The Greatest IRISH WAR Movie: The Wind That Shakes The Barley

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Today's video features the movie: The Wind That Shakes The Barley. It's an Irish movie based around Ireland's war of independence and civil war.

[@JMac-fj1rg]

Lets get this straight. The English government hired war hardened and psychologically damaged former soldiers , and then made them a paramilitary police force, with no police training what so ever. Then they couldn't understand the horrific brutality these former soldiers inflicted on the Irish population, and the Irish populations response to that brutality

[@richardtaylor1652]

Not to mention they paid them so much money! These guys are getting paid 3 pounds 10 shillings a week when a private in the regular army is getting 14 shillings a week. Absolutely insane!

[@bouse23]

They had some police training they were given a very condensed course in gormanstown camp. It was more of a soldiers job than a police job they had.

[@andywilliams2237]

​@@richardtaylor1652- No, the Auxies were getting £7 a week. Supposedly these were ex-officers, but in fact battlefield commissions proved useless once the war was over, so these were men who had been hardened by war and then left jobless in peace. They were hired specifically to do what they did... wreak havoc and deny the IRA support amongst the populace - and many RIC and Army officers complained about them, but the Auxies had support from above, so claims that they went rogue are hogwash. They did what they were supposed to do, terrorise the population.... but the tactic failed spectacularly. The architect of this cynical ploy was the same as that of the disastrous Gallipoli campaign, Winston Churchill.

[@ethankerr05]

I never understood the part when the main character (cillian Murphy) went on to build an atom bomb

[@kerraptregolls4929]

Made me chuckle- thanks

[@davyholden]

😂

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

The 1980s weapon production was remarkably effective especially given how little time and money was available. The measures and countermeasures will probably make a TV film in another twenty or thirty years.

[@erikjohnson1684]

He built it under the impression that it was going to be dropped on London.

[@Katie2986]

🤣

[@MadDadLad]

This was Cillian's breakout role and the year it was shot, some lads from my school (Colaiste Criost Ri in Turners Cross) played small roles in it too, namely the red haired lad that played Chris, who was shot. He attended Douglas Community School and also Pres on Western Road and despite his success, he still maintains his friendships with the lads he was in school with. A true Cork man and an example of what any young lad can accomplish if they dedicate themselves to their passion. Fantastic film, and it's even better to see Cillian finally win a much deserved Oscar👏🫡🇮🇪.

[@janetjordan2246]

Well said

[@reddishtykes]

A friend of mine who is an Englishman born in Stockport is one of those rare chaps who EVERBODY takes a liking to. His business is refurbishing hotels. Did a Dublin hotel and spent 12 months working there. The hotel manager advised him which pubs to stay away from. Andy went to one pub and afterwards mentioned it to the manager, who exclaimed it was an IRA stronghold and he must never go again. Andy did and went on to play for the pub pool team! (He told them one of his grandads was Irish)

[@Nickcooper625]

Ten percent of the British population has at least one Irish grandparent; while a further 15% have known Irish ancestry "further back." The true figure is probably higher, but they're just unaware of it.

[@starspace352]

I was born in Hungary. I never left this country, ever. In early 2020, I met an Irish dude online, and from that point, I was unsaveable. I've been becoming more and more obsessed with the Irish and Ireland every day. I started "learning" Irish on Duolingo, and I am planning to visit next summer. Great Video and may God grant peace to the Irish that have fallen in the 700 year long struggle for their freedom.

[@chrisbutler6271]

What a lovley post. Learning the 'cúpla focal' ..in Hungary. The very best of luck to you from the grandson of an IRB volunteer member of the South Dublin Union Garrison, Easter Week 1916 and guest of the Crown at Knutsford 'Gaol' and Frongoch. Yes, we have a very long tear stained history, like many others.

[@arthurkuhn1401]

Huzzah! Good for you starspace

[@maxcody5040]

You'll absolutely love Ireland. Try get around West Cork if you can

[@allisnotwhatitseems.]

As an Irish Republican I can see myself moving to Hungary in the next 3 years because Ireland is unrecognisable and is being destroyed by its cowardly government taking orders from Brussels. They are flooding the land with single black men. All unvetted. We no longer have a Republican party in Sinn Féin. They support the whole thing. It's saddens and maddens me in equal measure. 😢

[@fishyq5077]

@@allisnotwhatitseems. Give it a rest.

[@peterflynn9123]

The film was deliberatly set to NOT depict actual events but is based loosely around the Hales brothers. Incidentally the firing positions at Kilmichael are spread over more than 100 yards, and the reserve forces were even further away. (I live walking distance from the site)

[@johnroche7541]

I know the ambush position very well also from visiting it several times over the years. There is picnic seats there now as you know. The layout of the IRA positions are laid out also. When people visit the site they have to remember there was certainly no forest at the time as that area was also barren and exposed ground.

[@janetjordan2246]

Aye

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

I went to college with (Teddy) Padraig Delaney (he studied drama) he told me the scene at the end was not scripted to give it that real 'emotional kick' Ken Loach is one of my favourite filmmakers, from Kes to I Daniel Blake.

[@kinnbenet]

Oh, I love this movie. Not gonna lie, I got to know about it after I watched Cillian Murphy performance in Peaky Blinders, and decided to watch more movies with him acting. I think the movie is an absolute gem!

