Product Description

Sean O'Callaghan is the former head of the IRA's Southern Command, and one of the most senior figures to defect from its ranks. At considerable risk to himself, he has done more than any individual to unlock the code of silence that governs the IRA's members. This is his story.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30719 in Books
• Published on: 1999-05-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

From the Back Cover
In 1988 IRA terrorist Sean O'Callaghan walked into a Tunbridge Wells police station and gave himself up. Two years later, he pleaded guilty to all charges of which he was accused and received a sentence of 539 years. Since a teenager, he had been an active member of the IRA and had risen to be the head of their Southern Command.

But in 1996, he was released from prison by royal prerogative. For fourteen years he had been the most highly placed informer within the IRA and had fed the Garda with invaluable information. He prevented the assassination of the Prince and Princess of Wales at a London theatre, he sabotaged operations, explained strategy and caused the arrests of many IRA members. He has done more than any individual to unlock the code of silence that governs the IRA, making it possible to fight the war against the terrorists.

The Informer is the story of a courageous life lived under the constant threat of discovery and its fatal consequences. It is the story of a very modern hero, who is not without sin but who has done and continues to do everything in his power, and at whatever personal cost, to atone for the past.

About the Author
Sean O'Callaghan
Sean O'Callaghan was the most highly placed informer within the IRA. Under constant threat of IRA revenge, he now works ceaselessly for peace in Ireland. The Informer is Sean O'Callaghan's story.

Customer Reviews

A gripping, deeply felt account of a search for redemption
This is an outstanding personal account of one man's search for personal redemption. It describes how a young person can get caught up in fanaticism and commit cold blooded acts and yet also over time change and seek to make recompense. It is well written and gripping. Sean O'Callaghan is a courageous man who has not sought protection since his release from prison. I feel he is a friend of the search for peace in Ireland.

A Really Good Book
No matter what your point of view is on the Irish politics, this book is worth reading. A clear majority of American media publications show only one - fairly tale side of the conflict. The story in this book describes the ugly reality.

Book contains important answers
This book gives an unparalleled insight into the IRA in the Irish Republic during the height of the troubles. The author showed tremendous courage in his determination to atone for his actions early in the troubles. Full of detail (which some might find off-putting) and gives the answer to many mysteries of the troubles (eg the kidnap of Shergar). Comparable with Eamon Collin's (better-written) "Killing Rage" but with some important differences. Sean never goes into as much depth on his motivation and soul-searching as the the deeply troubled Eamon Collins did but Sean was a much more senior IRA operative with very close links to the leadership of Sinn Fein/IRA and hence more political insights. It can also be argued that Sean's decisiveness kept him alive when Eamon's pontificating contributed to his own murder. The two dissidents meet in Dublin as described in this book. Contains some gruesome details of (ironically) hunger-strikes.