a let- uous and voluminous corre- Mediterranean he very Pococke remained in Lon- ter from Livorno in Septem- spondence can be explained cheerfully and without any don, since his name appears ber, 1737, which marks the from the content of the great degree of danger spent continuously in the records end of the letters reproduced letters themselves, as follows six months in Egypt, nine of the Egyptian Society and Elaborate Dedication Plate to Philip Earl of Chester- Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 field, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, from Pococke, A 16 Description of the East, Volume II. Photo: David Kane 17 Below: Front Cover of R. Finnegan, Letters from Abroad (2013) Sketch of a sepulchral monument in Athens depicting the Liotard Portrait of Pococke in Eastern Costume from the Pockoke, Description of the East. his appointment as Chaplain French, German and Dutch, icance of his ever-changing civil’. How- ence in the sources to the to his Lordship, whereupon the correspondence from attire (he chose to travel in ever, the whereabouts of this portrait he was at last (after a career this voyage has been ignored. oriental dress), the progress letters con- during his life-time. This oil of two decades in the Dio- This has now been reversed of his beard and ‘whiskers’, tain many on canvas was painted by cese of Waterford & Lismore) and the complete set of letters and his health, which he references to the Swiss artist Jean-Etienne obliged to take up residence from Pococke’s journey to had ‘never had so better in Waterford Liotard, who was ‘discovered’ in Ireland. This preferment the East (1737-41) is repro- [his] life’; (ii) a daily account City & to by William Ponsonby (future led to his being appointed duced in Volume 3 of Letters of his meals, ranging from members of 2nd Earl of Bessborough) successively as Archdeacon- from Abroad (2013). The simple ‘collations’ or picnics his uncle’s and was persuaded to join ship of Dublin (1745), Bishop daily entries in his journal to the sumptuous feasts he congrega- him and his company on his of Ossory (1756) and Bish- are generally brief (though he enjoyed at the houses of tion. In voyage to the East, in 1738. op of Meath (1765). Never sometimes ‘filled a sheet’ with native or foreign residents; Cairo, for Liotard remained in Con- having married, he died of a more detailed account of a (iii) the course of his jour- example, he: stantinople for several years suspected mushroom poi- particular person or place) ney, including descriptions ‘staid up with taking portraits of numerous soning in September, 1765 and constitute a fascinating of the routes and the various Mr Upton resident foreigners as well and is buried in Ardbraccan account of an intrepid three- modes of transport he took, talking about as English and Irish Grand churchyard, Co. Meath. year voyage in little-known whether travelling by boat, by Mr Christ- Tourists. and allegedly dangerous ter- horse-back or by camel); (iv) mas & the the formalities of travel in two Masons, In Letter 35 of his Eastern the East, including the need Harry Al- correspondence, sent from for the constant provision of cock & Billy, Ephesus (December 1739), letters of introduction, and all whom Pococke describes to his the custom of giving gifts he know[s] mother the outfit he is wear- and bribes to the Ottoman well at Lon- ing, which (apart from his officials; (v) the geography don’; and turban) corresponds with the and the changing landscape at Messina, one in the portrait (in Fig. 5 of the eastern countries, where he was above): priests; and finally (viii) the with frequent updates on obliged to undergo a peri- hospitality of the East, and in the weather, earthquakes od of quarantine before his ‘As to my habit; - now it is particular the ‘extraordinary and plague; (vi) the eastern return journey through Italy, winter, I have a blew lin- civilities’ he received from the flora & fauna, with endless he notes: ‘a very fine harbour nen garment lined with an foreign residents (merchants, descriptions of the variety of & Quay near half a mile long; ordinary fur & over that diplomats, clergymen etc.) in plants and wildlife (including - with the houses all built such a coarse great coat, as the trading centres of Cairo, skirmishes he had with croc- finely in a regular manner, & the common people here Aleppo, Smyrna (Izmir) and odiles on the Nile) and notes does really exceed the Quay wear, these girded about me; Istanbul. relating to the seeds & sam- at Waterford, being the finest - & today I wear a red cap ples sent home to England; I have seen’. turned up with black hair, & As with the second Grand (vi) brief accounts of the on the road a red cap of the Tour, the number of Irish history & antiquities of the Though famously described strangers a sort of grade of people/contacts Pococke East, including the Egyptian by Mrs Delany as ‘the dull- the Grand Signr.’ met in the East is limited. Pyramids, the Sphinx and of est man that ever travelled’, He spent time with a Father course numerous classical Pococke proves to the reader Quirke from ‘County Gall- monuments such as those of the travel correspondence Dr. Rachel Finnegan lectures wey’, who is described as ‘an found in Baalbek and Athens; (which is every bit as amus- at Waterford Institute of Tech- ingenious man, & much more (vii) fascinating and detailed ing as the correspondence of nology. Her new edition of polite than the Irish priests descriptions of buildings Mrs Delany herself) that he Richard Twiss’s A Tour of Ire- commonly are’; he met and and other remains of bib- was far from dull. The very land in 1775 was published in socialised with a community lical significance in Egypt fact that he chose not only 2008 by UCD Press; and her of Irish Fathers at Jerusalem; and the Holy Land, together to wear eastern dress during three-volume edition of Rich- and at Saloncia was: ‘in the Though A Description of the ritories. The letters are filled with accounts of the religious his travels but also to sit for ard Pococke’s travel correspon- house of Consul Horsewel East earned Pococke great with a variety of topics, as ceremonies of the eastern his portrait in this costume dence (Letters from Abroad) [Horowell], who was at Wa- fame, and in the late 18th follows: (i) personal details, Christian churches and the shows a certain spark, though was published over the course terford when Mr Milles had century was translated into including the nature & signif- exotic costumes of their curiously there is no refer- of 2011, 2012, & 2013. the smallpox & is exceeding

18 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 19 Theory Opposite page: A photograph of a boy getting ready to launch aa petrol bomb during the ‘Battle of the Bogside’, Derry, August 1968. This image makes up the central part of the Bogside Artists’ first mural (1994). The Rossville Street flats, CS gas and other elements were added by the artists to create the iconic mural (see over). Right: István Bibó (1911-1979) was a Hungarian lawyer, civil servant, politician and political theorist who spent time in prison after the Hungarian Revolution in 1956.

