Prisoner 1082: Escape from Crumlin Road Prison, Europe's Alcatraz

On St Stephen's Day 1960 Dónal Donnelly made his dramatic escape from the prison known as 'Europe's Alcatraz'. Three years earlier, the teenage Dónal had been convicted of membership of the IRA in the first year of 'Operation Harvest'. He was sentenced to ten years. Here he reflects on why he came to be on top of a prison wall risking his life. This is the story of a man who overcame the hurdles of his early years to live a successful, happy life.

Auteur

Dónal Donnelly, born in Omagh, County Tyrone, comes 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 multi-national company and a Fellow of the Irish Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management.