Tom Barry on The Kilmichael Ambush, 1966

Tom Barry returns to Kilmichael to give an account of the IRA attack led by him on Auxiliary forces in 1920.
The ambush was carried out on 28 November 1920 by the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence at Kilmichael near Macroom in Cork. A column of 36 local IRA volunteers led by Tom Barry attacked a group of eighteen members of the Royal Irish Constabulary Auxiliary Division (Auxiliaries) travelling in two Crossley Tenders. Seventeen Auxiliaries and three IRA men Michael McCarthy, James O’Sullivan and Patrick Deasy were killed at Kilmichael.
In this film shot in 1965 by RTÉ General Tom Barry describes in his own words the sequence of events of the Kilmichael Ambush.
A section of a road at Dus a’ Bharraigh in the parish of Kilmichael between Dunmanway and Macroom was chosen for the attack. A grim day lay ahead on 28 November, regardless of the outcome Tom Barry says the men knew that,
Either the Flying Column would win, or they’d be wiped out.
Tom Barry acknowledges that he has been blamed for placing the lives of inexperienced men at risk, and justifies his reasons thus,
This ditch of the road fighting was the only fighting that suited a weak people fighting one of the greatest empires of the world, with all their resources.
Once the ambush was underway there was no turning back for the Flying Column, who engaged in hand to hand combat with men who had military training and who had served with the British Army and seen active service. In Tom Barry’s words.
It was a bloody fight, it was a bitter fight, it was a savage fight.
‘Kilmichael Ambush County Cork 1920’ was broadcast on 1 November 1966. The presenter is Seamus Kelly.

[@brendanearley4005]

Thank you Mr Barry. A classy Irishman who didn’t fear standing up to the Henchmen of Colonialism. Eternally grateful to you and your Bold Flying Column🇮🇪☘️

[@jonnymclaughlin477]

RiP Tom, one of Irelands finest who unlike most others didn't forget the North after 1922.

[@seanohare5488]

True

[@jameslarkin8494]

One of the greatest soldiers in Ireland's history,no two ways about it. Brave as a Lion,,courage in abundance,and the love of Ireland

[@barra6709]

God bless you Tom.

[@floodedcuts101]

This channel is underrated. Fair play to you, whoever you are and your sources.

[@Neo-mw1pp]

RTE

[@danbreen6946]

I Have Heard Different Accounts Of This But I Am Sure This Is The Most Accurate God Bless Tom Barry And His Gallant Men 🇮🇪☘

[@georgebrowne5935]

A Great Man. God bless you Tom Barry.

[@peterdoyle1591]

Barry was one tough man. He said years later that the health of some of the men suffered greatly due to being on the run and wet half the time. There was a story about a volunteer that fell into arrears on his farm due to ill health and the bank manager was going to foreclose on his farm. Tom always a man not to cross barged into the bank manager's office and put his pistol on the table and said...You had better sort him out...Or else. Apparently, the bank manager changed his mind fairly quickly and gave the volunteer easier terms on his payments.

[@TheTruthness2011]

People are so-gullible. This is what the Catholic Church has done to yee - worshipping external false-heroes 🌟💙🌿.

[@willie8976]

For liberty and frredom not equality nd safety like all these commie nihilist shinners think today ,,,,

[@RailRoad188]

Plenty of Republicans were anti-clericalist. National independence fighters are one of the most common type of heroes the world over. The freedom-loving people of the US eventually sent over boatloads of arms to aid the cause, so that tells you something of how terribly the decrepit British Empire was still treating the Catholics in the North in the late 20th Century.

[@vasilykatuma5689]

@@TheTruthness2011 At least the Irish believe into a God, your establishment serves the DEVIL outright, even your church was tailormade by your kings to suit their needs and not even close to the needs etc created the protestantism elsewhere (the same needs made irish to rebel btw...). And the worst of all, you remain unapologetic to your ways, even to this very day... spreading DIVISION, the "right" of the "strong" and the "frend" (your "frends"...) worldwide, judging on the basis on wot FITS you and not wots it is RIGHT, spreading YANISaries... Watch how the Scandinavians are and LEARN, THIEVES and CROOKS brits and then speak...

