Tim’s collection on those who fought for the cause
IT was by no means a fast process but very much a labour of love for Tim Horgan, who recently launched his book, ‘Fighting for the Cause’ , which provides another source of information on Kerry’s part in the fight for independence.
Providing an account of some fascinating, untold stories of Kerry men and women who took up the Republican cause, the almost 400-page final product is the latest project by the respected Tralee historian.
Among the stories included those of fenian Jerry O’Sullivan, who attempted to free two prisoners from Clerkenwell in 1867 by blowing up a prison wall; John Cronin, whose attacks on British forces in 1920 were considered audacious even by his own brigade; and Bridget Gleeson and Nora Brosnan, both incarcerated for their republican acts.
The book had its launch earlier this month at The Pavilion at Ballygarry Hotel, Tralee, and Mr Horgan’s interest in these topics ties in with his family history.
His grandmother, Madge Clifford, was a secretary to both Ernie O’Malley.
He previously authored ‘Dying for the Cause’ and was co-editor of ‘ The Men Will Talk To Me: Kerry Interviews by Ernie O’Malley’.
“I began researching this book in 2015,” he told The Kerrman.
“While accumulating material for that book, it became apparent that there were many men and women who contributed significantly to Ireland’s fight for independence and that over time had been forgotten by the people of this county.
“This, I considered to be somewhat of an injustice to their memories and indeed a deficit in the heritage that we hand on to future generations.”
As an opthalmoligist in Tralee since the mid-’90s, Mr Horgan said he has met many thousands of people, many of whom shared stories of their family members who lived through and were involved in events during the the 1916 to 1923 period.
This, he feels, was an invaluable help to his work.
“Without such assistance, my research could never have resulted in this book which I hope will also be a source of history for future generations.
“The book features not only men but also the stories of four forgotten women that shaped our counties history.
“Also described is the remarkable life of Fr Joe Breen, a rebel priest for whom the GAA field in Kenmare is called, but about whom the present generation will know little or nothing.
At a cost €19.99, ‘Fighting for the Cause’ is available in all good book stores nationwide and online.