Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
BRIAN KEENAN SAYS it doesn’t feel like it has been over two decades since he was released from captivity in Beirut.
Keenan was held hostage for four and a half years in Beirut, Lebanon from 11 April 1986 to 24 August 1990 by by Islamic jihadists
Speaking on Sunday with Miriam on RTÉ Radifo One on the 25th anniversary since his release, Keenan recounted his experience.
Reunited over the airwaves with his cell mate and UK hostage all those years ago, John McCarthy said it was strange hearing Keenan’s “soft Belfast voice” while while he sits in a small studio, adding “it takes me right back”.
The capture of the hostages in the 1980s made global news, and spawned a world-wide campaign to have them freed.
Both men told O’Callaghan that their friendship over the years in captivity was of great strength to them, with McCarthy describing Keenan as his “life support” over those difficult years.
McCarthy and Keenan said that while being held hostage in Lebanon was tough, they also had to entertain each other.
“On occasion we did entertain each other,” said McCarthy.
While he said they were under strict instruction to keep quiet, he said they would sing quietly, whisper and hum songs to each other.
McCarthy said Keenan introduced him to the music of Van Morrision, while he would dance around the cell and do impression of Mick Jager.
However, both men said there were extremely difficult times where they would be introverted in themselves, and there were times they were both in solitarity confinement.
“When you are looking at a concrete wall for four and a half, five years you have to imprint something into that wall… your memory becomes very astute and clear. There is no radio, no tTV, no letters, no newspapers, there is nothing but you and your memory in this terrible fight to reclaim who you are.”
Keenan also described what the passing of time felt like while he was hostage.
“Time in the cell was a weird thing, like an accordion, five minutes passed like three days, six weeks sometimes passed like an hour and half.”
…if you don’t have a sense of humour you are dead man walking.
Keenan also spoke about the life he has lead since his release.
“I have many things to be thankful for a lot of people to thank for that, not not least Islamic Jihad. I suppose the whole trajectory of my life changed that I hadn’t planned…
The full interview was due to be aired this morning on Sunday with Miriam on RTÉ Radio 1, however it has been rescheduled.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
We should highlight to FG and Labour when they come around at the local elections about the huge increases in DIRT blocking people trying to save any chance of earning any interest
“tax on savings”
By their massive on savings, the Government has made sure Hyatt it is not worthwhile putting any money on deposit. Inflation would mean that you lose out by saving.
This is not a very enlightened policy.
I’m saving for a jetski and a breakfast roll. Maybe a fill of petrol as well
Taxed on income. DIRT tax on my savings. Current deposit accounts earn about 1% after tax. What’s the point in tying money up for that little?
The ssia paid off my mortgage and it was great, but the decrease of the post office deposit rates as lobbied by our, yeah really our beloved banks have reduced the incentive to save, deffo use tax allowance on AVC’s tho.
What I find amusing is the medja talking heads and most politicians seem to hate people saving. Then the gov taxes the life out of it, the ECB and banks rip off savers with phantom interest rates and that french commie Lagrade wont be happy until everyone’s savings are confiscated.
The economic climate reflects the weather it rains everyday for people in this country
Ogochukwu is really laughing and having lols at the Journals comedy ..lo Yes Ogochukwu tries to put away something every two years ..lol maybe €50 lol
I can’t red thumb your comments enough!. You’re an idiot !
Lol
Verbal diarrhea
lol thank you for you lovely comment lol
does it worry me that you can red thumb lol next time I’ll red thumb myself lol
You’re an idiot too ! lol
But today is a rainy day??
If the rain keeps up & we are saving for a rainy day. We would all be rich people.
have your say