Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture 2005 was given a historical slant with a meeting on 15 April addressed by Brian Murphy, ‘In defence of Cork’s political culture in the revolutionary years, c. 1914–1922’. Dr Murphy placed his theme in its historical context by quoting an eyewitness account of Cork as seen by a … Read more
The challenges facing academic publishing worldwide have been well rehearsed in recent years. A revolution in book retailing has resulted in large chain stores dominating the market. Focused heavily on bestsellers and rapid turnover, they have squeezed the shelf-space (and shelf-life) of academic titles, and are able to demand ever-higher discounts. At the same time, … Read more
Sir, —Peter Hart in his interview (HI 13.2, March/April 2005) dismissesmy work in Tom Barry: IRA freedom fighter, saying that it ‘containsalmost no new evidence’ despite my in-depth analysis of the Kilmichaelambush, the sectarian issue (1920–22) that Peter Hart places suchemphasis on in his book (but not in the interview) and other aspects ofTom Barry’s … Read more
Captain Jack White, an unsung hero of the Irish Revolution, first published his autobiography Misfit in 1930. He was an extraordinarily complex man and difficult to fit into any convenient slot. He was born into a loyalist and middle-class family, the son of Field Marshal Sir George White, governor of Gibraltar. He was brought up … Read more
When John O’Donoghue, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, recently announced the composition of the new Irish Film Board, he commented that ‘Film has a unique ability to convey to a wide audience the stories and atmosphere of any local community’. Although his recognition of the importance of film not just as a means of … Read more