The Ballycotton Job

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What to expect

Step into the tumultuous world of 1922 Ireland, a nation on the brink of civil war. In this thrilling tale of daring and cunning, a band of IRA pirates set their sights on what could be the greatest heist of all time.

As the IRA splits into two opposing factions, an audacious plan takes place in Cork. The target? A Royal Navy ship laden with 120 tonnes of arms and ammunition. The stakes? The very future of Ireland itself.

Follow the exploits of colourful characters like Sean 'The Joker' O'Hegarty and Dan 'Sandow' O'Donovan as they outwit the British authorities and pull off a feat that will leave you breathless. From elaborate deceptions to nail-biting confrontations, this meticulously researched account brings to life a little-known chapter of Irish history that reads like a Hollywood blockbuster.

Discover how this brazen act of piracy sent shockwaves through the British and Irish governments, forcing Winston Churchill to orchestrate a cover-up and mislead the House of Commons, while in Dublin Michael Collins feared for his imminent overthrow. The escapade went on to alter the course of the Irish Civil War. The Ballycotton Job, with its far -reaching consequences and larger-than-life personalities, is a tale of rebellion, resourcefulness and raw courage that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Prepare to be astonished by the true story that the Irish Times called 'a great read' and the Irish Examiner hailed as 'fascinating…a fast-paced thriller.' Dive into The Ballycotton Job and experience history as you've never heard it before. 

Critics Review

'The pacy narrative…is a great read'
Irish Times
'A lively and enjoyable story.'n'A story that could make a riveting film.'n'The capture of the Upnor is told in graphic and exciting detail.'n'The writing is lively'. 'I very much enjoyed reading the book.'
Books Ireland Magazine
'The British warship Upnor was carrying huge quantities of arms and ammunition from Cobh (then Queenstown) to Woolwich in March 1922 and its capture by the anti-Treaty IRA was masterminded by Seán O'Hegarty, commandant Cork No 1 Brigade. His men commandeered a Royal Navy tugboat from Cobh, while simultaneously hijacking more than 80 trucks and lorries all over Cork. The tugboat towed Upnor into Ballycotton, where the munitions were loaded on to the waiting lorries, which distributed them to secret arms dumps. The daring venture supplied much of the weaponry used by the anti-Treaty IRA during the Civil War, thus significantly affecting that conflict. The pacy narrative, conveyed mainly from the perspectives of O'Hegarty and Admiral Sir Ernest Gaunt (head of the Royal Navy in Ireland), is a great read.'
The Irish Times

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