Battle of Pettigo and Belleek
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The Battle of Pettigo/Belleek took place along the Donegal/Fermanagh Border in late May, early June 1922 in the period between the War of Independence and the Civil War. It was the last time that Pro and Anti Treaty Forces fought side-by-side against British forces. It was part of Michael Collins's Northern Offensive, which was intended to destabilise the Unionist state, and was also a reaction to sectarian violence against nationalists in the North.
On Saturday 28th May 2022, working on a cross-border basis with Fermanagh County Museum, Donegal County Museum held a commemorative event in Pettigo and Belleek, which included talks by both national and local speakers, the premiere of a specially commissioned animation funded by the Creative Ireland Programme, a History Ireland Hedge School and a walking tour of Pettigo and bus tour to and around Belleek. Speakers included Dr Éamon Phoenix (RIP), Dr Edward Burke, Dr Margaret O’Callaghan and local historians, Jimmy Baird, John Cunningham, and Pauline Gilmartin.
Dr Éamon Phoenix, ‘Raids, Reprisals and the Boundary Question: From the Clones Affray to Craig-Collins Pacts, the Battle of Pettigo and the Civil War, 1922’
Historian/ Historical Consultant, Broadcaster and Journalist; Member of the Taoiseach’s Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations (RIP)
Dr Edward Burke, ‘Operation Basil: The British Army’s Offensive in Belleek and Pettigo’
Associate Professor in International Relations at the University of Nottingham.