The Irish Civil War: The Killing of Michael Collins (Part 2)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom are joined by Ronan McGreevy to discuss the Irish Civil War, focusing on the events leading up to and following the death of Michael Collins. The discussion begins at the Four Courts in Dublin, the site where the Civil War started, and covers the split within the Irish Republican Army over the Anglo-Irish Treaty. They explore the key figures, the political and military strategies of both sides, and the impact of British support for the Free State government. The conversation then shifts to the events surrounding Collins' death, examining the circumstances and the potential long-term effects of his absence on Irish history. The episode concludes by considering the legacy of the Civil War, its impact on Irish politics and society, and its connection to later conflicts like the Troubles, while also touching on the economic underachievement and the role of the Catholic Church in the decades following the war.