Denis Hanley

Mr Crawley’s book is a must read. I know of no other American who had joined the IRA, but I guess it is possible. Mr Crawley describes the struggles of being a volunteer and POW, while possessing military training that would be vital to the cause but seemingly is disregarded out of hand by the leadership, which of course frustrated him. I certainly understand Mr Crawley’s disbelief at such callous disregard but in the end, the IRA somehow without advanced military knowledge, did keep the British at bay for 30 years. In Chapter 16 “ Down The Republic ! “, Mr Crawley is dis-heartened and laments his disagreement with the Republican Movement’s capitulation towards the British & Dublin government’s negotiated settlement which excluded any substantial gains which the Republicans fought, died and were imprisoned for. I share in his and others disillusionment. I thank and stand in awe of Mr Crawley’s dedication and fortitude.