Seán Enright

A great read for anyone interested in the Irish Civil War. The book examines the executions policy of the Free State Government at the time and also looks at the legislation underpinning their actions, in all its progressions. As a Judge on the English Circuit, the author is eminently qualified to examine the legalities involved. Yet, the book is written in laypersons language and is extremely readable. The author also looks at the extra-judicial or unofficial executions carried out by members of the National Army. it is in this area I would express my only reservation - which is a small one and entirely personal. I would like if he had examined the actions of O'Daly and Nelligan in Co Kerry in even greater detail, as I felt they got off quite lightly when one considers both what they themselves were involved in and in the case of O'Daly what he facilitated.
That being said, the book probably sheds more light on this brutal period of Irish history than any previous work, and for that, the author is to be congratulated. The book is well researched and written, with excellent endnotes. Recommended.… (plus d'informations)

This is a very well written book. Having accessed available archived reference material, Enright applies his legal background to in effect judge how each of the trials of those sentenced to death for participating in the 1916 Rising, whether commuted or otherwise, were conducted. He provides fascinating insights into the time both from an Irish and British perspective and demonstrates numerous flaws with the British approach during the trials. Overall the book is highly readable and well referenced referring also as it does to statements from the Bureau of Military History. It should interest anyone with an interest in the Easter Rising and act as a complementary book to one dealing with the general conflict over 1916.… (plus d'informations)