Click here to download the MP3
A Company, Second Battalion, Mid-Limerick Brigade.
Irish Volunteers 1916 - 1923.
Lived 06 April 1896 - 15 December 1957.
If you can identify any of the men in the above photograph, or if you have any information concerning the Strand Barracks, or A Company, Second Battalion, Mid-Limerick Brigade, please email me at jimcorbett1@blueyonder.co.uk.
Limerick Museum
Cork Museum
National Museum of Ireland
Hilton Hotel Limerick
Limerick City
San Francisco Limerick Association
Limerick Association of London
Birmingham Limerick Association
Conniemackey.com is not responsible for the content of other sites.
"Widespread regret was expressed at the death of Mr. Cornelius McNamara "St. Anne's" Clanmorris Avenue, Ennis Road, which occurred on Sunday. Mr. McNamara, who was an official of Limerick Corporation, had been carrying out his duties up to very recently and few of his friends were aware of he being ill. When the 2nd Battalion of the I.R.A. was organised in Limerick, he was one of the first to join A. Coy. And gave outstanding service during the War of Independence. So highly were his services rated, that soon he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and later became Captain of the Company. He served terms of imprisonment in Irish and English prisons and when released after the treaty attached himself to the Republician Party. During the Civil War he was officer commanding the Strand Barrack, which was being held by Republican troops. Captain McNamara was called upon to surrender but refused to do so, holding the barracks until it was shelled from an 18 ib. artillery piece. When he eventually had to surrender, he was complimented by the Free State Officer in charge on the magnificent defence he put up, he was arrested and interned and released late in 1923. While interned he was a very intimate friend of Mr. Sean T. O'Kelly, President of Ireland and the present Lord Mayor of Dublin."
Wired FM Student Radio Interview with Lisa Lawlor and Ciara McInerney. Wired FM is a Student Community of Interest Radio station broadcast from Mary Immaculate College Limerick to third level students in Limerick. The eight minute interview with the author describes the historical aspects of the book and also the effect and relevance it will have on Limerick students people today. You can listen to the interview here.
Historical Limerick Walking TourHistorical Limerick Walking Tour Michael O Donnell who conducts Historical Tours of Limerick as part of the St Mary's Integrated Development Programme, has kindly agreed to incorporate Connie's defense of the Strand Barracks as an integral part of his historical tour of Limerick. Historical Limerick Walking Tour includes King's Island, Irish Town, Georgian Limerick and Newtown Perry with Tour Guide Michael O'Donnell. Each tour takes one and a half to two hours and the proceeds of the tours are used to help the local community.
Irish American News (Ohio) Book ReviewNot While I Have Ammo was given a very favorable review by Terrance J. kenneally, in which he stated that "This volume will be especially appealing to anyone interested in the history of the period 1916-1923".
Book signingBook signing in The Whitgift Centre Tower, Croydon. Tony Farrell of the Whitgift Centre Tower Croydon kindly agreed to let the author do a book signing at the Whitgift Centre in Croydon.
Limerick Post ArticleJim's book strikes a chord with top Greek lawyer
ONE of Greece's top civil right's lawyers, Failos Krainidots, a keen student of Irish history, was so impressed with a book which he picked up in a Dublin bookshop that he travelled with his family to Limerick to identify places of interest mentioned. No, the book was not the celebrated Angela's Ashes, but rather Jim Corbett's, Not While I Have Ammo, which deals with the dark turbulent times of Limerick from Easter 1916, right through to the War of Independence and the Civil War, and the effects it had on Limerick people afterwards. Mr Krainidots was on tour of Ireland in August, and when finished reading the book, he headed for the Strand Barracks and other locations to allow him get a deeper insight of happenings at the time. Since the launch of his book "Not While I Have Ammo," author Jim Corbett, has been left amazed by the level of support he has received about his grandfather Connie MacNamara's defence of the Strand Barracks during the Irish Civil War.
It has been received warmly not only from Limerick people, but from Irish people from all over the South and North of Ireland, and from Irish communities worldwide, and also non Irish with a keen interest in history.
As well as the Limerick Associations abroad such as in London, where Jim was a guest speaker at a dinner in September, It has also appealed to the Limerick Association of New York and the Irish community in Ohio. Since the launch, he has had some memorable experiences, on a personal note, one of the experiences which touched Jim deeply was, after leaving Limerick to live in London in 1988, he lost contact with a very close friend. After reading a newspaper article about Jim's book, he established contact and their close friendship was re-established.
