Noraid and the Northern Ireland Troubles, 1970–94
Robert Collins
“In what is the first monograph written on the organisation, Robert Collins, in his book Noraid and the Northern Ireland Troubles, at last dedicates the time, space, resources and analysis this complex group and its vast political network rightfully deserves. While still assessing the ebbs and flows of INA’s popularity and finances, Collins shifts the focus to other important, albeit overlooked, elements of the organisation: primarily its publicity strategy and political education work ... with Noraid and the Northern Ireland Troubles being the first monograph on INA, Collins has laid a substantial foundation for future scholars to build upon.” Samantha Renee Haddad, Australasian Journal of Irish Studies, 2023
“Robert Collins’ Noraid and the Northern Ireland Troubles, 1970–1994 provides much-needed insight into the United States based organisation, Irish Northern Aid (INA) and its relationship to the conflict in Northern Ireland. By looking at the dynamic between the Provisional IRA and Irish Americans, Collins constructs an international network of support both financially and socially. This book addresses a gap in existing scholarship on the Troubles, primarily the influence of external forces on the conflict. Noraid and the Northern Ireland Troubles demonstrates the interest of Irish America in the conflict, while also showing the ways in which particular events in Northern Ireland were employed by the organisation to support their financial aims … In Noraid and the Northern Ireland Troubles, 1970–1994 Collins provides a wonderful contribution to Troubles’ scholarship, which moves beyond the traditional emphasis of paramilitaries and security forces. The inclusion of external influence on the conflict is an under-researched area in which Collins begins the work of integrating into an understanding of the Troubles. Through looking at INA, he demonstrates the importance of this sense of Irish nationalism within the United States, noting how such individuals were not only paying attention to Northern Ireland but also directly engaging it.” Ashley M. Morin, Irish Studies Review, 31/3, 2023
"The book is an invaluable addition to the recorded history of a time, place, and Irish America’s evolving actions as the Troubles in Northern Ireland gathered pace". Ray O’Hanlon, editor of Irish Echo newspaper
"An exceptionally well researched piece of work that includes interviews with key players. This is a must read for anyone interested in Noraid, Irish republicanism, or the conflict in the North of Ireland more generally. This book thoroughly demonstrates the importance of Irish America to the Irish republican campaign, a point that is often under-appreciated. Robert Collins skilfully brings the reader on a journey, that the republican movement and Noraid travelled, from the outbreak of conflict in 1969 to the IRA ceasefire in 1994. A highly informative and enjoyable read." Dr Marisa McGlinchey, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Coventry University
“This book makes a significant contribution to our past and the crucial role played by Irish Americans with endless attempts by successive British administrations to vilify and demonise our community by spreading misinformation ... Noraid also brought people to the US, highlighting injustices and shining a light on violations. This book examines all these themes through interviews and historical records of the time.” Andrée Murphy, Journalist and Deputy Director of Relatives for Justice
“Robert Collins’s superbly researched history of Noraid …This book does an excellent job of assembling the facts and figures about Noraid”. (Andrew Lynch, The Sunday Business Post. November 13th 2022)
“Several passages in this book are reminders of the way in which attempts by Irish Americans to lend both financial and moral support to the beleaguered people of the Six Counties were continually frustrated ... Robert Collins has carried out meticulous research.” Roy Greenslade, Belfastmedia.com
“Among Collins’s sources are interviews with the major players, including Martin Galvin, editor of the Irish People newspaper”. (Joe Culley, History Ireland. November/December 2022)
