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Excerpts from "The Transformation of Ireland
1900-2000" |
A paperback edition of The Transformation of Ireland 1900-2000 by Diarmaid
Ferriter has just been published.On page 689, the author states:
"it was a pity that what was regarded as
Ireland's most sensational trial was shrouded in such ambiguity.
Further allegations emerged with the release of state papers in 2001.
These centred around the alleged doctoring of an army statement in
relation to the case, and changes to statements in the book of evidence
for the trial, deleting reference to the knowledge of the Minister for
Defence and whether or not such changes had been made in the Department
of Justice. This prompted a 6000 word statement from the Minister who
replaced Charles Haughey, Des O' Malley in his (O'Malley's) defence.
The papers also made it clear that James Kelly should never have been
brought to trial and had no case to answer, as he had merely being carrying
out the instructions of his seniors"
On page 690:
"Captain James Kelly, forced to resign from the army, felt particularly
aggrieved despite his acquittal, believing his political masters had
betrayed him. It was not until his death in 2003 that the state
acknowledged that he had always acted honourably. Col Hefferon, an
honest and honourable man, was adament James Gibbons had perjured
himself by denying that Hefferon had been keeping him informed of
developments, and that Gibbons had contacted him by phone before the
trial to ensure 'our memories are the same' Despite the pressure and
intimidation Hefferon refused to commit perjury and was ostracized by
his colleagues; both his health and his family suffered as a result.
Unlike Kelly, he never received an apology from the state, though he clearly
merited one."
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