This is a fascinating book with Christmas approaching, it is worth considering as a present for a loved one.
Limerick Post ArticleYounger generation urged to come forward
LIMERICK-born Jim Corbett, author of the highly successful book Not While I Have Ammo fears that Irish Associations in England could soon face closure unless the younger generation take an active interest.
Corbett, guest of honor at the Limerick Association annual dinner at Hammersmith noted that at 38-years-of-age, he was the youngest present. "I think it is due to the fact that people are returning home to Ireland", said Jim, "but it has been detected that there is a lack of interest from the new generation of exiles in giving of their time. If Associations like this are to exist, more will have to come forward".
Jim praised the efforts of the Limerick Association members in London, particularly chairman Con Dee, and thanked them for their invitation to attend. Interestingly for Jim, who held a book signing, he had the privilege of meeting Tom Daly, whose grandfather was imprisoned with his own grandfather Connie McNamara and sang with him in the camp choir in Gormanstown, County Meath. He then performed with Connie with the College Players in Limerick, in the 1940s.
Upwards of 100 people attended the event, mainly from a wide range of Irish organisations in London including, the Emmet Dalton branch of the O.N.E. (Organisation of Irish Ex-Service men and Women), the London Irish Rugby Club, the London County GAA Board. The list of guest speakers was impressive: Kevin Conmy of the Irish Embassy, Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham Andrew Johnson, and the Chairman of Limerick County Council, John Gallahue. The evening's entertainment was provided by dancers from Aaron Crosby Academy of Irish Dancing, and soothing music from well known local Irish band the Northern Celts, and harpist Miss Kate Crean.
Chairman of the Limerick Association Con Dee, said that numbers in the Association had been dwindling in recent years, but for positive reasons mainly due to people returning home. Kevin Conmy of the Irish Embassy who originally hailed from Shannonside, said it was a pleasure to attend.
If you would like to find out more details of the Limerick Association of London and the sterling work performed by the committee, tap into www.treatygaels.com.
West Limerick 102 FM InterviewWest Limerick 102 FM Interview with Lorcan McCurtain, Broadcast in West Limerick and surrounding areas. A twenty minute interview with the author concerning the socio-politicial aspects of the book and also the effect it will have on Limerick people today. A competition was also run with a prize of a book and CD of the song written by Brian McNamara, which was won by a local listener.
Irish World ArticleA personal history of Limerick
When author Jim Corbett discovered that his grandfather Captain Connie McNamara was the leader of an IRA Active Service unit during the War of Independence and Civil War, he decided his story had to be told. By Angela Sammon - 17/09/08
Although Corbett never met his grandfather, he was soon to learn that he had descended from a formidable soldier who had would play a pivotal role in some of the most tumultuous years of Limerick's history.
Connie enrolled as a Volunteer early in 1916 and was involved in the Easter Rising of that year, and later in the War of Independence and Civil War. But it was as the Commander of the Strand Barracks in during the siege of Limerick in July 1922, that he is most renowned. During the Civil War, the Republican-held Strand Barracks in Limerick, on what is now Clancy's Strand, came under constant ferocious attacks from Free State troops.
They attacked the barracks repeatedly with armoured cars, and a non-stop bombardment of sniper, machine gun and mortar fire. All attempts to capture the barracks were resisted fiercely by the brave men inside.
Finally, when everything else failed to dislodge these gallant men, the Free State turned an 18-pounder artillery gun on them. This was the only time a siege gun was used in Limerick since the siege of 1691. When McNamara, the office in charge was told to surrender the barracks or be held responsible for the loss of life, his response was "not while I have ammo".
This is the story of Connie McNamara, part of a golden generation of unselfish Irishmen with high ideals who were prepared to risk and endure everything for the sake of their country and countrymen.
Book signingCatherina Casey of the Irish Cultural Centre kindly agreed to let the author do a book signing at their centre in Hammersmith.
Book signingThe Limerick Association of London at Hammersmith Book have kindly agreed to let the author do a book signing at their Annual Dinner held at Saint Augustine's, amongst those present were Kevin Conmy of the Irish Embassy, Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham Andrew Johnson, and the Chairman of Limerick County Council, John Gallahue. There were a wide range of Irish organisations present including, the Emmet Dalton branch of the O.N.E. (Organisation of Irish Ex-Service men and Women), the London Irish Rugby Club, the London County GAA Board.
