In A Time Of War – Kildare 1914-1918
By James Durney
In this fascinating study based on original research James Durney reveals the true extent of military, political, social and economic impact of the Great War on Co. Kildare. This book demonstrates that for the local community in Kildare, the war was remote in only geographic terms; its ravages being painfully felt in every aspect of Kildare life – food prices, the farming economy, Belgian refugees, the role of women, soldier suicide and shell-shock.
In 1914 Kildare was a garrison county home to the Curragh Camp and military barracks in Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town. James Durney expertly recounts Kildare’s unique experience of a war which had raged out of control. He details the inept handling of recruitment and the later conscription crisis and tells the stark human story leaving their towns and villages, humble cottages and big houses for the carnage of the western front and the shores of Gallipoli. Over 700 never returned. This is the story of one Irish county in World War I.
James Durney is a historian and author based in Co. Kildare, Ireland. He has written extensively on the history of his native county – Kildare – and on Irish history in general and published thirteen books on both national and international history.
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