[@assafb7012]

Oh fuck off Bet you'll be the first to let us know when the man comes for you ya prick

[@Jen999]

This was achingly beautiful to watch and listen to .. These men were and remain heroes.. these men who fought so bravely and endured so much deserve to be remembered .. Way too many good men died then ., murdered .. executed .. starved to death .. my heart aches for these courageous men .. and for all of those who loved them .. Many of us descended from these heroes.. they deserve their stories be told ..thank you for doing so⚘☘ Jen999💙

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@adbl.d6324]

honest soldier and well-calculated as to the necessity of guerilla warfare in this scenario. the Irish could freeze all day and still rise to strike blows.

[@YoutubeChannel-ol7zx]

RIP General Barry. The Republic will forever honor your name and your deeds.

[@Irishbeermonk]

A fantastic human being.

[@hefellump1]

My only fear is with birthrates being so low and mass immigration will there be an Irish republic as we know it in 100 year's. God save Ireland

[@BradBrassman]

I prefer the term "Commandant". More like a Guerilla leader and less like an official I guess?

[@Irishbeermonk]

@@BradBrassman he was an official leader with the Irish Army too. Couldn't leave a man of his stature and intelligence go to waste in any other profession.

[@dbcooper7326]

@@hefellump1 He would turn in his grave if he saw the state of the country now and how the native Irish are being replaced. We learned about the plantations in our history lessons only to live through one ourselves.

[@philippa5004]

RIP & thank you for your service 🙏⚕️🕊🌟

[@jonathanoconnell8625]

God Bless all the men and women who gave so much for our country and our freedom Now it is our turn we must refuse to ever live as slaves stand up and fight

[@johngilmore6688]

@Black Lesbian Poet Read Romans 1:28 onwards.

[@MrRoastedSnow]

Our country isn't free until it's united. And it will be

[@mikehickey2244]

Barry your a legend thanks for everything you did

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@1Hannigan1]

What a great man . during a time when there were many but he was one of the greatest I think. Thanks for sharing pal.

[@thepiratepenguin4465]

What a legend. Thank you for making British soldiers regret their life choices & doing your part for the freedom of the Republic.

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@Jeremyramone]

Thanks very much . Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

[@the5th2000]

Jaysus that car was going a decent clip around that corner!

[@Peanuthead1890]

He thought the guards were stopping I think slowed away up 😅

[@4cormacos]

He was sideways 😂

[@michaelbarry3038]

Nice to hear real history

[@michaelmcmullan2300]

More blarney

[@michaelbarry3038]

@@michaelmcmullan2300 blarney about what

[@joenavanodo3780]

I left my beautiful Ireland in 1963, I had never heard of such men, it was not talked. , not then. In ‘67 I went to Vietnam, not knowing anything, only that it was my duty, there were those wo went back home to Ireland, or to Canada, but for me, i don’t know why, that thought never entered my mind, perhaps there was some kind of patriotic passion in bred in me , some single drop of blood, like these men… like these men

[@mrwood4557]

So your Irish that immigrated to American and fought in Vietnam? What a life story. You should post a long life story interview on KZbin. Sadly with the age of time, all these stories are being lost.

[@1Hannigan1]

My father was the first generation American . His father came over from Dublin. My Dad was drafted and went to Vietnam twice before the age of 21. He as well didn't consider going to Canada. Much love and respect from Oregon.

[@johngilmore6688]

I moved to America in 1989, and as an Irishman, was entitled to a Morrison visa and stay. I had opportunity to move to England from America in 2,000, which I'm now glad I did; especially considering the total pigs ear President Biden is making of the job. I expect many more Irish in America will make the same return journey back across the Pond. The pandemic showed what real freedom looks like.

