THE GREAT ESCAPE

Monaghan’s memorable last-gasp victory over Dublin to preserve their Division 1 status was a feat of escapology Houdini would have been proud of, reflects JACK MADDEN

The Chinese Water Torture Cell: an illusion consisting of three parts. First, the magician’s feet are locked in stocks; next, he is suspended in mid-air from his ankles with a restraint brace; finally, he is lowered into a glass tank overflowing with water and the restraint is locked to the top of the cell. Berlin, Germany. The year is 1912. A young man by the name of Harry stands before an audience.

Behind him is some steel apparatus of nickel and brass to the value of $10,000, and some 250 gallons of water. More than enough to keep a goldfish or two. More than enough to scramble, to struggle, to scream, to suffer, to run out of options and submit. More than enough to drown. Berlin, Germany, 1912. A young man by the name of Harry escapes the selfconstructed clutches of death.

A little wet, but all the while thoroughly alive. The audience descend into raptures of relief and delirium, their star is safe. Until the next stunt at least. “No performer should attempt to bite off red-hot iron unless he has a good set of teeth.” The concept of escape is more fascinating than that of winning, than that of glory. In the end, someone always…