1972 (44 page)
Authors: Morgan Llywelyn
A flood of images overwhelmed Barry, superimposed one atop the other until he could not tell which he had seen and which he had only read about and imagined. Brookeborough. Feargal O'Hanlon and Seán South. Derry in 1969. Pádraic Pearse falling to British rifles. McCoy lying in hospital with his eyes bandaged.
My father blown apart by a bomb.
Little Patrick Rooney with a bullet in his brain. Liam Lynch and Michael Collins and Robert Casement. The Famine. The arrogance of the conquerer. The stolen land and the stolen lives. And the cold rage building and building and building in Barry â¦
U
RSULA Halloran was looking forward to watching the six o'clock news on RTE. The old farmhouse was quiet. Darkness had long since fallen. The horses and cattle had been fed and her own meagre meal prepared and eaten. Nothing remained but to enjoy a second cup of tea and a long, peaceful evening.
RSULA Halloran was looking forward to watching the six o'clock news on RTE. The old farmhouse was quiet. Darkness had long since fallen. The horses and cattle had been fed and her own meagre meal prepared and eaten. Nothing remained but to enjoy a second cup of tea and a long, peaceful evening.
She might use some of the time to write a letter to her papa.
Ned Halloran had been dead for many years, yet the habit of writing to him was deeply ingrained. It was Ursula's way of saying things she could say to no one else, and of staying close to someone she could not bear to lose.
She liked to believe that wherever he was, Ned read ⦠heard ⦠felt her letters.
In this one she was going to tell him about Barry and Barbara. Would he be glad for their sakes? Was the old grudge he had once carried against Henry Mooney truly forgotten? Surely
it was. Even the Irish could not carry a grudge beyond the grave.
it was. Even the Irish could not carry a grudge beyond the grave.
Ursula put a cup of tea beside her favourite armchair in the parlour and switched on the television. The screen took a few moments to warm up. Then the news presenter appeared, wearing an expression of barely concealed dismay.
“It has been reported that thirteen demonstrators taking part in a civil rights march in Derry were shot dead today by soldiers of the First Parachute Regiment. A fourteenth man is critically wounded in hospital, not expected to live. A spokesman for the British government has described the march as âa republican march' and therefore illegal, and claims the soldiers were totally justified in using all necessary force to gain control of a very dangerous situation.”
“Jesus H. Christ on a crutch!” Ursula cried. She ran to the telephone to ring Barry.
Barbara answered the phone. “He's not here, I'm afraid. He's gone to Derry.”
Ursula almost dropped the telephone receiver. “Derry? Are you sure?”
“That's what he told us; why?”
“Have you been watching the television?”
“We don't have one yet, you know that,” Barbara said rather peevishly. “I thought we were going to get one but Barry had his car painted instead. British racing green, only he insists on calling it Irish racing green.”
“Have you been listening to the radio?”
“Not.”
“What about Séamus?”
“He's in his room. Asleep, I think. He usually takes a nap right after supper. After tea,” she amended. “Do you want me to call him?”
“I think you'd better,” Ursula said faintly.
For the remainder of the evening two households, one in Clare and one in Dublin, avidly followed the news from Derry. The rest of Ireland was doing the same. So were shocked television viewers around the world. The events in Derry were almost beyond belief. Already the day was being described as “Bloody Sunday.”
Ursula kept the television on until RTE played the national
anthemâwhose opening lines were “Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland”âand shut down. Then she turned to the radio, searching frantically for any scrap of information.
anthemâwhose opening lines were “Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland”âand shut down. Then she turned to the radio, searching frantically for any scrap of information.
T
HAT night Jack Lynch and Edward Heath had a terse and chilly telephone conversation during which Heath claimed, “The massacre was a result of the IRA trying to take over the country.”
5
HAT night Jack Lynch and Edward Heath had a terse and chilly telephone conversation during which Heath claimed, “The massacre was a result of the IRA trying to take over the country.”
5
Following this conversation Lynch recalled the Republic's ambassador, Donal O'Sullivan, from London, and declared the second of February a national day of mourning.
