The Great Escape (almost) part 2
The Captive Voice/An Glór Gafa
Available from Sinn Féin POW Dept
Price £1
``The very existence of the tunnel shattered whatever remnants
might have remained of Britain's tattered criminalisation policy,
and sent a clear message around the world that not only does
Britain continue to hold captive prisoners of war, but that those
prisoners of war remain undefeated.''
So goes the editorial of this special edition of the republican
POWs' magazine, An Glór Gafa, dedicated to `Operation Tollán'.
Although unsuccessful, the tunnel shows all the ingenuity and
determination of IRA Volunteers held within the confines of Long
Kesh in making a positive contribution to the freedom struggle.
The whole story of the tunnel in H7 is told in great detail by
the Volunteers involved (and various reactions from some who
weren't), from the planning to the briefings, the characters, the
conditions and roles, the highs and lows and the various methods
used to combat problems such as the removal of debris without
attracting the attention of the screws. Water was one of the main
problems and the fact it was the wettest February in 200 years
didn't help. The personal feelings and reactions of the men
involved are also dealt with, security being paramount by all
involved. Humour, as always, abounds throughout.
The aftermath of the finding of tunnel is dealt with and the
``ongoing security operation'' annouced by the authorities. This in
reality meant withdrawal of prisoners' rights, visits stopped,
educational facilities stopped and republican prisoners held in
solitary confinement. Then all the sectarianism and
vindictiveness of the British statelet in the guise of riot
squads, beatings and violent strip-searches. All are detailed by
the POWs: ``British vindictiveness and violence could not overcome
republican comradeship and resistance.''
Hopefully it will be the last escape attempt by republicans from
a British jail, the next exit being the last - through the front
gate!
On a sadder note the death of County Laois Volunteer Pat Kelly ,
another victim of British vindictiveness in English jails, is
chronicled in an obituary by his comrades.
With excellent photos and illustrations this magazine makes it
more than worth its £1 cover price, and, like its Iris
predecessor detailing the 1983 Great Escape, is sure to become a
collectors' item.
BY CIARAN HEAPHEY
Legends brought to life
Irish Legends for the Very Young
By Niamh Sharkey
Mercier Press £4.99
As the title suggests this book is for 5 to 8 year old. It is one
to read together enjoying the brilliant illustrations that help
bring the story to life. Three legends are offered: ``How Setanta
became Cúchulann', `The Children of Lir' and `Oisín in Tír na
nOg'.
The first of these about little 7 year old Setanta has its
emphasis on the fears ad hopes of young children. Setanta is able
to play harder and fight better than any of the bigger boys from
the Machra. Many of his brave deeds take place in the dark of
night, alone, in forests `full of wild animals who might gobble
him up for dinner'.
But little Setanta always wins through. The boy's vulnerability
and the terrors he confronts are underscored by the
illustrations. They resemble the drawings of young children and
have a comical note to them to; Culann's hound subdued with stars
around his head where Setanta knocked him out being one of many.
The illustrations of wicked Aoife putting her spell on the
children of Lir is heartbreaking. Of course she gets her
comeuppance in this too sad tale of four children turned into
swans for 900 years by their wicked step-mother.
The last legend Oísín in Tír na nOg is told simply and
effectively. Again, it is the drawings that will make shared
reading with your kids so much fun. Niamh from Tír na nOg is
portrayed as a little girl dressed up as a princess and the giant
that Oísín slays is terrifying. There is enough of magic in this
story alone to keep a child entertained over several readings.
This is a lovely book. At £4.99 is is overprice for 63 pages. But
it is definitely one for kids and adults to enjoy together.
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