From darkness to light: a survivor's story.
A huge thank you to Eamon Devlin who took time out from a flying visit to guest on the TwoMacs Podcast.
It was a catch-up of sorts, as Ronan Mac and Eamon were friends as children, however Eamon's life was forever changed, at the age of 12, when his parents were brutally murdered by loyalists, acting in collusion with the 'security forces'.
The double murder, on 7th May, 1974 of a most popular couple, who made a great contribution to the community, devasted people in the locality and across the county, while the shock and sense of revulsion reverberated throughout Ireland.
Jim Devlin was a household name in the GAA, a former Coalisland Fianna and Tyrone star. As we're reminded, 'one boy's football hero is another boy's Daddy'.
His wife Gertie was known by all as a most friendly and affable librarian in the town. They also appeared on stage in plays and musical productions.
Eamon recalls an idyllic childhood growing up in Congo, a townland in Edendork, happy school days, family trips to Portrush with his loving parents and sister Patricia and brothers Colm and John, the many cats around their home in the countryside and his mother's porridge.
He recalls the harrowing events that changed his life, and that of his siblings, overnight and moving to live with his uncles and to boarding school.
The victims of those, and many other murders, have not received justice and truth from the British government. Eamon talks of their delaying tactics and cover-up masked as "for national security reasons".
He has lived in England for over 40 years and is "content", however the trauma of May, 1974 also remains a vivid experience.
Eamon's credo these days is to get out for a walk and meet people, wave at the passing bus and you might get a wave back, say 'hello', enjoy a cup of tea in a café and greet the waitress, as isolation is not good for us.
With its terrible tragedy, this podcast is also on the side of life and hope.
May Jim and Gertie Devlin, Rest in Peace.
* We were delighted to present Eamon with a copy of the history of Coalisland Fianna GFC, that includes great photographs of his father and uncles, and tells of their exploits on the football field.
