Cork’s role in war of independence highlighted in new exhibitions

TWO major exhibitions highlighting Cork’s part in the fight for Irish freedom are among the many events planned by Cork City Council to mark the centenary of 1920 which was a pivotal year for both the city and county, it’s been revealed.

Dan Breen of Cork Public Museum revealed that the museum in Fitzgerald’s Park in the city will host two major exhibitions this year as part of its contribution to remembering the county’s role in the fight for freedom.

“We are hosting two major exhibitions – Suffering the Most - The Life and Times of Tomas MacCurtain and Terence Mac Swiney’ in March and ‘Cork – County at War’ which opens and runs in August,” said Mr Breen.

“’Suffering the Most’ tells of the story of Tomas Mac Curtain from Mourneabbey and Terence Mac Swiney from Kilmurry – Cork’s first two Republican Lord Mayors and will focus on various aspects of their lives.

“It will also look at their deaths- MacCurtain shot dead by the RIC at his home in Blackpool and Mac Swiney on hunger strike in Brixton, both set against the backdrop of a country at war and a city and county in turmoil.

Mr Breen said that the civic and military leadership shown by both men – who were senior figures in the IRA in Cork - - will highlight the pivotal role played by Cork during Ireland’s War of Independence.

And “Cork – A County at War” will look at some of the major engagements of the War of Independence which took place in Co Cork and had a significant impact on both the nature and outcome of the conflict.

“Using original artefacts, images and documentation, this exhibition will illustrate the roles played by the Republican and Crown forces while exploring their strategies, tactics, equipment and experiences of