[@paul-dq6lk]

Try intermission he's brilliant in that

[@sharonramsey715]

Best film ever made. History factually correct and a very sad love story. Beautifully filmed in a beautiful country that was and still is being destroyed by the British.

[@EyeLean5280]

People in my grandfather's family were on both sides of the conflict. His father was a royalist with a pub in county Cork that catered to British clientele and several of his sons were with the republican resistance. At one point, the resistance decided to target the family but the sons were tipped off so the whole family fled in a leave-the-dinner-on-the-table-and-go scenario. Terrible times.

[@beverlykandraceffinger3764]

Bless and keep you and your family, past and present generations. There are so many of these stories, and not just within this well-known conflict. Civil strife makes for so many surreal tales.

[@denisl2760]

@@beverlykandraceffinger3764 I currently have family on both sides of the Ukraine war. Its hard to imagine how we came to this, people just don't learn from history.

[@Hsalf904]

Davy, GRMA for educatin people on Ireland’s long anti-imperialist history, especially when *some* people seem to to forget it 🇮🇪

[@user-xj1cj4nm7s]

The film is based on 'The Scorching Wind' by Walter Mackey. It is a sad story. They were sad times.

[@johnroche7541]

Crikey that brings me back. I first got into the works of Walter Macken when as a child I read "Flight of The Doves". Remember in the film adaptation Ron Moody brillianty played the bad uncle. He was great as Fagin in the musical "Oliver" and Jack Wild who was also in "Oliver" and in my humble opinion was the best Arthful Dodger ever and he too was in "Flight of The Doves". Euro Winner Dana was in it too and some well known Irish character actors. Obviously when I got older and I got interested in the Irish War of Independence I read "The Scorching Wind". Great book. Thanks for reminding me!

[@paulduffy4585]

I read that book as a kid, but never made the connection - was it the third in a trilogy that started with The Silent People?

[@jamesjanson6129]

@@paulduffy4585 Seek the fair land,the silent people and the scorching wind. All the misery of Irish history in three novels.

[@russellhogan2708]

Thanks Davey for your commentary.

[@jackpirie7382]

Absolutely brilliant film. About the Kilmichael ambush i thought it looked too "easy" but you put that right Davy.

[@gavintuesday4959]

Hardly, they had fuck all ammo and just rifles . Against trained men . It’s remarkable that they pulled it off

[@wexfordgirl1]

I have always treasured this film. Just fantastic.

[@davyholden]

Love it!

[@johnroche7541]

​@@davyholdenHi Davy. I have posted some comments on your channels and directly to you but you never reply. You have made some glaring errors with this latest documentary. I have researched the Irish War of Independence for over 20 years and have debunked both Republican and British myths. I have also corrected the works of both Irish and British historians who have written on this turbulent period. I have been in touch with them over the years. Like lots of historians you get some facts about Kilmichael completely wrong. Of the 18 Policemen that were ambushed there was actually two survivors. By the way there was 17 Auxiliaries and one Black & Tan in the two Crossley Tenders that were ambushed. Constable Arthur Poole( ex RFC) was the driver of the first Crossley Tender and as his rank confirms he was not an Auxiliary. He was not issued an Auxiliary Number as he was not in the force. As I stated previously he was technically a Black & Tan. The Auxiliaries arrived in July 1920 as Winston Churchill wanted to and I quote verbatim "raise the temperature of the conflict". I have also studied the Auxiliaries. At the time they were the highest paid Police force in the world and the most decorated. Hundreds of them were decorated for bravery in WW1 and there was 3 VC holders serving in the Auxiliaries. Some had even served in the Boer War. Nine Auxiliaries would be awarded for bravery in Ireland. In military terms they could be considered as fast mobile motorised infantry. The Auxiliaries did not wear the Glengarry cap as you erroneously state. When they first arrived they wore an all Khaki uniform with distinctive Tam O'Shannter bonnet. This is confirmed by pictures from the period and a Christmas Card(colour) from the period. By 1921 they would wear an all "Rifle Green" uniform with a smaller Balmoral bonnet. Again confirmed in photographs from the period. However some would wear a combination of khaki and rifle green as depicted in "The Wind That Shakes The Barley" hence the confusion with the Black & Tans. The Auxiliaries ambushed at Kilmichael were from "C" Company based at Macroom Castle. In early November 1920 the IRA captured two Auxiliaries also from "C" company who were involved in intelligence and executed them. They were the first Auxiliaries to be killed by hostile action. The very first Auxiliary killed in Ireland was from a rifle accident at Beggars Bush Barracks,Dublin in October 1920! Not every Auxiliary was an officer in WW1. Some Auxiliaries came from other parts of the Empire and some were Irish. No doubt you are basing your knowledge of Kilmichael on Barry's account in his memoir "Guerilla Days in Ireland". My advice is tread carefully with this account. Getting back to Kilmichael Barry blatantly lied when he stated there was no survivors of the ambush. As I stated previously there was two survivors of the ambush and they are Cadet Cecil Guthrie the driver of the second Crossley Tender who escaped. He was picked up later by the IRA and executed and secretly buried. After the conflict he would be interned elsewhere. The other survivor of the ambush was Cadet Frederick Forde MC. He ironically like Tom Barry served with the RFA in WW1. His condition was so comatose that the IRA thought he was dead. He was picked up by an Auxiliary patrol the next day who went to the scene of the ambush. Barry knew he survived because there is a picture of Forde in hospital with a bandaged head in the 18th January 1921 edition of the "Irish Independent" newspaper. This fact is never mentioned in history books. He would die in May 1941 in Southern Rhodesia(modern day Zimbabwe). A lot of Irish and British historians simply regurgitate erroneous facts. The Auxiliaries would murder in cold blood 2 Catholic clergymen and the Black & Tans would murder a priest.

