For over thirty years, David McDonald served in Ireland's largest prisons, sharing his gripping experiences. Starting as a young officer in the chaotic Mountjoy Prison in 1989, McDonald faced a primitive approach to maintaining order in an overcrowded environment. Two years later, he moved to Portlaoise Prison, the most secure facility in Europe, housing IRA and subversive prisoners. He was struck by the influence these inmates wielded. Portlaoise and the new Midlands Prison also housed Ireland's rising gangsters, including notorious figures like John Gilligan and Christy Kinahan. McDonald recounts his daily encounters with infamous criminals and the ongoing battle between inmates and authorities over smuggling contraband such as drugs and phones. His role in a specialized security unit often put him at odds with his superiors, leading him to question the brutal, under-resourced system. His concerns ultimately drove him to become a whistle-blower. In this account, McDonald vividly captures the monotony, tension, and extreme violence of prison life, interspersed with moments of humor, tragedy, and unexpected humanity. Co-written with award-winning journalist Mick Clifford, this narrative offers an authentic glimpse into one of the toughest workplaces.
