Tracing familiar ground on Michael Collins’ hit-squad

Tim Pat Coogan’s new book on Michael Collins’ hit-squad during the War of Independence is entitled The Twelve Apostles. In fact, members of the squad never referred to themselves in that way, says Ryle Dwyer

WHILE there is not much new material in Tim Pat Coogan’s latest book, The Twelve Apostles, he does have some interesting insights on his interviews with people involved in the story, and he throws some light on the subsequent troubled careers of some of the members of the Squad.

The book is well-written and, indeed, an easier read than some of his earlier books, especially with its somewhat larger type and generous spacing.