OUT of THE FLAMES

Out of the Flames details one family's direct experiences of the Northern Ireland Troubles. On the 7th December 1971, Philip Coogan's life changes overnight when a sectarian bomb destroys his thriving garage business in the seaside town of Donaghadee. Determined to rebuild, Philip is frustrated by the cold shoulders of the planning authorities and those who vow they would see him 'run out of town'. Despite some help from an unexpected quarter - the Reverent Ian Paisley - there seems no way forward in an increasingly suspicious and hostile community. As the troubles intensify repeated assassins attempts on Philip's life, and he and his young family had to flee across the border to the Republic, renting a damp and dilapidated cottage in Roscommon. Struggling to make ends meet, while reliving the horror of past events. Philip's health deteriorates as he suffers severe post-traumatic shock disorder and other related illnesses. Desperate for a better life, his wife Patricia and children. Philip and his wife plan to emigrate, but with no income, nor compensation for his injuries, it proved impossible.