Revolution captured in new book - founding stages of the Irish State presented in a rich visual manner Reporter: donal.oregan@limerickleader.ie Limerick city under Republican control in July 1922; one of many black and white photographs colourised by John O'Byrne '); '); IT was a mere seven years, the period of the Irish Revolution from 1916 to 1923. However, these years constitute the elemental founding stage of the Irish State. A new book - An Illustrated History of the Irish Revolution 1916-1923 - captures these times like never before. The author, Michael Barry, specially commissioned over 130 black and white photographs to be colourised by John O'Byrne.