Towards the end of 1968 Northern Ireland seemed to have pulled back from the brink. In response to pressure from the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) and from the Labour government in Westminster, and in spite of opposition from within his own cabinet, Prime Minister Terence O’Neill announced a reform package. Buoyed up by … Read more
In introducing this special issue Brian Hanley touches on some of the complexities and contradictions of that fateful year. The events in the North in 1969 transformed Ireland; it could be argued that the violence of that August continues to shape this country to the present day. Yet in comparison to ’68, commemorated last year … Read more
Sir, —I refer to the letter from Gerry McAlister in the March/April 2009 edition. I was at that game and indeed remember the ‘unusual’ goal. Mr McAlister’s recollection is slightly in error. The headed goal was actually scored by the Dublin half-forward Eamonn Breslin (Ballyfermot Gaels), though Brian McDonald and Jackie Gilroy had been involved … Read more
Sir, —I am researching the life of John Roche (1848–1914), whorepresented Galway East as a Nationalist MP from 1890 until his death.He was a leading member of the Plan of Campaign in 1886 and a closecolleague of John Dillon. I am looking for any letters or othermaterial written by him (or possibly written to him … Read more
Sir, —In his review of Coolacrease (HI 17.2, March/April 2009) JoostAugusteijn attempts to be fair. But he falls into a trap laid byBritish politicians and journalists, and noted by Edward MacLysaght inhis diary for 28 January 1919, exactly one week after the first meetingof Dáil Éireann: ‘In quoting statistics for last year’s general election they … Read more