U
RSULA got no sleep that night. She did not even go to bed. Instead she went out to the broodmare barn to stand in the dusty dark, stroking the velvet nose of her favourite mare and listening to the deep, gentle sound of breathing. When daylight came she wearily began the morning chores. By the time the Ryan brothers arrived to help she was trembling with fatigue.
RSULA got no sleep that night. She did not even go to bed. Instead she went out to the broodmare barn to stand in the dusty dark, stroking the velvet nose of her favourite mare and listening to the deep, gentle sound of breathing. When daylight came she wearily began the morning chores. By the time the Ryan brothers arrived to help she was trembling with fatigue.
“Go inside, missus,” Gerry urged. “We'll take over now.”
“Barry was in Derry.”
“I kinda guessed that when I saw you. Come on, I'll take you inside.”
Her legs were too rubbery to climb the stairs, so she sat down on the couch in the parlour and let Gerry build up the fire in the fireplace and bring her a cup of tea. “I wouldn't worry about Barry if I was you,” the old hired man said as he tucked a blanket around Ursula. “He'd be too hard to kill. If anyone tried he'd fight with the nails on his toes, so he would.”
He left Ursula sitting on the couch. Staring at the blank eye of the television, which would not begin to transmit for hours yet. At last she got up and switched on the radio, hopingâfearingâto hear a list of casualties. For once she did not know.
While she waited she fell asleep.
T
HE roar of a motorcar outside did not wake her, but the slamming of the front door did. She gave a gasp of relief as her son burst into the room.
HE roar of a motorcar outside did not wake her, but the slamming of the front door did. She gave a gasp of relief as her son burst into the room.
His hair was fire; his eyes were ice.
After a swift glance at Ursula he ran toward the stairs. She heard him taking them three at a time. “What are you going to do?” she shouted. There was no answer.
Barry Halloran flung open the door to his room. Violently thrust both hands under the mattress.
Took out the rifle.
Unanimously adopted on the proposition of the Taoiseach, John A. Costello, and the Leader of the Opposition, Eamon de Valera, on 10 May, 1949
Dáil Ãireann, SOLEMNLY RE-ASSERTING the indefeasible right of the Irish nation to the unity and integrity of the national territory,
REAFFIRMING the sovereign right of the people of Ireland to choose its own form of Government and, through its democratic institutions, to decide all questions of national policy, free from outside interference,
REPUDIATING the claim of the British Parliament to enact legislation affecting Ireland's territorial integrity in violation of those rights, and
PLEDGING the determination of the Irish people to continue to struggle against the unjust and unnatural partition of our country until it is brought to a successful conclusion;
PLACES ON RECORD its indignant protest against the introduction in the British Parliament of legislation purporting to endorse and continue the existing Partition of Ireland, and
CALLS ON the British Government and people to end the present occupation of our Six North-Eastern Counties, and thereby enable the unity of Ireland to be restored and the agelong differences between the two nations brought to an end.
Fictional Characters (in order of mention):
Finbar Lewis Halloran, “Barry”:
Born in Switzerland on April 6, 1939.
Born in Switzerland on April 6, 1939.
Séamus McCoy:
Born 1918 in West Belfast; IRA training officer during the Border Campaign of 1956â57.
Born 1918 in West Belfast; IRA training officer during the Border Campaign of 1956â57.
Edward Joseph Halloran, “Ned”:
Born in Clare in 1897; joined the Irish Volunteers in 1913; fought in the Easter Rising; married SÃle Duffy; fought in the War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, and the Spanish Civil War; died in Clare in 1948.
Born in Clare in 1897; joined the Irish Volunteers in 1913; fought in the Easter Rising; married SÃle Duffy; fought in the War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, and the Spanish Civil War; died in Clare in 1948.
Ursula Jervis Halloran:
Born approximately 1910 in Dublin; foster child of Ned and SÃle Halloran, who called her “Precious.”
Born approximately 1910 in Dublin; foster child of Ned and SÃle Halloran, who called her “Precious.”
Eileen Halloran Mulvaney:
Ned Halloran's youngest sister.
