Denis Bradley will attend an ‘in conversation’ event in Roe River Books on Thursday February 13th at 7.00pm. He will be talking about his memoir, Peace Comes Dropping Slow: My Life in the Troubles.
About the book
In March 1993 Martin McGuinness and Gerry Kelly held a covert meeting with a British Intelligence agent codenamed ‘Fred’, one that would be a vital step on the road to peace in Northern Ireland. This crucial encounter was arranged by a secret ‘backchannel’ made up of three determined men, one of whom was Denis Bradley.
This compelling memoir tells the story of his crucial work with the backchannel, his tireless efforts to combat addiction and homelessness in his adopted community, his decision to leave the priesthood, and the challenges of his role in the new Policing Board set up in 2001. Once played out in the shadows, Denis Bradley’s pivotal part in Northern Ireland’s peace process is finally illuminated.
About the author
Denis Bradley was born and raised in Buncrana, Co. Donegal just 12 miles from the border with Northern Ireland. On joining the priesthood, he found himself assigned to the cathedral parish in Derry city, arriving in the summer of 1970 as the streets were descending into chaos with the outbreak of the Troubles.
An eyewitness to the wanton violence of Bloody Sunday, Bradley was spurred to become involved in the ‘backchannel’ as one of three men who would provide a secret link between the IRA and the British government for thirty years.
Fervent in their belief that dialogue would bring peace, they brokered the crucial 1993 meeting between IRA men Martin McGuinness and Gerry Kelly and a British Intelligence agent codenamed ‘Fred’. This was a vital step on the road to negotiations which would lead to the ceasefire and the Good Friday Agreement.
Throughout it all, Bradley worked to combat addiction and homelessness in his adopted community, and made the difficult decision to leave the priesthood to marry.
Once played out in the shadows, Bradley’s pivotal role in Northern Ireland’s peace process is finally illuminated in this engrossing memoir.
Praise for ‘Peace Comes Dropping Slowly: My Life in the Troubles
‘This is an informative, inspiring, honest, thoughtful and challenging book. I hope it will be widely read by a large number of people.’ – Rev. John Dunlop
Please note this is a free event, however booking is essential.