John Crotty – Author

The Irish Tricolour – Its accurate origins

The Irish Tricolour – Its accurate origins
For decades an inaccurate story has been told about the Irish Tricolour. This inaccurate story emerged in the 1990’s following a misidentification of a French flag, flown in Waterford on March 07th, 1848. The misidentification… View Post

Emelia Eleanor Hamilton – The woman behind the Irish Tricolour

Emelia Eleanor Hamilton – The woman behind the Irish Tricolour
The popularised story behind the Irish Tricolour holds the flag was first flown in Waterford on March 7th 1848 by Thomas Francis Meagher. He had allegedly received the flag from a group of sympathetic French… View Post

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

‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’: The colourful history of Spike Island with the Independent

‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’: The colourful history of Spike Island with the Independent
Hear the history of Spike island in this bite sized podcast with the Indo Daily Podcast and author John Crotty – May 2025 – Click image below 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

Talking Spike Island with Oliver Callan

Talking Spike Island with Oliver Callan
Listen in to a chat about all things regarding Spike Island history with Oliver Callan from May 2024… Click here – View Post

RTE’s Nationwide visit Spike Island Cork – Interview with former manager John Crotty

RTE’s Nationwide visit Spike Island Cork – Interview with former manager John Crotty
In this interview RTE’s Nationwide discuss the future for the Irish Alcatraz, which only reopened to visitors in 2016 following major reinvestment, and close to two centuries being off limits to the general public. View Post