Northern Ireland

Book explores role of west Belfast man in attack which kicked off Irish War of Independence

Daniel Jack, author of Citizen Soldier'. Picture by Hugh Russell
Daniel Jack, author of Citizen Soldier'. Picture by Hugh Russell Daniel Jack, author of Citizen Soldier'. Picture by Hugh Russell

A NEW book which explores the life of a west Belfast man who played a key role in an attack which is said to have kicked off the Irish War of Independence is to be launched next week.

Citizen Soldier, which has been written by Clonard man, Daniel Jack, examines the life of Séumas Robinson who, in 1919, led an IRA party which attacked a convoy transporting gelignite during the Soloheadbeg Ambush in Co Tipperary on the same day that the first Dáil met.

The group, which included other members of the Third Tipperary Brigade - Seán Treacy, Dan Breen and Seán Hogan - shot two police men dead and stole the explosive.

This has long been considered the first engagement of the Irish War of Independence.

The new book explores Robinson's journey from Sevastopol Street in west Belfast to Soloheadbeg.

Having joined the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1913, Robinson later participated in the Easter Rising of 1916.

In 1921, he became a TD for Waterford–Tipperary East.

He later left Sinn Féin and became a founding member of Fianna Fáil and was elected to Seanad Éireann for the party in 1928, and re-elected in 1931 and 1934. He resigned his seat in 1936 after serving eight years as a senator.

In 1947 he was appointed one of the five founding members of the Bureau of Military History. He died in December 1961, aged 72.

Mr Jack said it was a "very interesting story".

"It is a story that has been neglected," he said.

"He is very much in the footnotes of history but he had a leading role."

Those attending the book launch will also be able to view a collection of artefacts dating from the War of Independence period.

Loaned to the James Connolly Visitor Centre by west Belfast collector, Pat O'Hagan, the collection includes 20 pieces.

Among the items is Michael Collins' handgun, a gun used by Dan Breen, a Thompson sub-machine gun, a Royal Irish Constabulary helmet and a Royal Irish Constabulary bayonet.

The collection also includes several uniforms including that of the Irish Citizen Army and an Irish Volunteer uniform.

Jim McVeigh, Trustee of the James Connolly Visitor Centre, said: "This is one of the best collections of artefacts from the period anywhere in the country".

:: Citizen Soldier by Daniel Jack will be launched at 7pm on Monday, December 2 at Áras Uí Chonghaile The James Connolly Visitor Centre on Falls Road in west Belfast.