[@GoldenGladiolas]

Amazing movie! My brother saw it and called me up to go see it! Loved Michael Collins too, but I think I like this one better. 😢

[@johnroche7541]

@@GoldenGladiolas These are other movies with an Irish War of Independence theme and are mostly slow paced but have strong plots but a couple have action. You might find them of interest. "Beloved Enemy" is old and black and white and stars David Niven. "Shake Hands With.The Devil" is pretty good and is from the 1950's and also black & white and stars the legendary James Cagney and a young Richard Harris. It has action. "Fools Of Fortune" is from the 1990's and stars Julie Christie,Michael Kitchen, a young Ian Glen(Game of Thrones fame) and the girl who played Maid Marion to Kevin Costners Robin Hood. There is a movie called "The Treaty" which stars Brendan Gleeson as Michael Collins. "The Last September" stars Michael Gambon and Maggie Smith and it is about an upper class Anglo-Irish family and the conflict is seen through their eyes. "A Nightingale Falls" is slow but has a good plot. I would also recommend the following TV series. The BBC made a series called "Rebel Heart" which covers the 1916 Easter Rising,Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War. The Irish band the Corrs provide the soundtrack. Irish TV RTE made a series called "1916" a few years ago and it is obviously set during the Easter Rising. Another Irish TV series is "Resistance" set during the Irish War of Independence and it follows some characters that featured in the earlier series "1916". Michael Portillo the ex British Conservative politician made an excellent documentary about the Irish War of Independence from the British perspective recently. Hope this is helpful.

[@biddyearly9262]

​@@johnroche7541Some say Barry had them executed after the first surrender and that Barry's account of a false surrender is false. Barry said they shouted "we surrender" and then they opened up on the IRA men.

[@declanmcdermott]

Great movie for sure, Great video too, Thanks Davy Holden

[@johnlewton3918]

My Grandfather used to say "for sure, the sun never sets on the British Empire, because you cannot trust a bloody Brit in the dark"

[@johnroche7541]

Valid point you make and a well known quote. Ironically Irishmen and Irishwomen over the centuries would play just as much as any English,Scot or Welsh in creating that same British Empire. Irishmen and women would contribute to the British Empire in terms of soldiers,sailors,nurses, labourers, administrators, civil servants etc. Have you not heard that other famous quote "The British Empire,won by Irishmen, administrated by Scots and Welsh and profits to the English". Obviously it is not 100% totally accurate but it emphasises the Irish contribution. For example over 40% of the British Victorian Army was from what is now the Republic of Ireland. Over 25% of Nelson's sailors at Trafalgar were Irish and over 30% of Wellingtons soldiers at Waterloo were Irish including native Gaelic speakers.

[@marcellabrittl6083]

I wanted to watch that film so bad! I visited Ireland with my dad last month & it was so amazingly beautiful there & so much amazing history there!! Our bus driver & my girlfriend mentioned about that film & wanted to watch it. 😍🇮🇪☘️🍀💚💖

[@jamesfohare]

G-day Mate I am an Irishman born and My Father was a Collins Man and was the one of first Irishmen to wear the Uniform as Volinteer Sargent with the Third Northern Divsion and fought again't the Tans and the Specials mostly on a flying colium around Cork and north Dublin. and yes they did have in some more up to date weaponary than the British most of which was supplied by Gangsers on the black market He met his first wife who was from Long Island, not my mother who came with one the shipments he talked about the lewis gun in it give them the edge in some sirmishies. When the split came and they shot Michael he did not have his Uniform for very long as he hand it back the Volinteers from the north were given the choice Fight under Dv who he dishliked with a passsion. They where told they now had enemies in green as well as kaki. His words to me where he was not under any cirumstance going to turn on the men he had spent the last four years fighting along side. He was given a free tickett home for his service along his new wife and she died at twenty twenty yrs of age in child birth the child servived as had her three sisters they have all past since. RIP ✌👍

[@johnroche7541]

If your father served in Cork or Dublin he would not have fought against the "Specials". The latter operated exclusively in the north of Ireland. There was no Flying Columns operating in Dublin but ASU(Active Service Units). The vast majority of the IRA arsenal was "Contraband of War" which was what they captured from the British. The IRA had very few Lewis guns and those they did have were captured from successful ambushes such as Clonfin(Co.Longford) in February 1921 and Crossbarry(Co.Cork) in March 1921.

[@janetjordan2246]

Makes me greet every time..

[@marikatrt2480]

Great movie, I appreciate this video about inaccuracies. Thanks a mil

[@davyholden]

Thank you!