The Hungarian political theorist, István Bibó, was well known for his writings on self-determination. He is less well known for his thoughts on the Northern Ireland conflict. Here, Maria Kurdí assesses Bibó’s suggestions for bringing an end to the conflict.

stván Bibó (1911-1979) proposal for ‘a compromise (‘The Crisis of Hungarian De- was a Hungarian polit- to solve the Hungarian ques- mocracy’, 1945), ‘Zsidókérdés I ical theorist, sociolo- tion’. Some months later he Magyarországon 1944 után’ gist as well as expert on the was arrested and sentenced (‘The Jewish Question in philosophy of law. He came to life-long imprisonment for Hungary after 1944’, 1948) from a Calvinist intellectual activities which threatened and ‘A kelet-európai kisál- background and received his ‘to overthrow the state order lamok nyomorúsága’ (‘The doctorate from the Faculty of the people’s democracy’. In Misery of Small Eastern of Political and Legal Stud- 1963 he was released due to European States’, 1946). Later ies at the University of Sze- an amnesty and managed to important works by Bibó in- ged. In the 1930s he joined get a job as a librarian. Due clude ‘Magyarország helyzete a left-wing association of to his health undermined by és a világhelyzet’ (‘Hungary’s writers and university stu- the years spent in prison, he Situation and the World Situ- dents called Márciusi Front had to retire in 1971. In 1974 ation’, 1960) and The Paralysis (‘March Front’). He was also he received an invitation to of International Institutions a member of the Philosoph- do research in Geneva, at and the Remedies: a Study of ical Society, and from 1940 the Institut Universitaire des Self-determination, Concord gave lectures at the Univer- Hautes Etudes Internatio- among the Major Powers, sity of Szeged. Following nales, which he, full of plans, and Political Arbitration (The the German occupation of was eager to accept. However, Harvester Press, Hassocks, Hungary he became more characteristic of the contem- 1976). Volumes of his col- active politically and drew up porary political milieu, the lected works were published ‘Plans for a Peace Proposal’ Hungarian communist au- in the course of the 1980s, in 1944, envisaging workable thorities did not grant him a the decade leading up to the post-war domestic policies. passport to leave the country, political transition of 1989- The communist regime found giving the explanation that 1990 in Hungary. István Bibó Bibó’s thoughts too danger- his trip might be potential- has since been revered as an ous; in 1950 he was made to ly dangerous for the public example of free-mindedness retire from his lecturering good. Shortly after his wife’s by Hungarian intellectuals post. During the 1956 rev- death István Bibó died of a concerned with the demo- olution he became minister heart attack in May 1979. cratic change and future of of state in the government the country in the context of A HUNGARIAN VIEW OF headed by Imre Nagy. When In spite of the severe hard- world-wide politics. Soviet troops invaded Bu- ships he experienced, Bibó NORTHERN IRELAND dapest on 4 November, he was a prolific author. His Bibó’s shorter writing entitled issued a proclamation to postwar essays include ‘A ‘The Question of Northern the nation; then prepared a magyar demokrácia válsága’ Ireland in the Light of a De-

20 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 21 cision by a Possible, Impar- essay, Bibó remarks that the olics and those close to the tial Political Tribunal’ was ensuing train of thought is Protestants. The United States completed in 1976, following that of an outsider about a could also send delegates the internationally known debate which is, admitted- given that it has inhabitants major study, The Paralysis ly, the internal affair of the who sympathise with one or of International Institutions United Kingdom. However, the other side in Northern and the Remedies. Notwith- the bulk of the text proves Ireland. Thus Bibó stresses standing its unusual focus that the author had reliable that a reconciliation process in Bibó’s oeuvre, the essay information about the histor- in Northern Ireland needs on Northern Ireland fits in ical dimensions of the North- the participation of the wider with issues he addressed in ern Irish question and that he world, international help his earlier works, issues like possessed the ability and sen- being undoubtedly necessary national self-determination, sitivity to discuss the irrec- to move things away from the the situation and possibil- oncilable views of the Prot- deadlock. ities of ethnic minorities estant majority and Catholic and the responsibility of the minority without partiality. Mapping the historically international community. The essay is concise, divid- based facts relevant to the ‘The Question of Northern ed into sub-chapters which subject and the envisaged Ireland’ is one of the author’s make up a whole through solution process, Bibó enlists case studies, written in the their constant dialogue with seven points based on the wake of his discussion of and reflection on each other. available data, starting with the conflicts in Cyprus and As a point of departure the the religious differences pres- Israel. As the author of the author argues for the estab- ent in the region since the to these changes by applying France, Switzerland and the dissolution of the Empire 1946 ‘The Misery sixteenth cen- diverse sophisticated meth- Netherlands, but have not es- and because Great Britain of Small Eastern tury. As a core ods to diminish the political calated into a war. He reaches itself can be seen as inhabited European States’, problem leading chances and parliamentary the conclusion that these by the English, Scottish and which examines to the Troubles representation of the Catho- differences could not be the Welsh nations. On the other the complicated (a designation lics. Throughout the analysis real reason for the unprece- hand, because of their depri- and conflict-rid- the author never Bibó uses the words Irish and dented conflicts in Northern vation of political agency den histories of uses, but once Catholic synonymously while Ireland either. There, the root during colonialism, for the small nations, refers to as a he tends to speak about Ul- of the conflict, he argues, Irish, the Catholic Church Bibó continued decade-long near ster Protestants in reference is a confrontation between has become the organizing to be interested civil war), the to the other side. groups whose political identi- body of nationhood. It is in the political sub-chapter pro- ty has been shaped by differ- unusual, Bibó adds, that in methods and wid- vides an infor- Under the title ‘The conflict- ent historical and political the case of the Northern Irish er implications of mative summary ing groups: religions, classes experiences, thus nations the religious criterion is the conflict resolu- of the creation or nations?’ the following or parts of a nation are in most significant element of a tion. His essay on of the Irish Free subchapter aims at identify- opposition with each other. national opposition, but only Northern Ireland State in 1922 and ing the nature of the dividing The Northern Irish Catholics as far as Western Europe is needs to be as- its aftermath. differences between the two belong to the Irish nation, concerned. In this respect the sessed in view of According to main communities in North- the Protestants are part of situation of Northern Ireland the contemporary Bibó, the tension ern Ireland. The definition of the British nation, Bibó says. displays notable similarities context: it was conceived at lishment of impartial politi- between the two commu- nation and national identity About the two sides he makes to the problems of certain a time when it had become cal arbitration, which could nities had sharpened by the in their interconnectedness some further remarks to Central and Eastern Europe- evident that the two opposed advance the settlement of 1960s because the Catholics, with territory is of crucial underscore their peculiari- an regions like Transylvania communities living in the various political disputes. In increased in number due to importance to the text. In this ties, which are noteworthy or the Balkans. region were unable to handle the case of Northern Ireland, their better demographic writing the author claims that in this context. On the one the conflict themselves and Bibó contends that a court of rates, began to give voice to although significant religious hand, because of their un- Both antagonistic sides, Bibó any kind of solution seemed arbitration should have mem- their demand for a greater and concomitant economic failing loyalty to the Crown, continues, have their territo- possible only with the partic- bers delegated from countries sharing of political power. differences obviously exist in the Protestants, with some rial claims which they articu- ipation of outside forces (see of the British Commonwealth As a result of their sense of Northern Ireland, these can exaggeration, may be seen as late by referring to the notion Dobrovits 51-52). in a way that they represent aggravating insecurity, the be found in other countries the truest representatives of of majority: the majority In the introduction to his both those close to the Cath- Protestant majority reacted too, for instance in Germany, the British nation after the of the Irish (understood

