Anything Goes with James English My Life In The IRA - Sam Millar Tells His Story
Jul 12, 2025
Sam Millar, a former IRA member, shares his compelling journey from a tumultuous childhood in Belfast to a life of activism and crime. He discusses the profound psychological effects of violence, encounters with influential figures like Bobby Sands, and the struggles of reintegration after incarceration. Millar reflects on moral dilemmas faced during heists while navigating prison life filled with gangs and unexpected bonds. His transformative journey culminates in New York, where he embraces a new beginning, albeit still haunted by his past.
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Love And New York Changed His Life
- After release Millar met a woman his father introduced and fell in love, which pulled him away from active militancy.
- He then accepted a friend's invitation to work in New York casinos and stayed for 14 years.
From Casino To The Brinks Plot
- While working in a casino Millar learned of lax security at a Brinks depot through an Irish-American guard.
- That knowledge and temptation led him to plan the Brinks robbery over two years.
The Botched Brinks Escape
- During the Brinks heist they loaded far more cash than intended and the van nearly failed to start under the weight.
- They escaped with about $7.5–8 million before alarms routed helicopters and state troopers.