Documenting our Heritage

Knockraha Old IRA

Co. Cork

Sing Sing Prison

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 for the IRA. Ned Maloney, a blacksmith in Knockraha knew of a vault in the area which might prove useful for the detention of prisoners. After examination, the 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. Martin Correy estimated that as many as 17 members of the Cammerons regiment, 7 Black and Tans and 11 other spies and informers were ultimately taken from Sing Sing and executed.

For further information please refer to the book:

Knockraha History and Folklore, published by the Knockraha History & Heritage Society.

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

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

Slowly I pull the door closed behind me.. I stay quiet in the dark for some minutes...

before gratefully escaping to the daylight.

Many prisoners spent days/weeks/months down here.

Thanks again to Hans for his help in Knockraha!