John Crotty – author
Posts on upcoming titles on Spike Island and personal development

The history of Spike Island – RTE’s Tubridy show with Oliver Callan

The history of Spike Island – RTE’s Tubridy show with Oliver Callan
Spike Island becomes a much discussed destination in the Irish summertime, as locals and visitors look for memorable things to do. I was fortunate to discuss Spike Island history with the always hilarious Oliver Callan,… View Post

Hunger strikes, prison riot & the murder of Daniel Clancy – The Irish Republican unrest on Spike Island,1921

Hunger strikes, prison riot & the murder of Daniel Clancy – The Irish Republican unrest on Spike Island,1921
Spike Island started 1921 as a British Military base, a function it had occupied since 1779. Built to defend the important Cork Harbour from Napoleonic attack, the fort was converted into a prison in 1847,… 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

Escape from Spike Island – April 1921

Escape from Spike Island – April 1921
Spike Island opened as a prison for Irish Republican prisoners and internees in February 1921, while the Irish War of Independence raged and British Authorities was arresting more rebels than they could easily incarcerate. The… View Post

The 1938 Spike Island handover from a reluctant Britain to Ireland.

The 1938 Spike Island handover from a reluctant Britain to Ireland.
Ireland won a hard fought freedom for 26 counties in 1921, as an Empire was brought to the negotiating table by brave Republicans following a bloody War of Independence. Spike Island, which had been occupied… View Post