22 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 23 Unionists mobilise against the Sunningdale Agreement during the Ulster Workers’ Council Strike of 1974. as Catholics) on the whole the counties, with not enough the principle of self-deter- considering practical steps to would become extremely such a major change, he sup- island or the majority of regard to their ethnic compo- mination. He opines that a ease the conflict. Bibó’s pro- winding. Yet Bibó was of the poses that the reduction of the Protestants in Northern sition. On the other hand, the referendum could be carried posal involved the geographic opinion that cutting across the size of the statelet on the Ireland. However, neither of aspiration of the Catholics to out in two steps, with utmost re-arrangement of the ter- mountains, fields, rivers and one hand, and the frustration the two territorial demands have a unified Irish state is circumspection. In step one ritory of Northern Ireland, railway lines would be still of plans for a federative state can be justified by applying also irrational, he says, since the issue would be to vote which was not an absolutely much less expensive in spite on the other, might result in the principle of national the reparation of unjust acts for or against an All-Ireland unprecedented idea at that of its economic impracti- the temporary strengthening self-determination, which dating back to the seven- Federation which, he believed, time. Garrett FitzGerald for cability than the tragic cost of political terrorism. The is a key-term in Bibó’s argu- teenth century is evidently would be rejected by the example had explored this of continued antagonism in British government should ment. In the part of the essay not possible three hundred majority of the voters. This argument in Towards a New terms of human life and the take this into account and entitled ‘The Illusions of the years later. Thus Bibó gives was a well founded supposi- Ireland. In his view, to lessen constant lack of normality make preparations for coping Ulster Brits and the Illu- a soundly argued account of tion because the federative the number of Irish Cath- in the region. He claims that with the unwelcome devel- sions of the Ulster Irish’ Bibó the irrationality and fanciful solution did not have enough olics there, and to remove even the creation of enclaves opments. However, Bibó contends that the conflicting nature of the demands on supporters at that time. In the fear of the Northern and the political partition of surmises, things are likely to demands of Ulster Protes- both sides as the main cause the second round the voting Protestants that they might larger towns could be consid- calm down after a short peri- tants and Catholics to fulfil of the contemporary dead- would be about the decision become a minority group in ered, for instance in the case od of transition and normal their own needs are equal- lock in the Northern Irish whether to remain part of the a unified Irish Republic was of Londonderry because of its political life with respect for ly irrational, chimera-like. situation. United Kingdom or to unite only possible by redrawing Catholic majority. both majority and minori- Analysing the Protestant with the Irish Republic. Since the borders and reducing the ty rights can be restored in side Bibó emphasizes that What kind of solution can the outcome was predictable territory of Northern Ireland Once a body of impartial Northern Ireland. The essay the strength of their view- be envisaged then? Bibó because of the majority of to make its population more political arbitration decides ends on the trustful note that point is that the existence of first discusses the chances Protestant voters, Bibó, mo- homogenous; that is predom- on the careful redrawing of to repair the economic disad- the borders of the Northern of a referendum about the tivated by the need to search inantly Protestant. At the borders in Northern Ireland, vantages of implementing the Irish statelet drawn in 1922 political future of Northern for a way-out of the situation same time he was well aware it is the task of Great Britain above territorial rearrange- is a legal situation. However, Ireland as a primarily dem- which which was beginning that such a new borderline, to implement the territorial ment, it would be worthwhile the arrangement was made ocratic process which would to cost more and more lives, drawn according to the pres- changes, Bibó states. Think- asking for assistance from the according to the borders of meet the requirements of proposed a solution based on ence of different nationalities, ing of the consequences of USA.

