Conclusion

Abstract

Previous works, notably by David Fitzpatrick, have stressed the concept of a ‘collective sacrifice’ in Ireland during the First World War. However, it is clear that, in Ireland, there was a marked disparity of sacrifice. Disparities are clear between Ulster and the South and West of Ireland, urban and rural Ireland and between Ireland and Great Britain. Much of the recruitment in Ireland was heavily politicised, especially in the opening months of the war, relying on the Irish National Volunteers and Ulster Volunteer Force. While in GB ‘Pals’ units mobilised skilled working class and middle class recruits, remarkably few of these were formed in Ireland. British Dominion Forces contained many of those who could be considered Irish; however, very few, if any, of these men were recruited in Ireland itself. British recruiting propaganda remained amateurish until the Summer of 1918.