Myths and lies have distorted the truth behind the founding of an Irish state. The struggle for independence was dramatic and dangerous, but there was no outright ‘Irish revolution’ from 1913 to 1927. In this new work from Colum Kenny, the author sets out 32 ways in which our views of events and people then have been warped by time and self-interest. He throws light on false beliefs, such as that the treaty created partition – or that partition caused the civil war. 

At the heart of his revealing account is a ‘damnable lie’ that has slyly justified that damaging civil war. It claimed that the Anglo- Irish Treaty was agreed by means of secret meetings and promises. It scapegoated Arthur Griffith. This claim left the new Irish state burdened by a sense of failure that it took decades to throw off. 

Dr Colum Kenny, BL, professor emeritus of Dublin City University, is a former presenter with RTÉ and a columnist in national newspapers. His books include Dangerous Ambition: The Making of Éamon de Valera, and Moments That Changed Us: Ireland 1973–2004. He has been awarded the gold medal of the Irish Legal History Society.