“Everyone in the Republic of Ireland remembers where they were when they heard that Veronica Guerin had been murdered.”
I’ll admit to something here: when I heard that sentence, I was... envious.
I am not sure, however, if the tears in my eyes were tears of jealousy or of respect.
The quote above was the closing line of a film about the final few years of Veronica Guerin, a fearless Irish journalist who was murdered in 1996 by the Irish drug traders because of her reporting which has led to multiple arrests and trials that have lasted until this year.
Her work has gotten her attacked several times - including being shot in the hip - and has led to constant threats on her person and her family.
Her life was the topic of a two films, including the one quoted above, and a biography.
Just google her. Trust me. You will wonder how you never heard of such a brilliant character who is, unfortunately, just of many journalists who are paying their lives as a price for their dedication and courage.
We all die eventually - the question is whether we’ll be remembered. And remembered for something we have done, rather that something that has happened to us.
4 comments:
Thanks for this post. I haven't heard of Veronica Guerin before but now I am intrigued to know more of her story. I have added the movie to my Netflix list.
Sometimes I think the world is going to hell in a hand basket but then, sometimes, I read about people like her, and I think there is a chance.
i just watch one of the movies and was also moved to tears... i just had to google this amazing person i had never heard of before... it seems so sad that all the changes that needed to be made only got made becuase she was attacked so many times, and finally killed so publicly.
Anonymous -
Isn't it! It was obvious she was under threat yet there was no available protection until she eventually lost her life..
Anonymous -
Isn't it! It was obvious she was under threat yet there was no available protection until she eventually lost her life..
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