On 26 December 1960, 12,000 Ulster police and B Specials began one of their biggest manhunts. It was for Prisoner 1082 - Donal Donnelly - who had made a dramatic escape from the prison known as 'Europe's Alcatraz'. Using hacksaw blades, torn sheets and electric flex, Donal broke out of Crumlin Road Prison, running the gauntlet of searchlights, alarms and machine guns. Three years earlier, teenage Donal was convicted of membership of the IRA in the first year of Operation Harvest, the 1956-62 republican campaign in Northern Ireland. He was sentenced to ten years. Pursued in the cold, wintry days after his escape, he was given shelter and support by nationalists and republicans. Here Donal reflects on how he came to be on top of a prison wall risking his life, outlines the penal conditions in Northern Ireland and gives a graphic description of how the IRA operated. He charts his later involvement in business and his search for justice for the marginalised. This is the story of a man who overcame the hurdles of his early years to live a successful, happy life.

About the Author

Donal Donnelly, born in Omagh, County Tyrone and now living in Dundrum, came from a Gaelic and republican family. After his escape he lived in Cork, settled in Dublin, and was active in campaigns for social justice. He became a buyer and planner for a multinational company and a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management. He is now retired.

Reviews

'A story with all the drama and thrills of a Hollywood movie.'

* Irish Examiner *

'Electrifying first-hand account.'

* Irish Mail on Sunday *

'Entertaining tale.'

* The Sunday Business Post *

'A remarkable story by a remarkable man ... highly recommended.'

* Books Ireland *



Book Information
ISBN 9781848893146
Author Donal Donnelly
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint The Collins Press
Publisher Gill
Weight(grams) 265g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 128mm * 17mm