The Don Tidey Affair: The Kidnapping

The Don Tidey Affair: Leitrim journalists Tommy Conlon & Ronan McGreevy in conversation with Paul Williams on their new book, The Kidnapping

Journalists Tommy Conlon & Ronan McGreevy discuss their new book, The Kidnapping, with the renowned crime reporter, broadcaster and best-selling writer Paul Williams. All three are natives of Co. Leitrim, and this promises to be a powerful discussion of the most dramatic event Ballinamore has ever seen.

The authors tell in riveting detail the story of one of Ireland’s most infamous abductions, from the moment Mr Tidey, the managing director of Quinnsworth supermarkets, is snatched by an IRA gang outside his Dublin home in November 1983, to the afternoon he is found in Derrada Wood 22 days later.

The search for the hostage led to the biggest security operation in the history of the State, with thousands of army and gardaí involved. The writers recount the twists and turns of the manhunt, the crisis it caused for Government and State, and the dramatic rescue of the businessman that culminated in the shooting dead of an Irish soldier and a young trainee Garda.

The Kidnapping will publish on 26^th October. At its heart are a number of extraordinary interviews with Don Tidey, who for the first time speaks in detail about his ordeal and its aftermath. Equally powerful and moving are interviews with the families of Private Patrick Kelly and Recruit Garda Gary Sheehan, which reveal the devastating impact that their violent deaths, almost 40 years ago, had on the lives of those left bereaved.

The book examines the volatile political and economic backdrop of the times and seeks to explain the circumstances that brought this tragedy to Leitrim. Questions are asked about the role of the security forces, the State, the perpetrators and their supporters – both local and national.

The Kidnapping also discusses the shadow cast by these events over modern Irish politics, and the Troubles’ complicated legacy for Ireland today. It is sure to be one of the most talked-about publications this autumn. Copies of the book will be on sale on the night and will be signed by the authors on request.

No Interval. Books on sale on the night.