Tom Barry: podcast appearances and interviews

Thomas Bernardine Barry was an Irish republican and guerrilla leader known for his role in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. Born in County Kerry, he initially served in the British Army as a gunner during World War I but shifted his allegiance toward Irish republicanism following the Easter Rising of 1916. Barry joined the Irish Republican Army's 3rd Cork Brigade in July 1920, utilizing his military experience to train and lead his flying column in effective attacks against British forces. He was the overall commander of the column, orchestrating notable operations including the ambushes at Kilmichael and Crossbarry. Barry was prominent among the Anti-Treaty IRA, opposing the Anglo-Irish Treaty, and after the outbreak of the civil war, he was briefly imprisoned but escaped to continue commanding Anti-Treaty forces in southern Ireland. Recognizing the likelihood of defeat, Barry advocated for laying down arms, which led to conflicts with Liam Lynch. He remained active within the IRA afterwards and briefly served as its commander-in-chief in 1937. During this period, he proposed plans for an IRA offensive into Northern Ireland and engaged with Nazi Germany. After leaving the IRA, Barry authored Guerrilla Days in Ireland (1949), recounting his military experiences. Fellow republican Dan Breen regarded him as one of the most effective leaders of IRA flying columns. Barry's contributions include his leadership in significant guerrilla tactics during Ireland's struggle for independence.