Mayo TD urges strong attendance at Frank Stagg 50th anniversary commemoration

SINN Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has urged people to attend a major commemoration in Ballina this Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Mayo republican hunger striker Frank Stagg.

Frank Stagg died aged 35 in Wakefield Prison in February 1976 after 62 days on hunger strike. He had been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for conspiracy and undertook three hunger strikes in protest at prison conditions and the policy of criminalisation.

His demands were simple - an end to solitary confinement, access to education rather than prison labour, and transfer to a prison in the North of Ireland.

Deputy Conway-Walsh said the anniversary was an important moment to reflect not only on Frank Stagg’s sacrifice, but on the ordeal endured by his family.

“Frank Stagg did not go on hunger strike to die. He went on hunger strike because it was the only means left to resist criminalisation and inhumane prison conditions.”

She said his death was followed by actions by both the British state and the Irish government that compounded the suffering of his family.

“Frank Stagg was left to die by the British authorities, and his death was then shamefully used by the Irish government of the day to persecute and intimidate his grieving family.”

Deputy Conway-Walsh said the hijacking of Frank Stagg’s coffin, the arrest of his brother George on arrival at Shannon Airport, and the burial of Frank in direct violation of his expressed wishes represented 'one of the most disturbing episodes in the history of the Irish state’s treatment of a bereaved family'.

She added: “This commemoration is about remembering Frank Stagg’s courage, the dignity and endurance of his family, and the wider struggle against criminalisation. It is also about ensuring that this history is neither forgotten nor sanitised.”

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly, who was on hunger strike alongside Frank Stagg in 1974, will deliver the keynote address at the commemoration.

The Frank Stagg 50th anniversary commemoration will take place in Ballina on Saturday, February 14. Participants will gather at Leigue Cemetery at 1.30 p.m., followed by a procession to Frank Stagg’s grave. The commemoration ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., with music performed by members of the Stagg family.

The keynote address will be delivered by Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly. Other speakers include Deputy Conway-Walsh and Councillor Gerry Murray. Frank’s brother George Stagg will offer closing remarks.