Unlocked: An Irish Prison Officer’s Story

by David McDonald

For over thirty years, David McDonald worked in Ireland's biggest prisons. This is his story. As a young officer, McDonald got a baptism of fire in Mountjoy. In 1989 it was a chaotic, pungent and overcrowded place, and the approach to keeping order was primitive. Returning to his hometown two years later, he entered Portlaoise Prison, which - due to the presence of IRA and other subversive prisoners - was then the most secure prison in Europe. McDonald was amazed to discover the power of these subversives within the prison. Portlaoise, and later the new Midlands Prison, were also where Ireland's emerging class of serious gangsters were housed. McDonald dealt with notorious household names like John Gilligan, Christy Kinahan, Brian Meehan, Dessie O'Hare and, more recently, killers like Graham Dwyer, in his average working day. McDonald shares vivid accounts of the constant war of attrition between prisoners and prison authorities over the smuggling of contraband like drugs and phones. His work in a specialist security unit trying to stop this trafficking sometimes brought him into conflict with his bosses. He also questioned aspects of an often brutal and under-resourced system. Ultimately, concerns about poor handling of key issues led to him becoming a whistle-blower. In Unlocked , McDonald brilliantly describes the boredom, the constant tension and flashpoints of extreme violence, and the moments of comedy, tragedy and surprising humanity that are part and parcel of working in prisons. Written with the help of award-winning journalist and author, Mick Clifford, it is a jaw-dropping and authentic account of life in the toughest of workplaces.

291 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Roisin Slattery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. Such an interesting insight into prison life.

[Anne Sharkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into life as a prison officer in Ireland. I began reading this while on jury selection and felt if anything that it was an eye opener and a way of increasing awareness of what life in prison is actually like. Having worked in a court setting previously, what happened to an accused person while they were being remanded in custody or after a guilty verdict was reached, was shrouded in mystery for me. Reading Unlocked goes some way towards demystifying that environment. I've often witnessed trials where it was proven beyond a reasonable doubt, according to a particular jury, that someone was guilty of a heinous crime. In these cases, there are few other options than to have a judge decide on an appropriate sentence that matches the extent of the crime. Here, David McDonald is calling for better rehabilitation for such prisoners to help try to ensure they will not re-offend upon their release.
Some of the authors experiences paint a harrowing picture of what inmates and officers are subject to in what is an altogether unnatural setting for any human being to have to be in. He also covers how it affects families of those incarcerated and touches on relations and politics within prison walls among prisoner, officers and between both.
Whilst difficult at times to read some of the more graphic accounts, I feel Unlocked is an important account of a facet of life that often gets forgotten about. It brings to the surface grey areas and loop holes that were found by officers in order to do their job to the best of their ability. Not always ethical, but necessary in some cases, for the safety of those stationed at the larger establishments in the country.
Well written with a clear message and some unexpected light heartedness at times, among all else.

[Paul Mulvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very interesting view into a world that on the one hand is right beside us but on the other hand is hidden from view. The work ethic and culture amongst the prison officers was portrayed in a bit of a negative light. There seems to be some degree of rot from top to bottom. There is very little evidence of a management led welfare programme for the prison officers. Personnel who are stressed about work or personal issues are a liability in any service and should be offered appropriate assistance.
Acceding to the IRA prisoners with regard to allowing them to behave as pseudo military prisoners was a clever move unlike Margaret Thatcher's bumbling efforts in the North in the early 80s.
Despite careful screening a lot of contraband still made it through. David's story is direct and no holes barred and well put together by Mick Clifford. For someone who was a teen in the 70s the book was an interesting insight and well worth a read. The way that things turned really sour in the end was not fully explained but I suspect there are issues here that are subject to enquiry as it is only a few years since his retirement.

[Dog Tired · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where to start! Aspects of the book are fairly accurate. Overall I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who's looking for an accurate account of what Prison life is like for the Officers working on the landings. Concentrating on the bad apples doesn't reflect the good work and relationships between the offenders and the staff. I was somewhat taken aback by his endorsement of his management team who by his own admission knew that what they were doing was illegal, whether or not they were carrying out orders from certain high ranking Civil Servants based in IPS HQ who developed amnesia when questioned by the IOP during her flawed so called investigation of Mr McDonalds relevations. Some conveniently retired on full pension, and some still hold their positions in the IPS
The people who were involved in both the criminal behaviour, and those high ranking officials who knew what was going including the Gardai brought disgrace and shame on the service and themselves
and should have been dismissed from the
service, and faced criminal charges for their actions which as Mr McDonald said is something he would forward to in order to out these odious people who by the way left him an his corhorts out to dry
The area in which Mr McDonald worked (OSG) was top heavy with bullyboys/girls who could and did in certain cases make life hard for Officers who didn't fit in with their little clique, fully supported by their
powerful friends in HQ.
The most disturbing thing about the story is that although he knew what he was doing was illegal, he Had no regrets and would do the same again.
No contrition.
If anyone wants to read an accurate account of Prison life, I would suggest the following publications.

The Joy by Paul Howard

The Inspector of Prisons Report into Mr McDonalds allegations of wrongdoing.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Riveting and Honest Glimpse Into Life Behind Bars

An Irish Prison Officer’s Story is an incredibly compelling and eye-opening account. David McDonald’s writing is raw, honest, and deeply human — he captures the challenges, emotions, and realities of life as a prison officer with authenticity and clarity. I felt completely immersed in his experiences, and the way he shares both the struggles and small victories truly resonates.

This book not only informs but also moves the reader, offering a unique perspective that is rarely explored in such detail. I left a review here because I wanted to express how much I appreciated his courage and storytelling.

David, if you see this, I’d love to connect and learn more about your work — your book left a strong impression, and I’m excited to see what you share next.

[Brian Gilshinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It pulls you in from the start, possibly it is the most exciting chapter but having said that it is a very balanced book. The writing by Mick Clifford is extremely professional as he tells a possibility ordinary life story in a very interesting way. Had realized the last quarter of the book saw a big change for the main character. For what it’s worth I believe his story however at the same time some of the practices were extremely dodgy and shouldn’t have been carried out by him or the service

[Bob Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great expose of the Irish prison system. Shows up the typical politician's and senior civil servants initial reaction to everything which is to cover it up, and blame someone lower down the ladder. We need more people like this author and Michael Clifford to expose the real workings behind the PR gobblydegook spouted by our self interested politicians. I've no doubt it goes on in all areas of government. This book is a must read. It's well written and maintains your interest from start to finish.

[Kelli Barczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

David McDonald gives a very honest insight into the inner workings of prison life in Ireland. I loved his honesty throughout the book. You can see how much he loved his job and wanted to do the best he could. Highly recommend and would give more than 5 stars if possible.

[Maria Brannigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, so thought-provoking.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, unfortunately I am not surprised by the toxic culture that has been exposed. Well done to David for making it public! More of this please..

[Sandra Crean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story and an addictive read.

[Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised.
Interesting to see how a man's career was started, shaped, molded, and eventually destroyed.
The book gives a complete insight into The Irish Prison Service. (Good & Bad)

[Oonagh Considine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read !

[Abbey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Nešo Shonery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Čovek je radio kao čuvar u irskim zatvorima, dobrih dvadeset godina. Zanimljivo svedočanstvo ne samo o zatvorima, već i o Irskoj, od osamdesetih na ovamo. Neobično i zanimljivo štivo.