Cork—crucible of the War of Independence

Why was it that Cork (county and city), which accounted for c. 10% of the country’s population, produced nearly 25% of those killed in the War of Independence? What role did its substantial (c. 10%) non-Catholic (mainly loyalist) population play? Did individual IRA commanders like Tom Barry make a difference and what was the significance of the engagements he led at Kilmichael and Crossbarry?  Listen to Tommy Graham, editor of History Ireland, discuss these and related questions with Andy BielenbergEve MorrisonPádraig Óg Ó Ruairc and Gerry WhiteThis podcast is supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under the Decade of Centenaries 2012–2023 initiative.