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Gillis, Liz

Liz Gillis is the author of 'Women of the Irish Revolution', ‘Revolution in Dublin’ and 'The Fall of Dublin'. She has a degree in Irish History and works as a Curatorial Assistant in RTÉ. She has worked as a researcher on numerous publications, participated in many conferences focusing on the Irish revolution and has also developed a 'Revolutionary' walking tour of her native Liberties. Liz is co-organiser of the annual conference on the burning of the Custom House in 1921.

Revolution in Dublin The period 1913-23 in Dublin encompassed the Lockout, the Home Rule debates, the First World War, the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War. These iconic events not only created the Ireland we live in today, but also helped generate change around the world. In these years Ireland went from being a loyal dominion of Great Britain to being the country that would initiate the demise of her Empire. The period has generated intrigue, excitement, inspiration and anger among generations of people and interest in the period shows no sign of waning. Much has been written on the iconic events and key figures of the period, but this book shows through fascinating photographs the story of the thousands of ordinary people who were involved in all these events, either as active participants, or those just trying to live through the upheaval. It gives a fascinating insight into the Dublin of the day and the lives of the people who lived there. €16.99

The Fall of Dublin An insightful account of the Civil War in Dublin including the attack on the Four Courts. €14.99

The Hales Brothers and the Irish Revolution The story of the Hales family from Bandon epitomises the whole revolutionary period in Ireland. They were involved from the establishment of the Irish Volunteers in West Cork and were closely associated with well-known revolutionary figures, including Michael Collins, Tom Barry and Liam Deasy. Both Seán and Tom were company commanders in the IRA in the area. The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921 split the family and led to the two brothers taking opposing sides in the Civil War that would follow. Tom Hales was the most senior Republican officer on the scene of the chaotic ambush at Béal na mBláth that led to the shooting of Michael Collins. Seán Hales was himself assassinated in Dublin by Republicans, following a vote in Dáil Éireann to allow the Provisional Government to increase its powers to penalise Republican prisoners.The story of these brothers and the rest of the family gives a unique insight into life in Ireland in this tumultuous period. €19.99

With the Dublin Brigade Charles Dalton was only fourteen years old when he joined the Irish Volunteers in 1917. By 1920 he had been appointed to Michael Collins' elite intelligence unit. In this book he describes his role in the assassination of the 'Cairo Gang', a team of undercover British agents working and living in Dublin, on Bloody Sunday, 21 November 1920. He also details his involvement in the seizure of arms from Messrs Guinness's boat the 'Clarecastle', the filling of home-made hand grenades with gelignite, the attempted shooting of hangmen on their arrival at Dublin to carry out executions, attempted rescues of prisoners in military custody (including Dan Breen from the Mater Hospital, after he had been wounded) and the encirclement of Grafton St. shortly before the Truce. His duties also involved tracing the activities of enemy agents and spies, keeping records of enemy personnel, contact with friendly associates in government and Crown service and organising and developing intelligence in the Dublin Brigade. This account, originally published in 1929, when he was only 26 years of age, is complemented by the inclusion of his statement to the Military History Bureau made 20 years later, which, though not significantly different in terms of fact, is remarkably different in tone. €16.99

Women of the Irish Revolution 1913-1923 Paperback 'Women of the Irish Revolution' tells the story of the role that women played both directly and indirectly in the Irish revolution. These women were vital to the revolutionary movement. They were part of a generation who made a conscious decision to stand up for not only their rights, but also the rights of future generations, at a time when society viewed the role of women as that of mother and wife. The independence movement could not have succeeded without their contribution, which saw them put themselves in great danger in order to help free their country. The book also tells the story of those who, though not directly involved, lost so much as a result of that conflict. For they were the wives, mothers, sisters and girlfriends of the men who fought for Irish freedom, and their story is one that needs to be told. History, they say, is written by the victors, and more often than not the victors are men. The women from this period are the forgotten generation and it is now time to remember them. €19.99

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