Ned Halloran's youngest sister.
Henry Price Mooney:
Born in Clare in 1883; journalist; married Ella Mansell Rutledge, who was born in Dublin in 1890; emigrated to America after the Irish Civil War.
Born in Clare in 1883; journalist; married Ella Mansell Rutledge, who was born in Dublin in 1890; emigrated to America after the Irish Civil War.
Gerry and George Ryan:
Brothers who work on Ursula's farm.
Brothers who work on Ursula's farm.
“Mickey”:
IRA explosives expert.
IRA explosives expert.
Isabella Mooney Kavanagh:
Henry Mooney's older daughter, born in Dublin in 1923; widow of Michael Kavanagh.
Henry Mooney's older daughter, born in Dublin in 1923; widow of Michael Kavanagh.
Pearl and Opal:
Employees in the Mooney household.
Employees in the Mooney household.
Henrietta “Hank” Mooney Rice:
Henry Mooney's younger daughter, born in America in 1926; married to John Rice.
Henry Mooney's younger daughter, born in America in 1926; married to John Rice.
Barbara Kavanagh:
Daughter of Michael and Isabella Mooney Kavanagh, born in America in 1947.
Daughter of Michael and Isabella Mooney Kavanagh, born in America in 1947.
Claire MacNamara:
A very pretty girl from Cork.
A very pretty girl from Cork.
Miriam Fogarty:
Claire's widowed aunt.
Claire's widowed aunt.
Gilbert Fitzmaurice:
Barry's roommate at Trinity.
Barry's roommate at Trinity.
Father Aloysius:
A priest in Derry.
A priest in Derry.
Terence Roche:
A doctor in Derry.
A doctor in Derry.
May Coogan:
Father Aloysius's housekeeper.
Father Aloysius's housekeeper.
Margaret “Peg” Reddan:
Woman living in Killaloe.
Woman living in Killaloe.
Dennis Cassidy:
Journalism student at Trinity.
Journalism student at Trinity.
Alice Green:
Another journalism student; marries Dennis Cassidy.
Another journalism student; marries Dennis Cassidy.
Mr. Philpott:
Owner of a boardinghouse in Harold's Cross.
Owner of a boardinghouse in Harold's Cross.
Jeremy Seyboldt:
Music promoter.
Music promoter.
Paudie Coates:
Automobile mechanic.
Automobile mechanic.
Historical Characters
Adams, Gerry (senior) (d. 2003):
A lifelong republican; he and his wife Annie had thirteen children; three boys died at birth, but they succeeded in raising five daughters and five sons, one of whom, also named Gerry Adams, became president of Sinn Féin.
A lifelong republican; he and his wife Annie had thirteen children; three boys died at birth, but they succeeded in raising five daughters and five sons, one of whom, also named Gerry Adams, became president of Sinn Féin.
Aiken, Frank (1898â1983):
Born in County Armagh; joined the Irish Volunteers in 1914; commandant of 4th Northern Division of the IRA in 1921; when the Civil War broke out in June 1922 he tried to bring about reconciliation and kept his own division neutral as long as he could; was appointed chief of staff of the IRA following the death of Liam Lynch; subsequently served as minister for defence in the Fianna Fáil government, then as minister for finance, minister for external affairs, and finally as tánaiste.
Born in County Armagh; joined the Irish Volunteers in 1914; commandant of 4th Northern Division of the IRA in 1921; when the Civil War broke out in June 1922 he tried to bring about reconciliation and kept his own division neutral as long as he could; was appointed chief of staff of the IRA following the death of Liam Lynch; subsequently served as minister for defence in the Fianna Fáil government, then as minister for finance, minister for external affairs, and finally as tánaiste.
Austin, Campbell:
Owner of department store in Derry.
Owner of department store in Derry.
Bates, Dawson:
Minister for home affairs in the Stormont government in 1934.
Minister for home affairs in the Stormont government in 1934.
