reading the latest book in the historiography of the Provisional IRA.
Sweeping statements are fun to make, but less fun to read.
A week or so after A Broad Church was available for purchase, author Gearóid Ó Faoleán gave interviews about his work to a variety of sources, discussing his findings and how he hoped the book will find an audience.
Unsurprisingly, certain people got very excited by this on Twitter. Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie even told the News Letter “This book will help address the selective amnesia at play in the Republic regarding its role during the Troubles. For decades the IRA was able to mount cross border raids almost at will, and murder hundreds of people as part of an ethnic cleansing campaign of border protestants. The Republic was also the source of numerous arms dumps and training camps. It is also a fact that the 30 year IRA campaign could not have been sustained had there not been support – both overt and tacit – from a significant section of the population there.
The most uncomfortable aspect of the past for the Dublin Authorities is the extent to which the IRA received support and assistance from the political class, elements of the judiciary and sections of the police. The media and Dublin Government are quick to rush to judgement regarding claims of collusion between the British State and loyalist gangs, but are nowhere to be seen when it comes to an honest appraisal of the role played by the Dublin Government, its state actors and some of citizens in facilitating the activities of the IRA.
Leaving aside the irony of his own party’s links with the UVF, both with it’s inception (Gusty Spence could be heard claiming that party members unhappy with Terence O’Neill had a hand in the formation of the UVF) and in recent news it’s interesting how he seems to happily accept that various incarnations of the Dail had a hand in supporting the IRA (in spite of Section 31, the ‘Heavy Gang’, the McCarthyite attitudes that took over in the media coverage of the conflict and the fact that people could be jailed on the word of a senior Garda). It’s amazing how history can be discarded by some when it doesn’t fit their narrative (and if he can deliver proof regarding the “ethnic cleansing” claim, that would be great as well).
Anyone (and I mean anyone) with a half decent knowledge of the conflict will tell you that of course the south was important to the IRA (why do you think there was a decree from GHQ about not shooting Gardai) and that of course people helped out. It’s a large country with a big population, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that people from different social and economic strata’s did give a hand to the IRA. Is this any different from members of the unionist establishment and community doing the same thing with the various loyalist paramilitaries?
While it has been documented in a variety of tomes throughout the years, Ó Faoleán’s book is the first one (to my knowledge) to focus exclusively on the importance of the south and the role it played in the development of the Provisionals. In many ways, it’s a perfect companion piece to Patrick Mulroe’s highly recommended ‘Bombs, Bullets and the Border’ but the wider focus allows Ó Faoleán to examine the broader culture clashes that could exist between the cities and the countryside.
Beginning by noting how the attacks on the civil rights marches awakened nationalist sympathies in the south (furthered by the burnings of August 1969, leading to the biggest population displacement since WWII), Ó Faoleán then discusses how the split of 1969 impacted on the south, and how these units were quick to aid fellow units in the north, either through bomb making, robberies and organising camps.
What emerges is a picture that is nowhere near as clean cut as some unionist commentators would like it to be. A mixture of sympathy towards northern nationalists, Saturday night republican tendencies and a government watching the situation across the border deteriorate moment by moment led to a situation where the fledging Provisional IRA could assemble and organise in the south with little hassle from the authorities.
Interviews with various members further this image, with one bitterly remarking that certain people would help you out in some way (be it harbouring OTR’s etc) but would not turn out and vote for them, or even publicly show support. Here, Ó Faoleán demonstrates how (ultimately) the support for the campaign was merely superficial. The old north/south divide showing itself again.
The vicious circle of the ‘Heavy Gang’ and how they were protected by Section 31 makes for deeply disturbing reading. The accounts of various republicans beaten and tortured by them could have come straight from accounts from Castlereagh in the same period. And the fact that Conor Cruise O’Brien could openly support such brutality and censorship, yet consider himself a liberal and free speech advocate, is breath taking. Just as evil as the paedophile priests.
What was interesting to read was the role Brian Stack (later murdered by the IRA) played in the beating of prisoners in Portlaoise, and how he was openly despised not only by republicans, but also his own staff. Little details like that are often left out of media coverage. I wonder why.
Oddly, when discussing the role of the Irish media, there is no direct discussion of the self censorship that journalists imposed upon themselves for fear of being seen as ‘fellow travellers’, nor the school of Irish revisionism practised by the likes of Kevin Myers and Ruth Dudley Edwards (which arguably began after the Dublin/Monaghan bombings). Both of these were just as important as the likes of Section 31 and Garda brutality in terms of stifling potential support for the IRA in the south and created a culture of self loathing, which carries on today (look at how the centenary for the Easter Rising was discussed in the mainstream Irish media).