24 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 25 PhD Diary

ever, the Hungarian political 403-417. Undoubtedly, although writ- thinker’s often quoted words THE POOR MOUTH ten in the interest of envisag- from another work (‘On Eu- Bibó, István, ‘On European ing ways of reconciliation in ropean Balance and Peace’) Balance and Peace’, Trans- Shay Kinsella Northern Ireland by carefully are worth consideration by lated by David Oláh. Ahmet weighing the pros and cons, any of those involved in the Ersoy, Maciej Górny, Vangelis So the journey continues, from crest to pit, and ly knocked my Bibó’s essay has its debatable Northern Irish question: Kechriotis (eds), Modernism, (hopefully) back again. Things are becoming ever confidence (that points. In hindsight, the ‘To be a democrat means, the Creation of Nation-states more serious at my desk. With my final pay cheque veteran of the territorial rear- (Budapest, 2010), pp. 291- only a matter of weeks away, my future as a full- PhD battle) but somehow, my faith in securing the rangement seems 300. time student is drawing very close now. Deemed scholarship persisted. István Bibó statue in Budapest to be unfeasible, by some close friends and family to be senseless, if not dangerous. Crick, Bernard, ‘Introduction because it will render me centless, they admire but That is until, with heart ago-go and fingers trem- It is also strange to István Bibó’, Hungarian don’t celebrate my voluntary decision to give over a bling on Monday 15th July, I logged into my ac- that he did not Review 4.3 (2011): 1-5. year of my life to labour that won’t be financially re- count to find a blunt two-word reply to my months consider the par- warded— a position I’m really beginning to appre- of preparation and waiting: ‘Application Unsuccess- ticipation of the Dobrovits, Mihály Aladár, ciate as my budget forecasts make for increasingly ful’. It was like a fist in the gut. How could I have Irish government ‘Idegenként összezárva: stark reading. been so naive and presumptuous to convince my- in any role in the Bibó István esettanulmányai self that I would get this? How could I have failed solution of the Észak-Írország, Ciprus és Iz- The note of buoyancy in my last diary entry can be to mentally prepare myself for this eventuality? Northern Irish rael konfliktusairól’ [Locked accounted for by the optimism I felt having applied The spanner was lodged in the works, but figures crisis. Presum- together as Strangers: István for a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholar- provided by the Research Council by e-mail have ably, the failure of Bibó’s Case Studies about ship from the Irish Research Council in March of made the pill a little easier to swallow. Apparently, the Sunningdale the Conflicts in Northern this year. The application procedure was a gruel- only 254 postgraduate scholarships were awarded agreement (1973) Ireland, Cyprus and Israel]. ling, demanding and exhaustive procedure, which from a total of 1115 applications. Feedback on my prevented Bibó from consid- above everything else, not Világosság 43.2-3 (2002). pp. required supervisor and referee reports, detailed individual case will filter through eventually (in an- ering the participation of the to be afraid: not to be afraid 32-55. timelines, forecasts of expenses and a breakdown other wait that will take months), but I don’t think Irish government as a partner of people with a different of the USP of my project. There were also reports knowing how near or indeed how far I was from in a successful resolution opinion, a different language FitzGerald, Garret, Towards a to be made relating to gender and ethical consider- securing the award will do me any favours. process. It was also a mistake or race, of revolutions, of New Ireland (Dublin, 1973). ations made in the course of the work. I really felt on his part to believe that the conspiracies, of the enemy’s I was in a superior position, given that I had two Huge congratulations to the successful minority, political ideas of the Cath- unknown and wicked inten- Mária Kurdi teaches in the years of self-funded research already under my belt, and to those of you who found yourselves in my olics of the north and south tions, of hostile propaganda, Institute of English Studies at and that I would require only one year’s funding to position that Monday afternoon, I sympathise. The were almost the same, and of disdain, and more general- the University of Pécs, Hunga- complete the project. Having submitted the appli- chatrooms after the announcement were drowning they all had a fairly uniform ly of all the imaginary perils ry. Her main fields of research cation, I was left in hopeful limbo for a few months, in despair, with many bloggers announcing that view about the political unity that become real perils by the are modern Irish literature, warning myself to be rational about my chanc- they would simply not be able to start or continue of the whole of the island as a very fact that we are afraid of culture and theatre. Her es, but subconsciously spending the money and their PhD now that the funds were not coming desired final result. However, them’. Because, in a way, the publications include books on congratulating myself on having solved the biggest their way. However, I’ve suffered enough knocks to Bibó was justified in think- story of Northern Ireland is contemporary Irish drama, problem posed by taking a career break. appreciate this as just another test on the road and ing that any solution seemed still unfinished. the most recent one being realise that it’s time to formulate Plan B. Part-time doubtful without the help of Representations of Gender As news filtered through in early July that the work seems a probability. Funding through VECs the great political powers, Further Reading and Female Subjectivity in results would be made available online mid-month, and the County Council is another option I have al- as it was proven later when Contemporary Irish Drama I unwisely took to checking out posts on a chat ready latched on to. And what about private dona- the Clinton Administration Bibó, István, ‘Észak-Írország by Women (Lewiston, Queen- forum on Boards.ie, to see how other candidates tions/benefactors? Appeals to business and public delegated Senator George kérdése egy lehetséges pár- ston, Lampeter: Edwin Mellen were faring with the wait and their nerves. This was personalities can do no harm. It’s a fine opportunity Mitchell to Northern Ireland tatlan politikai döntőbírósági Press, 2010). She is editor of an unwise move, and immediately I began to doubt to test out those letter-writing skills I have so often to move negotiations from döntés fényében’ [The Ques- an anthology of excerpts from the merit of my application given that other PhD tried to impart in the primary classroom. It’s a cry their standstill. tion of Northern Ireland in critical essays for the study of candidates were hoping for funds to assist their in the dark, but someone might be listening. If not, the Light of a Decision by a Irish culture. Her articles on a research into cancer drugs, mental illness and engi- the next year will be even tougher than I’d imag- Bibó’s once ambitiously Possible, Impartial Political broad range of subjects have neering ethics. What hope, my diffident inner voice ined but the work will be done. In these daunting, written essay, ‘The Question Tribunal]. In István Bibó, been published in Hungarian cried out, had my pet project against such worthy uncertain times, that much I can guarantee. of Northern Ireland’ counts Különbség: válogatott tanul- and international journals as projects with such a broad interest base? Could my hardly more than an interest- mányok [Difference: Selected well as in scholarly volumes. local study really compete with research of such Shay Kinsella is about to transfer to a full time PhD ing document today. How- Essays]. (Budapest, 1990), pp. public significance? Logging into this forum real- programme at St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra.

