Colm Lawless (b. 1926)

Track 1: The Saucerstown, Fingal, Dublin background to the Lawless family is outlined. Colm Lawless recounts his father, Joseph Lawless’s story of events at Ashbourne in 1916, including an incident during which the interviewee’s grandfather, Frank Lawless, came close to shooting his son during the confusion of the conflict. Track 2: The bomb factory beneath a garage in Parnell Square in Dublin, in which Colm’s father was involved during the War of Independence, is discussed, as is the fact that his father was a driver of a hackney car used to transport the Volunteers at this time. His aunt, Evelyn Lawless, who was a secretary to Michael Collins in Harcourt Street, Dublin in 1919, is recalled, as is her later decision to enter a convent. Colm’s grandfather, Frank Lawless, was arrested and imprisoned in England following the “German Plot” of 1918. Colm’s father, Joseph Lawless, was also arrested and imprisoned in The Curragh, from which he later escaped. The events surrounding these arrests are discussed. Track 3: The anxiety of the Lawless family following the signing of the Treaty is explained – Joseph Lawless joined the Irish Free State Army, accepting the strongly held desire of his father that he do so. Track 4: The Lawless family and their service in the Irish Free State Army, and Michael Fleming, Colm’s maternal uncle who was among those involved in the burning of the Custom House, are recalled. Colm Lawless outlines his memories of growing up at the Curragh Camp, where his father was based with the Irish Army. Track 5: The 1966 Commemorations, and Joseph Lawless’s response to being presented with a Survivor’s Medal, is recalled. Track 6: Joseph Lawless’s army career, his demotion during a Fianna Fáil administration and his later re-instatement, are examined.