As 2021 is the centenary of this historic time in Irish History, Cormac offered his insight and knowledge of these times to students during a tour of about 90 minutes duration.

Plans to assassinate Eamon de Valera in the Island theatre, the shooting of a local politician in the 1930’s, Selton Hill and Sheemore ambushes, bank robberies, hijacking trains, the remarkable survival of Bernie Sweeney at Selton hill even though shot 3 times in the leg, raids on barracks and shops by Anti-Treaty forces were just some of the many fascinating stories regaled.

What brought it home most to students was the links many had to either people or places who were significant to the events that happened in the Ballinamore area at that time.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the walk and it brought History “alive” and complemented classroom work.

In 2nd year, students complete a Classroom Based Assessment  entitled “History in My Place” and this talk will hopefully present students with plenty of potential areas of study.

Sincere thanks to Cormac for such an interesting tour.