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Brian Keenan

Sue Lawley's castaway is former hostage Brian Keenan.

Last August the world rejoiced at the liberation of a man who, to all intents and purposes, had vanished from its face more than four years previously. A pale and gaunt Brian Keenan emerged from a captivity of appalling deprivation and isolation after being kidnapped in Beirut by Islamic extremists.

This week on Desert Island Discs, he will be talking to Sue Lawley about those lost years, when, often blindfolded, chained and alone, he relived his life, conjuring up forgotten sights and sounds through imagined magical music, or by singing half-remembered lines from songs with John McCarthy when they were allowed to share their captivity.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Dweller On The Threshold by Van Morrison
Book: The Life Times and Music of An Irish Harper by Donal O'Sullivan
Luxury: Pencil

Available now

40 minutes

Last on

Fri 28 Dec 1990 09:05

Music Played

  • James Galway

    Bachianas Brasileiras No 5 Aria

    • James Galway Plays Songs for Annie.
    • RCA.
  • Derek Bell and The Chieftans

    Cian O Heaghra

    • Carolan's Favourite.
    • Claddagh.
  • Sonny Boy Williamson & The Yardbirds

    Pontiac Blues

    • The Animals with Sonny Boy Williamson.
    • Decal.
  • Joni Mitchell

    A Case Of You

    • Blue.
    • Reprise.
  • Paul Brady

    The Island

    • Back To The Centre.
    • Mercury.
  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Van Morrison

      Dweller On The Threshold

      • Beautiful Vision.
      • Mercury.
  • SeΓ΅n Γ“ Riada

    Playboy Of The Western World

    • The Playboy Of The Western World.
    • Gael-Linn.
  • Choir Of St Mary's Church Of Chuil, Co. Cork

    Catholic Mass

    • Ceol An Aifrinn.
    • Gael-Linn.
  • Book Choice

    • The Life Times and Music of An Irish Harper - Donal O'Sullivan

  • Luxury Choice

    • Pencil

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Sue Lawley
Interviewed Guest Brian Keenan

Broadcasts

  • Sun 23 Dec 1990 12:15
  • Fri 28 Dec 1990 09:05

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