Born on William Street in 1952, Terry grew up in an area later referred to as “Agro Corner” during the Battle of the Bogside. As a young man, he found himself at the centre of the civil rights movement, living through a period defined by tension, inequality, and daily conflict.

Terry was present at the peaceful march that became Bloody Sunday. When the British Army opened fire, killing 13 unarmed civilians, he was forced to run for his life. That moment, and its impact, shaped much of what followed.

What We Talk About

• Growing up in Derry during the early years of the Troubles
• The experience of the civil rights movement and the Battle of the Bogside
• Being present on Bloody Sunday and its lasting impact
• The complexity of conflict and the human cost on all sides
• Life on the run and eventual arrest
• Time spent in prison and the role of education during incarceration

Inside the Conversation

Terry reflects on the reality of those years, including the loss of life, the blurred lines between resistance and survival, and the emotional weight carried by individuals and communities.

Following a broken truce, he went on the run. Just 12 weeks after marrying his wife, he was arrested alongside Martin McGuinness and charged with conspiracy to cause explosions with intent to endanger life.

Eight weeks into his detention, he learned that his wife was pregnant. He was later sentenced to 22 years in prison, ultimately serving 6 years in one of the most well-known prisons of the time.

During his time inside, Terry focused on education, learning Irish and deepening his understanding of the culture and history connected to the conflict.

Beyond the Conflict

Before politics and imprisonment, Terry was also a talented footballer. He played alongside future international Martin O’Neill at youth level, earned an Ulster Colleges medal in GAA, and represented Derry in both Gaelic football and soccer.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode goes beyond headlines and historical summaries.

It offers a personal perspective on a period that shaped a city and its people.

It reflects on resilience, memory, and the human experience within conflict, providing a grounded and honest account of life during the Troubles.