May 25 The Burning of the Custom House by Liz Gillis book review

The bold attack on Dublin’s Custom House on May 25th 1921 has been the subject of much heated debate. Liz Gillis, historian and author of Ireland’s early 20th century revolutionary period brings the dramatic to life. This watershed moment in the War of Independence is told as part of the Kilmainham Tales Special series edited by historian Mícheál Ó Doibilín. Beautifully designed by Mícheál using many contemporary photographs, the planning and the event’s consequences are explored.

The event itself is told at a cracking pace, using the participants’ own words, immersing the reader in the drama.

EXTRACT:
Vinny Byrne was on the upper floor when the fighting started outside. He ran down to the main hall and found a chaotic scene with people running trying to get out of the building:

I ran along the corridor towards the docks and, as I came to the end, I could see the Auxies on the quay, firing. I retreated back to the hall. There was not a soul to be seen. I made up my mind to clash out when an Auxie appeared at the door. I opened up and he ducked back….

The book arose when Mícheál and Liz were working as tour guides in Kilmainham Gaol when they discovered a photo album belonging to the Volunteer Cyril Daly. It contained many photographs of young IRA prisoners who had been involved in the burning of the Custom House. They discovered that 270 men were involved, making it the largest IRA operation since the Easter Rising.

‘We must listen to their words, and we can agree or disagree with these testimonials, but it would be to our detriment if we ignore them.’

Did this event contribute to the eventual truce between Britain and Ireland in July 1921? Read and see.

The book can be purchased at the following link. http://kilmainhamtales.ie/may-25—burning-of-the-custom-house-1921.php