Kilmichael Ambush - 'a story of a century'

As we honour in song and in story... "Kilmichael Ambush - a story of a century" takes a fresh look at the story of the Kilmichael Ambush in West Cork 100 years later. We analyse the ambush in detail with expert views by historians and unique accounts by locals guests. Of particular note are the Fr Chisholm recordings with Jack O Sullivan (Section 2) and Ned Young (Section 3) - veterans of the ambush, which takes the viewer right into the heart of the ambush and what happened on that fateful day on the 28th of November 1920.

Some images © National Museum of Ireland

A film by Colum and Shane Cronin

Film Guests:
Louis Whyte, Ballineen.
Joe Creedon, Inchigeela
John (Cookie) O’Callaghan, Castletownkinneigh
Eunan O'Halpin Professor of Contemporary Irish History at Trinity College Dublin.
Dr Eve Morrison - Canon Murray Fellow in Irish History St Catherine's College, Oxford.
Visiting Research Fellow Centre for Contemporary Irish History Trinity College, Dublin
Don Wood, Manchester.
Gerry White, Cork - Military Historian & author

Special and sincere thanks to the following for their contributions and support:
Tim Crowley, Michael Collins Centre, Clonakilty
Kilmurry Museum.
Marian O’Leary, Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage
Margaret O’Donovan, Ballineen.
Mary Harris, NUI Galway.
Dennie Healy, Kilmichael.
Dr Con Kelleher, Macroom.
Diarmuid Kingston, Timoleague.
Seán Crowley, Templemartin.
Con Downing, Southern Star
Tadg Sheehan, Macroom
Ann Murphy, Fermoy
C103, John Greene
C103, Patricia Messenger
96FM, PJ Coogan
‘The Wild Heather Glen -The Kilmichael Story of Grief and Glory’ (White.L, Tower Books, 1995)
Coppeen Archaeological, Historical & Cultural Society (CAHCS)

Music:
"An Chulainn" - original recording by Shane Cronin on Whistle
"The Boys of Kilmichael" - original recording by Colum Cronin
"The Tribe has Spoken" - Philip Ayers via Epidemic Sound
"Appeased Soundscape" - August Wilhelmsson via Epidemic Sounds

[ronan]

Very well produced lads. Fair play. Great documentary

[squeek]

Great review, regards and respect to all from Australia.

[steveosullivan]

The numbing thing for me is that me Grandparents were named O'Sullivan and McCarthy. O'Donoghue pub in Castletownbere are relations of mine, though I never met them. They knew me Dad well enough. So if passing have a pint there in memory of the fallen. What a documentary, it really hit home, real close to home, though I live very far away.

[christwomey]

Excellent documentary, brave selfless men, heroes God bless them.

[anthonyraymond]

That was an excellent documentary. Worth watching again!

[royhardy]

A very informative and well produced and narrated documentary. As an Englishman, I feel ashamed of the actions of those Tans, sent by Westminster to carry out disgusting acts of barbarism against the peoples of Ireland. I salute those brave men of Kilmichael for their fight for freedom from an oppressive British Empire.

[johnhodnett]

Well done to Colm and the Coppeen Heritage committee on a great documentary. God Bless all the people who took part in the fight for freedom

[arthuroshea]

A superb documentary, recounting the events of 100 years ago.God be good to all those brave men of the Column,

[tomnyhan]

Wonderful documentary to mark the 100 anniversary. Thanks to all involved for keeping Local history alive

[LisaCronin]

Fantastic documentary Colum and Shane. Maith thú!

[terrys]

Living In these modern times it’s impossible to appreciate the conditions in which these brave men lived and fought. In the space of two years they achieved what other brave Irish people in the preceding centuries had tried and failed to win - self determination. As long as there’s a country called Ireland and a race called the Irish, their actions deeds and memories will be honoured. This film honours them .

[noreengildea]

Well done Colm and Shane..I grew up listening to all the stories of Kilmichael from my Dad, Dan Cahalane. He never missed a Kilmichael Commemoration. God rest all those brave men who fought for our freedom.

[noelraymond]

well done super video enjoyed every word spoken thanks

[gachabella]

Brave souls fought for lrelands freedom .may they rest in peace .🙏🙏🙏🙇🙇🙇❤❤❤

[maryodwyer]

For a dispassionate analysis of the events at Kilmichael read "Kilmichael-A Battlefield Study" by Sean Murphy. The author is a West Cork military man, marksman and a technical weapon expert .Hard going at times due to the amount of detail, but worth it to anyone wishing to have a complete picture of what was one of the pivotal events of the conflict.
Michael O'Dwyer

[bernieodwyer]

A fabulous portrayal of information that holds dear to our hearts locally

[jjdonlon]

Well produced, well narrated. A story worth the telling.

[michaelfitzgerald]

Well done, what a great documentary. The bravery and sacrifice of those great men must never be forgotten, and I'm sure it won't by all of us who value freedom.

[jimmyotoole]

great documentary, they were brave courageous men, proud to say my uncles done their best here in mayo at the same time.

[klondyke]

An excellent documentary tribute to The Boys of Kilmichael on the 100th anniversary. Thanks to all involved