Behan, Brendan (1923â64):
Dublin-born writer who left school at fourteen to become a house painter; joined the IRA; arrested in Liverpool in 1939 for possessing explosives and sentenced to three years Borstal detention; arrested in Dublin in 1942 for shooting at a policeman; learned Irish in Mountjoy Jail; eventually began making his living as a writer. His autobiographical novel
Borstal Boy
was an international bestseller.
Dublin-born writer who left school at fourteen to become a house painter; joined the IRA; arrested in Liverpool in 1939 for possessing explosives and sentenced to three years Borstal detention; arrested in Dublin in 1942 for shooting at a policeman; learned Irish in Mountjoy Jail; eventually began making his living as a writer. His autobiographical novel
Borstal Boy
was an international bestseller.
Belloc, Hilaire (1870â1953):
English Catholic historian.
English Catholic historian.
Berry, Charles Edward “Chuck” (b. 1926):
American rock and roll singer who shot to the top of the charts in 1955 with a song called “Maybellene.”
American rock and roll singer who shot to the top of the charts in 1955 with a song called “Maybellene.”
Blaney, Neil T. (1922-95):
Born in Donegal; his father was a prisoner of the British, under sentence of death, during the War of Independence. Blaney was TD for North-East Donegal and minister for agriculture in the Lynch cabinet.
Born in Donegal; his father was a prisoner of the British, under sentence of death, during the War of Independence. Blaney was TD for North-East Donegal and minister for agriculture in the Lynch cabinet.
Brookeborough, Lord (Alan Francis Brooke) (1883â1963):
Chief of the British Imperial General Staff during World War Two; titled Baron Alanbrooke of Brookeborough in 1945; created a viscount in 1946; prime minister of Northern Ireland during the border campaign of 1956â57.
Chief of the British Imperial General Staff during World War Two; titled Baron Alanbrooke of Brookeborough in 1945; created a viscount in 1946; prime minister of Northern Ireland during the border campaign of 1956â57.
Cahill, Joe (1920-2004):
Belfast-born member of the IRA; O/C of the Provisionals' Belfast Brigade in 1971.
Belfast-born member of the IRA; O/C of the Provisionals' Belfast Brigade in 1971.
Casement, Sir Roger David (1864â1916):
Born in Dublin; in 1892 joined British Colonial Service in Africa, where he exposed the inhumane treatment of African workers in the Belgian Congo; promoted to consul general at Rio de Janeiro; knighted in 1911 for distinguished public service. His published reports on the cruelties practiced by white traders on the native population caused an international sensation in 1912; retired from the colonial service that same year; joined Sinn Féin; joined the Irish National Volunteers in 1913; tried to obtain German help and arms for the 1916 Rising; hanged as a traitor by the British.
Born in Dublin; in 1892 joined British Colonial Service in Africa, where he exposed the inhumane treatment of African workers in the Belgian Congo; promoted to consul general at Rio de Janeiro; knighted in 1911 for distinguished public service. His published reports on the cruelties practiced by white traders on the native population caused an international sensation in 1912; retired from the colonial service that same year; joined Sinn Féin; joined the Irish National Volunteers in 1913; tried to obtain German help and arms for the 1916 Rising; hanged as a traitor by the British.
Churchill, Winston Leonard Spencer (1874â1965):
British politician, author, and statesman; prime minister 1940â45, and 195â155.
British politician, author, and statesman; prime minister 1940â45, and 195â155.
Clutterbuck, Sir Alexander:
British ambassador to Ireland in 1956.
British ambassador to Ireland in 1956.
Collins, Michael (1890â1922):
Born in County Cork; member and later president of the Irish Republican Brotherhood; aide-de-camp to Joseph Plunkett during the 1916 Rising; minister for home affairs, 1918; minister for finance, 1919â22; organiser of the Irish intelligence system; member of the Treaty delegation; chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State, 1922; commander in chief of Free State forces, 1922; shot dead in County Cork, 1922.
Born in County Cork; member and later president of the Irish Republican Brotherhood; aide-de-camp to Joseph Plunkett during the 1916 Rising; minister for home affairs, 1918; minister for finance, 1919â22; organiser of the Irish intelligence system; member of the Treaty delegation; chairman of the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State, 1922; commander in chief of Free State forces, 1922; shot dead in County Cork, 1922.
