Informers in 20th Century Ireland ― The Costs of Betrayal

Informers have been active during of all periods of unrest in Ireland but, apart from Tudor times, had never been an organized phenomenon until the 20th century. The decision (or refusal) to inform is dangerous—thus the motives of the informers is compelling, as is their ability to deceive themselves. Drawing on firsthand and newspaper accounts of the Easter Rising and other events, this book provides a history of the gradual development of informing in Ireland. Each informer’s story details their life and secrets and the outcome of their actions. All of them share two experiences: the accusation of informing, whether true or false, and betrayal, whether committed or endured.

Angela Duffy taught modern languages at the university level for many years. She lives in the United Kingdom.