West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

1983 Prison Escape to be recounted in Carrickmore.

Published: 30 May, 2009

British forces mounted the biggest search operation that had ever been seen in the north of Ireland in the aftermath of the escape

British forces mounted the biggest search operation that had ever been seen in the north of Ireland in the aftermath of the escape

The biggest escape of republican Prisoners from a British jail will be recounted on Tuesday night in Carrickmore as three of the escapees will hold a public talk. Three of the escapees, Sean McGlichey and Joe Corey from South Derry alongside Tyrone escapee Seamus Campbell will recount their story of the escape in September 1983.

The three men joined another 35 IRA prisoners in their escape from Long Kesh jail, just outside Belfast. 19 of the 38 that escaped were caught within hours of the escape whilst the remaining 19 enjoyed numerous years of freedom. 3 of the escapees have never been caught.

At the time the British had boasted that Long Kesh was the most 'secure prison in western Europe.'

In the aftermath of the escape British forces mounted the biggest search operation that had ever been seen in the north of Ireland.

The prisoners used smuggled guns and knives to overpower staff before hijacking a food lorry which they used to drive to the main gate.

But before they could drive out of the gate members of the Prison service recognised one of the escaping prisoners dressed as a prison officer and raised the alarm. However the prisoners were only yards from the main gate and freedom and a number had hi jacked cars, whilst others simply ran out the gate in their bid from freedom.

On Tuesday night Sean McGlichey, Joe Corey and Seamus Campbell will recount their personal experiences of the escape in 1983 at 8:30pm in the Old Charm Inn, Carrickmore.