The West Mayo Flying Column in The War of Independence

This is the story of the West Mayo Flying Column, the Active Service Unit of the West Mayo Brigade of the IRA, during the War of Independence. The story has its beginnings in the 1916 Rising and follows the evolution of the brigade from the early days of 1918 to the truce of July 1921.

It is a story of tragedy, of loss, of bravery and guile, and ultimate victory. We follow the exploits of the Flying Column, who numbered at various times up to 65 men drawn from all quarters of the brigade area, from Castlebar, Westport, Newport, Louisburgh and the smaller surrounding villages, and led by General Michael Kilroy of Newport.

The bravery of so many women, who, as Cumann na mBan members, provided support, carried messages, tended the wounded, hid guns and put their own lives on the line, is acknowledged. In the struggle for Irish freedom these were all special people, none more so than the people of West Mayo, who gave their full support and assistance to those fighting men.