Description
George Lennon was the youngest commander of a flying column during the Irish War of Independence. He later became a pacifist and Zen Buddhist. For this biography of an interesting figure in the Irish struggle for independence, biographer O'Reilly draws on previously unpublished memoirs, Lennon's own letters and statements, and recollections and statements of his family and comrades. The book includes an appendix on IRA service and RIC stations in Waterford in 1918 and 1921. O’Reilly is on the staff of the Defense Forces Library. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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At the age of 20, Geroge Lennon became the youngest commander of a flying column during the Irish War of Independence, leading the West Waterford column in ambuses and actions in face of heavy odds against British forces across the country.When Civil War followed the War of Independence Lennon chose to oppose the pro-Treaty government and fought in the battle for Waterford city. However, he laid down his arms when it became clear that the anti-Treaty cause was lost and that continuing the fight would lead to further suffering amongst the civilian population.In 1927, Lennon emigrated to America, returning to Ireland ten years later where he made earnest attempts to develop the national economy of the new state through the Irish Tourist Board and the National Planning Conference. However, he became disillusioned with these efforts and returned to the United States in 1946, later becoming a dedicated pacifict and even a practitioner of Zen Buddhism.
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