Mayo FG councillor reveals he is writing book about his late father's fight for Irish freedom
Mayo Fine Gael Councillor Gerry Coyle is putting the final touches to a book about his late father.
Councillor Gerry Coyne revealed the publication will detail the history of IRA Commandant Henry Coyle, his involvement in the cause of Irish freedom and the complete mistreatment of him afterwards by the Irish State, which he fought so hard for.
The Erris-based representative explained in a post on his Facebook page: "100 years ago today, on the 4th of December 1920, an Irish man, a Mayo man, an Erris man was arrested in Scotland, after a long police chase through the Scottish country.
"The police eventually managed to stop the car and arrest the driver outside Alloa.
"In the vehicle was the largest cargo of explosives, guns, ammunition, fuses and detonators ever uncovered by Police on the British mainland.
"The load was one of many making its way to Ireland for use in the Irish War of Independence.
"The driver of the vehicle was in charge of the purchase and transportation of war material in Scotland, he was appointed by General Michael Collins to whom he remained a trusted and faithful lieutenant.
"He was also a member of Collins’ Intelligence Committee.
"The previous Saturday night, on the 28th of November 1920, the car and its driver were taking part in the Liverpool burnings where 17 warehouses and 5 timber yards were burnt, causing millions of pounds in damage in the city.
"The burnings in Liverpool were in retaliation for the massacre on Bloody Sunday in Croke Park and the burning of Cork by the Black and Tans.
"This is just one of many great Irish heroes, of whom are both Men and Women, who have been written out of our history books and who I describe as Ireland’s Forgotten Freedom Fighters.
"I am currently writing a tell all book about the man I’m speaking of in this post, my late father and IRA Commandant Henry Coyle.
"The book will detail his life and his involvement in the cause of Irish freedom and the complete mistreatment of him afterwards by the Irish State, which he fought so hard for.
"It will tell a sad story of turmoil, sorrow, regret and tragedy.
"His life only began to see some form of normality return after he met and married my wonderful mother Molly Ginty from Dooriel in Ballycroy.
"They weren’t just heroes outside the home but inside it as well.
"The book will also outline the fact that despite my father spent the best years of his life fighting for the cause of Irish freedom he was forced to live and rear his family in abject poverty afterwards.
"In addition to writing a book, acknowledging and crediting some of these great heroes, I’ve also set up a Facebook page in their memory called Ireland’s Forgotten Freedom Fighters. Feel free to give the page a like if you wish.
"I will be adding other names on a continuing basis and you can read about more of these unacknowledged and forgotten heroes.
"If you have a family member or know of someone who deserves recognition for their role in the War please feel free to get in touch with me.
"As the clock ticks on to 100 years since that fateful night in Scotland, I remember my father Henry and my mother Molly with pride."