0'The Hand that held the Gun; Untold stories of the War of Independence in West Clare' is a meticulously-researched, blow-by-blow chronicle of the many significant, and often controversial, events and personalities of the revolutionary times that shaped Ireland.In spending more than a decade revisiting these events, Eoin Shanahan not only challenges some long-held perceptions, but also reveals the truth behind remarkable tales of intrigue and passion, betrayal and loyalty, revenge and terror ... and courage.As Ireland commemorates the centenary of the Irish War of Independence, The Hand that held the Gun serves as a timely and definitive chronicle of the struggle for freedom in West Clare.'The hand that held the gun' is generously illustrated with more than 70 images, most of which are published here for the first time.