The Yank

1. From US Marine to IRA Volunteer: A Journey of Ideological Awakening

I had done my bit for the American Republic. Now, I would do what I could for the Irish Republic.

From Long Island to Ireland. John Crawley's story begins in Long Island, New York, but his heart was always drawn to Ireland. His journey from a U.S. Marine to an IRA volunteer was not a sudden conversion, but a gradual awakening fueled by a deep-seated belief in Irish unity and independence.

Republicanism's call. Crawley's transformation was influenced by his education in the United States, where he pledged allegiance to "the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." This resonated deeply, shaping his understanding of national identity and self-determination.

The Proclamation of 1916. The Proclamation of the Irish Republic of 1916, with its call for a "National Government, representative of the whole people of Ireland," further solidified his commitment. He saw the IRA as the inheritors of this vision, fighting for a united, sovereign, and secular nation, free from British rule.

2. The Stark Reality of Guerrilla Warfare: Bridging the Gap Between Training and Action

It was quite a reality check to realize that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

From Recon to Reality. Crawley's transition from the well-supplied and professionally trained U.S. Marines to the under-equipped and often poorly trained IRA was a rude awakening. He quickly realized that the romanticized image of a sophisticated guerrilla army was far from the truth.

Training Deficiencies. He encountered volunteers who lacked basic military skills, such as zeroing a rifle or understanding fire and maneuver tactics. This was not due to a lack of intelligence or courage, but a systemic failure in training and leadership.

The Need for Professionalism. Crawley recognized the need for a more professional and standardized training regime within the IRA. He envisioned dedicated sniping officers, specialized training camps, and a focus on tactical proficiency. However, his suggestions were often met with resistance from a leadership that seemed resistant to change.

3. Navigating the Murky Waters: The Complexities of Trust and Betrayal

Being a sergeant in the Marine Corps would not land me in prison. Being a volunteer in the IRA would.

The Price of Commitment. Crawley understood the risks involved in joining the IRA, including the threat of imprisonment or death. Yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment, driven by a belief that the cause of Irish freedom was worth fighting for.

The Constant Threat of Informers. The IRA operated in a world of secrecy and suspicion, where the threat of informers loomed large. Crawley learned to be cautious, avoiding known republican haunts and keeping his activities hidden from prying eyes.

The Betrayal of Trust. Despite his best efforts, Crawley's mission was ultimately compromised by an informer within the IRA. This betrayal highlighted the vulnerability of the organization and the devastating consequences of internal treachery.

4. The Boston Connection: Guns, Gangsters, and the American Arsenal

Little old ladies in NORAID can’t get us M60 machine guns.

The American Connection. Crawley's mission to America was to establish a new arms network, tapping into the resources and support of the Irish diaspora. He quickly learned that this meant navigating a complex world of gun stores, false identities, and, inevitably, organized crime.

Whitey Bulger and the Southie Crew. Crawley's path crossed with notorious gangster Whitey Bulger and his crew in South Boston. While Bulger provided crucial resources and connections, Crawley remained wary of his motives and methods.

The Moral Compromise. Crawley struggled with the moral implications of working with criminals, but he justified it as a necessary evil in the pursuit of a greater cause. He knew that the IRA needed weapons, and sometimes, the ends justified the means.

5. The Perils of a Divided Movement: Leadership, Infiltration, and the Erosion of Republican Ideals

Even the Brits admit we’re the best-trained guerrilla army in the world.

The Illusion of Competence. Despite the IRA's reputation as a highly sophisticated guerrilla army, Crawley witnessed firsthand the organizational and logistical limitations that hampered its effectiveness. He saw a lack of standardized training, poor communication, and a resistance to new ideas.

The Cult of Personality. Crawley observed a growing cult of personality surrounding certain IRA leaders, particularly Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness. He worried that this was undermining the movement's core principles and creating an environment where dissent was discouraged.

