Community solidarity during the War of Independence is remembered: Moynihan
THE role of the local community during the War of Independence and the support given to IRA volunteers fighting British forces has been called to mind by local Fianna Fáil TD Aindrias Moynihan.
This week saw the centenary of the Cúl na Cathrach ambush west of Macroom, involving a number of local men who fought alongside their counterparts from the Gaeltacht Mhúscraí villages of Baile Mhúirne, Cúil Aodha, Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh and Cill na Martra to inflict a key defeat on the Auxiliaries.
The TD’s own grandfather, Jamie Moynihan, a long time county councillor, was one of those who fought at Cúl na Cathrach.
“There was a huge community effort that made success over the vast empire possible,” said Deputy Moynihan.
“We often see the actions of the volunteers at the battle front but they were able to do this because of the support backing them and their togetherness.
“The people who fed and housed and shielded them knowing they themselves would be in danger.
“The Cumman na mBan, the neighbours who helped on the farm where a son was on the run, and the many, many others behind the volunteers.”
He said the engagement at Cúl na Cathrach was a significant battle as it involved sustained fighting over a long period.
“The 3 C’s, Cúl na Cathrach, Crossbarry and Clonbannin, in quick succession showed the crown forces the scale of the fight they were in.
“They had been reduced to raiding in large deployments of troops but even these would now be repelled by the volunteers and there was strong community support.
“Crown forces stopped raiding west of Macroom after Cúl na Cathrach.”