[@fred66665]

Hi Joe, apparently the south east Asian's read his book and implemented it in detail in their style of warfare. It was published in 1949 and many of the communists consulted it as a manual. The lack of mobile radio communication and no air support allowed the Irish to establish the free state as they had local knowledge and didn't wear uniforms in combat. The thuggery of the Tans and their frustration of an unseen enemy certainly galvanized the population against the crown forces. The persuasion of the working class in Cork was often with Irish bullets at the Irish people but it's all in years gone by now and few wanted to remember or tell of those days. If you can get hold of Barry's book its worth a read.

[@mikephalen3162]

@@johngilmore6688 What malarkey. Biden saved America from Trump.

[@tcbcmoto4895]

God bless tom Barry and all our freedom fighters 🙏❤🇮🇪

[@tcbcmoto4895]

@freebeerfordworkers 👍🇮🇪

[@davidwallace6031]

We're all going to need men of this calibre soon - whether english Irish Scottish or welsh - to fight the tyranny heading our way

[@anothertime1282]

Fascinating how Barry still has the tone and cadences of a British Army sergeant, which I think he had been.

[@BingoFrogstrangler]

Sounds like he’s trying to sound like a gentleman.

[@jackspring7709]

That's exactly what I was thinking: the accent.

[@jackspring7709]

@@BingoFrogstrangler Absolutely no way: an accent like that would have got anyone into serious trouble in Ireland back in those days. Its definitely not put on: the locals probably accepted it in his case because of his reputation.

[@adamoneill6193]

We need this man today

[@seanohare5488]

Definitely

[@choctaw6838]

Tough Irishmen and women back then.

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@patrickmcclean4691]

Knowing certain death if you loose is the best motivation one can fight with.

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@ray101mond]

"Force your soldiers into battle with to which there is no escape and they will prefer death to flight" - Sun Tzu art of war.

[@michaelcassidy1864]

It must have been daunting to know Barry was leading the opposing force.

[@seanohare5488]

True

[@jcakblade101]

As far as they knew he wasn't up to that point. There was far more prominent leaders in Ireland's fight for independence at that time but they definitely knew about him after it.

[@mrmojorisin2264]

My Great Uncle was a member of the West Mayo Flying Column.

[@seanohare5488]

You must be proud West Mayo Westport beautiful area with friendly talented people

[@usandusonly32]

Another great Corkman. His book is a fantastic read

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@gungagalunga9040]

Lovely accent

[@dockerslower]

Some men are born great, Tom Barry was one.

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@karlm2k8]

All gave some, but some gave all.

[@georgel74]

It was a massive blow to the British empire..

[@seanohare5488]

Definitely it sure as hell shook up British pm l Lloyd George

[@grizzyb4149]

A hero

[@seanohare5488]

Definitely

[@gungagalunga9040]

Come out ye Black and Tans...

[@rogerarthur6571]

If you mean the song that was Kilmichael.

[@jackspring7709]

@@rogerarthur6571 Its the name of the song, sure, but its also a phrase that people use sometimes.

[@olieahern1318]

Great men putting their country first in the face of British terrorism men and women of courage hero's a century on.

[@patricklucey8850]

Thank you Tom.....

[@Neo-mw1pp]

Jaysus your man was flat out around that bend! 🤣

[@johnkennedy972]

Tom Barry a brave son of Erin we will not forget you 🇮🇪32

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@KINGKONG-jc7xh]

God rest his soul,Hard to believe he used to live above McDonalds on daunts square..would love to sit down with him and General collins R.I.P🙏and have a few pints and a Good chat

[@becsquigley1085]

Legend!