The Enemy Within. Crawley began to suspect that the IRA had been infiltrated at the highest levels, with British agents subtly shaping the organization's strategy and undermining its goals. This suspicion was fueled by the constant stream of misinformation, the resistance to professionalization, and the ultimate betrayal that led to his capture.

6. The Price of Freedom: Love, Loss, and the Unwavering Commitment to the Cause

If being prepared to risk life and take life as a US Marine in defence of the American Republic didn’t qualify me as an extremist, why should it do so in defence of the Irish Republic?

Love Amidst the Struggle. Throughout his journey, Crawley found solace and companionship in his relationship with Sharon. However, their love was constantly tested by the demands of his commitment to the IRA and the ever-present threat of danger.

Sacrifice and Loss. Crawley's dedication to the cause came at a personal cost. He sacrificed his freedom, his relationships, and his own well-being. He witnessed the deaths of comrades and the suffering of innocent civilians, all in the name of Irish freedom.

Unwavering Resolve. Despite the hardships and losses, Crawley never wavered in his commitment to the IRA's goals. He believed that the struggle for Irish independence was a just and necessary one, and he was willing to pay any price to achieve it.

7. Behind Prison Walls: Reflection, Reconnection, and the Seeds of Political Change

You’re going to get fifteen years for this, you scumbag. Her hole will be well widened by the time you get out.

The Harsh Reality of Imprisonment. Crawley's time in Portlaoise Prison was a brutal test of his physical and mental endurance. He endured strip searches, isolation, and constant harassment from prison guards.

Comradeship and Camaraderie. Despite the hardships, Crawley found strength and support in his fellow republican prisoners. They shared a bond of loyalty and a common sense of purpose, providing each other with comfort and encouragement.

Political Awakening. Prison became a crucible for intellectual and political growth. Crawley engaged in intense debates with other prisoners, studied history and political theory, and developed a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Irish conflict.

8. The Ceasefire and Beyond: Navigating a New Landscape of Political Struggle

As long as Hume comes away with Gerry’s analysis and Gerry doesn’t come away with Hume’s.

A New Era. Crawley's release from prison coincided with the IRA ceasefire, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. He returned to a movement grappling with new challenges and opportunities.

The Hume-Adams Dialogue. The talks between Gerry Adams and John Hume sparked debate and division within the republican movement. Crawley, like many others, was wary of compromising on core republican principles in the pursuit of peace.

The Enduring Vision. Despite the changing political climate, Crawley remained committed to the vision of a united, sovereign, and secular Irish Republic. He believed that the struggle for Irish freedom was far from over.

9. The Ghosts of the Past: Confronting the Legacy of Informers and the Erosion of Trust

The British Government has no right in Ireland, never had any right in Ireland, and never can have any right in Ireland…

The Shadow of Betrayal. The betrayal by Sean O'Callaghan cast a long shadow over Crawley's experience. It highlighted the vulnerability of the IRA to infiltration and the devastating consequences of treachery.

The Erosion of Trust. The presence of informers within the IRA created an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia, undermining the bonds of loyalty and camaraderie that had sustained the movement for so long.

The Enduring Legacy. The legacy of informers continues to haunt the republican movement, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance and the dangers of complacency.

10. The Elusive Republic: A Vision Betrayed or a Dream Deferred?

You’re taking on a lot when you take on the state.

The Power of the State. Crawley recognized the immense power and resources of the state, which could be used to suppress dissent and maintain control. He understood that the IRA was engaged in an asymmetrical conflict, fighting against a far more powerful adversary.

The Enduring Question. The book leaves the reader with a lingering question: Was the vision of an Irish Republic betrayed by those who sought to compromise with the British government, or was it simply a dream deferred, waiting for a new generation to take up the struggle?

A Call to Action. Despite the setbacks and disappointments, Crawley's story serves as a call to action for those who believe in Irish freedom. It is a reminder that the struggle for justice and self-determination is never truly over, and that each generation must find its own way to carry the torch forward.

Last updated: March 31, 2025