Michael Collins’ Strategic Role in Kilkenny During War of Independence

A new podcast has highlighted the significant role of Michael Collins in managing Kilkenny during the Irish War of Independence, which spanned from 1919 to 1921. Supported by Ireland’s Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries, the podcast features insights from historian and author Eoin Swithin Walsh. It is available through the Kilkenny County Council Library Service.

Walsh examines two crucial sets of documents: the Michael Collins Papers, preserved at the Military Archives, and records from the Kilkenny County Council, held at the National Archives. He notes, “In this podcast, we delve into two sets of records in the archives to find some Kilkenny-related stories. These records provide a good oversight of daily life in County Kilkenny during the revolutionary years, which weren’t always dramatic; the mundane parts of life continued.”

Collins’ strategic management of the area is underscored by various intelligence operations. For example, he gathered detailed information about every post office in Kilkenny, identifying which could be utilized for intelligence-gathering purposes. This proactive approach was vital, especially as the IRA and Sinn Féin were gaining momentum in the face of British forces, including the Black and Tans.

Intelligence and Local Politics

A notable incident involved the disappearance of £400, which had been sent to the Hibernian Bank in Thomastown. A letter regarding this transaction was intercepted by the IRA, which frequently monitored mail for intelligence purposes. Though the letter reached the bank, the funds did not. Collins intervened, and local IRA leader Christy Ennis managed to recover £395 of the missing amount.

The podcast also discusses Collins’ correspondence with the Kilkenny IRA regarding a list of organizations perceived as hostile to the republican cause, including local clubs like the County Club, YMCA, and Kilkenny Rugby Club, all of which had memberships that included military personnel and Unionists.

Walsh notes that not all intelligence operatives were dedicated full-time to the cause. For instance, Martin Cassidy, appointed as the Intelligence Officer of the Kilkenny Brigade, also held a full-time position at the Smithwick’s Brewery. Despite his challenges in balancing work and IRA duties, his intelligence reports were considered “very good.”

Daily Life Amid Conflict

The records from the Kilkenny County Council reveal that daily life continued amidst the upheaval. Issues like a diphtheria outbreak in Thomastown, compensation claims for conflict-related damages, and rental arrears in Castlecomer were all addressed in council discussions.

In the local elections of 1920, Sinn Féin achieved a remarkable victory, securing 95% of the vote alongside the Labour Party. During this tumultuous period, Kilkenny councils declared their allegiance to Sinn Féin, which was deemed illegal by the British government. This complicated the financial landscape, as council employees often received salaries from the British Local Government Board while supporting a republican agenda.

Many clerks in Kilkenny were tasked with navigating communications with both the Sinn Féin and UK governments, illustrating the complex interplay between local governance and revolutionary politics. The podcast provides a compelling insight into how political affiliations and local dynamics influenced the broader struggle for independence.

Through Walsh’s analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how Collins and his contemporaries managed both the revolutionary and everyday challenges faced in Kilkenny during a pivotal period in Irish history.