Anthony tells us how he was interned just after turning 17 years old.
He describes the deteriorating conditions in Long Kesh that led to the burning in October 1974.
He recalls the subsequent escape from Cage 5, the killing of Hugh Coney and what happened to those caught escaping.
He reflects on the serious impact that internment had on families.
Audio Transcript
00:00:00.0 00:04:25.1 Background, growing up in New Lodge, Belfast. Turned 17 in June 1973 a few weeks later one of many picked up by the British army throughout Belfast.
00:04:25.1 00:07:55.8 Brought to Castlereagh interrogation centre for a number of days. Along with others put on a helicopter and brought to Long Kesh.
00:07:55.8 00:13:37.7 In Long Kesh. Moved prison compound when sentenced to one month. Attacked and beaten for refusing to wear prison uniform.
00:13:37.7 00:18:20.4 Moved to Cage 5 to his friends. Conditions in Long Kesh kept deteriorating, in October 1974 the camp was burnt. CR Gas and injuries.
00:18:20.4 00:21:36.3 Decision to attempt escapes. Tunnel dug in Cage 5, burnt camp ideal conditions for hiding tunnel.
00:21:36.3 00:23:32.9 Escape discovered. Hugh Coney shot dead. Captured escapees badly beaten.
00:23:32.9 00:24:27.0 Internment being phased out. Sentenced to 9 months. Released on December 22nd 1975.
00:24:27.0 00:27:04.7 Reflecting on internment’s impact on families overall.