Eyewitness to War and Peace

Description

In this gripping memoir, Eamonn Mallie takes us on an extraordinary journey through his life as a journalist in Northern Ireland. From the frontlines of the Troubles to the corridors of power, Mallie’s fearless reporting and unrelenting pursuit of the truth have made him a legendary figure in Irish journalism.

Having gained unparalleled access to key players, Mallie shares his reflections on his groundbreaking interviews with John Hume, Gerry Adams, Margaret Thatcher, Ian Paisley, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and a host of other influential figures involved in the peace process.

From adrenaline-fuelled moments on the ground to frank conversations with political heavyweights, Eyewitness to War and Peace is a captivating read that sheds new light on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world of journalism in a divided society. An unflinching testament to the power of investigative reporting and the enduring pursuit of peace, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Northern Ireland’s troubled past and its hopeful future.

Contents
1. A Border Child
2. Meeting My Galway Girl
3. Doubling Down on Discrimination
4. Bobby Sands
5. Gibraltar
6. Peace Comes Dropping Slow
7. Secret Talks
8. The Good Friday Agreement
9. Unique Individuals
10. The ‘Never, Never, Never’ Paisley
11. Paisley and I
12. Reflections on Irish Republicanism
13. History in the Making
Epilogue

Praise for Eyewitness to War and Peace

‘During the Troubles decades Mallie … was the talisman of the northern press corps and was always wherever the action was. Mallie’s distinctive voice (literally and metaphorically) is all over his memoir, Eyewitness to War and Peace. … Mallie’s omnipresence, whether at atrocities, big trials or political talks, means this book can fairly claim to be full of titbits and, appropriately for a news hound, a fair amount of interesting new information.’ – The Irish Times 

‘informative and fluent’ – Jack Power, The Examiner

‘…will interest anyone with an interest in Northern Ireland.’ – Victoria Johnston, The Impartial Reporter

‘The veteran newsman has condensed decades of reportage into a fascinating, hugely readable and frequently revelatory 258 pages, which also serve as a neat overview of the north’s transition from conflict to compromise.’ – David Roy, The Irish News

‘Regardless of religious outlook, persuasion or political viewpoint, this truly is a must-read.’ – Richard Burden, The Ulster Gazette

‘a well-written and exciting account of the Troubles’ – Ted Smyth, The Irish Post

‘His intelligent … memoir … certainly shows how the “wild child of broadcast journalism” successfully resisted all attempts to tame him.’ – Andrew Lynch, Sunday Business Post

‘For decades, Eamonn Mallie’s distinctive voice voice documented political events on radio in Northern Ireland and beyond. Now he has written his own story about what he heard and saw.’ – The Irish Times 

‘Eamonn’s talent clear from outset.’ – Sunday Life 

‘Entertainingly honest’ – Fortnight Magazine 

About the Author