Conlon, Vincent:
IRA Volunteer.
IRA Volunteer.
Connolly, James (1870â1916):
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland; socialist, labor leader, and journalist; founder of the Citizen Army; commandant general of Dublin Forces during the 1916 Rising; executed by the British.
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland; socialist, labor leader, and journalist; founder of the Citizen Army; commandant general of Dublin Forces during the 1916 Rising; executed by the British.
Cooper, Ivan:
Northern Ireland Protestant.
Northern Ireland Protestant.
Costello, John Aloysius (1891â1976):
Dublin-born lawyer; Free State attorney general 1926â32; joined Fine Gael in 1933; represented the government at the League of Nations; became taoiseach in 1948: declared the Irish state a republic during a press conference in Canada that same year; served again as taoiseach 1954â57.
Dublin-born lawyer; Free State attorney general 1926â32; joined Fine Gael in 1933; represented the government at the League of Nations; became taoiseach in 1948: declared the Irish state a republic during a press conference in Canada that same year; served again as taoiseach 1954â57.
Craig, William:
Minister for home affairs in the Stormont government under Terence O'Neill.
Minister for home affairs in the Stormont government under Terence O'Neill.
Currie, Austin (b. 1939):
Born County Tyrone; Nationalist MP (Stormont) for East Tyrone 1964â72; founder-member of the SDLP in 1970.
Born County Tyrone; Nationalist MP (Stormont) for East Tyrone 1964â72; founder-member of the SDLP in 1970.
Daly, Seán:
IRA commandant.
IRA commandant.
Dealey, Ted:
Publisher of
The Dallas Morning News,
1950-60.
Publisher of
The Dallas Morning News,
1950-60.
de Gaulle, Charles Andre Marie Joseph (1890â1970):
French soldier, writer, and statesman; trained at the Military Academy of St. Cyr; brigadier general in World War Two; architect of France's Fifth Republic; president of France 1958-69.
French soldier, writer, and statesman; trained at the Military Academy of St. Cyr; brigadier general in World War Two; architect of France's Fifth Republic; president of France 1958-69.
de Valera, Eamon (1882â1975):
Born in New York City, raised in County Limerick; joined the Irish National Volunteers in 1913; commanded the Third Battalion of the Dublin Brigade during the 1916 Rising; elected Sinn Féin TD for Clare; president of the first Dáil 1919-21; president of the second Dáil 1922; rejected the Anglo-Irish Treaty; president of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State 1932-37; spearheaded the Constitution of 1937; taoiseach 1937-48, 1951-54, 1957-59; president of the Republic of Ireland 1959-73.
Born in New York City, raised in County Limerick; joined the Irish National Volunteers in 1913; commanded the Third Battalion of the Dublin Brigade during the 1916 Rising; elected Sinn Féin TD for Clare; president of the first Dáil 1919-21; president of the second Dáil 1922; rejected the Anglo-Irish Treaty; president of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State 1932-37; spearheaded the Constitution of 1937; taoiseach 1937-48, 1951-54, 1957-59; president of the Republic of Ireland 1959-73.
Devlin, Josephine Bernadette (b. 1947):
Tyrone-born civil rights activist; youngest woman ever elected to Westminster (1969-74); seriously injured in a loyalist gun attack in 1981.
Tyrone-born civil rights activist; youngest woman ever elected to Westminster (1969-74); seriously injured in a loyalist gun attack in 1981.
Doherty, Patrick “Paddy Bogside” (b. 1926):
Born in the Bogside; a builder by profession; a leading member of the Derry Citizens' Defence Association.
Born in the Bogside; a builder by profession; a leading member of the Derry Citizens' Defence Association.
Dorati, Anton (1906â88):
Hungarian-born orchestra conductor who made his American debut in 1937 with the National Symphony of Washington, D.C.
Hungarian-born orchestra conductor who made his American debut in 1937 with the National Symphony of Washington, D.C.
Eden, Robert Anthony (1897â1977):
British prime minister 1955-57; resigned over the Suez Canal crisis; was created earl of Avon in 1961.
