Derry Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

25th anniversary of the Great Escape remembered in Derry

The 25th anniversary of the escape of 38 Republican prisoners from Long Kesh Camp in 1983 was remembered in Derry at the weekend at the annual Pól Kinsella Sinn Féin Cumann function Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney said: "25th September 1983 is a date which is looked back on with pride by Derry Republicans. The escape of 38 P.O.Ws demonstrated the ingenuity, commitment and strategic thinking of republican activists at the time and was a clear message to the British government that the prisoners were unbowed and unbroken. "The theme of this year's function was to pay tribute to everybody who played a role in the escape including local Republicans Ciaran Fleming who was later killed on active service and Tony Kelly one of the escapees and also honour Gerry Kelly, Bik McFarlane and Bobby Storey principle organisers of the escape.A large crowd attended the function which took take place in Rafter's .

Group photo

Kinsella family make presentation to Gerry Kelly, Bobby Storey and Bik McFarlane

Kinsella family make presentation to Mrs Maud Fleming mother of Volunteer Ciaran Fleming


Kinsella family make presentation to Toni Kelly daughter of local escapee Tony Kelly