Brother Against Brother

Moving and sensitive account of the Civil War, one of Ireland's greatest tragedies. He recounts in detail the Republican disillunionment with the Truce and later with the Treaty, how the Republicans were hopelessly outnumbered, hunted and killed, especially in Munster, before they were finally broken and defeated. For the first time, Deasy recalls the circumstances surrounding his much-criticised order appealing to his comrades to call off the Civil War - an order that saved the lives of hundreds of prisoners. In a special chapter, he recounts his involvement in the ambush at Beal na mBlath, in which his close friend Michael Collins met his death in 1922. Deasy was born in Bandon in 1896. He joined the Irish Volunteers in 1917 and on the formation of the West Cork Brigade of the IRA was appointed adjutant. He later became Brigade Commander. He took the Republican side in the Civil War and after it returned to civilian life, setting up a successful business. His celebrated account of the War of Independence, 'Towards Ireland Free', was published in 1973.