26 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 27 Centenaries

brary of Ireland, National Archives of Ire- Department of History and Archives, and land, National Museum of Ireland, National the presenter Myles Duncan about events Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Gallery: The in Ireland during early 1913. Specifically, Hugh Lane, Dublin City Library and Ar- particular reference was made to emigration, chives, University College Dublin, and the the suffragist movement, politics, shopping, Dictionary of Irish Biography) are Dublin the weather, poverty in Connemara, court based, except for one, NUI Galway. No reports, and sport. Professor Cronin in- Northern Irish institutions are involved. formed listeners how ‘Century Ireland’ seeks

‘Century Ireland’ is hosted by RTÉ and items on the site compliment and draw from the public service broadcaster’s schedule and archives. Coverage of the launch in May was provided on RTÉ news, with the newsreader explaining to viewers that ‘Century Ireland, 1913- 1923’ covered the period from ‘Home Rule to the civil war’. In an interview for RTÉ news, Minister Deenihan expressed his hopes that the initiative As the ‘Decade of Centenaries’ gets into full swing, Joanne McEntee would ‘result in a huge upsurge of casts a critical eye over one of the more ambitious projects to have interest in this period which is a mo- mentous period in Irish history’. He emerged in the last eighteen months. also added how the site would function as an ‘aid for schools and (hopefully) encourage an increase in the uptake of history at Leaving Cert level’. Howev- In 1913 the following rather macabre occurrence yarns of yore, then ‘Century Ireland’ is the site er, such hopes may be dashed due to proved a newsworthy story in Ireland: to go to. The digital historical newspaper and proposals from his cabinet colleague, online archival site, ‘Century Ireland, 1913-1923’ the Minister for Education and Skills ‘Despite investigations from local clergy, the mys- (http://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/) - along with - Ruairi Quinn, for the removal of His- tery of the haunted house near Fivemiletown, the now obligatory Twitter and Facebook pages tory as a core subject for Junior Certif- Co. Tyrone continues to deepen. - narrates the story of events in Irish society over icate cycle students (as outlined in the 100 years ago. Published on a fortnightly basis Framework Document and referred to For six weeks, the farmhouse of the Murphy from May 2013, the site uses a variety of archi- in the last issue of Scoláire Staire). family has been thrown into turmoil by eerie val, visual, and contextual material in order to scratching noises on the walls, sounds similar to ‘facilitate an understanding of the complexities RTÉ have been to the fore of the pub- the kicking of a horse against a stable door and of Irish life in the years between 1912 and 1923’. lic awareness campaign for the site, the sight of bed-clothes being shaken and pulled although at the time of going to print about. Website production and support we are still awaiting the obligatory front cover spread on The RTE Guide With neighbours now unwilling to visit the ‘Century Ireland’ is produced in Ireland by magazine. RTÉ Radio 1 listeners were house, the Murphy family have been left in social researchers at Boston College and receives state informed of the existence of ‘Centu- isolation. Their situation has been described funding through the Department of the Arts, ry Ireland’ from listening to ‘The Pat locally as ‘pitiable’. Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Thirteen days after Kenny Show’ and ‘The History Show’. the launch of the site in Ireland, the Taoiseach, A sketch of George Russell (aka AE) which accompanies a On 12 May 2013 in a programme enti- news piece on his work with rural labouers in 1913. (NLI) The Murphys, a family with young children, are Enda Kenny, delivered the commencement tled ‘Ireland Spring 1913’, ‘The History now considering selling their farm and emigrat- speech to the Boston College Sesquicentennial Show’ broadcast a discussion between ing to America.’ Class of 2013. Professor Mike Cronin, from Boston College to demonstrate that during the momentous who manages ‘Century Ireland’; Catriona years of 1913-1923 ‘people [were] just getting (http://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/articles/haunt- The website states that ‘at the core of Century Crowe from the National Archives; histo- by and living a life’. He also stated how the ed-house-leaves-family-with-pitiable-plight) Ireland is a collaborative partnership between rian Mark Duncan, founder of the InQuest website offers a twenty-first century public the major cultural and educational institutions Research Group; Dr. Paul Rouse of UCD’s the opportunity to ‘live history in real time’. If this haunted tale whets the appetite for more in Ireland’. All of the institutions (National Li-

28 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 29 Douglas Hyde (right) pictured in 1913 from the Century Ireland website. (NLI). Content title is ‘Century Ireland, 1913-1923’, the site advertises itself as ‘the main online portal for the With respect to actual newspaper Irish decade of commemorations, 1912-13’ and material, the entertainment factor aims, through the use of a variety of archival, is certainly not lacking in ‘Century visual, and contextual material, to ‘facilitate an Ireland’. Headings such as ‘Boy at- understanding of the complexities of Irish life tacked by organ-grinder’s monkey in in the years between 1912 and 1923’. Whether Dublin’, ‘Marriage annulled on grounds this apparent chronological oversight may be of hypnotism’, and ‘Girl shot with toy grounded in a desire to have a neat decennial/ pistol in Belfast’ certainly live up to centennial header or primarily due to its launch expectation. It is clear to see that sensa- date in May 2013 is uncertain. While the website tionalist headlines have a long history includes coverage of pivotal events in Ireland in the newspaper industry. The shock- during 1912 and early 1913, this frequently ing header ‘Dublin policeman “shot at” occurs in an indirect manner. Little or nothing by Suffragette’ relates the story of how is related about The Balmoral Demonstration or seven members of the Dublin Met- Ulster Day. In Easter week April 1912, four years ropolitan Police raided the home of a before the Easter Rising, Unionists and Orange- suffragette after an on-duty policeman men rose up against the Home Rule movement. reported two revolver shots had been This event, which history has remembered as fired at him from her window. It later The Balmoral Demonstration, was followed by transpired that the ‘gun shots’ were in Ulster Day, Saturday 28 September 1912, when fact the noise of firecrackers (known thousands signed ‘Ulster’s Solemn League and as dog-frighteners) used by some Covenant’ giving a clear signal to the world motorists. Another news report with of the intransigent stance of many in Ireland the headline ‘The “most dangerous” against a change in relations with Britain. In sport in the world’ informed readers of January 1913 the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) the ‘newest sporting craze to cross the was officially established. As ‘Century Ireland’ Atlantic’. The ‘sport’ may perhaps be was only launched in May 2013, contemporary best described as a more modernized reports on the important developments which and motorized version of the tradi- occurred in 1912 and early 1913, as described Logistically, the website is fairly user-friendly tional game of Website Design with both horizontal and vertical options for horse-back polo, with viewing more content. Essentially a newspaper, ‘armoured motor cars’ With respect to design, Professor Cronin also augmented by visual and auditory resources, the replacing our four- explained that the production team were ‘delib- site offers users the chance to access information legged friends. While erately not trying to make it look old’. The site from simply selecting the ‘latest’, ‘watch’, and articles such as the certainly lives up to this aim, opting for a plain ‘listen’ options on the horizontal tool bar. The above are insightful and Georgia typeface instead of attempting to feign vertical tool bar, on the other hand, gives users amusing, it remains to a dated appearance. Visually, what is perhaps snapshots of the latest ‘News update(s)’ while a be seen if the finances most striking about the site is the absence of any ‘News in brief’ section provides often tantalising which were allocated for typical ‘Oirish’ flourishes: not a harp or a sham- headlines. Stories of interest can be accessed in the project will prove an rock in sight. Although there are apparently full by simply clicking on any headings. There effective instance of state forty shades of green, not one is visible. Instead is also a twitter feed which has proved popular spending. Perhaps such reds and blacks are used against a white back- since the website’s launch and no doubt will anecdotal news items ground. Whether the website designers, Kooba, increase as word spreads. will increase traffic on influenced much of this decision is unclear. But the site. Will users prove perhaps most significant, is an omission of any 9 May: 21 tweets, 1350 followers. loyal returnees to the images of the Tricolour. This act may reveal a 23 May: 61 tweets, 1744 followers. site or will it generally conscious decision among those involved in 5 June: 93 tweets, 1,882 followers. be used infrequently by ‘Century Ireland’ to depoliticise the pivotal de- flâneurs? cade which witnessed the struggle for the inde- Most news items provide a link with further pendence of Ireland and resulted in the partition reading for those motivated to find out more of the country. about particular topics. Although the website’s

