In My Own Words {Still Running}

In June 1964, a twelve-year old child was to appear at Dublin’s Children's Court. The offence for which he was charged was an amateurish break-in when coerced and accompanied by older children. In the severe surroundings of oak panelled court, deep in the bowels of Dublin Castle, he was sentenced to serve Three year's in what was then known as Letterfrack Industrial School. Its seclusion in this malevolent place of correction was a major factor in the institutionalised abuse of children by the Christian Brothers. The Irish State was instrumental in providing this depraved band of brothers with a steady supply of victims. Sexual depravity was also the lot of those unfortunate enough to have been sentenced to industrial schools. In essence these children were the indentured slaves of Ireland. The toil was hard labour. It meant being awoken before dawn and worked until dusk. Unsuitably dressed to withstand the elements their labours took them to farms, bogs for the cutting of turf, and that of a shepherd.