East Cork was a particularly violent area during the War of Independence with many IRA ambushes and attacks on Crown Forces. The first major success nationally for the IRA was the capture and destruction of Carrigtwohill RIC Barracks near Midleton. The IRA's worst tragedy was at Clonmult, also near Midleton, when the East Cork flying column was wiped out. During the war, twenty-two members of the IRA, ten RIC and Black & Tans, thirteen British soldiers, and nine civilians lost their lives violently in East Cork.

This book presents a balanced history of the war between the IRA and Crown Forces in East Cork, covering all areas of the district. Featuring extensive lists of participants and a rich collection of photographs and maps, this book uses original primary sources, contemporary newspapers and documents to provide real, personal accounts of the action in East Cork.