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Textile, "Is cimi cogaidh sinn. Tiochfaidh ár lá. Ceis Fadá." ("We are prisoners of war. Our day will come. Long Kesh."), hand drawn, 1982

 File — Shared box: 7465

Dates

  • Creation: 1982

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

Contains materials belonging to Americans Patrick and Dolores McVeigh, documenting their involvement with the movement for political prisoners' rights in Northern Ireland. The papers include letters and gifts from prisoners in the Long Kesh Detention Center, as well as a smaller amount from Portlaoise Prison in the Republic of Ireland, many in thanks for the McVeigh's hosting of their children for summer visits through Project Children. Letters also detail life in prison, and many are written on toilet paper or ciagrette papers. Also included are newspaper clippings, political ephemera, and photographs regarding the 1981 Long Kesh Hunger strikes and the Republican movement in Ireland.

Three of the seven prisoner letters are from Joe McDonnell, after his daughter Bernadette's first visit to New York. Her second visit is documented through newspaper clippings, original photographs, and her sketchbook. Gifts from other prisoners include an autograph book, leather wallets, rubber bullets, and wooden sculptures.

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

In English and Irish.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research.

The sculptures should be handled with extra care, as some joints are loose.

Extent

From the Collection: 11 Linear Feet (9 containers)

Repository Details

Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository

Contact:
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 United States
617-552-4861