[@user-hd8fj2mb5p]

Thanks, Davy. Saw the film a few years ago with a dear friend who passed away nearly nine years ago now. A truly wonderful film. Thanks for all the corrections, though: they complete the story for me.

[@johndoyle2397]

The first and best modern guerrilla outfit ever

[@julienakpillankford1609]

Absolutely loved this video! It’s one of my favorite movies of all time. Please do more videos like this, especially from Wind that Shakes the Barley. I’d love any content about the songs chosen for the film and their function in the story as well.

[@davyholden]

I’ll definitely do more videos on this 😊

[@hirepgym6913]

Mick Collins was my dads cousin him and his sister came to live near us in the East End of London once again we find divides most of the family was already serving in the British army either in Belgium or Mesopotamia and had converted to Protestant as that made things easier to get married , buried or even get some where to live.

[@johnkane2032]

"No man is a bad shot at 5 yards range" Quote from Tom Barry

[@schizoidboy]

I heard that but I was thought he said 15 yards, but I suppose 5 is more accurate because the riflemen he had weren't well trained when it came to shooting. In fact the IRA in those days had little training aside from two weeks or so, and when they did practice with their rifles they were only given four rounds to train with. So Barry, a former NCO who served in World War One, understood the situation, and by making the distance short made sure his men hit their targets.

[@johnroche7541]

Tom Barry actually stated to Richard Mulcahy that "there are no bad shots at 10 to 15 yards range" when he met members of the IRA GHQ Staff in Dublin in May 1921. Tom Barry served with the RFA(Royal Field Artillery) in WW1 and saw service in both Mesopotamia(modern day Iraq) and Egypt. He was part of the force that failed to relieve British General Charles Townsend who was besieged at Kut El Amara(Iraq) in 1916. There is pictures of a fresh faced 17 year old Tom Barry in his British uniform in some local Co.Cork newspapers. He refused a commission into the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He had some disciplinary issues in the British Army. He was never promoted beyond the rank of Bombardier. He wrote a very exciting memoir "Guerilla Days In Ireland" about his service in the Irish War of Independence. He romanticised his conversion to Irish Republican/Nationalism in his memoir and in some interviews later in life.. When he came home to Ireland his conduct was certainly not that of a recent convert. Tom Barry deliberately ommitted some important facts about this stage of his life from his memoir and so did his devoted biographer Meda Ryan. People in Ireland think everything stated in "Guerilla Day's in Ireland" is pure 100% gospel truth but it certainly isn't. When he came home to Ireland he enrolled in college at Skerries to prepare for exams. He failed an exam for a position in India with the British Colonial Office. If he had passed there would have been no Kilmichael and the conflict in Co.Cork in the 3rd West Cork Brigade area would be so different. I have reserached the Irish War of Independence for over 20 years including Tom Barry.

[@phillipnoone8044]

Thanks for sharing this, i love learning about our history

[@davyholden]

Thank you!

[@tomcostello9196]

@@davyholden I wondered if you could tell me anything about the scene just before Damian gets executed, what does teddy try put on or in Damian’s jacket before he is shot ?

[@Jen999]

Really enjoyed your commentary.. especially your pointing out and explaining the discrepancies of the movie compared with what actually happened.. For one thing.. the fact that they were firing with pistols and rifles from such a long range., I have had lessons and a permit to carry a small arm.. a 38 calibre Smith Wesson during a time of rioting.. this was for protection going to work many years ago.. My pistol was good only short range.. could not be effective at rifle range.. so.. thank you for clarifying this Davy.. This movie is one of the best ever I have seen.. and it was good to hear your take on it.. although I admit it was heartbreaking to watch.. Would truly enjoy watching and listening to you do more videos like this.. Thanks again for an excellent. Video ❣️☘️ Jen999💙

[@davyholden]

Thank you so much Jen 😁

[@Jen999]

@@davyholden you are always so welcome :)

[@BrandonjSlippingAway]

The false surrender is disputed by historians anyway, on that basis alone it's not necessary to feature it. Tom Barry has a number of things in his memoirs which are on shakey ground when cross-examined with other witnesses or records.

[@maureenpossidonio4941]

I cried through most of it.

[@homebusiness8166]

Look what is happening to Ireland now.

[@user-yr8jj5ut7z]

Ken Loach is one of our planets top best movie directors,recently vilified as “anti semite” by fascists in the UK press and establishment.I saw the movie in Camden Town which in the late 60s was thriving London Irish community.

[@davyholden]

He done some incredible job with this movie. What a legend!

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

Yes, how wrong to sympathise with the Israeli victims huh? Blame the innocent and cheer on the murderers? Yours is a real IRA attitude.

[@user-yr8jj5ut7z]

@@MrLorenzovanmatterho The Irish Republican Army were part of the foundation of the Eire and their counterparts the Stern Gang was an essential part of the creation of the state of Israel. They were vilified at the time like the IRA different brands of freedom fighters.

[@susanmoriarty7533]

How sad that both sides are being invaded by total outsiders and no one is lifting a finger 💚

[@randyborstol2491]

Total outsiders never starved my family to death, burnt my village or looked down on me as an ape. The British did.

