RJI Interview with Ireland Author Austin Stack: Justice for My Father (October 2025)
Recorded in Portlaoise, Ireland
Today’s podcast is with Ireland’s Austin Stack. Our podcast focuses on Austin’s new book called Justice for My Father. Austin’s father, Brian Stack, Chief Officer of Portlaoise Prison, was shot on March 25 in 1983 by the IRA (Irish Republican Army). Brian Stack died of his injuries 18 months later. Austin has been a fierce advocate for his father since 1984.
Austin is an international advocate for restorative justice. He previously served as Assistant Governor in the Irish Prison Service and recently launched a new Health and Safety consultancy business in Portlaoise.
During this podcast conversation we discuss the Stack’s family’s search for justice which led Austin and his brother, Oliver, to meet senior officials of the IRA including Gerry Adams. Austin talks about pursuing restorative justice as he sought the truth about the killing of his father. The recent creation of a legacy commission is also discussed. Find coverage here: BBC News (September 19, 2025) https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckged550k76o.amp
Austin confronts Gerry Adams, as described in Justice For My Father.
To order the book: https://geni.us/aHDNX
To contact Austin Stack: adstack@gmail.com
(photo: (left to right) Austin, Sheila Stack (mother), Oliver Stack, and Kieran Stack stand in front of statue honoring Brian Stack in 2013)