30 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 31 A advertising poster on the Century Ireland website which mimics the banner ads of modern newspaper websites. (NAI, CSO/RP/1913/12645). to parliament?’ disagreement easily access material for class room discussion relevance of the period numerous publications, to the bills within the island and essay writing. The fact that all options on conferences, seminars, lectures, table discus- is not adequately addressed. the website are free is a positive in these eco- sions, bursaries, exhibitions, online exhibitions, Although the controversial nomically challenging times. and online records (to mention but a few) offer nature of such matters must instruction, of varying levels of quality, to the be acknowledged and sen- The website makes available a ‘range of rarely masses. At the infancy of the ‘decade of com- sitivity is required in any (or never) seen material’ in an attempt to shift memorations’ it is perhaps time to reflect on historical analysis of events, somewhat away from a singular politico-cen- what we are commemorating and why? What inclusivity must lie at the tric view of the important decade. However, is the purpose of commemorations? Do com- heart of the ‘decade of com- oftentimes it is the political news stories which memorations involve remembering, celebrating, memorations’. Traditionally, tend to leave the most delible mark. Reports simply recognising, and/or even honouring past RTÉ has adopted a firm pol- of political developments, both nationally and people and events? The ‘Century Ireland’ initia- icy of censuring items which internationally, remind a twenty-first century tive will certainly succeed in bringing history may disturb the status quo. audience with the privileges of hindsight that to life for the many users who will undoubtedly the trajectory of events which followed were not avail of the website for many years to come. We can expect the 1913 clearly mapped from the outset of the decade. Lockout to feature prom- They also may service as a warning against On 22 May 2013 the Irish Independent carried a inently in news stories for complacency, inertia, and armchair activism on story apparently of public interest: the remainder of 1913. With issues that should be of concern and interest to respect to the lockout, the Irish citizens. The positioning of Irish events The Lord Mayor of Dublin says there have been ongoing employer-employee within an international context, such as the spooky occurrences at the Mansion House. unrest evident in Irish soci- article on ‘The International story of the wom- Naoise O Muiri says his daughter Briona (4) ety today will undoubtedly en’s Suffrage movement’, is very much welcomed. has witnessed a ghoul at the historic Dublin influence how the 1913 strike Maybe ‘Century Ireland’ would benefit from the building. The Fine Gael councillor says he didn’t will be commemorated (the inclusion of a timeline to illustrate how events in believe in ghosts until an incident in February establishment of an Irish Ireland related to developments internationally. when his daughter saw a young girl watching TV Citizen Army is obviously A map of ‘The Limerick Riots – Oct. 1912’ is a in the living quarters of the building. O Muiri to be avoided). After the useful tool to aid understanding of the event. said he knew the Dawson Street building which Croke Park Agreements (or With respect to images, the decision to accom- dates back to 1705 had a reputation for strange disagreements) and the more pany a piece of writing on ‘Ireland in May 1913’ happenings. recent Haddington Road with a painting by Walter Osborne of The Fish- Agreement, tensions contin- market, Patrick Street, c. 1893 is slightly curious. In 2009 the then Mayor Eibhlin Byrne reported ue to simmer on the matter that her bulldog Sam had noticed something of industrial relations, occu- While other, non-political articles offer much spooky at the Mansion House. She said the dog pying a significant portion insight into contemporary everyday life, fre- refused to walk past a particular door. of the Department of Jobs, quently bring a smile to the face, and may open Enterprise and Innovation’s up new avenues of research, the amount of time (http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/ time. and money which goes into their publication the-mansion-house-is-haunted-lord-may- perhaps needs further consideration. Also, ref- or-29287049.html) What the site offers erencing articles from the site proves somewhat problematic. It is not clear which newspapers A roaming RTÉ news reporter standing outside above, are perhaps somewhat relegated in signif- While undoubtedly the originally published the various news reports government buildings the day the ‘Century Ire- icance. website will appeal to a broad audience, to date or whether they were provincial, national, or land’ website was launched closed the segment publicity for the site in non-scholarly circles has international? Also what political stance did the by informing viewers that While it would be inaccurate to state that Home apparently been minimal. Although both RTÉ newspaper generally take? The latter is import- ‘back a century ago, Ireland was a very different Rule or any opposition to it are absent from the television and radio stations have aired adver- ant for undiscerning users to be aware of. place’. Perhaps more similarities remain than we site, perhaps they could be positioned more in tisements, perhaps more noise needs to be made care to acknowledge. the foreground. In an article entitled ‘What was about ‘Century Ireland’. Whether members of Conclusion Home Rule?’ the contentious story of the third the diaspora or an international audience will be Joanne Mc Entee recently completed a PhD in the Home Rule Bill is bypassed with a simple remark targeted is not clear. It would prove interesting The website will augment the numerous other Moore Institute, NUI Galway entitled ‘The State that ‘in 1912, a Home Rule bill passed the House to monitor traffic on the site and identify where resources currently being rolled out relating to and the Landed Estate: ordering and shifting pow- of Commons’. While an entire paragraph of the most users are based. With internet access avail- the decisive early years of the twentieth century. er relations in Ireland, 1815-1891’. The doctorate article is devoted to explaining ‘Why did British able in most schools at all levels, students can For individuals uninitiated with the historical was funded by PRTLI 4 governments agree to introduce Home Rule bills

