Sir, Our father, Frank McGlade, was a well known Belfast Republican who died 20 years ago this year, aged 67. During the 1940s, `50 and `70s he was interned in Derry and Belfast Jails, Long Kesb and the Curragh internment camps, and the Al Rawdah and Maidstone Prison Ships. He spent many other years "on the run".
On other occasions throughout his lifetime he was imprisoned without trial for days and weeks, particularly during every visit of the British Royal Family to Ireland. Though he spent many years in jail, he at no stage was convicted of any offence, but was interned purely for his political beliefs.
We hope to gather together material which will document our father's experiences and give an insight to past political struggles in the North. Frank's life, in spite of its difficulties, was interesting and full. He enjoyed being with his family when it was possible. He was a great ceili dancer and conversationalist and taught Irish language and culture to generations of young people. He was anti-sectarian and had a most outgoing and generous personality.
We write to ask if any of your readers who remember Frank can write to us with their memories, and, if possible, provide accurate historical detail. We believe it is important to record his life, with a view to creating some kind of public document which will serve as a memoir to him and a reminder of past political history, which is sometimes unacknowledged or forgotten.
We would be very grateful for all contributions, and will acknowledge them. Yours, etc.
PO Box 663, Belfast BT7 IBT.