Limerick Live 95 FM InterviewLimerick Live 95 FM Interview with John Prendergast, Broadcast in Limerick and surrounding areas. The ten minute interview with the author concerning the socio-politicial aspects of the book and also the effect it will have on Limerick people today.
Book signingBook signing in Mondial Assistance of Croydon. Mondial Assistance in their East Croydon headquarters have kindly agreed to let the author do a book signing at their flagship office in Croydon.
Book reviewNot While I Have Ammo is reviewed in page 20 Verbal Magazine and receives three stars out of five — very favorable indeed. You can read the magazine online here (PDF file).
April 30th, 2008 Mondial Matters Article, Published in Mondial-Assistance's monthly magazine.
Full page interview with Rosanna Ferera, the article features a little bit about their newly employed celebrity author, his book and the launch of Not While I Have Ammo.
March 28th, 2008 Croydon Advertiser Article: Half page report about the author and the book, written by Lizzie Smith.
March 22nd, 2008 Limerick Post Article (Published in City Centre on this date): Half page report about the launch, written by John O'Shaughnessy.
March 22nd, 2008 Limerick Leader Article (Published in City Centre on this date): Full page interview with Alan Owens about the life of the author and his inspiration for the book.
Book signingBook signing in BT Delta Point in Croydon. In the last week of his secular employment with them, BT have kindly agreed to let the author do a book signing at their flagship office in Croydon.
Limerick Live 95 FM InterviewLimerick Live 95 FM Interview with Ed Myers, Broadcast in Limerick and surrounding areas.
Fifteen minute interview with the author concerning the socio-politicial aspects of the book and also the effect it will have on Limerick people today. You can listen to the interview here.
March 15th, 2008 Limerick Post Article (Published in City Centre on this date): Half page report about the book and the author written by John O'Shaughnessy.
Launch nightFinally, after more than six months planning the launch in meticulous detail, the book is finally launched. There were almost 200 people present, some of whom travelled from as far as Canada and the UK to be present, not to mention guests who travelled from all over Ireland to be present as well. Dignitaries who attended the launch included the Deputy Mayor of Limerick, John Cronin, the current Irish Governmental Advisor to Northern Ireland, Garry Ansbro, acting Adjutant of Sarsfield Barracks Limerick, Lieutenant Shane Courtney, and leading members of all the political parties in Limerick.
The event attracted a host of members of the national, local press and media, including RTÉ local correspondent Cathy Halloran. Also present was another award winning photographer Brendan Gleeson (Irish Professional Photographers Association 2007 Wedding photographer of the year) who also agreed to photograph the event. Mairtin O'Briain and Bertha McCullogh of the Midwest Arts, Culture and Media Awards were also present to investigate whether the book or the launch merited an award. Local historians were also present to test the accuracy of both the period uniforms and more importantly, the book itself.
There were a host of other friends, family and well-wishers, including some passers-by who wandered in to the launch just to see what all the fuss was about, and to see for themselves what a Black and Tan was doing in the Hilton Hotel. The event itself was a resounding success, especially the Quarry Players wearing the period uniforms.
Limerick video producer Kevin Daly has agreed to video the launch night and produce a DVD of it.
March 12th, 2008 Irish Examiner Article: Half page report about the author and the book written by Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent
March 12th, 2008 Limerick Independent Article (Published in City Centre on this date): Half page report about the author and the book, written by David Raleigh.
March 12th, 2008 Limerick Leader Article (Published in City Centre on this date): Half page report about the author and the book written by Alan Owens, entitled "Limerick's Alamo".
February 21st, 2008 Ryan Printers of Limerick have agreed to print 500 fliers of the launch, which are distributed to houses around the Strand Barracks area, promoting the launch.
Quarry PlayersZeb Moore and the Quarry Players, winners of best amateur production of 2007 and best director at the Midwest Arts Culture and Media Awards, have agreed to attend the launch and wear the replica uniforms and play the parts of a Volunteer Captain, a Free State General, an RIC Constable and a Black and Tan.
Online store launchedWith the launch of the book fast approaching, conniemackey.com has launched its online store where you can buy signed copies of the book along with polo shirts. You can pay securely by Paypal using a credit card, or you can fill out the order form and pay by cheque. Click the link above to go to the store and see for yourself!