[@anthonyoneill9053]

The debate in the post office resonates with me, as I'm from the Glen's of Antrim (occupied counties) also my granda was old IRA, had to leave here for 6 years, after the war, he returned home under threat of death and died naturally. God bless all our martyrs and veterans ☘️🇮🇪

[@brendanmaguire4134]

Grand job Davy.. 👍👍✊🇮🇪

[@jeffdillon8816]

This scene was in a video for the song “The Foggy Dew” I’ve watched a few times on KZbin.

[@Lissadell1916]

At 07:10 I do believe that 2 Auxiliary men actually survived the initial ambush. Cecil James Guthrie who although wounded in the ambush escaped and started to make his way back to the barracks at Macroom. However, only a few miles from Macroom he was captured and executed by the IRA and his body buried in Annahalla bog. Frederick Henry Forde MC although thought by the IRA to have died at the scene, he actually didn't. He was picked up by an Auxiliary recovery party the next day and there is a Sunday Mirror Newspaper photo of F H Forde MC recovering in Hospital at Millbank, London with his mother and sister. I hope this helps.

[@johnroche7541]

Absolutely 100% correct. No doubt it is the same photograph of Auxiliary Cadet Forde that appears in the 17th January 1921 edition of the "Irish Independent" which proves there was a survivor of the Kilmichael ambush. I first came across this photograph in a book in 1994 which was written by a Co.Cork historian and priest. At the time the book was published in 1994 and hot off the press!He wrote an intimate account of the conflict in West Cork. Let's be honest and historically accurate here. Barry and his men knew there was a survivor and a lot the readership in both Ireland and the UK knew there was a survivor. How come until very recently this fact is never mentioned. It is not a state secret. Barry never mentions it in his memoir and his devoted biographer Meda Ryan never mentions it either. Even since 1994 Irish historians never mentioned it in publications. It has only been alluded to very recently but it was a known fact.

[@georgel74]

Just British propaganda..

[@Lissadell1916]

@@georgel74 As usual there is always one ignorant person who makes a comment, So, congrats, today it's you!

[@peterbell3172]

Óró Sé do Bheatha ‘Bhaile playing gently at the start! Nice touch.

[@KristynLorraine]

The "betrayal" bit near the end of the film wrecked me. War makes a hell of God's good earth and destroys the finest of men. How I pray for peace.

[@antdod1]

Before I moved to Ireland I was on holiday here in Kerry and in the cinema and a trailer for wind that shakes the barley came on I thought we must watch that when home in the UK and it was never shown on the cinema it was only a few years later a friend told me it was banned a disgrace

[@Scotia6261]

The last member of the old IRA Dan " Bally" Keating was brought to it's premiere in Cork and said the film was an accurate depiction of those times ...it was Dan that was personally given Dan Breens weapon in 1969 to make sure it was used in the 6 counties.Breen knew who Dan was and up until his death was IRA.

[@Irishshootingchannel]

In the words of Tom Barry himself "there are no bad shots from 10 yards" which is true, however having experience myself as a living historian , reenactor and worked as a theatrical armourer on quite a few feature films, documentaries and documentary drama's, shooting .30 cal blanks at 10 yards or less is just dangerous so I understand extending the shooting distance for safety reasons

[@andrewg.carvill4596]

If shooting .30 cal blanks at 10 yards is dangerous, what must shooting live ones in a close combat melee be like?

[@Irishshootingchannel]

@@andrewg.carvill4596 lethal.

[@jamesjanson6129]

the movie "RUST" springs to mind.As does the death of Brandon Lee.

[@unitedrealtalk5087]

Great presentation into this history that never gets attention it deserves. Fascinating as an American.

[@patmaloney5707]

And now more history for me to look up, good stuff, thank you.

[@davyholden]

Thank you!

[@adrianhutchinson2894]

Well done davy good video

[@davyholden]

Thank you!

[@darrengriffin9842]

May God bless all of those who fought and died in the cause of irish freedom. Keep up the work Davy

[@davyholden]

Thank you Darren!

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

Yes, bless the Army and the RIC/RUC, Auxies etc because they are the people who truly fought to preserve Ireland's freedom.

[@Eric-the-Bold]

You need to wake up.Now look at your Government in 2023 who dont recognise their own Indigenous Peoples . Even the Sinn Féin dont support the Irish, god help Ireland

[@aion5837]

I guess it's called 'dramatic licence'. It happens quite a lot in historical recreations, both in the past and the present.

[@theodorethomas4915]

I’ve loved this movie since I first saw it. Bought the DVD over 15 years ago. I actually have it sitting next to my tv to watch again soon

[@maryarigho5868]

Me, too.

[@boomchic4965]

Well done Davy Holden

[@davidgamble6225]

Loved this and now want you to do the entire film

[@ciarandevaney385]

Great work davy

[@bluebillbo]

A teacher of mine from my schooldays and his brother a history professor were involved in the production as advisors.

[@davyholden]

No way? Where were they from? If you don’t mind me asking!

