Today May 12 marks the anniversary of the deaths of two of Ireland's bravest and most highly regarded heroes.
James Connolly was executed by British firing squad on this day 1916, while his wounded body was held up by a chair.
Francis Hughes was allowed to die by the vindictive Margaret Thatcher, he breathed his last breath of life whilst on his 59th day of Hungerstrike in Long Kesh Concentarion Camp, 26 years ago in 1981.
Connolly was a visionary, an egalitarian man of the people, who's sincere convictions where ultimately demonstrated during the Easter Rising. His writings, and memory have and will continue to inspire Republicans to strive for a Socialist Republic.
Francis Hughes was a young man from South Derry, who joined the IRA to fight the oppression that was wrought on his local community and its people. He became a legendary volunteer and struck fear into the occupying crown forces.
He brought this fearless character with him to Long Kesh when he was finally captured and imprisoned - and famously as he decided to use his 'body as a weapon' and go on Hungerstrike he bid farewell to his comrades with the immortal words, 'Victory to the Provos!'
Both men have stirred the hearts and inspired countless people in Ireland and across the world who have taken inspiration from the bravery, courage and vision that was demonstrated in the Easter Rising 1916 and the Hungerstrike in 1981.
We remember our comrades with pride!
3 comments:
It is not certain that James Connolly would have supported the activities of people like Francis Hughes. Connolly was a workers advocate who would have abhorred the likes of the Teebane massacre. It is also notable that Connolly did not join Sinn Fein but was a founding member of the Labour Party.
I am doing a report on the H-Block prisoners and would like to know where I can find some primary source information, i.e. journals, writings, etc.
I haven't been able to find much online other than biographies unfortunately.
Thank you for your help!
Good words.
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