February 4th, 2008 Willie O'Driscoll, a local musician, has agreed to perform "Not While I Have Ammo" live at the launch.
PR CompanyWoulfe Event Management have agreed to manage all pre-publicity, the night itself, to make sure that all press and media are in attendance, as well as post-event follow up.
Launch PhotographerSean Curtin, winner of the 2008 PPI National Association of Ireland Awards, has agreed to be the official launch night photographer.
Model for Polo ShirtsWelsh Model of the year 2007, Cherry, kindly models the Polo shirts for the Website.
Clothing Line LaunchedClub Crest Embroidery of Shannon, County Clare have agreed to design polo shirts for the Launch.
Uniforms for LaunchAngels The Costumiers of London, suppliers of costumes to the movies Michael Collins, 1997 Emmy Winner (nominated for both Oscar and Bafta), and The Wind That Shakes the Barley, 2006 Winner of the Palme D'or at the Cannes Film Festival, have agreed to provide replica uniforms for the launch, including the exact uniform that Connie was wearing at the Strand Barracks in July 1922.
August 11, 2007 Limerick Post Article (Published in City Edition on this date): Half page report about the book and the author written by John O'Shaughnessy
Publisher for BookNonsuch Publishing (Ireland) have agreed to publish "Not While I Have Ammo".
Song for LaunchBrian McNamara, the grandson of Connie's stepbrother Michael, and an established singer/songwriter, has agreed to write a song entitled "Not While I Have Ammo" to coincide with the launching of the book.
Website LaunchedThe website for the book "Not While I Have Ammo", conniemackey.com, was launched today, to promote the book's launch and to keep the public informed of its progress. It has been designed by Gearoid Moroney of Syncostyled.
Launch PostponedThe launch of "Not While I Have Ammo", the biography of Captain Connie Mackey, which was originally scheduled for January 15th, 2008, has been changed due to the amount of new information received from the public. The book will now be launched on Marth 14th, 2008, at the Hilton Hotel in Limerick.
Limerick Leader ArticlePublished in County Edition on May 26th, 2007
The author of a new book chronicling the life of a soldier in Limerick during the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War is seeking the help of the public in compiling the book.
Jim Corbett, originally from Farranshone and now living in Surrey, is penning a book about the life of his grandfather, Cornelius McNamara from Thomondgate, who was a captain in A Company, 2nd Battalion, Mid-Limerick Brigade, and also the officer commanding the Strand Barracks during the siege in July 1922. Mr McNamara fought on the side of the Irish Republican Army against the National Army of the Irish Free State.
"I am writing a book about his life in Limerick, and especially his time during the War of Independence and the Civil War. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who can identify the people in old pictures, or anyone who can give information about A Company," said Jim, who moved to England in 1988.
He began working on the book, Not While I Have Ammo, early last year because he had heard many stories about his grandfather, but, unfortunately, never met him. "It is the 50th anniversary of his death this year. The title of the book is a reference to the response by Cornelius when the Irish Free Staters asked him to surrender the Strand Barracks.
"'Not While I Have Ammo,' is what he is said to have replied to them," Jim explained. One of several interesting escapades in the forthcoming book is a reference to an incident in which an Irish Free State trooper fired a bullet in the direction of Cornelius. "He had a very lucky escape -- the bullet hit his earpiece," said Jim. As a memento of his luck escape, Cornelius retained the bullet and gave it to his wife, Sarah Donnelly from Galway, who kept it as a brooch. "The bullet is a family heirloom to this day," said Jim.
Not While I Have Ammo is due to be launched in Limerick on March 14th, 2008, in the Hilton Hotel by a nephew of Cornelius, Michael McNamara, the chairman of the board of management at HSI Limerick Business School.
Inspiring New Book TitleThe new permanent title of the book is now "Not While I Have Ammo". This is a direct quotation from Connie when he was asked to surrender to Michael Brennan, his response to Brennan was "not while I have ammunition or cover".
April 10th, 2007 The launch date of 15th January in the Hilton Hotel has been decided.
Working TitleA working title of "A Gallant Irishman" is chosen for the book, this is taken from the title of Connie's obituary in the Limerick Chronical of 17 December 1957.
January 2006 Work commences on the untitled biography of Connie Mackey.