The War of Independence 1920-22: Dan's Diary
Patricia Murphy
Paperback
(Poolbeg Press, Feb. 8, 2017)
Football mad, twelve- year- old Dan is a trusted messenger for Ireland’s rebel leader, Michael Collins. He promises his cousin Molly to never fire a gun, but after the dramatic events of ‘Bloody Sunday’ in Croke Park, he is pulled deeper into the struggle. Hunted by a vengeful Intelligence Officer, Molly and Dan are forced to flee Dublin. On the run, they meet Flying Columns and narrowly escape death as Cork burns. When a plot is discovered to de-rail the Treaty negotiations, Dan is sent with a vital message to London. Talent spotted by a famous English coach, he is offered a lucrative football contract that would take his family out of poverty. But as the rebel Irish leaders try to reach a deal with the British government, Dan is forced into dangerous play with his deadly enemy. Will he save the day and can the leaders bring peace to Ireland?