Towards the end of 1920, as the War of Independence was intensifying across Ireland the British authorities sanctioned the use of internment against suspected republican activists. In the first six months of 1921 over 4000 people were detained in internee camps at Spike Island and Bere Island in County Cork, The Curragh, County Kildare, Ballykinlar, County Down and at other holding centres and jails around the country.
Tom Ryan, from Bonnybrook, near Thomastown, was arrested on 5 February 1921. He was interned for ten months from February to December, most of the time at Spike Island in Cork Harbour. During his time in jail he kept a diary, which has survived into the present day and is now a unique historical document from that period.
In a new book, ‘As a souvenir of Spike Island’ – The Tom Ryan War of Independence diary and archive, which will be launched by Dúchas – Tullaherin Heritage Society at Thomastown Community Centre on 15th May, William Murphy recreates Ryan’s life as a political internee from the information contained in the diary and from a small collection of other prison-related documents which Ryan saved after his release.
The diary is one of the most complete and detailed of its kind to have survived. It is a historically rich contemporary source which affords a unique understanding of the experience of one individual internee, over the course of the relatively long period he spent in prison. Because Ryan was interacting constantly with the other prisoners, and they were all subject to the same prison regime, the diary can also been used uncover intimate information, at a broader level, about this important group of people within the independence movement. All aspects of their imprisonment are covered from the routine happenings of their daily lives to the major political events of that year.
When Pat Whyte from County Clare, was shot and killed by a prison sentry at Spike Island on 31st May, Ryan was close-by and his description of the tragic event is the only one recorded. The riot which erupted there in mid-October was one of the most extensive to have taken place at the time. Ryan took part and again his description in the diary is unique.
The Ryan prison archive, which lay forgotten for many years and has only been rediscovered in recent times, allows a close reconstruction of his life as a War of Independence Internee, and of republican internment more generally, during this pivotal period.
