Ann talks about her fiancé, Jim Hargey, being one of 24 republicans interned in 1969.
She tells us about their wedding while Jim was in Crumlin Road Prison.
She describes the impact of internment on The Market area in Belfast.
Audio Transcript
00:00:00.2 00:04:04.9 Account of Jim’s arrest by RUC Special Branch. Family concern because they didn’t know where he had been taken or what might happen to him.
00:04:04.9 00:06:54.9 Use of Special Powers Act. 24 men has been picked up throughout the North among them well known civil rights activists. Denied legal representations.
00:06:54.9 00:09:41.6 1920s had instilled fear in the community. People knew they were being discriminated against. The subtleties of discriminatory tactics.
00:09:41.6 00:11:57.1 No visiting rights in Crumlin Road Prison in 1969. When internment began in 1971 he was at sea, when he came home he went on the run.
00:11:57.1 00:17:25.7 British soldiers wrecked Ann’s parents home. Attacked Ann and beat up her father. Took Ann away.
00:17:25.7 00:20:23.6 Impact on families. Help from neighbours. Home left uninhabitable.
00:20:23.6 00:24:18.6 Many men were lifted in The Market/ Short Strand on August 09th 1971. Since 1969 Defence Committees patrolled area to try and keep it safe from attack.
00:24:18.6 00:26:21.8 In 1971 Jim was imprisoned but charges eventually dropped when it was proven the statements were fabricated and gotten under torture.
00:26:21.8 00:30:00.3 Jim released for one hour to get married. British army surrounded the church keeping well wishers away. Recalling routine when visiting Jim in Crumlin Road Prison.
00:30:00.3 00:35:45.4 Given a few days notice that the wedding could go ahead. Hasty arrangements by family and friends. Reception for one hour facilitated by prison governor in his office. Previous plans for wedding before Jim was lifted.
00:35:45.4 00:39:46.6 In the late 1960s involvement in the community on social issues. Belief in equal rights for everyone. Republicans working to better the community.
00:39:46.6 00:43:09.2 Reflections on how society when she was a child. Needing to hide identity in some areas. Similarities to how ‘others’ are treated today.
00:43:09.2 00:46:53.1 Internment on August 09th 1971 impacted every family in The Market. Important to remember but not to hate.