[@bluebillbo]

@@davyholden Cork city

[@johnroche7541]

As I stated to you previously Davy I am an expert on the Irish War of Independence. I was also there in Co.Cork when the movie was made. Dr Daniel O'Driscoll from University Cork was Ken Loaches historical advisor. The ambush scene in the movie was actually shot in Ballyvourney where a real big IRA ambush took place against a convoy of Auxiliaries in February 1921. This ambush is also known as the Coolavohig Ambush. It was much bigger than Kilmichael. British reinforcements(Royal Fusiliers) from Killarney,Co.Kerry rushed to the ambush site to try and capture the big IRA unit. This was a huge engagement by Irish War of Independence standards. There is an IRA monument there now. The farmhouse scene in the movie was shot in Coolea and some scenes in Timoleague. Damien's execution was actually shot in Kilmainham. The Auxiliary Cadet who kicked down the door in tbe movie and asked for the "menfolk" was a former real British soldier. In the early 2000's he was part of a programme on British TV Channel 4 about recruits to the British Army and the training they go through. The song sung by the Flying Column in the movie is an old Jacobite song and Padraig Pearse changed the lyrics to have a more Republican theme.

[@johnroche7541]

Dr Donal O' Driscoll from University College Cork.

[@thegridgab]

Great vid! It would cool to see your take on the film "The Treaty" and see how Gleeson's Collins compares to Neeson's Collins.

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

The Treaty and Brendan Gleeson was an order more authentic and convincing, Gleeson was perfection.

[@johncahalane7327]

The very first scene in the movie The Dawn from 1937 and was the reenactment of Kilmichael in November 1920 ,I believe it was filmed at the ambush site,The Wind that shakes the Barley covers 1919 to 1923 and actually is accurately portrayal of West Cork in particular at that time ..

[@olieahern1318]

Terribly sad i once heard of a story of two old men in a pub in the late seventies after a commemoration in cork and taken of their coats to fight one another because of the treaty it was that bitter even in their old age it stayed with them

[@cormacfinn6430]

The Ambush in the film is not only inspired by Tom Barrys ambush in Cork but Also Sean Mac Eion's (North Longford Flying Colum) ambush in Clonfinn Outside of Granard, (North Longford) where a Lewis Gun was used. Making this scene accurate

[@williamkiely9523]

I agree with you . Definitely one of my favorites as well.

[@Yorgar]

Great performances all around in this.

[@HughMcBrideDonegalFlyer]

Nicely done, I think the actual ambush as you described would have made for a much more exciting movie scene .

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

🍀🥃 saw this film years ago. Thank you for explaining.

[@DavidLee-yu7yz]

I loved this Film, films were never factually correct but this one did do a good job though. I do like the direction your Channel is going in and keep up the Good work, coming from a Welshman with Irish Romany descendants.

[@seankeating9717]

Class mate,love ur content never know that scene was the kilmichel ambush.

[@lynnemurphy114]

Going to watch thanks for explaining so i know truth..as thsts important ..so thank you for that

[@cityweezle]

Great channel and vids! I love this movie too.

[@craigkirkwood4060]

I just watched this movie based on this video. Very chilling especially the end! Thank you for recommending this because I never heard of it.

[@rhiannonodonnabhain890]

Well done!

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

A few years ago I was taken ill and had to spend more than a month in an Irish hospital. There were two older chaps in the same ward as I who started talking about experiences they had heard about from participants in the Irish War of Independence. Mainly, one was telling the stories and the other was asking critical questions. Listening to them was a history lesson like nothing else I have ever witnessed and a far cry from the official stories you mostly hear. I suppose the most hairraising one came from a veteran of the IRA who in the 1950s was still suffering mental scars from an invasion his group had once made into an estate in Co Cork, wiping out everyone including children. War is horrible and it makes good people commit horrible acts.

[@davekeating.]

The Cork IRA executed spies/informers during the War of Independence. There is no record of the IRA “wiping out” children. And if they had, there is no way the British would have missed such a propaganda coup?

[@michaelcoughlan9603]

I just discovered your channel and I’m really loving it. Thanks for all your insight and hard work my grandfather fought in the war of independence he was from west Clare. My dad emigrated from Ireland to America but still contributed to the cause of Irish independence. My brother took him to see this movie when it premiered in Chicago anyways thanks and I will continue to watch your videos.

[@johnroche7541]

I would highly recommend the following book "Blood On The Banner" by Padraig Og O' Ruairc. This is about the Irish War of Independence in Co.Clare. It has pictures of IRA units with names attached so maybe your grandfather might be mentioned. The following IRA men distinguished themselves in Co.Clare during the Irish War of Independence and all 3 had fought in WW1. Ignatius O'Neil served with the Irish Guards in WW1. Peter Vaughan served with the US Army in WW1 and IRA man Joseph Clancy was awarded the DCM(Distuinguished Conduct Medal) for bravery in WW1. Check out the Rineen Ambush(September 1920) and Sixmilebridge Ambush(January 1921) in Co.Clare. The father of the current President of Ireland served with the Co.Clare IRA.

[@michaelcoughlan9603]

@@johnroche7541 Thank you I have blood on the banner and have been meaning to read it. Thanks for all your advice. I will definitely look into it.

