Silent sacrifice: a study of the impact of trauma on veterans of the Irish Revolution

Abstract

This PhD thesis examines the lingering effects of trauma on veterans of the Irish revolution and their families, caused by their experience of conflict. It explores how men and women’s experiences of violent struggle led to mental illness. It investigates the impact that veterans’ mental health difficulties had on their families and the legacy of trauma in those families. It explains the stress of veterans seeking recognition from the state via the MSP. This research utilised the work of Peter Hart who calculated rates of violence per county during the Irish Revolution and Civil War. Four counties from each of the four provinces were selected which reflected his statistics on high and low rates of violence along with a rural/urban split. Disability Pension and Special Allowance claims were then selected from these locations and examined to develop the case study cohort for male and female veterans. The thesis based on this research also examines the role of gender in veterans’ experiences of violence, including gender-based violence and discrimination. The perception and treatment of mental illness in Irish post-conflict society and its contemporary medical establishment, including care in institutions, is addressed.

Thesis is embargoed until 31st July 2030.

Date of Award	Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Marie Coleman (Supervisor) & Ciaran Mulholland (Supervisor)