Former Cellmate of Bobby Sands Reveals Life-Saving Dream

UPDATE: In a stunning revelation, former cellmate of Bobby Sands, Colm Scullion, claims a life-saving dream from the iconic hunger striker guided him away from a loyalist gun attack. Scullion’s account comes on the heels of the launch of a new book titled Guthanna (Voices), which chronicles the profound experiences of 32 individuals shaped by the events surrounding the 1981 hunger strike.

Scullion, who shared a cell with Sands in Crumlin Road prison for four years, described the extraordinary moment. He recounted, “He spoke to me in a dream—he had a blanket wrapped around him like he was in the cell—and told me not to go to work the next day because I would be in danger.” The following day, a loyalist gun attack occurred, and Scullion believes he would have been killed had he not heeded Sands’ warning.

The book, which has already sold out, features personal narratives from former blanketmen who endured harrowing conditions during the protests at Maze Prison. Scullion emphasized the importance of presenting the human side of these historical figures, stating, “Nobody knows what type of band they liked, if they watched Top of the Pops, did they drink Guinness or cider. That’s what makes the human being.”

Scullion’s bond with Sands was forged during their time at Mater Hospital, where both were treated after violent clashes with loyalists. “I first met Bobby in 1976… I had come through a bomb explosion… Bobby and other republican prisoners attacked the loyalists in retaliation,” Scullion recalled. This shared trauma solidified their friendship, as they faced brutal treatment in the notorious H3 block of the prison.

The release of Guthanna (Voices) marks a significant moment in the remembrance of the hunger strike, which resulted in the deaths of 10 republican prisoners. The book includes contributions from notable figures, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and current president Mary-Lou McDonald. Editor Danny Morrison highlighted the book’s intent to document voices from the troubled era, stating, “The hunger strike gets bigger as time goes on.”

In the face of ongoing discussions about the hunger strike’s impact, Morrison asserted, “Historians all agree the hunger strike was a major turning point in the conflict.” The book has quickly gained traction, with another print run already planned to meet public demand.

As interest in the stories of those impacted by the hunger strike continues to grow, Scullion’s testimony serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting bonds formed during one of the most turbulent periods in Irish history. The book is currently available for purchase online at thelarkstore.ie, ensuring that these voices will not be forgotten.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the ongoing conversations surrounding the legacy of the hunger strike and its participants.