The Ballymacnab/Clady 81 committee recently launched a weekend of events to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike which will take place in the Ballymacnab and Clady area on Saturday 16th April and Sunday 17th April including a mass, function, exhibition and panel discussion. Conor Murphy MP joined a number of local republican activists, Sinn Féin representatives and former POWs in Armagh to formally unveil details of the event. Speaking at the launch, local Sinn Féin representative Liam Lappin said, “The 1981 hunger strike was a defining point in our history when ten very brave and courageous men defied British attempts to criminalise the republican struggle in Ireland. The hunger strikers have become iconic figures for freedom loving people across the world, and of course here in Ireland we regard them as heros.”
Also endorsing the weekend of events and encouraging people to show their support, Cathal Boylan MLA said, “I would encourage people, especially our youth to come and participate in this commemorative weekend. The year 1981 became a turning point in our liberation struggle and its legacy remains on a similar scale as 1916. The weekend will include the national hunger strike exhibition as well as a panel discussion with former blanketmen and protesting prisoners. The clar for the weekend is as follows:
Sat 16th April
7.30pm – Mass at Ballymacnab Chapel
9.00pm – Function in Clady Social club with music by Paddywagon and prominent speaker
Sun 17th April
11.00am – 6.00pm – National hunger strike exhibition on display in Ballymacnab hall
6.00pm – Panel discussion with former POWs Seanie McGerrigan, Freddie Toal and Paddy Quinn
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