Unlikely Rebels (33 page)

‘John' Gifford and Maud Gonne MacBride speaking on the radio in 1949.

‘John' Gifford, Helena Molony and Dr Kathleen Lynn.

‘John' Gifford telling the story of the republican movement to a young audience. Courtesy of The Irish Press.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped me with the writing of this book. To Maeve Donnelly for lending me the papers of her mother, Nellie Gifford-Donnelly.

To Alan Hayes of Arlen house for his great help and support always. To Jim Larkin and Madeleine Cooke for their excellent research.

To the staff of the National Library, Niamh O'Sullivan, archivist at Kilmainham Gaol, the staff of the Military Archives in Cathal Brugha barracks and the Gilbert Library, Sister Maria Consilio, librarian of St Mary's Secondary School, Glasnevin, and the staff at Ballymun and Drumcondra local County Council libraries, the Mormon Family Archives, the Church of Ireland Records Office and Brian Crowley at St Enda's Archives.

My thanks also to Dr Jacinta Prunty, David Edwards of the Erasmus Smith Trust, Simon Kelliher BL, Dermot Bolger, Margaret Byrne, Maureen Kerr, Ann Ryder, Eithne Diggins, Greta Ó Lochlainn, Padraig Ó Baoghail, Dymphna Scott Murray, Frazia Scott Statham, Walter and Michael Scott, Robert Monks of the Liam Ó Laoghaire Archives, Father William King PP, Jonathan Williams, Peter and Margaret Brittain, and all the patient staff at Mercier Press.

Thank you also to the staff at Beck n' Call Secretarial Services, Bill, Patricia and Ann at Millmount Avenue Secretarial Services, Ann and Frances at Secretarial and Office Services, Br Tom of the O'Connell Schools Archives, and the staff of Reads in Nassau Street.

Special thanks go to All Hallows College: Don Moroney, who opened its hospitable doors for me each summer; the resident community lecturers, especially the history lecturer Fr Jim McCormack; the library staff, especially Geraldine O'Flanagan and John Murphy; all the administrative staff, including Chris Bellingham, Frank Lanigan and Celine Cleary; Fr John Hannon and his Accord team who had offices in All Hallows; and Aisling O'Loughlin. Without All Hallows' help this book would never have been finished.

I would like to thank the following who gave their time willingly in interviews: Father Moore of Rialto, Finian Czira, the Kelly family – Eddie and Kieran and their niece Aoife Duffy – Eilís Dillon, Eoghan Plunkett, Colm Ó Laoghaire, Fr Dermot Brangan SJ, Molly Brohoon's grandson John Murphy, Frank Cleary, Terry O'Neill, Seoirse Plunkett, Denis Sexton and the staff at Taylor de Vere's Art Gallery.

Finally I would like to thank all my family and friends who have put up with my asocial behaviour. Thank you for your patience and forebearance.

We hope you enjoyed this book.

Since 1944, Mercier Press has published books that have been critically important to Irish life and culture. Books that dealt with subjects that informed readers about Irish scholars, Irish writers, Irish history and Ireland's rich heritage.

We believe in the importance of providing accessible histories and cultural books for all readers and all who are interested in Irish cultural life.

Our website is the best place to find out more information about Mercier, our books, authors, news and the best deals on a wide variety of books. Mercier tracks the best prices for our books online and we seek to offer the best value to our customers, offering free delivery within Ireland.

Sign up on our website to receive updates and special offers.

www.mercierpress.ie

http://twitter.com/IrishPublisher

http://www.facebook.com/mercier.press

Mercier Press, Unit 3b, Oak House, Bessboro Rd, Blackrock, Cork, Ireland