The Battle for Limerick City

Military History of the Irish Civil War

by Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc, Gabriel Doherty (Foreword)

The opening shots of the Irish Civil War in Limerick city were fired on 11 July 1922. The city was of vital strategic importance in the fight for control of the newly independent Ireland, and both Free State and republican troops were determined to secure the city for their respective causes. At the outset the republicans controlled the city's four military barracks and Thomond and Sarsfield bridges. The Free State forces held the custom house, Limerick prison, the courthouse, William Street RIC barracks and Cruise's Hotel. Battle lines were drawn and over the course of the following two weeks, fighting raged throughout the city until superior numbers and arms gave victory to the Free State army.

In this new book on the battle for Limerick city, Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc offers a new perspective on the struggle that reduced the viability of the republican's 'Munster Republic' and set the stage for the battle of Kilmallock, which turned the tide of the Civil War in favour of the Free State.

Genres: Military History, Ireland, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Eoghan Greaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly detailed account of the battle for limerick city 1922

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good insight into the events of the Civil War, often ignored by Irish Patriots. Some good story telling and some interesting anecdotes here. Could do with a map of the city, though - had to refresh my own memory, even though I'd lived there for over a year and have been visiting often.