'Remarkable' book on Mayo war heroes is launched in style
Michael Feeney MBE, founder of the Mayo Peace Park, has launched a major publication which has been described as 'a remarkable record' of people from the county who fought in military conflicts throughout the world.
The Castlebar man's work, 'Heroic Mayo', is a collection of fascinating articles, stories and letters about those with Mayo connections who served, fought and died in the world wars, in the other overseas wars and on United Nations peacekeeping operations.
It includes an insight to the 11 Mayo soldiers who were awarded Congressional Medals, the US Defence Force's highest honour, as well as those awarded Victoria Medals by the British Armed Forces.
The author has also made reference to Irish support to Nazi Germany during World War Two.
Mr. Feeney commented: "I have often wondered what would have happened if Ireland had been invaded or occupied by Nazi Germany.
'There were many people in this country who actually assisted them and wanted this to happen.
"I wanted to highlighted the fact that while so many of our Irish soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians were sacrificing their lives opposing Nazi Germany, factions of the IRA were colluding with them in an effort to have them invade the north of Ireland.
"They were supporting a regime that was exterminating and gassing millions of innocent men, woman and children across Europe.
"They received military training in Germany and German agents and spies were landed and assisted in Ireland.
"This type of history should never be hidden or glossed over in the closet room of selective history.
"It was a shocking situation. Nothing could have justified collusion with the Third Reich."
These words alone give a level of indication to the enthusiasm and passion which Feeney has invested in his work, a book destined to prove a key reference point for history students and historians in the future.
As Edwin McGreal, editor of Mayo Books Press wrote in the book's foreword, it's scope is 'huge' - ranging from the exploits of Achill's Tommy Patten in the Spanish Civil War, to Patrick 'Bob' Gallagher' in Vietnam, to soldiers like Billy Kedian and Fintan Henaghan as UN peacekeepers.
"It is sometimes said that previous generations lived through wartime so that we would not have to.
"However, one has only to look at the example of another Achill man, Finbar Cafferkey, a man of honour, killed fighting in the Ukraine earlier this year, to be reminded that the spectre of war is never too far from our door," stated McGreal.
The book includes contributions by over 130 people, many by family members who lost loved ones at war.
The author's own grandafther, Patrick Feeney, fought in World War One.
In launching the book, the retired Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Mark Mellett, was fulsome in his praise of the quality and extensive nature of the book which stands as a fitting memorial to all Mayo people who served in wars.
He said the book is rich in knowledge, information and history, a tremendous credit to Michael and everybody involved in the production.
Councillor Michael Loftus, cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, was also very impressed by the degree of detail in the publication.
"I don't believe any other county in Ireland has paid such a splendid tribute to their war heroes," he added.
Declan Durcan, who designed the book with immense skill and experience, described it as a remarkable piece of work and a lasting tribute to Michael and everybody referenced over the course of the 500 pages.
The launch, which took place at Castlebar Tennis Club, ended with a rendition of 'Silent Night 1914' by Michael and his friends.
A limited edition, the book (€40) is available at all good book outlets throughout the county.