Timothy ‘Timmo’ O’Sullivan (b. 1937)

The O’Sullivan ancestral home at Shanacluan, Beaufort near Killarney is the location for this recording. The house was originally thatched and was a safe house during the War of Independence and the Civil War. It was raided on many occasions by the Black and Tans and the Free State soldiers. Timmo explains that the area was full of activity during this period and also during the recent Northern Ireland troubles, when members of the IRA would come from far afield to practise marksmanship at a firing-range close by. Accommodation was provided in some of the local houses. Timmo’s father, Michael O’Sullivan, and his three uncles, Tim, Paddy and John were all involved in the fight for freedom. Tim was in charge of the local area from 1918 onwards. Details of much of the activity in the locality are provided, as are the names of the local Volunteers. After 1923, the three O’Sullivan brothers emigrated to Australia, and their nephew is of the opinion that they felt left down by the local IRA. The executions which took place during the Civil War in Kerry are discussed. Timmo recalls his years of involvement in the political sphere, canvassing in particular for Jackie Healy-Rae of Kilgarvan.