Scariff Martyrs: War, Murder and Memory in East Clare

In November 2008, Tomás Mac Conmara sat with a 105-year-old woman at a nursing home in Clare and asked her if she remembered the time four lads were killed on the Bridge of Killaloe. The woman's recollection took him back to 1920, when news of the brutal death of four men, known as the Scariff Martyrs, was revealed to the local community. The incident presents a remarkable confluence of dimensions, such as the young rebels' commitment to a cause, their betrayal by a spy, their torture, and their collective burial. This moment has reverberated across the generations and continues to strike a deep chord within the local landscape of memory in East Clare and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: The Mercier Press Ltd

This remarkable book delves into the profound significance of a historical event that occurred in November 2008. Tomás Mac Conmara, a writer, had the privilege of sitting with a 105-year-old woman at a nursing home in Clare. As he gently explored her memories, he inquired about her recollection of the tragic incident that unfolded on the Bridge of Killaloe. Almost instantly, the woman's expression transformed into deep sorrow, evoking a recollection from 17th November 1920.

News of the brutal death of four men, known as the Scariff Martyrs, had reached the local community, leaving a lasting impact. Late the previous night, on the bridge of Killaloe, these men were shot by British Forces, who claimed they had attempted to escape. However, locals vehemently argued that they were unlawfully murdered. A story that has been remembered for 100 years is now fully recounted in this book.

This incident encompasses a remarkable convergence of various dimensions. The young rebels, driven by a noble cause, found themselves betrayed by a spy. They endured torture, steadfastly refusing to betray their comrades. The isolation and transitional nature of their site of death on a bridge adds an eerie layer to the narrative. The withholding of their dead bodies and their collective burial are further poignant aspects that contribute to the enduring quality of this moment. It has resonated across generations and continues to deeply resonate within the local landscape of memory in East Clare and beyond.

Through meticulous research and storytelling, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the Scariff Martyrs' story. It sheds light on the historical context, the personal accounts of those involved, and the enduring legacy of this tragic event. It serves as a testament to the power of history to shape our understanding of the world and to remind us of the importance of honoring the memory of those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish history, social justice, or the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to capture the essence of a moment and leave a lasting impression on our collective consciousness.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781177259