2 minutes with… Lin Rose Clark

Swift Blaze of Fire by Lin Rose Clark is a book that delves into the fascinating life of Robert “Bob” Hilliard, one of Ireland’s best-known International Brigadistas and also the author’s grandfather. Variously a journalist, an Olympic boxer for Ireland and a Church of Ireland priest, he became a communist and anti-fascist in London, fought with the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War and died of wounds sustained at the Battle of Jarama. We caught up with Lin to find out a little more about her meticulously researched and deeply personal account of this enigmatic figure and his captivating story.

What sparked your interest in writing this book about your grandfather?

I was about eight years old when I first learned of my mother’s grief about her missing father. I grew up with a sense that there were many unresolved mysteries surrounding this man, and the only way to get to the bottom of them was to research his life story.

Can you tell us something unexpected or surprising that you came across in your research?

I was astonished to learn how little Robert was paid by St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast while working there full-time as a Church of Ireland priest. Cathedral records show he received only £25 a year.

Robert wore many hats in his lifetime. Was there a period in which you think he was most most himself?

Robert threw himself into everything he did with enthusiasm. He loved boxing at Trinity and he and his wife shared a period of great happiness at the time he joined the priesthood. But when I read Robert’s description of marching with fellow brigadistas through the streets of revolutionary Barcelona, I felt that this was the authentic voice of a man for whom the world at last made sense.

Can you tell us another event you are looking forward to at the festival?

I’m excited to be going to ‘Women Writing History’ on Saturday 8 November, featuring Evelyn
Conlon and Sinéad Gleeson in conversation with Clodagh Finn.

Lin will appear at Histories Uncovered on Sunday 9 November, 3.30pm at IMMA Venues, along with Kevin Rafter talking about his book Dillon Rediscovered. The authors will be in conversation with Hugh Linehan. BOOK TO JOIN US