32 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 33 Review

Four Courts Press have also recently published two very inter- Recently Published esting paperbacks. The Battle of Clontarf: Good Friday, 1014 (€14.95) by Darren McGettigan tells the story of one of the In this section we provide information on a wide variety of new publictions in all areas of most important events in Irish medieval history. We are so Irish history. Publishers can find out more about our reviews and previews by emailing caught up in the decade of centenaries though, that this 1,000 [email protected] year old tale will likely pass next April without much fanfare. For those who want to know more about the battle and its hero, Brian Boru, this slim volume should make for an enjoyable The Big House is a subject that is becoming ever more pop- read. ular. Television programmes are being broadcast, confer- ences held and books published. There is even a Big House The Morpeth Roll was a testimonial comprising over 160,000 music and arts festival taking place at Castletown House signatures belonging to people across Ireland who signed their over the August bank holiday weekend. names in tribute to George Howard, Lord Morpeth, when he stood down as chief secretary in 1841. Now, for the first time Two recently published books have the Big House at their in 170 years, the original role is travelling around Ireland in core. Voices from the Great Houses: Cork and Kerry (Mer- exhibition. Christopher Ridgeway has edited this volume on the cier, €19.99 PB) is essentially a collection of oral history Morpeth Roll: Ireland Identified in 1841 which examines what testimonies from the people who still reside in some of the document can tell us about pre-famine Ireland. these great mansions. The editor, Jane O’Hea O’Keefe, adds context by giving some background to the families and Liam Ó Duibhir has followed up his two books on Donegal houses. In the main though, the interviewees are allowed to during the War of Independence and the Civil War, with a book speak their minds freely. This often results in their repeat- on the Ballykinlar internment camp. The camp in Co. Down, ing a lot of the family history (relating it to big events and was the first mass internment camp set up by the British during high politics). the War of Independence and housed hundreds of men at a time. The camp was notorious for its stories of ill-treatment of The book is a fine record of gentry life in the south of the prisoners. Ó Duibhir’s casts a light on some of the personal sto- country. Given the title though, it would have been nice to ries of camp life, how the prisoners lived from day to day, and hear the other voices from the great houses; those of the how escape plans were hatched. servants and other workers. Many of these people are still alive and, no doubt, have some fantastic tales that would Kieran Glennon’s book about his grandfather, From Pogrom have greatly added to the story of these houses. to Civil War: Tom Glennon and the Belfast IRA is much more than a family history. The book tells the story of Tom Glennon, a Irish Elites in the Nineteenth Century (Four Courts, €55 young officer in the Belfast IRA when the pogroms took place in HB) is an impressive collection of essays by established and the city during 1920. He would go on to join the National Army emerging scholars in the field of nineteenth century social and help put down the Republican forces during the Civil War history. Given that the collection’s central theme is power, in Donegal. and the pursuit of power, the Big House plays a central role. The inhabitants of these houses either held, sought or relin- Kieran Glennon has taken advantage guished power in the nineteenth century. of the opening up of the archives for the period to contruct a warts There is an impressive breath of topics included in the and all tale of his grandfather’s life, collection, edited by Ciaran O’Neill and supported by the many aspects of which nothing were Society for the Stuudy of Nineteenth Century Ireland. previously known of to the family. Topics covered include architecture, politics, journalism, Glennon’s role in Donegal will be of sport, social clubs, religion, and the professions to name interest to many. He was a hate fig- but a few. There are some new avenues of research into the ure to those on the Republican side, landed estates on show here too. Our own Joanne McEntee including Peadar O’Donnell who contributes an essay on solicitors as elites in landed society, singled him out for criticism. His while Maeve O’Riordan’s essay on elite women as house- role in the execution of the Drum- hold managers gives a great insight into relations between boe Martyrs will also be of interest big house employees and the various ladies of these houses. to local historians and historians of This book will most likely prove to be essential reading for the Civil War period generally. (AG). students of nineteenth century Ireland..

34 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 35 Review

While Redmondism was an obvious target for just before his execution, Clarke was confident the insurgents in 1916, Clarke had previously that the rising 1916 would be the catalyst for a expressed his deep gratitude to Redmond fol- final push which would lead to the end of British Gerard MacAtasney, lowing his release from prison in 1898. Red- rule. Such a belief allowed Clarke to die a con- Tom Clarke: Life, Liberty, Revolution mond had made eight or nine visits to see Clarke tented man. With the 1916 centenary approach- (Merrion, 2013, 330pps, €60 HB, €17.95 PB). in Chatham jail, and he, more than other Irish ing, Gerard MacAtasney has produced a timely public figure, demonstrated his concern for the piece of work which sheds much needed light on plight of Irish political prisoners. one of the major figures of the Easter Rising.

