New book uncovers the hidden side of the War of Independence

A new book by a Ballinlough native, 'The Plot' is exploring the undercover intelligence war between the IRA and British agents.

Originally from Ballinlough, the author, Martin Cregg, has previously won several photography awards. His past work including the book titled Midlands, which explored the failures of the National Spatial Strategy.

In this new book, currently on pre-sale, Martin, combines photography and archival knowledge to produce a fresh look at this angle of the War of Independence.

The project represents a narrative of Republicanism in the 1920s, highlighting its attempts to eradicate members of the British forces in Dublin in an attempt to ultimately overthrow British occupation of Ireland.

The book features never before published historical material, as well as images and texts by the author.

The work, which has been in the making for almost six years, features first hand witness testimonies of events by members of the infamous Collins "squad".

A total of 170 photos from locations of arms dumps, surveillance operations, ambushes and meeting spots around Dublin city, paint a clear image of the topic, while the unique archive material from intelligence papers spanning collections in both Ireland and the UK are used to inform the reader.

Spy games, espionage and secret documents are all examined under the artistic enquiry of Cregg.

Notably the book is also the first internationally published photography book in both English and native Irish.

'The Plot' will be available in June. Those who wish to purchase the pre-sale directly though the author can do so at https://www.theplotbook.online/