The Irish Republican Brotherhood 1914–1924

by John O'Beirne Ranelagh

‘A determined effort to stamp out this dangerous body, versed as it has always been in murder and intrigue, might have cost many lives but would have freed Ireland from a terror whence no good thing can come …’

This description of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) by the head of the Irish post office after the 1916 Rising encapsulates the importance of an organisation without which there would have been no Rising, no IRA and no War of Independence. Yet its legacy remains obscured by the intense secrecy under which it operated.

In The Irish Republican Brotherhood 1914–1924, John O’Beirne Ranelagh lifts the veil on the fascinating story of the IRB at the time it had its most profound impact on Ireland’s political landscape. With a father who was one of its members, he had unique access to the generation of men who populated its ranks, many of whom refused to be interviewed by anyone else. Using testimonies from key figures, such as Vinnie Byrne and Moss Twomey, as well as newly available documentation, Ranelagh unravels the true influence of the only oath-bound society to which Michael Collins pledged his loyalty.

An enthralling exploration of secret societies, political manoeuvres and personal sacrifices, this book casts new light on a pivotal chapter in Ireland’s quest for independence.

Genres: History, Ireland, Politics, Nonfiction

839 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

John O’ Beirne Ranelagh is a television executive, producer, and author of history and current politics. Born to an Irish father, James O’ Beirne Ranelagh, who was in the IRA in 1916 and later fought on the Republican side in the 1922– 24 Civil War, and an American mother, Elaine Lambert Lewis, who became the noted author E. L. Ranelagh, John Ranelagh was born in New York and moved to rural Ireland following his parents’ 1946 marriage. He read Modern History at Christ Church, Oxford, and later obtained a Ph.D. at Eliot College, University of Kent.

Reviews

[Courtney King · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Irish Republican Brotherhood 1914-1924, John O’Beirne Ranelagh provides a well-sourced description of the landscape (and dynamics) of Irish Republicanism during a critical period for the country.

The apparent level of access O’Beirne Ranelagh to key IRB and IRA players, in addition to his own family history in the movement, allowed him to describe events of the IRB as a secret organization at a level beyond efforts of previous authors.

This book does not romanticize the Republican movement, instead focusing on the IRB structure as it relates to other Republican organizations (GAA, Gaelic League, the Volunteers/IRA) and with the Dáil. It is invaluable in its contributions to the understanding of Republicanism at the time.

The book itself provides comprehensive end notes containing citations and, importantly, additional context.

[Fionnbharr Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a few bold political statements in this book, particularly around the politics of identity between people identifying as British or Irish, and the author ought to have familiarised himself with political literature on nationhood, ethnicity, etc; however from the standpoint of historiography this is a very important book. These interviews with people who were involved in the IRB, and the emphasis of its importance on the revolutionary years and foundation of the Irish state, should be invaluable to future historians.

I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Michael Collins, which will also be good reading for anyone looking to construct a profile of that man.

[Eoin Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable read. Ridiculously well researched and thorough engaging. Didn't know the extent and potency of the IRB until I read this.