[@cyberzeroday]

Freedom doesn’t come free . Rip to all the rebels. Ireland has fallen into a very soft existence yet Ireland is now completely owned by foreign hedge funds rancher farmers and has abdicated its ability to self determine to Europe. These men did not fight and die for what exists today. God Bless them . ❤

[@seanohare5488]

I agree Ireland must break away from weak as hell shallow EU

[@dalyb7555]

👍👍 erin go brath

[@KINGKONG-jc7xh]

Just subscribed based on this video,,,hope the others are just as good 👍

[@SeanTaniane]

General Thomas Barry, who was one of the greatest Irishmen who ever lived, if not the greatest, has been accused, wrongly in my humble opinion, of lying about the false surrender at Kilmichael. I do not believe for two seconds that the man was capable of lying about his actions, or the actions of the 3rd West Cork Brigade Flying Column at that time at Kilmichael as General Barry has always taken full responsibility for his actions, and his shortcomings also, as well as taking full responsibility for the actions of his flying column. In addition to that, the British Cabinet fully accepted and acknowledged that there had been a false surrender at Kilmichael where three young Irish volunteers lost their lives. Had I been in General Barry's position at that time, I would have had no qualms whatsoever about killing every one of those Auxiliaries, false surrender or no false surrender, because they were nothing other than murderous thugs who tortured and raped Irish girls, who brutalized and murdered Irish people as a whole completely out of hand, people who were completely innocent of any wrong doing whatsoever and who were noncombatant civilians that were the poorest of the poor. I would have killed every one of them, whither or which, and I would have slept soundly in my bed after having done so, and furthermore, I would apologize to no man or to God for having done so either. The hypocrites who accuse General Thomas Barry of lying about the false surrender at Kilmichael should grow a pair of balls and go down on their two knees every day of the week and thank God that we had men like General Thomas Barry in Ireland at that time and they should also thank God again for the freedom they are enjoying today as a result of the efforts of General Thomas Barry, and men like him, in their fight for the freedom which we are all enjoying today here in Ireland.

[@lordterra1377]

I'm actually distantly related to him. Thank you for your words, I'm still learning about Tom Barry.

[@SeanTaniane]

Thank you Lord Terra for your reply. I have read Tom Barry's book, "Guerilla Days In Ireland" which I have found to be a fascinating read. Anybody with any form of common sense can easily see that Tom Barry was the most outstanding and the most upright, upstanding Irish fighting man when the occasion called for it and he was also an absolute gentleman. He was the finest tactician and the greatest fighting officer that the I.R.A ever had and nobody needs to take my word for stating this fact because all they have to do is to read Meda Ryan's book about the great Tom Barry, simply entitled "Tom Barry," to see that she has fully corroborated and endorsed Tom Barry's writings after very thorough and extensive research. To me, Tom Barry has been the greatest Irishman who has ever lived, period, and I could shout this fact all day from the treetops of Ireland and defy contradiction. It is also a great honour for me to hear from any relative of the great Tom Barry, the greatest Commandant General that Ireland has ever produced. Again Lord Terra, thank you for your reply and it's so nice to hear from you. I hope that life is being kind to you.

[@murkartik]

Well said. My grandfather Peadar Ó Muircheartaigh and he were good friends, we have deduced he was at some stage a courier for Tom Barry but details are scarce - unfortunately, although a writer of some talent he died too young before he was able to write it all down - he was a career civil servant and Dev's private secretary during WW2 and I think into the 1950s, so had to be careful what he said/wrote about the WoI period. As a rule when Tom Barry was in Dublin he stayed at my grandparents' house in Rathgar and he gave him inscribed copies of his book. Sadly I never got to ask him about any of this as he died before I was born. If we had had half a dozen more Tom Barrys (and one less Dev) things would have turned out very different. One of many things both he and Collins understood was that the north was absolutely crucial on tactical as well as humanitarian grounds.

