The Forgotten Peterhead Men by Dr Padraig McGarty 2026

  • Date: 6 March 2026 – 12 March 2026
  • Time: 7:30 pm
  • Location: Leitrim County Library, Ballinamore, & Dromahair Library, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim
  • Type: Literary Event
  • Learn More: View Event Website

This special exhibition launch is part of a collaboration between Longford and Leitrim Libraries, exploring the story of men from both counties who served time in Peterhead Prison in Scotland.

In this fascinating talk, Dr Padraig McGarty will examine the historical context of their imprisonment, the conditions they endured, and the wider impact on families at home. Drawing on archival research and historical records, the evening will shed light on a lesser-known chapter of our shared past.

Relatives of some of the men will also be present on the night, offering a powerful connection between past and present.

All are welcome.

‘The Peterhead Men’, a group of IRA prisoners were released from the notorious hard labour Peterhead Prison in Scotland in January 1926. Four years earlier, they were captured in Enniskillen while attempting to kidnap prominent Unionists. That plan was authorised by Michael Collins and Longford’s Seán MacEoin in a bid to prevent the execution of Republican prisoners in Derry Jail. Most of the men who were convicted of involvement in the attempted kidnappings were eventually transferred to Peterhead, which was known for its harsh regime. Three of them were from County Longford: Joseph Lee (Killoe), Frank Reilly (Ballinamuck) and William Reilly (Longford). They were among the last prisoners from the Revolutionary period to be released from custody.

The speaker, Dr Pádraig McGarty, a native of Mohill, recently retired as a Senior Lecturer in Social Policy, in the Munster Technological University (Tralee Campus). He is the author of the book, ‘Leitrim: The Irish Revolution, 1912-23’, published by Four Courts Press in 2020.

The commemorative programme includes two other public lectures by Dr McGarty: in Edgeworthstown Community Library on 10 March and in Dromahair Library on 12 March. He will also deliver three talks to school groups in both counties. He will lead the production of a commemorative booklet on the ‘Peterhead Men’, with support from both councils, in autumn 2026. Entry to the exhibition and lecture is free and light refreshments will be served.