'The Men of the West' is a truly exceptional publication and credit goes to all involved

Westport Historical Society has completed publication of The Men of the West.

This beautifully-produced, full-colour hardcover book tells the dramatic story of the IRA’s West Mayo Brigade part in the War of Independence (1919-21).

A century on from those momentous events, this book chronicles the brigade’s origins, membership and remarkable guerrilla campaign.

The West Mayo Brigade was one of the most active and effective IRA units in the west of Ireland.

The Men of the West gathers together - for the first time in a single volume - its important story.

Tightly-focused chapters written by expert local historians are interspersed with personal sidelights: profiles of the brigade’s big personalities, such as Michael Kilroy and Joe Ring, and local memories of those troubled times.

The vital work of the local Cumann na mBan is discussed, and attention is given to how the brigade’s activities were commemorated over the past century.

Of particular importance are the meticulously-researched lists of casualties, recording all of those who were killed in this area in both the War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War: IRA volunteers, Royal Irish Constabulary officers and other members of the Crown forces, civilians, pro- and anti-Treaty combatants.

The book runs to over 270 pages, features over 200 photographs and an index of over 1,000 names – which will undoubtedly be an indispensable resource for local and family historians now and in the future.

The title - The Men of the West – is taken from the name given to the famous photograph of the brigade’s Active Service Unit or ‘Flying Column’.

That was the select group of volunteers who found themselves at the sharp end of history.

Their engagements with Crown forces were significant contributions to Ireland’s struggle for freedom. Particularly the action at Carrowkennedy, near Westport, on June 2, 1921, during which seven RIC officers were killed, four were wounded and a large quantity of arms and ammunition were captured, the Men of the West escaping without injury.

The Irish republic that we know today was forged through actions such as the Carrowkennedy Ambush.

It is time to remember.

An exceptional achievement, this book deserve a place in every household of Mayo with an interest in the county's intriguing history.

It is available to purchase at local book shops as well as online.