Óstán Loch Altan in Gort an Choirce was packed on Friday night for the launch of “Unbroken: Secrets, Lies and Enduring Love,” a compelling memoir by local couple Mary Attenborough and Michael Gallagher.
Mary Attenborough and Michael Gallagher captivated their audience with excerpts from their gripping memoir, ‘Unbroken: Secrets, Lies and Enduring Love.’
Michael and Mary shared impactful passages from the memoir, which recounts a wrongful arrest and the ensuing fight for freedom.
The book launch, officiated by local Dail Deputy Pearse Doherty, TD, drew a significant audience.
FIR CEOL, a traditional and folk music group, journeyed from North Antrim to provide musical entertainment, while Maeve Convery of Merrion Press, the publisher, traveled from Derry to serve as MC for the evening.
Galway West TD Mairead Farrell was also in attendance. The queue for signed copies was extensive, marking the evening as a resounding success.
On October 28, 1996, Michael Gallagher, a Glaswegian, is arrested during an armed dawn raid on his London flat, shared with his partner, Mary Attenborough. Accused of involvement in the 1994 IRA mortar attack on Heathrow Airport, Michael maintains his innocence. Mary dedicates herself to his liberation, viewing the situation as another miscarriage of British justice.
The story unfolds through alternating narratives, showcasing Michael’s resilience against harsh prison conditions and Mary’s unwavering efforts in organizing his legal defense, striving to remain positive despite demoralizing setbacks and emotional strain.
However, a hidden, unspoken secret lies at the heart of their struggle – Michael’s undisclosed role in the events leading to his imprisonment, a secret that threatens to fracture their bond. Can their love endure this revelation?
“Unbroken” delivers a tense and emotional narrative with an electrifying twist, portraying a true story of faithfulness, deception, and the remarkable strength of the human spirit.
Michael and Mary will be interviewed on Ireland AM on July 16th and will be signing copies of UNBROKEN at The Bookmark, Unit 22, Letterkenny Shopping Centre, Port Rd, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 FH48 from 12 noon to 2p.m. on Saturday 19th July.
Crowds attend launch of gripping true-life memoir by local couple in Gortahork was last modified: July 9th, 2025 by
