New Irish Civil War film to be shown in Tipperary this month

The showing of the film The Dying Days on the life of the Civil War leader, Liam Lynch, packed the Cabragh Wetlands, Thurles on a memorable night last April.

Now, independent filmmaker John Foley is returning to Cabragh with his latest docudrama, which is titled, "The Aftermath."

It deals with the little discussed aftermath of the Civil War as Ireland struggled to create a new state from the ashes of conflict.

While people naturally expected things to get better under a newly independent Irish Government, the reality was that life became harder for many.

The old age pension was cut below what the British Government had provided, civil servants had their salaries reduced, while the Army mutinied as thousands of soldiers were made redundant.

Emigration again became the only option for many, particularly for Republicans who found themselves barred from employment in the new State.

According to John Foley, the new docudrama, "explores the impact of both the Civil War and its aftermath on those involved. The interviews with locals are supported by visual re-enactments of what took place during the conflict. The contributors we have chosen shared perspectives from different sides, along with their knowledge, their memories and in some cases the emotions passed down from their ancestors. The film also covered specific incidents and ambushes, whilst the siege of Waterford is described by historians James Doherty and Dermot Power."

The screening of The Aftermath takes place in the Cabragh Wetlands Centre, Thurles on Thursday, November 28, at 7:30 pm, as a fundraiser for the Wetlands project with admission costing just €10.

A discussion on why Irish independence initially disappointed many will follow the screening.

It will be led by filmmaker John Foley and historian, Michael Desmond. Tea/coffee and light bites to finish.

Photographed prior to the event were; Michael Desmond, historian; John G O'Dwyer, fear a tí for the night; Michael Long, Cabragh Wetlands and John Foley, filmmaker.