True to Ireland

Éire's 'conscientious objectors' in New Zealand in World War II

In the 1930s, a number of Irishmen left their native Eire and came to New Zealand to seek a better life. But with WWII came conscription. However as Ireland was neutral during WWII the men refused to betray Ireland and fight for New Zealand and, by default, Britain. Peter Burke documents their struggles with officials and politicians and how 155 of them, including his father, faced deportation back to Ireland. Eventually these men won the right to stay and work in New Zealand, without having to wear the British uniform that was anathema to them ... read more 
   

Last News: The Irish Odyssey

Visit the gallery: Launch in Dublin

I spent all of September in Ireland staging various events to launch and promote True to Ireland. It was a highly successful trip with launches at Trinity College Dublin and at the Forge Pub in Moycullen Co Galway. As well I gave talks at the University College of Dublin and at Arras Uilinn, the community centre in Moycullen. The first sale of the book in Ireland was to the person who runs the Post Office at Maas in Donegal. I also had the opportunity to meet some amazing new people and to see some new and beautiful sights in Ireland - especially in Donegal. It was pretty special to see True to Ireland on the shelves of some of Irelands most prestigious bookstores such as Easons and Hodges and Figgis in Dublin as well as all the major book stores in Galway, including the one at Moycullen. For more details. visit Newsletter and Gallery

Visit the gallery: Launch in Moycullen

Visit the gallery: Beautiful Ireland

 

Who's in the middle?

I have this great photograph of three men – on the left is Paddy Sullivan and on the right is my father Matt Burke. But who is the person in the middle? If you know the answer contact me please.
Many thanks

Peter B.
PS I think the photo was taken in the mid 1930's.