Gerard Taylor’s tale of family tragedy at Immrama in Lismore

Gerard Taylor’s true tale of family tragedy and independence-era deeds could be one of the highlights of Immrama in Lismore, writes Richard Fitzpatrick.

WHEN Gerard Taylor visited his great uncle, Joe Collins, in a retirement home in London in 1982, he found out more than he bargained for.

Taylor’s mother had died shortly beforehand. She had grown up three doors from Collins, on New St, Lismore, Co Waterford. Collins was her uncle, and the oldest member of the family.