This book investigates how the anti-grazing agitation known as the Ranch War (1906-1909) in Ireland operated at local level in Co. Sligo by focusing on the activities of the Riverstown United Irish League (UIL) branch. One of the most dramatic incidents of the agitation occurred in October 1908, when a young man named John Stenson was shot dead by the police at a cattle drive in Riverstown.

At this time, the Riverstown UIL branch was operating a boycott of local Protestants (who refused to join or subscribe to the league) that led to a government prosecution known as the 'Riverstown conspiracy' case.

While the various incidents at Riverstown may have been parochial in nature, they acquired national significance and, as this study reveals, attracted the attention of the leading politicians of the day. (Series: Maynooth Studies in Local History - Number 105)