
I took this photograph at the end of June when we visited the North-West. We stopped for lunch in Carrick-On-Shannon on the way back and during a walkabout, I did manage to take a few photos but it was only recently that I actually read this one in detail.
Interest was aroused.
I have spent the last 40 minutes or so listening to The Gralton Affair of the DocOnOne Archive, and reading various websites with some aspects of the life of James Gralton including raising funds for the International Brigades; once captured, he was brought to Cork prison and departed for America from Cobh; he refused to serve in India in protest over British polices in Ireland; and he was deported without trial.
Easily known that I am not a major cinema-goer as I had not realised he formed the basis of Jimmy’s Hall.
On my next visit, I hope to factor in a visit to the site of the hall.
My interest in things historic is only relatively recent so the reading and documentary so highlighted the power of the church at that time and the fear of communism – which does go some way to explain why some joined O’Duffy’s Irish Brigade to fight with Franco and how difficult and against the society norms for those to join the International Brigade.