John Crotty – Author

The Harp – Ireland’s true symbol

The Harp – Ireland’s true symbol
The Irish harp has no rival as the most authentic symbol of Ireland. Its story has been etched in stone, its musicians elevated to high status. Its sound suppressed to deter Gaelic ways. Remarkably, the… View Post

Welcome to the official John Crotty website

Welcome to the official John Crotty website
I’m an Irish author, historian and heritage advocate from Waterford with a passion for uncovering the stories, symbols and independence journey that shaped our nation.I write books, share history, and help others bring their own… View Post

Jack in the box – the infamous James Grey

Jack in the box – the infamous James Grey
Of all the crafty prisoners to pass through Spike Island, there were none craftier than Manchester’s James Grey. His clever crime went unnoticed for years and he lived a fine life between Ireland and England… View Post

The child prisoners of Ireland’s Alcatraz

The child prisoners of Ireland’s Alcatraz
In addition to the incarceration of male adults at Spike Island’s 19th century prison, boys as young as twelve were not spared hard time.  The punishment of what we now call juvenile offenders was standard… View Post

The explosion of the gunship Breda – 1691

The explosion of the gunship Breda – 1691
Spike Island is most famously known as Ireland’s Alcatraz, as a result of the Island housing four prisons over the four centuries. The island fortress is well known in military circles as one of the… View Post

The largest prison in the world – Spike Island prison

The largest prison in the world – Spike Island prison
The opening of a Spike Island prison in 1847 was completely unexpected just six months before. The enormous island fortress that dominated its center was constructed in 1804, built to defend an Empire. It enjoyed… View Post

Spike Island’s Republican prisoners – 1921

Spike Island’s Republican prisoners – 1921
TD’s, teachers, shirt cutters, cheese makers, farmers, dentists and more.. The Irish War of Independence raged throughout 1920, resulting in thousands of arrested Irish Republican prisoners and internees. This was more than Britain could suitably… View Post