The final piece of correspondence highlights the Dr Russell Rees is the author of Conflict in Nine- sense of personal achievement felt by Clarke at teenth Century Ireland: The Development of This is an unusual biography. Two-thirds of such a crucial moment in Irish history. Written Unionism and Nationalism. the book is devoted to Clarke’s correspondence, while the opening narrative really serves as an introduction which helps to put these letters in their historical context. The conventional approach would have seen the author weave the evidence from its subject’s mailbag into a nar- rative which offered a sustained analysis of the motives that drove such a determined revolu- tionary leader. Yet such is the impact of Clarke’s Dónal McAnallen voluminous correspondence that MacAtasney The Cups That Cheered: A History of the Sigerson, Tom Clarke was a father figure to the 1916 lead- can claim justification for his approach. More- Fitzgibbon and Higher Education Gaelic Games ers. The fact that he was from a different gener- over, as this is the first significant biography of (Collins Press, 2012, 350pps. €29.99 HB). ation sets him apart from the other architects of such a major, yet shadowy, figure of the Irish the Easter Rising. Clarke’s fierce commitment to revolution since Louis Le Roux’s 1936 study, it is the cause of Irish freedom over such a prolonged a welcome addition to the historiography of the period, and his experience of suffering for that period. cause, distinguished him from the other signato- society, but as part of their institution. This is ries of the Proclamation. Clarke’s republicanism was shaped by his early what makes Donal McAnallens book so good involvement with the IRB in Dungannon, his – it attempts to, and succeeds in, looking at the Acutely aware that his own generation had failed association with John Devoy in America but, development of Gaelic games in the Irish third Ireland, Clarke looked to younger men to carry above all, by his experience as a prisoner in an level education sector as a whole, rather than in on the Fenian tradition of rebellion. He was a English jail. Convicted of treason-felony for his an individual college or sport. subscriber to the belief that ‘England’s difficulty role in a bombing plot on the mainland, Clarke was Ireland’s opportunity’, and this ensured that spent fifteen years, mostly in Chatham prison, The GAA, of course, began outside of the tradi- the First World War would provide the backdrop where he was subjected to brutal treatment. His tional diffusion model. Its establishment came for the rising. Indeed, Clarke had viewed the letters paint a vivid picture of Clarke’s suffering as aresponse to the growing popularity of other Boer War as a missed opportunity, confirming but also highlight his indomitable spirit which The role played by many educational institutions games but its vanguard was not in the univer- his negative view of his own generation of Irish ensured that this Irish prisoner would not be in the development of sport is well-known, and sities of Ireland, but instead outside. It was not patriots. broken by the English prison regime. sport and the school ground are inextricably until the close of the First World War that Gaelic linked for many in Ireland. The history of sports Games were practiced on a competitive level Gerard MacAtasney’s interest in Clarke devel- While MacAtasney cannot fully explain his sub- in Ireland’s educational system usually comes in Irish universities. In this fascinating, illu- oped during his research for an earlier book on ject’s fanaticism, the reader is given an insight as part of centennial or bicentennial histories minating and highly entertaining book, Donal Sean MacDiarmada, another leader of the rebel- into much of Clarke’s thinking. He was most at of various schools and colleges or of individual McAnallen looks at the history of Gaelic games lion and Clarke’s closest confidant. These two home in the conspiratorial environment of the clubs within the institutions (UCC soccer’s At in the higher education sector in Ireland from its men were the key figures in making rebellion a IRB where internal feuding was commonplace. Least We Won the Toss for instance). Rarely are beginnings in the early twentieth century to the reality. MacAtasney contends that Clarke’s role Clarke revelled in the machinations which they the key focus of the publication, though present day. The book is beautifully produced. was essentially to nurture these younger revo- sidelined the old guard and put his younger there are exceptions like Trevor West’s The Bold Some of its most powerful elements are the lutionaries who were clearly encouraged by his nominees in control of the movement. There is Collegians: A History of Sport in Trinity College photographs and reproductions of menu cards, stature as the senior IRB activist. In return, the irony here too. MacAtasney notes that rebellion Dublin. Naturally, the purpose of those books invitations, and match programmes. McAnallen old Fenian responded to the obvious commit- was made more likely because of John Red- is not to provide a comprehensive history of uses the photos and ephemera to good effect, ment of younger colleagues. mond’s ‘success’ with Home Rule at Westminster. their club, or sport in the context of wider Irish bringing out through the pictures and repro-

36 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013 37 Review

ductions that which he evokes so well in words: a greater student population. The antagonisms the youthful joy of Gaelic games competition at that arose between the traditional bastions of third level. The only downside to the book’s pro- Gaelic games and the new Regional Technical duction and impressive length (none of which is Colleges reflected a conflict, that it must be said superfluous it should be noted – there is no filler continues, largely over the perceived quality and here) is its weight, but that’s as minor a gripe as standing of the institutions. So we see not just you could hope for. Gaelic games in the university changing, but Ire- land changing in the pages of McAnallen’s book. The book is organised chronologically by decade The world of the student is also brought out and presents a comprehensive history of each with great humour and style in the book– the year of both the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon compe- parties, dancing, smokers, dinners, drinking titions, as well as the others as they develop. This and messing are treated with an appropriate is usually preceded by a general discussion of the levity throughout the book, offering a reminder major flashpoints, on and off the field. These that this is a history of people in their late teens are perhaps the strongest passages, condensing and early twenties. The intense training in the the remarkable and staggeringly detailed re- lead up to weekend tournaments and the surely search which McAnallen has undertaken for the detrimental all-nighters show at once the seri- writing of this book. It leaves no stone unturned ous dedication (the pioneering of early morn- and provides the reader with a good guide to the ing training sessions) to sport and the equally subsequent individual entries on each year of the serious dedication to pleasure pursued by the competitions. Furthermore it traces the chang- players and their followers who joined them on ing contexts in which the intervarsity Gaelic the sojourns around the country at competition games were being played – this book is no mere time. Naturally, there were times when things litany of losers and winners, a log book of scores got out of hand – like the students in Belfast and teams – it is an important contribution to who, worse for wear with the drink, flung about the ever growing field of Irish sports history wreathes from a First World War memorial a firstly, but is also an important piece of educa- week after Remembrance Sunday causing a near tion and social history. Reading it, one is struck riot. McAnallen handles these tales of less sa- by the changing shape of the Irish education lubrious excess well too. The importation of ice sector, from the elite cohort who helped begin hockey helmets as head protection also stands Gaelic games in the second decade of the twen- out as a great story in a book full of them – the tieth century to the present day where as well as photographs of the ill-fitting helmets are a real Gaelic games being played in the universities, treat. This is sports history at its best: it may be the Institutes of Technology and other third level a history of the Sigerson, Fitzgibbon and higher educational institutions take part. McAnallen’s education Gaelic games first and foremost but it book details the changing nature of Irish society offers so much more to the reader than that. – the opening up of education to an ever greater body of young Irish people. He charts the impact David Toms is in the final year of a PhD at UCC, these changes then wrought to Gaelic games writing a thesis entitled, ‘Sport in Munster: A So- within these institutions that were themselves cial History of Cork, Tipperary and Waterford c. coming to terms with the increasing demands of 1880-1930’.

38 Scoláire Staire JULY 2013