The Hales Brothers and the Irish Revolution

The story of the Hales family from Bandon epitomises the whole revolutionary period in Ireland. They were involved from the establishment of the Irish Volunteers in West Cork and were closely associated with well-known revolutionary figures, including Michael Collins, Tom Barry and Liam Deasy. Both Seán and Tom were company commanders in the IRA in the area. The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921 split the family and led to the two brothers taking opposing sides in the Civil War that would follow. Tom Hales was the most senior Republican officer on the scene of the chaotic ambush at Béal na mBláth that led to the shooting of Michael Collins. Seán Hales was himself assassinated in Dublin by Republicans, following a vote in Dáil Éireann to allow the Provisional Government to increase its powers to penalise Republican prisoners.The story of these brothers and the rest of the family gives a unique insight into life in Ireland in this tumultuous period.

Liz Gillis is the author of 'Women of the Irish Revolution', 'Revolution in Dublin' and 'The Fall of Dublin'. She has a degree in Irish History and works as a Curatorial Assistant in RTÉ. She has worked as a researcher on numerous publications, participated in many conferences focusing on the Irish revolution and has also developed a 'Revolutionary' walking tour of her native Liberties. Liz is co-organiser of the annual conference on the burning of the Custom House in 1921.