Fernside
This one act play is an interpretation of an incident in October 1920 that features in the book “Searching for Seán” co-written by Niamh Hassett and Daniel Jack. There will be a Q&A session afterwards with the cast and audience.
In 1920 Ireland was under British rule and the War for Independence was in full swing. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) primarily employed guerrilla tactics against the might of the British Military and Royal Irish Constabulary.
Sean Treacy and Dan Breen were leading IRA Volunteers and had been chief participants in the Soloheadbeg ambush in January 1919, and in May that year they rescued their comrade Seán Hogan from a train at Knocklong. In October 1920, Breen and Treacy were on active service in Dublin and relied on the system of safe houses for shelter.
On October 11, 1920, there was a raid on the safe house provided by John and Bridget Carolan. Seán Tracey and Dan Breen were staying there that night. This play is about the events of that night which has formed part of Republican lore for the last 102 years particularly in Seán and Dan’s native County Tipperary).
