Successful 1981 Hunger strike Public Talk in Omagh

The Lecture Theatre in Strule Arts Centre, Omagh was packed to capacity on Friday the 14th August with Ógra activists and members of the public alike, crammed into their seats, eager to hear an intimate and personal account of the 1981 hunger strike.

The three speakers on the night didn’t disappoint, with each speaking very openly about how the hunger strike had affected them, their family and their community, and the lasting legacy of the events of 1981.

Following a DVD showing, including news footage of Martin Hurson’s funeral and a tribute to Martin compiled by Ógra Shinn Féin, the talk was opened by chairperson Gemma McKenna.



The first to speak was nephew of Martin Hurson, John Regan, a young republican activist from Aughnacloy. John spoke of the stories his family shared with him of his uncle, and how they often made him laugh, he spoke of the easy going manner of Martin, and how he was always positive, as illustrated by his favourite saying whilst on hunger strike being ‘No Problem.’ John recounted the 25th Anniversary of the hunger strike, in particular the torchlight procession in Cappagh, with the whole place lit up, making him feel as ‘proud as punch’ to be Martin’s nephew. He told the audience that he thinks of Martin all the time, he is never far from his thoughts and that he is his hero.

Eibhlinn Glenholmes a close friend and comrade of Bobby Sands spoke about Bobby and the times she spent with him. She gave a very emotional and moving account of the impact that the hunger strike had on the friends and family of the men in Long Kesh and women in Armagh. Eibhlinn said that she could see the spirit of the lark in the young republican activists in Ógra today.

The last to speak was Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney, who spent 53 days on hunger strike in 1980. He spoke about the events of 1980 and 81, and the thoughts of the republican prisoners at that time. Raymond also spoke bravely of his own time on hunger strike, and spent considerable time talking of the proud legacy of the 1981 hunger strike and the massive support and lift in activism it injected into the republican struggle.

Following the talks, an enthused, engaged and emotive audience asked many questions of the panel, with many not realising 2 hours had passed as the public talk was brought to an end.

Speaking on the 1981 hunger strike talk, Tyrone hunger strike youth committee chairperson, Kerry McColgan said,

“The 1981 hunger strike was a catalyst in our struggle and created massive support for our struggle, nationally and internationally. The legacy of that time has endured until today with all the hunger striker’s providing constant inspiration to Irish youth, allowing us to put our struggle in perspective and overcome anything in our path.”

“The large turnout at Friday’s talk, demonstrates the interest that the 1981 hunger strike holds, and the many emotive questions from the floor and warm round of applause for the panel shows the inspiration that the Hunger strikers provide for many out there. We where honoured to host the three excellent speakers, we realise it was hard for them to recount such difficult times and personal thoughts, and would like to thank all who attended making it such a worthwhile and engaging public talk, and a fitting start to the Tyrone hunger strike youth weekend.”