British prime minister 1955-57; resigned over the Suez Canal crisis; was created earl of Avon in 1961.
Eisenhower, Dwight David (1890â1969):
Born in Denison, Texas; graduate of West Point Military Academy; appointed supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in World War Two; elected thirty-fourth president of the United States in 1953.
Born in Denison, Texas; graduate of West Point Military Academy; appointed supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in World War Two; elected thirty-fourth president of the United States in 1953.
Elizabeth II (b. 1926):
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1952.
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1952.
Emmet, Robert (1778â1803):
Dublin-born Protestant; educated at Trinity College, Dublin; a member of the College Historical Society until he was expelled for radicalism in 1798; discussed plans for liberating Ireland with Napoleon and Talleyrand; at the age of twenty-five, he became involved in the conspiracy for a new Irish rebellion; his attempt to seize Dublin failed and he was arrested by the British. His speech from the dock guaranteed him immortality as one of Ireland's most romantic heroes. Condemned to a public hanging, Emmet slowly strangled to death, after which his body was beheaded.
Dublin-born Protestant; educated at Trinity College, Dublin; a member of the College Historical Society until he was expelled for radicalism in 1798; discussed plans for liberating Ireland with Napoleon and Talleyrand; at the age of twenty-five, he became involved in the conspiracy for a new Irish rebellion; his attempt to seize Dublin failed and he was arrested by the British. His speech from the dock guaranteed him immortality as one of Ireland's most romantic heroes. Condemned to a public hanging, Emmet slowly strangled to death, after which his body was beheaded.
Faubus, Orval:
Governor of the state of Arkansas in the 1950s.
Governor of the state of Arkansas in the 1950s.
Faulkner, Brian (1921â77):
Born in County Down; Unionist member of British parliament; became prime minister of Northern Ireland in 1971.
Born in County Down; Unionist member of British parliament; became prime minister of Northern Ireland in 1971.
Ferrier, Kathleen (1912-53):
English contralto; one of the most beloved singers of her time.
English contralto; one of the most beloved singers of her time.
Fitt, Gerry:
Labour MP for West Belfast.
Labour MP for West Belfast.
Fitzgerald, Ella (1918â96):
American jazz singer who became internationally famous for the wide range and sweetness of her voice.
American jazz singer who became internationally famous for the wide range and sweetness of her voice.
Gageby, Douglas (b. 1918):
Dublin-born journalist; son-in-law of Seán Lester; editor-in-chief of the Irish News Agency; editor of the
Evening Press;
joint managing director and then editor of
The Irish Times.
Dublin-born journalist; son-in-law of Seán Lester; editor-in-chief of the Irish News Agency; editor of the
Evening Press;
joint managing director and then editor of
The Irish Times.
Gandhi, Mohandas K. (1869â1948):
Known as “Mahatma,” which means Great-Souled, Gandhi was the leader of the Indian nationalist movement to put an end to British rule, and is considered the father of modern India.
Known as “Mahatma,” which means Great-Souled, Gandhi was the leader of the Indian nationalist movement to put an end to British rule, and is considered the father of modern India.
Garland, Seán:
Commandant of the Lynch column during the border campaign of 1956.
Commandant of the Lynch column during the border campaign of 1956.
George V (1865â1936):
Born George Frederick Ernest Albert Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Crowned king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1910; in 1917 the king renounced his German name and titles for himself and his progeny, and the family name was changed to Windsor, after Windsor Castle.
Born George Frederick Ernest Albert Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Crowned king of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in 1910; in 1917 the king renounced his German name and titles for himself and his progeny, and the family name was changed to Windsor, after Windsor Castle.
Gilchrist, Sir Andrew:
British ambassador to Ireland in 1969.
British ambassador to Ireland in 1969.
Goulding, Cathal:
Joined the republican movement in 1927; imprisoned and also interned for IRA membership; elected chief of staff of the IRA in 1962; after the split in 1969 became chief of staff of the “Official” IRA.
