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Reviews
Congo: An Irish Affair (2011)
a fascinating documentary on Irish Military and Political history
This is a fascinating documentary which I thoroughly enjoyed at the Galway Film Fleadh. It tells the story of this hidden piece of Irish Military and political history which our Government would rather have been forgotten about. The firsthand accounts give this film a special meaning and impact on the viewer. Anybody with a passing interest in Irish military and political history will enjoy this film. The honesty and integrity of the soldiers' testimonials make for compulsive viewing. We are not used to hearing our own soldiers detailing gruesome experiences in international conflicts. This is a dose of reality many would rather prefer to ignore. The actions of these men are to be highly commended for what they did in Jadotville. None of them were awarded any decorations for their bravery because at the time the Irish Army and Government wanted this affair airbrushed from our history books. There were many medals awarded to other troops in the Congo for events of far less significance and importance than what happened at Jadotville. It was remarkable that no Irish man lost his life there. Thankfully a few years ago the Government and Army finally acknowledged this affair by unveiling a Plaque in Custume Barracks in Athlone, regrettably very few people will ever get to see it.