Nor is there any mention of the conditions that the underfunded and overstretched Garda were forced to work under. The Garda oral history (cited by Mulroe) has numerous statements from former members about how the pressure to crack down on republicans lead to the rise of the criminal underworld (notably, the likes of Martin Cahill, John Gilligan and Gerry Hutch all started off in this period as bank robbers). And while there’s nothing specifically in writing it’s easy to envisage that, with both republicans and criminals running circles around them, disillusioned and disaffected Garda could often turn a blind eye to republicans, seeing them as the lesser of two evils.
Anyone hoping for evidence that the south and the IRA were in each other’s pocket will be bitterly disappointed. What emerges is a lot more complex, but is made clear that the sympathy only went so far. However, if the book is read alongside ‘Bombs, Bullets and the Border’, then the reader is given an overview of an aspect of our recent history that is often discussed, but rarely given the proper contextualisation.
Something the likes of Doug Beattie won’t take into account.
Gearóid Ó Faoleán, 2019. A Broad Church: The Provisional IRA in the Republic of Ireland 1969-1980. Merrion Press ISBN-13: 978-1785372452
⏩ Christopher Owens was a reviewer forMetal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland.
Shawn Sidway receives Irish American Peace Prize in front of the hallowed Rayburn House Office Building of the US Congress CAPITOL HILL. Tuesday, April 9, 2019—— A dedicated Irish Activist from the state of Florida has been presented with the Irish American Peace Prize. Appropriately enough, the Prize was presented in front of the Rayburn House Office Building, where recipient Shawn Sidway had been lobbying.Among the offices he visited was that of Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL), the new Chair of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), which previously held many Congressional Hearings on human rights in Northern Ireland.It is greatly hoped that Chairman Hastings, who has a deep commitment to social justice, equality and human rights, will continue this grand tradition
The Irish American Peace Prize Prize was instituted last year by the Capitol Hill-based Irish National Caucus
to ” to honor and recognize individuals who have struggled for Irish
justice over the past 50 years.”
Caucus president, Fr. Sean Mc Manus explained when he launched the
Irish American Peace Prize: “We believe this Prize was needed to
bring balance, truth and a sense of realism to the whole history of
the past 50 years. And, I felt that I had a duty to launch the
Irish American Peace Prize in order to honor real people who have
been ignored: individuals who bore the heat of the day, who were not ‘sunshine
patriots,’ and who were not afraid to take a stand when it was
not fashionable or easy. The reality is that many Irish-Americans were too
scared or disinterested to take a stand, and some just emerged when
it was easy and had no cost…”
The beautiful plaque that goes with the Irish American Peace Prize bears the Irish National Caucus’ famous logo: the Dove of Peace super-imposed on the Shamrock, with the Caucus’ motto and founding principle:’Ireland, too, has the right to be One Nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’ The plaque states that the recipient is receiving the Irish American Peace Prize for dedication to that founding principle.”Fr. Mc Manus said:”We are honored to honor Shawn Sidway for his dedication. He has shown keen appreciation for the work we do on Capitol Hill, and he has a very realistic awareness that there remains much to be done for justice and peace in Ireland, and that the US Congress has a key role to play.” Shawn Sidway said:”I am deeply honored to receive the Irish American Peace Prize. I have traveled to Northern Ireland many times. During my visits, I experienced the natural beauty of the land and the horror of conflict. I have never forgotten the reality of what I saw there and I became determined to become a voice for those who had theirs violently taken away. There is much work yet to be done and I am honored to play a part in our struggle to attain social justice, equality and human rights”. Fr. Sean Mc Manus
European Union leaders have agreed to a request by British Prime
Minister Theresa May for an extension to the Brexit date. They have
agreed to a ‘flexible’ extension to the end of October, subject to
certain conditions, including one which calls for elections to the
European Parliament to take place in Britain and the north of Ireland
next month.
Mrs May’s hand had been forced by an act of parliament by backbench MPs,
rushed through Westminster and which became law on Monday, requiring May
to seek an extension to prevent a sudden ‘no deal’ exit from the EU.
It has been a humiliating week for the British PM, who is now likely to
come under renewed pressure to quit as Tory leader and call a British
general election.
The terms of the extension will allow Britain to leave the EU as soon as
Westminster passes a deal. Other conditions of the deal include
guarantees Britain will not try to undermine the EU during the extra
time it has been offered, and a review of the extension at the next EU
summit in June to ensure the conditions are being met.
The outcome averts a potential disaster at 11pm on Friday, which would
have seen Britain suddenly drop out of the EU and require the sudden
imposition of customs and security controls for the border through
Ireland.
While Britain will not suddenly leave the EU on Friday evening, a
no-deal Brexit still cannot be ruled out in the coming months. Under
tonight’s agreement, a failure by London to hold elections to the
European Parliament without a deal in place would force a crash-out
Brexit on June 1.
