University of Galway Unveils Archival Journals from Long Kesh Prison

The University of Galway has launched a digital archive of handmade prison journals from the Long Kesh internment camp, providing a rare glimpse into life behind bars during a turbulent period in Irish history. This collection includes journals and photographs dating back to the mid-1970s, showcasing the personal experiences of republican prisoners.

Paddy McMenamin, who was interned at Long Kesh from 1974 to 1976, donated the journals to the university. A history graduate originally from west Belfast, McMenamin contributed to several republican prison journals while incarcerated, including Misneach, An Sioladoir, and Faoi Glas. He also served as the editor of An Fuascailteoir, meaning “the emancipator.” The journals feature diverse content such as artwork, articles on history and politics, poetry, and lessons in the Irish language.

Significance of the Collection

The University of Galway describes this archive as offering a “unique perspective” into the daily lives of republican prisoners at Long Kesh. These journals were smuggled out of the camp and have now been preserved in the university’s library. The collection enhances the university’s existing archives, which include materials from well-known figures such as peacebuilder Brendan Duddy, academic and barrister Kevin Boyle, and civil servant Maurice Hayes.

McMenamin expressed his pride in donating 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.”

Preserving Historical Context

The university’s librarian, Monica Crump, emphasized the importance of the collection for future scholars. “We were honoured to be entrusted to hold this truly unique collection and preserve it for future generations,” she stated. Crump highlighted that the digitisation of these journals allows a broader audience to engage with the realities of life in Long Kesh and Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Dr. Barry Houlihan, the archivist at the University of Galway Library, noted that this collection serves as an essential educational resource. “It allows us to study and understand a difficult time in our island’s history,” he explained. “Such archives from Northern Ireland, along with those already housed at University of Galway Library, are vital to preserving the memories and experiences of those directly affected by, during, and after the conflict.”

The digitised Long Kesh Prison Journals are now available for public access through the University of Galway Library Repository at https://digital.library.universityofgalway.ie/p/ms/categories/paddy-mcmenamin. This initiative not only contributes to academic research but also fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the history of Northern Ireland.