Dexy's cover star
If you ever bought Dexy’s Midnight Runners first album then you have looked many a time at a photograph which captures the fear caused by the British government’s announcement in 1971 that suspects in Northern Ireland could be held without trial. It resulted in many people fleeing their homes in Belfast – one of those was Anthony O’Shaughnessy and the photograph of him and his brothers running from their home was used on the cover of Dexy’s debut album.
The pictures below show the album cover, the original photograph as it appeared in a newspaper at the time, and a recent photo of Anthony.
A brilliant story and excellently handled interview. Also nice to hear a really natural unaffected Northern Ireland accent.
Complain about this postDear Sat Live,
I was intrigued to hear the article this morning about Anthony O’Shaughnessy on the cover of Dexy's Midnight Runers first album.
As a soldier due out of the army in the next month and someone who served two tours in Northern Ireland it is so refreshing to hear the other view from my so called enemies. I think Anthony O’Shaughnessy is an amazing person to come out of that madness so apparently normal and lacking any anamosity; perhaps our government could take a page out of his book.
Perhaps like Northern Ireland one day I'll be able to meet and speak to the victims in Iraq and converse as equals and not enemies as our government continues to suggest.
Many thanks to Radio 4 and the 91Èȱ¬ for yet another wonderful programme.
All the best and warm regards
Giles Penfound
Complain about this postI remember the day of the photograph vividly I was in an Army camp in Gormanstown in the ROI. The previous day my Mum and I had been to visit my Granny in Ardoyne and we called at the Co-op on the Upper Crumlin Rd where we heard a young man outside say to his mates that they were going down to clear and then burn his girlfriends house in Velsheda Park. Later that night a lone gunman appeared facing our house, a bungalow on an elevated site overlooking the city. As we called for RUC assistance a crowd gathered, the police turned up hours later, chatted to the gunmen and left us to it.
We escaped over fields to family who were waiting to take us to a relatives house. I will never forget leaving my dad at the house thinking he would be killed (he wasnt). We ran, climbed fencing and ditches with my brother then six weeks old, it was a wet night and we were muddy and dirty. Next day after listening to Chichester-Clarke's clipped tones talk about internment on the lunchtime news, weary after a night listening to gunbattles being waged in the district, we were homeless refugees crossing the border. I was 13yrs old, I only saved my little handbag which I had made to match my new purple smock dress. I was very upset that the dress had been torn in our flight, it was the only clothing I saved.
We were not poor people, my father was a professional and the house we left so hurrriedly was a large detached one. Every time I see a refugee I relate, knowing that their sorry state shows how overnight our material comforts can be stripped away in a day.
Later that night in the camp we watched Ardoyne in flames on TV (we suspected our grannies house was engulfed) and Reggie Bosenquet introduced a clip of my mother. It seems like a memory of a film or an event at which I was a spectator. I don't remember feeling afraid just bewildered, tired and upset about my new dress.
My Father died young an uncounted victim of the Troubles in my view, who tried to keep it all together despite the odds. We are all damaged by these experiences, children in particular may not realise it or show it at the time but it becomes apparent in later life. Going back to school that September and writing the "What I did in my holidays" essay I recall my teachers written advice on my factual account, "You must try not to be so dramatic!". she lived in a quieter part of Belfast and couldn't believe my experience. These days netiher can I. As a history graduate, I think its unfortunate that this type of history hasn't really been recorded.
Let's not repeat this ever again!
Complain about this postmy name is Anthony O'Shaughnessy.
Complain about this postWould like to thank R.J.D. & Giles Penwood for their nices words. To Giles wish you a peaceful return to the U.K. Special thanks to Fi Glover and i will be tuning into the programme more often.
Anthony
To S.O. Connor.
Complain about this postMy name is anthony O'Shaughnessy.
Was very sad and moved to hear your story and your 6 weeks baby brother. This time was a horrible experience for many young people and older people two. I know the co-op shop which is at the top of the Bilston Road. The effected of this causing the early death of your father.
The only thing i can say to you has we are both 49 now. We can not change the past or forget what happen. But with hope and prayer for a better future for the younger generation.
God bless and take care.
Anthony O'Shaughnessy.
P.S. You should write that story for "Radio Ulster"
Days like these. Hope That school teacher with be listening and realise that are youngest experience can change are outlook on life.