Britain could still avoid the humiliating process of holding European
elections if Westminster agrees a Brexit deal before the elections take
place on May 23. Despite the uncertainty, plans to hold European
elections in Britain and the Six Counties are being set in train. This
will have the knock-on effect of reducing the number of MEPs to be
elected in the 26 Counties on the same day, which had been set to
increase by two.
The DUP, which has supported May’s minority government, are unhappy at
the failure to deliver Brexit by Friday’s expected departure date — the
second, two weeks after the original Brexit day of March 29.
DUP leader Arlene Foster accused May of trying to force her party into
backing the already negotiated Withdrawal Agreement. The party continues
to oppose the deal’s ‘backstop’ clause for the Irish border, which is
intended to prevent a remilitarisation of the border area, but could see
regulations ultimately differ on either side of the Irish Sea.
“Despite the prime minister being warned about the opposition to her
withdrawal agreement, she has limped along and tried to force people
into a cul-de-sac where they have no option but to support her deal,”
she said.
“That is a weak approach and demeans the strength of this great nation.
It is also foolish as it traps the UK and burdens future generations
with a bad deal.”
In a statement early this morning, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald
said the British government “must use this extension to ratify the
Withdrawal Agreement and the minimal protections of the Backstop”.
Ms McDonald also welcomed the prospect of European elections in the
North which she said would “give the people a chance to have their say”.
“Never again can a British government have the power to impose a border
across Ireland and act against the wishes of the people,” she said. “Now
is the time to look to the future and to begin to plan for a unity
referendum in line with the Good Friday Agreement.”
PLAQUE DEDICATION
On Monday, April 15, 2019, at 1100 hours, a Plaque Dedication will be held honoring the memory of Firefighter Ronald P. Svec, L-82, who died on February 2, 2018. The dedication will take place in the quarters of E-162 and L-82, 256 Nelson Avenue, Staten Island, NY. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform.
PLAQUE DEDICATION
On Monday, April 22, 2019, at 1100 hours, a Plaque Dedication will be held honoring the memory of Marine Engineer John L. Buhler, M-6, who died on March 24, 2018. The dedication will take place in the quarters of Marine 6, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building #292, Brooklyn, NY. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform.
2019 GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
Permission is granted for off-duty members to participate in the 2019 Greek Independence Day Parade on Sunday, April 14, 2019. The FDNY Hellenic Society requests that participating members assemble on W. 63rd Street between Park and 5th Avenue, New York, NY, at 1230 hours. Dress uniform shall be worn. For more information, contact Peter Constantine at FdnyGreeks@gmail.com or call 914-760-9968.
MATT’S RACE 5K RUN
On Sunday, April 28, at 10:00 AM, in Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island, a 5K Run presented by Engine 161/Ladder 81 & Engine 211/Ladder 119, together with the Staten Island Athletic Club, will be held in memory of Lt. Gordon “Matt” Ambelas, who died in the line of duty on July 5, 2014. The 1st Leg of FF James Halverson Award will be presented to the top FDNY finisher based on combined times from Matt’s Race, Marty Egan Run & The Celic Run. Entry Fees are as follows: Pre-entry fee: $20; Race Day: $25; Kids 14 and under $15; Race day: $20. Running awards will go to: Overall Top 3 Male & Female. Age groups: Top 3 in each of the following age groups (male & female): 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+, FD individual, FD team, Clydesdale & Athena. Pre-race pick up at The Local (formerly Pepper Jack Grill), 316 Manor Road, on Thursday, April 25, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Post-Race Party will be held at Marine Corps. League, 46 Ontario Ave, SI. There is a $10.00 post-race party fee for non-runners. Register here: http://www.completerace.com/site/event/matts-race/.
2019 FUN CITY BOWL
The annual FDNY vs NYPD football game will be held on Saturday, June 1, at 5:00 PM, at MCU Park in Brooklyn. Tickets cost $20, and a free Cyclones ticket is included with purchase. Deadline to purchase tickets is May 16. Checks should be made payable to Bravest Football. Payment can be mailed to 101 Bevy Court, Brooklyn, NY 11229. To send payments electronically, Venmo @John-Mooney-FDNYL154. For questions or more information, contact John Mooney at JEMFDNY74@gmail.com.
Sean Maguire with a poem from a published collection of his work.
Finally, the eyelids grow heavy, the fear overcome by exhaustion as we journey into darkness forever, to await who knows what in frustration. To dream would be ever so pleasing, of summer youth and love, and lie and gaze at the sky above. To recall some moments of laughter, to smile at our feelings of fear. Wondering about justice, whilst shedding one more tear.
Tumbling, falling, headlong, the earth is yearning, although, upright we sit, clammy, pale. Fervently screaming and bleeding inside, in search of the truth, to no avail.
➽Seán Maguire has been writing poetry, song lyrics, short stories and non-fiction for over thirty years and has had a considerable amount of his work published in magazines, newspapers, anthologies and online blogs. The above poem is taken from his collection For Those Left Behind.