Joined the republican movement in 1927; imprisoned and also interned for IRA membership; elected chief of staff of the IRA in 1962; after the split in 1969 became chief of staff of the “Official” IRA.
Haughey, Charles J. (b. 1925):
Born in County Mayo (both parents were involved in the War of Independence); joined Fianna
Fail; married Maureen Lemass, daughter of Seán Lemass; elected to the Dáil in 1957; became minister for justice in 1961; minister for agriculture 1964-66; minister for finance 1966-70; dismissed from cabinet in 1970, arrested and charged with conspiring to import arms into Northern Ireland, acquitted of all charges; elected taoiseach in 1979 and again in 1982 and 1987.
Born in County Mayo (both parents were involved in the War of Independence); joined Fianna
Fail; married Maureen Lemass, daughter of Seán Lemass; elected to the Dáil in 1957; became minister for justice in 1961; minister for agriculture 1964-66; minister for finance 1966-70; dismissed from cabinet in 1970, arrested and charged with conspiring to import arms into Northern Ireland, acquitted of all charges; elected taoiseach in 1979 and again in 1982 and 1987.
Heath, Edward Richard George (b. 1916):
Born in Kent, England; educated at Oxford; elected to the British parliament as a Conservative in 1950; prime minister of Great Britain from 1970 to 1974.
Born in Kent, England; educated at Oxford; elected to the British parliament as a Conservative in 1950; prime minister of Great Britain from 1970 to 1974.
Hitler, Adolf (1889â1945):
Born in Austria; leader of the National Socialist Party (Nazi), 1920â21; dictator of Germany from 1933; assumed the twin titles of chancellor and führer in 1934; died by his own hand as Allied forces entered Berlin in 1945.
Born in Austria; leader of the National Socialist Party (Nazi), 1920â21; dictator of Germany from 1933; assumed the twin titles of chancellor and führer in 1934; died by his own hand as Allied forces entered Berlin in 1945.
Hume, John (b. 1937):
Born in Derry; taught French at St. Columb's School; active in the credit union movement, the Derry Housing Association, and the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association; elected vice chairman of Derry Citizens' Action Committee in 1968; elected to Stormont in 1969; in 1970 cofounded the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP); elected to Northern Ireland Assembly, 1973â74; the NI Convention, 1976â77; the new Assembly, 1982â86; minister for commerce, 1974; elected to European parliament in 1979; elected to UK parliament in 1983; in 1988 entered into dialogue with Gerry Adams, which led to IRA ceasefire in 1994. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1998.
Born in Derry; taught French at St. Columb's School; active in the credit union movement, the Derry Housing Association, and the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association; elected vice chairman of Derry Citizens' Action Committee in 1968; elected to Stormont in 1969; in 1970 cofounded the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP); elected to Northern Ireland Assembly, 1973â74; the NI Convention, 1976â77; the new Assembly, 1982â86; minister for commerce, 1974; elected to European parliament in 1979; elected to UK parliament in 1983; in 1988 entered into dialogue with Gerry Adams, which led to IRA ceasefire in 1994. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1998.
Johnson, Lyndon Baines (1908â73):
Born in Texas; congressman, senator, then vice president; became thirty-sixth president of the United States following the assassination of John Kennedy.
Born in Texas; congressman, senator, then vice president; became thirty-sixth president of the United States following the assassination of John Kennedy.
Johnston, Dr. Roy:
Marxist socialist in Britain; Trinity College lecturer.
Marxist socialist in Britain; Trinity College lecturer.
Kavanagh, Noel:
IRA commandant.
IRA commandant.
Kelly, Captain James (d. 2002):
An intelligence officer in the Irish army; arrested for gunrunning in 1970, he spent the rest of his life working to prove he had been under government orders.
An intelligence officer in the Irish army; arrested for gunrunning in 1970, he spent the rest of his life working to prove he had been under government orders.
Kelly, John:
A leader of the Belfast Citizens' Defence Committee and one of those arrested for gunrunning in 1970.
A leader of the Belfast Citizens' Defence Committee and one of those arrested for gunrunning in 1970.
Kelly, Mick:
IRA Volunteer.
