The Singing Flame

When the Anglo-Irish Treaty with Britain was signed on 6 December 1921, diehard Republicans rejected it, as it failed to grant Ireland the status of a republic. The anti-Treaty IRA refused to accept the authority of the Provisional Government and Ireland headed towards a brutal Civil War.

The Singing Flame is the unique account of this period written by Ernie O'Malley, IRA Assistant Chief of Staff and OC of Leinster and Ulster. From the sense of betrayal felt at the signing of the Treaty, through the harrowing occupation of the Four Courts and start of the Civil War, to O'Malley s capture and imprisonment by the new National Army, this is a fascinating portrayal of a turbulent time in Ireland's history.