Father Aiden Troy's Book

Just passing along a note from a good AOH brother.

Dia dhbh a chairde:

I have been in contact with Father Aidan Troy of Holy Cross. He has given me the privilege of selling his book, "Holy Cross A Personal Experience."

During the thirty years of troubles in the North of Ireland, only a handful of people have become symbols of true courage. Father Aidan Troy is one of these. Although he knew little of the North, within months of his arrival in 2001 in the Catholic Ardoyne community, he had witnessed one of the most disturbing incidents in the North's recent history.

Young children, going to and from Holy Cross primary school, were subjected to some of the most shameful sectarian hatred and violence. Protestors taunted the children, their parents and teachers with comments about 'Fenian whores', as well as displaying pornographic posters, throwing balloons containing urine, and even pipe bombs.

This insider account of those shocking weeks does not make for easy reading. Nor does Father Troy attempt to offer simplistic solutions, focusing instead on his un-shaking belief throughout, that the rights of children must be paramount.

You can obtain a copy of Holy Cross A Personal Experience for $10.00 plus $3.00 postage. All money goes to Father Aidan and his un-relentless work. If you're interested contact me for details.

Here's a review:

From Publishers Weekly

Troy, a Passionist priest, had just been assigned to the Holy Cross parish in [...] Ireland, in 2001 when the "troubles" erupted again: Loyalist protestors hurled insults, urine-filled balloons and bricks at young Catholic girls making their way to school. One day, someone threw a bomb that injured some police officers; on another, Father Troy was cautioned that a sniper was lurking nearby. During the anxiety and fear of the three-month protest, Father Troy, the students and their parents bravely confronted the situation. Though the story is powerful, this is a dry description of it, replete with day-by-day accounts. The tale is at its best when Father Troy simply reports his experiences and those of other eyewitnesses. In the end, this is a moving story of community activism. (June 19)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Also, the IAUC San Francisco chapter still has out of print copies of The Writings of Bobby Sands. This book came out a week or so after Bobby Sands died on hunger strike. The book is $25.00 plus $2.00 postage.

In connection with Conway Mill, the IAUC also has the 25th National Hunger Strike Commemoration & Rally Casement Park, Belfast August 13, 2006 DVD is for sale. $20.00 plus postage. Here from the family members and friends of the Hunger Strikers.

"We don't need to do what they did but we do need to be like them. We need to be magnanimous, generous, brave and determined. We need to be strategic and this is essential, to have their confidence in ourselves and in our position."

The hunger strikers knew exactly what they were doing, why they did it and the effect their actions would have. We also, friends, know exactly what we're doing, why we are doing it and the effect our actions will have. And that's how we're going to continue to build this struggle. That's how we're going to build support for an end to British rule in our country and for a National Republic.

Kieran Doherty said it all. "Leanaigi ar aghaidh." So lat Kieran whose spirit and the spirit of all those other hero's be with us today. Let that be our message. WE face the future confident in ourselves and our ability. Leanaigi ar aghaidh, tiocfaidh ar la..."
Gerry Adams. Casement Park, August 13, 2006

If interested, please contact me at Steeler059@aol.com

Thank you,

George Trainor
IAUC National Fundraiser Chairman