IRA Volunteer.
Kennedy, John Fitzgerald (1917â63):
Born in Massachusetts; World War Two war hero; author of
Profiles in Courage;
congressman, senator, then thirty-fifth president of the United States.
Born in Massachusetts; World War Two war hero; author of
Profiles in Courage;
congressman, senator, then thirty-fifth president of the United States.
King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929â68):
American civil rights leader; assassinated in 1968.
American civil rights leader; assassinated in 1968.
Ledwidge, Francis (1887â1917):
Poet born in County Meath; his lament for Thomas MacDonagh is one of his bestknown works; killed in World War One.
Poet born in County Meath; his lament for Thomas MacDonagh is one of his bestknown works; killed in World War One.
Lemass, Seán Francis (1899â1971):
Born in County Dublin; joined the Irish Volunteers at fifteen; fought in the GPO in 1916; subsequently became an officer; took the republican side after the Treaty; fought in the Civil War; founder-member of Fianna Fail; elected TD for Dublin in 1925; minister for industry and commerce in de Valera's first government, a post he held until his election as taoiseach in 1959; a specialist in economics, Lemass promoted the turf industry (Bord na Mona), the national airline (Aer Lingus) and was instrumental in developing Irish shipping; in 1965 he reestablished free trade with England.
Born in County Dublin; joined the Irish Volunteers at fifteen; fought in the GPO in 1916; subsequently became an officer; took the republican side after the Treaty; fought in the Civil War; founder-member of Fianna Fail; elected TD for Dublin in 1925; minister for industry and commerce in de Valera's first government, a post he held until his election as taoiseach in 1959; a specialist in economics, Lemass promoted the turf industry (Bord na Mona), the national airline (Aer Lingus) and was instrumental in developing Irish shipping; in 1965 he reestablished free trade with England.
Lester, John Ernest “Seán” (1888â1959):
Born in County Antrim; member of the Gaelic League and the Irish National Volunteers; news editor on the
Freeman's Journal;
publicist for the Irish Free State; appointed Irish representative to the League of Nations, Lester was the last secretary-general of the League.
Born in County Antrim; member of the Gaelic League and the Irish National Volunteers; news editor on the
Freeman's Journal;
publicist for the Irish Free State; appointed Irish representative to the League of Nations, Lester was the last secretary-general of the League.
London, Julie:
American entertainer and jazz singer.
American entertainer and jazz singer.
Luykx, Albert:
Belgian-born businessman arrested in 1970 for gunrunning.
Belgian-born businessman arrested in 1970 for gunrunning.
Lynch, John Mary “Jack” (1917â99):
Born in Cork; one of the county's most outstanding athletes, winning one All-Ireland Gaelic football championship and five All-Ireland hurling championships; qualified as a barrister while working in Dublin as a civil servant; elected to the Dáil in 1948; parliamentary secretary, 1951â54; minister for education, 1957â59; minister for industry and commerce, 1959â65; minister for finance, 1965â66; elected leader of Fianna Fáil and taoiseach in 1966; re-elected in 1969.
Born in Cork; one of the county's most outstanding athletes, winning one All-Ireland Gaelic football championship and five All-Ireland hurling championships; qualified as a barrister while working in Dublin as a civil servant; elected to the Dáil in 1948; parliamentary secretary, 1951â54; minister for education, 1957â59; minister for industry and commerce, 1959â65; minister for finance, 1965â66; elected leader of Fianna Fáil and taoiseach in 1966; re-elected in 1969.
Other books
There Will Be Bears by Ryan Gebhart
Grace Gibson by The Lost Heir of Devonshire
The Nightlife: New York (The Nightlife Series) by Luedke, Travis
The Universe Versus Alex Woods by Extence, Gavin
Deep Blue by Yolanda Olson
Rising Tide by Odom, Mel
Marius' Mules VI: Caesar's Vow by S.J.A. Turney
Simply Scandalous by Kate Pearce
Rouge by Leigh Talbert Moore
Portrait of Jealousy (The Art Models Club Book 2) by Amanda Meadows