Documenting our Heritage

Sing Sing Prison

Co. Cork

I’ve read accounts from prisoners held in Sing Sing.

There are many tales of ghostly apparitions and other paranormal activity.

Slowly I pull the door closed behind me and wait...

During 1919 the IRA’s struggle for independence became intensified. The British court system was breaking down all across Ireland and with the IRAs allied organisation Sinn Fein, a local system of court procedures was being formed. Members of the British Forces, spies and informers were being rounded up by the IRA and the secure holding of these parties became a considerable problem. Ned Maloney, a blacksmith in Knockraha knew of a vault in the area which might prove useful for the detention of prisoners, this vault became the official prison of the Cork No.1 Brigade.

The prison became known as ‘Sing Sing’ after the famous American prison of the same name, and Ned Maloney became the Governor of Sing Sing. Many members of the British Forces such as Black and Tans and the Cammeron regiment were held in Sing Sing.

It is estimated 17 members of the Cammerons regiment, 7 Black and Tans and 11 other spies and informers were ultimately taken from Sing Sing and executed.