Correspondence from Joe McDonnell, Long Kesh, 1980
Dates
- Creation: 1980
Scope and Contents
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
- From the Collection: McDonnell, Bernadette (Person)
- From the Collection: McDonnell, Joseph, 1951-1981 (Person)
- From the Collection: McDonnell, Goretti (Person)
Language of Materials
In English and Irish.
Restrictions on Access
The photographic copy negative for one letter in shared box 1715 is not an access medium and is not available for use; the original letter is available in box 6.
Extent
From the Collection: 11 Linear Feet (9 containers)
Repository Details
Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861
burns@bc.libanswers.com