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Today in History: Three IRA members flee Mountjoy via helicopter

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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On 31 October 1973, three Provisional IRA volunteers commandeered a helicopter that touched down in Mountjoy Prison’s exercise yard, enabling their escape from Dublin. The stunt embarrassed Liam Cosgrave’s Fine Gael coalition, drew criticism from Fianna Fáil, and sparked a 20,000-strong manhunt; one escapee, Seamus Twomey, remained at large until December 1977.

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On 31 October 1973, three Provisional IRA volunteers commandeered a helicopter that touched down in Mountjoy Prison’s exercise yard, enabling their escape from Dublin. The stunt embarrassed Liam Cosgrave’s Fine Gael coalition, drew criticism from Fianna Fáil, and sparked a 20,000-strong manhunt; one escapee, Seamus Twomey, remained at large until December 1977.