It would not be within the competence of one man, nor indeed of several men, to set down in detail the story of Cork's contribution to the fight for freedom. The best that can be done, and we hope it is successfully achieved within the covers of this book, is to publish what has been written by men who have first-hand knowledge of the events about which they are writing, or who have got their information from the lips of participants in particular incidents. All the statements in the articles have been closely checked and cross-checked so as to leave as little room as possible for errors in time and detail. No county in Ireland made anywhere near the same preparation as Cork for the fight against the British. The men of Cork went about the task of organising their Companies, Battalions and Brigades with such thoroughness and devotion that they made their city and county units models for the rest of the country. They threw up leaders of remarkable ability who won the confidence of their subordinates and the admiration of the people. They carried the fight to the British though handicapped by lack of military equipment, and by their daring and resourcefulness were the victors in many a fight entirely against the odds. Behind them was the silent and indomitable support of a generous people who gave them shelter and encouragement even in the darkest periods of repression and terrorism. Cork has ample reason for taking pride in the part its men, women and boys played in the fight to free Ireland from British rule. This book tells some of the story, and what it does tell is sufficient to make Irish blood run warmer and Irish pulses tingle with pride that there were Irishmen who could, as Volunteers, do and dare so much for Ireland. Not only have men stories to tell. There are many areas in Cork about which stories could be written. A story is told in this book about Millstreet area, not that Millstreet would claim to be exceptional in Cork of the fighting areas, but because it sets a pattern of the period for those who will be reading about it for the first time. The picture of Cork's gallant effort that emerges from this book, though not complete, is a tribute to brave men and to an uncowable people. It is the best that has so far been presented, and for that we are deeply indebted to our contributors, to those who gave the information on which some of the articles are based, to the skill and research of photographers, to those who read the proofs and checked the references, to all who helped in the preparation of a book which it is hoped will be cherished in memory of the living and the dead who made Cork's fighting spirit and tenacity the envy of the other counties of Ireland.