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Tom Barry's Guerilla Days typewriter for exhibition in Michael Collins house

May 1st, 2019 7:05 AM

By Kieran O'Mahony

The typewriter which Tom Barry used will be on display.

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A typewriter used by Tom Barry to type up his world famous book Guerilla Days in Ireland is just one of many interesting artefacts that are included in a new exhibition.

A TYPEWRITER used by Tom Barry to type up his world famous book Guerilla Days in Ireland is just one of many interesting artefacts that are included in a new exhibition.

The ‘War of Independence Exhibition’ opened on the ground floor of Michael Collins House in Clonakilty on April 30th and is the first major exhibition since they opened three years ago.

Set in the heart of rebel country in West Cork, this comprehensive exhibition provides an insight and overview of the war as part of the centenary commemorations at the museum. Organisers have been working in conjunction with Cork Public Museum and will be revealing new artefacts from the Michael Collins House collection for the first time, including those belonging to War of Independence figures such as Tom Barry, Tom Hales, Leslie Price and Michael Collins.

‘There are some very interesting artefacts, such as the typewriter that Tom Barry wrote Guerilla Days in Ireland on, as well as Tom Hales’ Lee Enfield rifle and Leslie Price’s (wife of Tom Barry and head of Cumann na mBan) military medals and much more,’ said Jamie Murphy of Michael Collins House.

The story of the war is brought to life for all with these original artefacts in addition to documents, audio visuals and information boards. The exhibition discusses key participants such as Michael Collins  and his colleagues in General HQ and the Crown forces who attempted to stop the rebellion.

Jamie added that by recognising the location of the museum, the exhibition also takes a close look at the very active West Cork region during this period, with its feared Flying Column.

‘Learn about the ordinary people who made it all possible and the effect the war had on ordinary life at the time. As part of the Centenary Commemorations over the next two years I believe this will be a very popular exhibition,’ he added.

The exhibition will be officially opened by county mayor Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy at 3pm on Tuesday April 30th followed by light refreshments. To promote the exhibition, Jamie and his team have released four different posters, each representing different aspects of the War of Independence.

The official opening coincides with the launch of summer opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm. See www.michaelcollinshouse.ie for more.

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