Galway University Unveils Unique Prison Journals from Long Kesh

Handmade prison journals from the Long Kesh internment camp have been published in a digital archive by the University of Galway, offering a unique insight into life within the facility. The collection, which includes journals and photographs from the mid-1970s, was made available thanks to the contribution of Paddy McMenamin, who was interned at Long Kesh from 1974 to 1976.

Originally from west Belfast, McMenamin has since relocated to Oranmore, County Galway. He is a graduate in history and contributed to several republican prison journals during his time at Long Kesh, including Misneach, An Sioladoir, and Faoi Glas. He also served as the editor of An Fuascailteoir, which translates to “the emancipator.” The journals feature diverse cover artwork, articles on history and politics, poetry, and lessons in the Irish language.

The journals, which were smuggled out of Long Kesh, have now been donated to the University of Galway Library. According to the university, this collection provides a unique perspective on the experiences of republican prisoners during a tumultuous period in Irish history, serving as a lens into daily life at the internment camp.

Preserving History for Future Generations

McMenamin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to donate the collection, stating, “As a University of Galway graduate in English and history, it is a pleasure to donate this collection of original Long Kesh Cage papers to University of Galway Library as a primary source for students studying and researching 20th century Irish history. It is a privilege for me to see the journals safely preserved for posterity within the university.”

University librarian Monica Crump highlighted the importance of this collection, saying, “We were honoured to be entrusted to hold this truly unique collection and preserve it for future generations, so that scholars can get a glimpse into life in Long Kesh and indeed in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.” She expressed her satisfaction that the full collection has been catalogued and digitised, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Dr. Barry Houlihan, an archivist at the library, noted that the collection is vital for teaching future generations about the experiences of prisoners during the Troubles. He remarked, “It allows us to study and understand a difficult time in our island’s history, and reminds us why such archives from Northern Ireland, along with those already housed at the University of Galway Library, are essential for preserving the memories and experiences of those directly affected by, during, and after the conflict.”

The digitised Long Kesh Prison Journals are now accessible through the University of Galway Library Repository, providing a valuable resource for anyone interested in this significant period of Irish history. The collection can be found online at https://digital.library.universityofgalway.ie/p/ms/categories/paddy-mcmenamin.