Students in Belfast Mark the Beginning of the 1981 Hunger Strike

To mark the beginning of the commemorative events surrounding the 30th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike, Queens and Jordanstown Sinn Féin gathered with students from both universities for a candle lit vigil outside Queens University. The event was held on the 1st of March which marks the very beginning of the hunger strike. It was on that date 30 years ago that IRA Volunteer Bobby Sands began his strike.

Spokesperson for Sinn Féin in the colleges Megan Fearon commended the attendance at the vigil and went on to say,

“30 years ago, 10 men died as a result of their unselfish sacrifice in the fight for Irish freedom. The events of 1981 were a watershed moment for the Republican struggle and the sacrifices made by these volunteers remain with us to this day. Today, the memory of the hunger strikers lives on and we are continuing to work for the United Ireland that they were so determined to achieve. It is of great importance that 30 years on, people the length and breadth of Ireland continue to remember these brave Irish patriots with pride, and that oppressed people throughout the world continue to be inspired by their courage and determination. I was not alive during the Hunger Strikes and neither were any of the young people who took part in this vigil tonight. However the events of 1981 and the sacrifice that people like Bobby Sands made for Ireland is an inspiration to me and every person who attended this event.”

“Not only did the men and women of 1981 build a mass political movement that has changed the foundations of Irish politics completely, they also left a legacy to the generations of Irish people who have followed them. A legacy of struggle against a foreign oppressor and a responsibility to finish the job that they started.

I call on my fellow students around the country to get involved in similar events which are planned for the term ahead to commemorate this hugely significant anniversary”.

REMEMBER THE 10!

Bobby Sands (66 days), Francis Hughes (59 days), Patsy O’Hara (61 days), Raymond McCreesh (61 days), Joe McDonnell (61 days), Martin Hurson (46 days), Kevin Lynch (71 days), Kieron Doherty (73 days), Tom McElwee (62 days), Michael Devine (60 days).

Keep up to date with all upcoming events organised by Sinn Féin in the colleges:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=203738139637759&id=100000047235453&ref=notif¬if_t=feed_comment_reply#!/profile.php?id=100000439897256

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=203738139637759&id=100000047235453&ref=notif¬if_t=feed_comment_reply#!/UUJ.SF