The 26th anniversary of the end of the 1981 Hunger-strike was marked in Strabane on Wednesday night 3rd October. Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin held a candlelit vigil at the Hunger-strike memorial in Townsend street which attracted a huge crowd. The event was a great success and was well attended by Ógra activists and the Republican community of the town, with well over 100 candles handed out.
Chairing the nights proceedings, local Ógra Shinn Féin chair Seán Gillespie said;
“26 years ago today, Republican prisoners in the H-blocks and Armagh, ended their Hunger-strike for political status.
The statement read out that day by volunteer Pat Sheehan, ended seven months of painful protest against the british government’s policy of criminalisation of Republicans. Ten brave men died on the 1981 Hunger-strike and they are commemorated every year across Ireland and further a field.
Some of us here today have vivid memories of this turbulent time in Irish history. Others however such as myself and my comrades in Ógra Shinn Féin weren’t born at this time.The important thing to remember always, is why these men and indeed all our volunteers gave their lives. They fought and died so that we would see a day when british imperialism in Ireland becomes a thing of the past. Comrades we have yet to see that day. British occupation, and all the political evils associated with partition still exist. It is our duty as Irish Republicans in this an unfinished revolution, to build a 32 county Socialist Democratic Republic that the men and women of 1981 would be proud of.
By attending here today, we continue to show that the desire for Irish liberation and the struggle for social justice is well and truly alive in this community. Tiocfaidh Ar La!”
Following the opening address, Bobby Sand’s famous poem ‘The rhythm of time’ was read out by Ógra activist Dearbhail Peoples, and with the talented young Siobhan McCafferty playing an Irish air on the fiddle in the background.
John McDermott of Strabane Ógra then read the 3rd March statement ending the Hunger-strike, followed by the first day of Bobby Sand’s diary.
The 1981 Hunger-strike roll of honour was read by Ógra activist Mallachy Quigg followed by a minutes silence in memory of the ten brave men.
Events were brought to a close with the playing of Amhrán Na bhFainn on the fiddle by Siobhan McCafferty.
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