[@johnroche7541]

@@michaelcoughlan9603 Your grandfather would have given a WS(Witness Statement) in the 1940's/1950's about his IRA career. These are held at the Miltary Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks,Co.Dublin. You could get in touch with the Curator for a copy. These WS(Witness Statements) may also be available online. There is also a US connection to the Irish War of Independence. The famous Thompson Sub Machine Gun made it's miltary debut in Dublin in the summer of 1921. This iconic weapon was designed as an ideal weapon for trench warfare in WW1. However by the time it went into mass production the First World War had ended. Despite numerous books and documentaries dedicated to this famous weapon it never states the historical fact that it was first used in Ireland in a conflict environment and the IRA were the first to use it in combat. I cant understand why this accurate fact is not emphasised. It is the usual story that it was too late to be used in WW1 and then it becomes iconic with Chicago gangsters. However it was the IRA which first used it in a combat zone. A couple of Irish-American Officers who had served with the AEF(American Expeditionary Force) during WW1 smuggled some into Ireland in the summer of 1921. Tom Barry in May 1921 demonstrated this weapon in a Dublin suburb in the company of Michael Collins and other IRA Officers and also in front of the officers from the USA. The IRA were impressed with the weapon and believed it would be ideal for their CQB(Close Quarter Battle) tactics. They placed an order for around 500 of these weapons and paid for them. Unfortunately for them in June 1921 these weapons were discovered by US Customs at Hoebrooken,New Jersey and confiscated. Also a couple of IRA men served with the AEF(American Expeditionary Force) in WW1. The most famous would be John Prout. He served with the famous Fighting 69th New York Regiment which historically recruited from Irish emigrants in New York. They were part of the famous Irish Beigade which served with the Union during the American Civil War. It was Robert E.Lee himself who bestowed the title "Fighting" on this Irish regiment due to their aggressiveness. Anyway John Prout was awarded the Crois De Guerre for bravery in WW1 while serving with the US Army. During the Irish War of Independence he would serve with the Tipperary IRA.

[@overnight_doughnut_fryer]

Exceptional movie! I saw it when it was released and that is first time Cillian Murphy (who was superb!) appeared on my radar! The movie ‘71 is another movie that I really enjoy.

[@juanblanco3983]

One of my favorite movies

[@redsparkinthebluelazer1353]

Thanks Davy I enjoy your commentary. Could you cover the story of Roger Casement? Thanks

[@sisi2484]

Gonna have to re watch the film . Not seen it since around the time that it was released

[@MartinGoff-tl6nx]

I love the "Wind that Shakes the Barley." It was interesting that the older brother worked hard and eventually convinced the younger one to join the fight. He then became a Free Stater (unlike Tom Barry) and killed his own brother. The metaphor brought Judas/Jesus and Cain and Able to mind. Love turned to treachery

[@skyriderize]

Wonderful ambush !

[@tobiasoellers146]

I have it on DVD. Took me 4 Tries to watch it til the End. A Great Film, yet hard to bear.

[@mickmacgonigle5021]

Yeah it's hard

[@jamesjanson6129]

Davey,would you ever think of doing a vid on probably the most neglected character in Irish history and of the 1916 rising.Proably the only fellah in the GPO who had any sort of military gumption and knew it was going to be a failure,but coined the phrase "I helped wind up the clock,I might as well hear it strike" .The O Rahily.There is really SFA in documentaries or mention of this brave man who died trying to lead a breakout from the GPO in the back streets.

[@MrKlipstar]

I watched many years ago,very good ...

[@michaelhiggs8657]

Nice Jazz Bass in the background!

[@eytonshalomsandiego]

fabulous movie. watched it twice, so far...

[@buyucuciragi6391]

Thank you for your video That is really a good movie and represents a balancing approach to the movie of "Michael Collins (1996)" On the other hand, there are some extra differences with the real ambush and the movie: - Tom Barry was wearing the IRA officer’s tunic not a British one. - Tom's greanade landed not on the truck's bed but beside the driver. - Just before the attack, five armed Volunteers came to the ambush seen with a cart nearly fallen apart the ambush. - The commander of the flying column was Tom and the ambush was commanded by Tom, but in the movie it was shown as if someone else was in charge. - Again this another person gives the signal that ends the Ambush in the movie, but in his memoirs, Tom says that he ordered, “Rapid fire and do not stop until I tell you.”

[@k3nn3hakak34]

This is on my watch list ,watched Black 47 last week which was an eye opener .

[@johnroche7541]

I would also recommend the following movies with an Irish War of Independence theme. Some have action and some are slow paced but give a good account of the turbulent period. "Beloved Enemy"( It stars David Niven and from the 1940's and black & white), "Shake Hands With The Devil" (from the 1950"s and stars James Cagney and a young Richard Harris), "Fools of Fortune"( from the 1990's which stars Julie Christie and a young Ian Glen who became famous for being in Game of Thrones), "Michael Collins"( from the 1990's and stars Liam Neeson in the title role and Julia Roberts). "The Treaty"(from the early 1990's and stars Brendan Gleeson as rebel leader Michael Collins), "The Wind That Shakes The Barley"( great movie), "A Nightingale Falls"( not a big budget movie and a bit slow but very interesting plot!) and "The Last Septembet" ( stars the recently deceased Michael Gambon from Harry Potter and Maggie Smith from Downton Abbey and it portrays the conflict from an Anglo-Irish perspective). There was also good TV series with an Irish War of Independence theme. The BBC made "Rebel Heart" which includes the 1916 Easter Rising,Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War). Irish TV RTE made two excellent TV series called "1916" which is about the Easter Rising and "Resistance" which is set during the Irish War of Independence and some characters are in both series. Hope this is helpful.

