Author of 'Hitler's Irishmen' to read in Ennis, Co. Clare, for Western Writers' Centre

clare | arts and media | event notice Sunday September 07, 2008 15:26 by The Western Writers' Centre - The Western Writers' Centre - Ionad Scríbhneoiri Chaitlin Maude - Galway westernwriters at eircom dot net 27 Nuns Island, Galway 091.533594 & 087.2178138

A fascinating story of Irishmen behind the lines in Nazi Germany

"A handful of Irishmen fought for Nazi Germany – but only two ever wore the uniform of the notorious Waffen-SS…"

Terence O'Reilly, author of the best-selling Mercier Press 'Hitler's Irishmen,' will read from this fascinating book at the Ennis bookstore 'Scéal Éile,' courtesy of the Western Writers' Centre, Galway, at 7. 30pm on Friday, October 3rd, in Ennis, Co. Clare.

"James Brady from Roscommon and Frank Stringer from Leitrim were under the direct command of Otto Skorzeny, the man who rescued Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from a mountain-top prison, and they were involved in some of the most ferocious fighting of the war in the last days of the Third Reich. Ironically these young men had originally joined an Irish regiment of the British army, and but for a twist of fate would have ended up fighting against the Germans. Instead, the pair were recruited to the German special forces after they were captured on the island of Jersey. Based on new research from the two men’s own accounts and on state papers which have been recently released. "

"Terence O'Reilly has written an important and fascinating work," says The Centre's Director, Fred Johnston. "I have no doubt this will be a full-house reading, so I would ask that people attending get there early."

The remit of the Galway-based Centre extends far outside the City and County of Galway and this is not the first time they have organised events in other counties. (Interestingly, Fred Johnston himself has been writing and publishing poetry in French for some time now!) But the Terence O'Reilly reading is a must for any students of Irish history during the Second World War. Inquiries to 091.533594. Marvelle Maguire or Fred Johnston. The Centre is supported by Easons, The Arts Council, Poetry Ireland, Galway City and County Councils and by private sponsorship.