A Short History of the IRA: From 1916 Onwards

by Brendan O'Brien

An accessible, clearly-written account of the IRA from 1916 to today. It covers the origins and history of the organisation, its aims, the political and military thinking which has driven its activities, and the major personalities who have shaped the direction of the movement down through the years.

The relationship with the Irish and British governments is examined, as well as the effects of the major bombing campaigns and the 1981 hunger strikes. It also explains the radical shift in thinking which led to the IRA seeking a political way towards the goal of Irish unity rather than pursuing the entrenched 'Brits Out' policy at the point of a gun.

The background to the IRA ceasefire, and the many factors which contributed to its ending are looked at, as well as the prospects for a lasting peace in one of the world's most troubled arenas.

With a new chapter that brings us as far as 2018 this book has everything you need to know about the IRA.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ireland

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief introductory text for anyone interested in the long armed campaigns conducted by the Irish Republican Army in its various configurations over the past century. There is a particular focus on the 30 year period of 'The Troubles' in the North of Ireland, and developments in the Peace Process since 1998. The book also looks at the various small splinter groups that aim to keep the IRA 'legacy' alive (in their view) by carrying out sporadic acts of violence and rejecting the structures set up as a result of the Peace Process. This is a worthwhile introductory text from Brendan O'Brien (a long-time RTE broadcaster and correspondent) and is suitable for someone with a passing knowledge of the conflicts in Ireland (and NI in particular) over the past century or so, and who is interested in learning more about key actors and the forces involved.

[Andrea Mili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for everyone interested in Irish history and politics. It provides an exhaustive overview on major IRA events within the bigger pictures of the Easter Rising and of the Troubles. Only thing: it would have been interesting to know more about groups such as the RIRA and the CIRA that are allegedly still active or have been active until recently, and about the role they play today in Northern Ireland, where the Troubles are still very tangible - even if almost 30 years have passed since the Good Friday Agreement.

[John Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview, written by a journalist with long experience. A good start for the curious and those uninitiated into this opaque slice of history