Thank you Gerry.

I was first introduced to the Colonel's story by my eldest (now deceased) uncle in the 1990's. I then visited Ireland for the first time in 2005, again in 2010, and just last September. The difference between 2005 and 2010 with how Irish librarians, and such, received and responded to requests for historical information was palpable. In 2005, there was clearly a hesitation and almost a bit of shame (if I had to guess). In 2010, I introduced myself to the head librarian at the National Photographic Archive, and she immediately ushered us to a conference room, went down to the basement archives, and came back with an antique photo album containing portraits of Fenians. She urged me to look through it to find his portrait...and there it was, one I had never seen before. And beyond that, by 2010, at libraries and government offices, everyone we met were very happy to help, no sideways glances.

We are going back this summer.