[@k3nn3hakak34]

@johnroche7541 thanks bud I've watched 1990s Michael Collins and started watching the wind that shakes the barley last night ,finish that later after work ,thanks for the list of movies I'll put all those on my to watch list

[@Mick028]

The "spotter" in me has noticed the first Lee Enfield is sporting holes in the foresight protector; this was a late Australian ww2 modification. It's still a good film though!

[@operationcreation5583]

I like your film analysis videos, I think my favourite Irish period film would be black 47, definitely check it out

[@ATLmodK]

I love this movie! Thanks for your comments. You are so right, if they embellished a little for dramatic effect, so what. They got the concept right, and it’s a great movie. 😊🇮🇪☘️💚

[@Backpfeifengesicht45]

The way this scene played out was much more similar to the Rathcoole ambush near Millstreet.

[@johnroche7541]

Absolutely not. The Rathcoole ambush in June 1921 was bigger and used IED's.

[@TomasFunes-rt8rd]

Just checked out your channel, subscribed happily !! I saw this movie twice at the Brisbane [Australia] International Film Festival, 2006, and it packed the house !! So many hard hitting setpieces - like the IRA underground court !!! I didn't like the war ending before the Kilmichael Ambush party could get home - timeline fail there, but gimme this movie anyday !!!

[@frankbolger3969]

This is a great film, and the song from which the title is derived is quite beautiful as well.

[@richivey1044]

An amazing film

[@anthonystephens7914]

Brilliant film

[@user-jz6nn6hl3u]

im english born northern irish grandparents so my view is different than alot of the subscribers here theres two sides to every story my grand ma was a fanatical protestant but i didnt agree with her views so i dated two catholic girls and my brother married one haha, so you most see ireland from both sides my great grandad born in dublin

[@MaximusOfTheMeadow]

In two sunrises it's my bday, and sinds public transportation is most likely gonna fail next week I know what I'm gonna watch (it might start to snow down south)

[@patriciajones5247]

How else could the Irish act with their pluck and courage. ❤

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

By not murdering innocent people to create a fascist state? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

[@patriciajones5247]

Im not sure what youre talking about. Im talking about the brilliance of Michael Collins and the Irish people in their fight for Irish freedom.

[@MrLorenzovanmatterho]

@@patriciajones5247 What are you talking about? Michael Collins was an idiot whose documents were the greatest source of information for British intelligence meaning the IRA were defeated far sooner. What freedom were the IRA fighting for? Come do tell us? What exactly? They were fascists who wanted to ethnically cleanse all Unionists and Protestants to have the totalitarian state they always wanted. How right Irish Unionists were right to oppose Home Rule.

[@titanscerw]

Oh my, was looking forward to hear you view on it. +][+

[@TalibanSymphonyOrchestra]

I enjoyed the video. From one ginger to another.

[@Jen999]

This is a beautiful film .. quite interested I am in its accuracy.. Thank you for doing this one ., so looking forward to your opinion⚘☘ Jen999💙

[@davyholden]

Absolutely love this movie!

[@Jen999]

@@davyholden As do I .. it is terribly sad though .. but then,, so is life ⚘☘💙

[@seanohare5488]

I agree

[@Jen999]

@@seanohare5488 🌹

[@daver8521]

When I Ilived in Chicago in the 80s, I would sometimes meet these old Irish fellows in a bar who had horrific stories to tell. I'd buy them a pint or a shot, and they would tell their stories. One old fellow had actually been sentenced to death by Free Staters, but was released for some reason and got out of the country as soon as he could, and came to America. He had nothing good to say about Michael Collins, and refarded him as something of a traitor.

[@jamesjanson6129]

Time of day is wrong too,it was according to Cmdt Barry a late afternoon evening engagement and in miserable Nov Irish weather.So it would be much darker .Going by the bog cotton growing there this was filmed late Spring early Summer.

[@user-cw3wm9lx7w]

i saw this film and liked it.

[@Sean-fb7cy]

Have you or would you consider a video on Richard Behal and his ambush on the British ship of war

[@blazecorp]

Great film. I fell upon it by accident. I was doing some research on Ireland and a youtube clip mentioned it. Had to watch and glad I did. Great flick. Whats your opinion on Black 47?

[@BanjoLuke1]

An excellent channel, full of detail and aspects that do not leap off the pages of written histories. I've subscribed and am glad I did. This is a part of a wider topic (Irish history) that was simply not included in my English primary and secondary education ('68-'81). I do not ascribe this to any deliberate bias, but nor do I discount the idea. In the same way, we were taught little or nothing of the end of Empire or the loss of the Colonies. Or the Opium Wars or the East India Company... It somehow didn't fit into the broadly embraced narrative. I don't think there was a sinister or malign force at work in those curricular decisions. These are things that English people of my generation either decided to read up on as adults or will get a skewed view of from Hollywood... or will never know. I confess to being deeply impressed by the film, which I accept as a film and do not look to for 100% accuracy. I am not outraged by the Lewis Gun. It works within the film, which captures a mood and an energy that books rarely can. Excellent film. Excellent breakdown of the events shown. Excellent channel. Keep it up.

[@marioluigi4176]

Good video, is there any chance you could give advice on learning how to write about Irish history?