A Republican history, an Irish woman history. Eva Shannon

'As Republicans our lives have been forever marred with docks and prisons in one form or another'.........
Eva Shannon Saoradh Party member talks about her impending trial on 11/01/18
It's not the first time I've stood in a dock as an Irish Republican, in many respects as Republicans our lives are forever marred with docks and prisons in one form or another.
I was 17 years of age when I was first arrested for possession of weapons and taken to Armagh prison.
I remember at that time the gaol was almost packed to capacity, given the amount of women internees, remand and sentenced prisoners.
Gaol life for Irish Republican prisoners was very different back then. Billy Mc Kee had led a hunger strike in the Crumlin in 1972.
The outcome of his hunger strike had been a quasi form of political status which was referred to as 'special category' being bestowed begrudgingly by the British Secretary of State for the North William Whitelaw.
Within the prison this would mean, freedom of movement and all forms of association, unhampered access to education and recreation.
Prison screws would often adhere to as well as work with the appointed Republican gaol staff.
The gaol ran basically the way every other department of the Republican movement ran, and strict discipline throughout the command ensured us women were all very aware of never overstepping the mark.
In August 2015 I spent several weeks in the Dochas Prison Mountjoy while I awaited bail.
Everything I experienced there was in stark contrast to my prison experience of the past.
The women in Dochas were fine and those I encountered on a personal level were both helpful and supportive, but as a Republican I felt I was situated where I didn't belong and could never, ever belong.
This coming Thursday begins another day in my Republican journey. I feel so indebted to all those who have and continued to support me.
I will do my very best to keep people informed of how things transpire through our Saoradh page, Go raibh Maith agaibh .
Eva Shannon.