It would take too long to thank all of those who contributed their time and energy to this work. I am especially grateful to those who participated in usually very lengthy interviews, sometimes more than once, and who are identified in the following pages. For others who are not included for various reasons – of space, relevance or because their words did not fit the narrative as it evolved during the writing – I am eternally thankful. Among many, I would like to mention Andree Murphy, Dr Bill Rolston, Robert Ballagh, Declan Kiberd, Gerry Adams, Rev. Gary Mason, Miriam Murphy, Frances Black, Brian Feeney, Trevor Birney, Peter Shirlow, Mike Tomlinson, Conor McGinn, Helga and Chuck Feeney, Jim O’Callaghan, Mark Daly, Brian Carty, Theo Dorgan, Ursula Barry, Paddy Cullivan, Seán Ó hUiginn, Peter Bunting, Tim Pat Coogan, Dr Illona Duffy, Mairéad Farrell, Rita O’Hare and Martin Mansergh.
There are many others who assisted with the preparation and production of this work and who deserve my thanks, including Deirdre Nolan, Rachel Thompson, Michelle Griffin, Seán Hayes, Claire O’Flynn and Teresa Daly of Gill Books.
My daughters, Síomha and Liadh, did invaluable work in transcribing the recorded interviews, and made insightful suggestions throughout the project. My partner, Mary, provided me with ideas and advice on numerous drafts, and the patience and love to sustain the long, and at times arduous, research, inquiry and writing that went into this book. My thanks also to my other children, Oisín, Saoirse and Caomhán Connolly, who assisted and encouraged me on this journey.