[@Jen999]

So beautifully said.. these men gave everything they had for Ireland .. and way too many gave their lives .. these men were and remain heroes .. thank you for remembering them., and their sacrifice .. by telling their stories⚘☘ Jen999💙

[@stuartholden6163]

Feeling regret that he didn't warn them of the British's false surrender: that hit home

[@seanohare5488]

Agree shows a sensitivity and humanity

[@jackspring7709]

Tom Barry: fought in World War 1, the War Of Independence and the Civil War afterwards. He never forgot the cruelty of the Essex Regiment under Major Arthur Percival and called him out for the rest of his life until Percival tried to sue and then tried to reconcile with Barry: Barry's answer was that he would kill him if he ever met him again. Percival, later as a Lt. General, was the man who surrendered British forces to the Japanese in Singapore in 1942, despite having outnumbered their forces by nearly 3 to 1.

[@noelmaher4633]

Car 2.41, Jasas brake brake Hes back after 40 years....

[@seempeeson771]

He would be turning in his grave if he could see what we did to the Republic

[@brianboru8076]

Why what did we do to the Republic? Are you one of these fuckers that stays in bed all day moaning about what you're not getting for free?

[@kshatriyacowboy_]

American here. One struggle ⚡️

[@lucareviews9760]

What do you mean is it because we are closer to the lord and ariu more then before

[@niallsheehan474]

Don’t be shy say what you mean , that keyboard provides very little shelter

[@Irelandforever609]

@@niallsheehan474 The Irish giving up on Ireland The government is the ministry of truth now

[@smussiejollett3193]

Real men

[@seanmellon1]

The epitome of the Irish spirit!

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@tomryan4501]

A great man

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@dockerslower]

‘Some of them came from Dublin , some from County Clare’………

[@jenniferjuniper97]

"and there was no surrender from that bunch." I guess not!

[@seanohare5488]

Legend

[@williammitchell9974]

Thankyou All For Post And Comment 🇮🇪 🍀

[@patrickmcclean4691]

The road looks better back then. Cork County roads are a pity.

[@ryanbeechinor5776]

Tom and Leslie’s wedding photo sold at auction last week for €7,600

[@seanohare5488]

Wow that's a great photo with many of the heroes of the Irish revolution in that one

[@derekmoloney4554]

An outstanding act of guerrilla warfare....

[@fordford9133]

What County is this film in

[@swordoflight56]

West Cork

[@fordford9133]

Thanks David

[@22grena]

@@swordoflight56 Wesht Cork

[@danbreen6946]

@@fordford9133 Jamaica What A Stupid Question

[@Prince-gu8or]

@@22grena lol

[@barriesandcream]

Hell yeah thats my great something something

[@paulgalligan1916]

The scrap was on ✊️🇮🇪☘️

[@seanohare5488]

Legend

[@smussiejollett3193]

"Da scrap was on."

[@seanohare5488]

Legend

[@KINGKONG-jc7xh]

Up the boys of the old brigades, I.R.A today ain't got shit on them boys bk in the day

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@KINGKONG-jc7xh]

GENRAL TOM BARRY WAS SOME MAN FOR ONE NAN.SAME AS GENRAL MICHAEL COLLINS... O MALLEY IS THE MOST UNDERSTATED I THINK BARRY AND BREEN OUT SHUN HIM NO FAULT OF HIS OWN DOH

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@JoeMooney-kx7em]

Wish this man never died. God rest tom Barry. Need him now as much as ever

[@PNortRyan]

Seemed like a very shrewd man. These guys would roar at our leaders today I think, and would tell us all to have a bit more bottle.

[@dimitriofthedon3917]

Weird to think the whole second truck things been proven a tad false now

[@seanohare5488]

I believe Barry and those who were there

[@davidwallace6031]

On a lighter note couldnt help thinking about roy keane and vierra in the tunnel- apparently cork fellas take no shit

[@user-rb4ug9le2i]

Tom was from kerry

[@anthonymctigue9038]

ETERNAL REST TOM AND ALL YUOR MEN GREAT LADS YE SHOULD HAVE GOT MORE SUPPORT .ETERNAL TORTURE TO BLACK AN TAN BASTARDS .IF YE LADS CAN C THE SETUP NOW .AFTER ALL YE WENT THROUGH AND COLUMS HERE IN THE WEST LIVIN IN HILLS AND DROWN WET ALL DAY .AND ALL THE GREAT WEMON THAT HELPED .

