A GAA match between politicians and inmates in Mountjoy Prison was almost suspended after TDs and Senators burst four balls on overhead razor wires.
Fianna Fáil Senator Shane Cassells told the Irish Mirror that the politicians were “respectfully defeated” in the match that took place in the prison yard on Thursday.
It is understood that the cross-party group of 13 TDs and Senators was “hammered” by the team of prisoners.
The match was organised by Senator Lynn Ruane alongside the governor of Mountjoy Prison Eddie Mullins and will feature in a documentary in the new year.
“It was a fairly no-holds-barred match,” Senator Cassells said.
“We burst four balls on the overhead razor wires. The match looked like it was going to be suspended halfway through the second half as we ran out of balls, but another ball was produced.
“The boys were saying they had burst 50 balls in preparation for this.
“It was an eye-opener. Legislators should go in and see where people are sent after trial.
“Afterwards, we were chatting and shaking hands with the boys.
“To get to the yard, we had to walk through the prison. When we were leaving, the [prisoners] went one way and we went another.
“One of the guys shouted back, ‘great match lads’ as the door clunked behind him. That was a stark realisation.”
Senator Cassells said that the experience taught him that politicians have to be more cautious when they’re discussing crime and those in prison.
The prison team was managed by Dublin legend Philly McMahon and Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories.
The legislators also had “forthright” discussions with the managers and Governor Mullins about the prison system and whether penal sentences are the most suitable form of rehabilitation.
READ NEXT:
- 'Snow' in new triple weather warning from Met Eireann ahead of big Christmas freeze
- Firefighters rush to scene as woman in her 40s dies in tragic Dublin house fire days before Christmas
- 'A light in our village has been quenched' - Gobnait Twomey remembered at funeral after tragic Cork crash
- Irish CNN journalist Donie O'Sullivan suspended from Twitter after covering Elon Musk controversies
- Two children have died of Strep A infection in Ireland as GPs warn of medicine shortage
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
