I've just finished reading "My Fight for Irish Freedom" by Dan Breen. The Padre handed it to me with a strong recommendation*. He is the second owner of the book and an inscription of his name is on the front cover, plus the date; 1982. I really can't tell how old it is, it is falling apart and there is no ISBN. It was printed by Anvil Books. It is old, you get the picture.

"Michael Collins" is a film I really enjoy. Well, Dan Breen was part of the party that reignited the war against the British after 1916. The events at Soloheadbeg, where the Irish Volunteers (later the IRA) attacked a British convoy, resulted in the first British casualties of Ireland's last protracted attempt at freedom. It is amazing to read about the events that lead to a truce with the "Black and Tans". What surprised me was the depth of conflict between the IRA and the Free State Army after the British truce. Highlighted is the sadness of the Irish, fighting each other after their achievements against the British.

The Irish had earned the label terrorist. However, when I was in Manchester last year, I was enlightened about the different levels of terrorism. The Mancunians were bombed by the IRA in 1996. An hour before the detonation, a warning was telephoned. The centre of the city was successfully evacuated and there was no loss of life. The IRA were not always that considerate, but it does highlight effective guerilla strategies that do not guarantee the loss of human life. The Mancunians I met also spoke of the fact that Federal funding was provided for rebuilding. It really rejuvenated parts of Manchester.

The other thing about the book and the film is that it inspires me to finish what I started. The Irish countryside, Irish ballads# and Irish company# were always a goal of my overseas trip. I'll get there one day...

Conas ata tu!

*The other book foisted upon me was The Communist Manifesto

# Read: Irish Pubs

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[my current favourite track is: Cello Suite #1 in G (JS Bach) : Yo-Yo Mar]