[@jacknapier6668]

Let me know when your ready to take a stand. Our day has arrived mate. It’s time and everybody knows it. Soon our land returns to us.

[@williamsteele1409]

mo chara tom militem in pace , what a great man a cork man,, come away from there you fall in,,that was the words i remember as a young boy on lavitts/coal quay cork from this great man he was talking to my gran dad he must have been about 70 or so then i was 4 or 5 if any one my age group remember the river along there the coal quay the bars were very porous tom was from the same area as my family in west cork outside bandon the keanes its only years later that the significance dawned on me back then people from the city would remember the country people as we called them come into the city once a week or so how can we have tom barry micheal collins then this leftist soy boy mihole martin

[@noelkelly3223]

Thank you tom you will live long in our history my grandfather stood by your side god rest his soul 🙏

[@patrickmcclean4691]

They deserve what they got. 1 week before Bloody Sunday & killings in Croke Park stadium.

[@seanohare5488]

I agree true

[@kgkg-nk6rd]

Leo, mehole and company aren't fit to tie Tom Barry's laces. If they were alive back them they'd be working for the British

[@seanohare5488]

Definitely

[@johndaugherty4127]

Most people do not know that the British used concentration camps to house the Boer women and children of the guerrillas fighting against them. A charming lot, those Brits.

[@seanohare5488]

True over 20 000 women children old men died of disease exposure hunger then in boer was concentration camps by Brits

[@johnsometimesoffandsometim8933]

Civil war is a terrible thing.

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@gerrymurphy9623]

a great Irishman and freedom fighter

[@colmtansey8359]

Someone said .he would be turning in his grave if he saw what we did with the Republic.. Tom Barry was a very intelligent man .he knew we never got a Republic..

[@desmondhull5778]

Tom Barry the ex British service man,son of an RIC man,strange old world were living in.

[@paulustarsus]

Míle Buíochas Tomáis a Chara. Tá tú in ar pháidreacha. 🇮🇪

[@edwardcooper3948]

One year later Michael Collins walked into downing st and the northern Ireland state was born

[@whinge2]

No

[@whinge2]

1920

[@georgebrowne5935]

We Owe these Men everything. British Colonialism was the Greatest Sin against God and Humanity.

[@seanohare5488]

True history proves it

[@eringobreathtiocfaidharla1446]

That man's voice don't match his face haha

[@davidsantry3072]

This man fought so hard and the likes of varadkar come along and ruin it

[@cathalreilly4314]

I am a little sissy girl tg

[@seanohare5488]

Strange

[@damianjoy106]

Guerilla coward, not a straight fight

[@6Tghma]

Dope! this fella was no coward, an Irish hero he is, who fought against imperialism and colonization from foreign occupiers. Up the Rebels 🇮🇪

[@damianjoy106]

@@6Tghma hiding behind rocks and shooting at people by surprise is not a war, it's terrorism!

[@syberspud]

You’re having a laugh Damo. A clean death was far too good for the Brits.

[@murkartik]

Yeah, a coward whose men gave these scum a chance to surrender and were killed for it. The Auxiliaries were all veterans who knew the y would not be mistreated (despite the guilty consciences many of them carried for their pillage) and who knew the rules of engagement - which the IRA followed to such a degree that reports of war crimes, theft, or other excesses by the Flying Columns are almost non existent. What do you call going around beating the shit out of undefended civilians and/or shooting them, and burning down their businesses? Fair Tactics?

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

What an idiotic comment. The last thing any military man wants is a "fair" fight. Heaven's sake.