163: George Lennon, Commander of the West Waterford Flying Column By Ivan Lennon

Ivan Lennon recalls his fathers role in Irelands struggle for Freedom. At the age of 20, George Lennon became the youngest commander of a flying column during the Irish War of Independence, leading the West Waterford column in ambushes and actions in the face of heavy odds against British forces across the county.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 pacifist and even a practitioner of Zen Buddhism. (Extract from Terence O'Reilly's book on George: Rebel Heart which is available on amazon) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Heart....