The search continues for a group of IRA prisoners who escaped from Portlaoise Prison.
On 18 August 1974, nineteen prisoners escaped dressed as prison officers. The prisoners overpowered prison officers in the main cell block before fleeing. A widespread Garda search is now ongoing.
Shortly after getting away, the prisoners made their way onto a farm owned by the Hyland family in the townland of Borris Great in County Laois. Twenty five year old James Hyland and his father were held captive in the farmhouse for several hours. Lawrence Dooley from Portlaoise, who arrived at the farm to go rabbit shooting, was also held captive. The prisoners fled with a .22 rifle and some clothing.
This morning Lawrence Dooley was found tied up in his car and the Gardaí were alerted.
A large force of Gardaí and fully armed troops began a field-by-field comb out of the area.
Chief Superintendent TP Wilson spoke to RTÉ News about the search underway and the possibility that some of the prisoners are still in the area. He says that it is possibile that some of the prisoners may have escaped to the north and a nationwide search is ongoing. Ports and airports are also under surveillance as the escaped prisoners may attempt to leave the country.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 August 1974. The reporter is Tom McCaughren.
