Fintan talks about his two periods of internment. The burning of Long Kesh and the escape in October 1974.
Noírín recalls the degrading searches when visiting Long Kesh. Her involvement in anti-internment protests and marches.
She and Fintan both had brothers in Long Kesh when it was burned, and she describes the effect CR Gas had on them.
They talk about the financial hardship that families faced and the on-going harassment they endured.
Noírín remembers August 09th morning when neighbours were interned and tells us how that period impacted severely on her sister’s mental health.
They reflect on the many years of struggle and the changes in society today from when they were young.
Audio Transcript
00:00:00.0 00:04:33.2 Fintan lifted by British army taken away in helicopter. In Crumlin Road Prison reacquainted with Hugh Coney. Later moved to Long Kesh.
00:04:33.2 00:06:32.6 Noírín going on visits, experiencing degrading searches. Going on anti internment marches and protests.
00:06:32.6 00:09:56.8 Noírín’s two brothers interned same time as Fintan. Impact on her mother as she had then two sons in Long Kesh and one in Portlaoise.
00:09:56.8 00:13:22.4 Interned second time. On-going protests, the burning of the camp. Battling with British army. Use of CR Gas.
00:13:22.4 00:15:10.6 After camp was burnt they lived in make shift shelters. Conditions were perfect for concealing the digging of escape tunnel.
00:15:10.6 00:17:35.8 Noírín recalling seeing the flames from the camp burning. Reflecting on the effect CR Gas has had on their brothers.
00:17:35.8 00:20:46.8 Family tragedy at wedding. Fintan and Noírín’s brothers released for a few days compassionate leave.
00:20:46.8 00:25:14.9 Kindness of Quakers for visitors to Long Kesh. Noírín getting word of Fintan’s release while at work. Fintan released on the final day.
00:25:14.9 00:28:38.6 Describing conditions during the two terms of internment. Noírín and family protesting against internment. Getting harassment for being a republican.
00:28:38.6 00:31:03.6 Financial hardships for families. Republican background.
00:31:03.6 00:32:14.0 Fintan’s mother and brother also in prison while he was interned.
00:32:14.0 00:36:04.7 Recalling the sights and sounds on internment morning August 09th. Impact on community. Impact on sister’s mental health. Home previously attacked by B Specials.
00:36:04.7 00:38:42.6 Reflecting on changes to society over the years, the sacrifices made and the hopes for the next generation.
Fintan, bottom left and his two brothers in law. Paddy, top left, and Eamon bottom right.