Sinn Féin Leader encourages people to attend National Hunger Strike Commemoration in Mayo

With just weeks to go until this year’s National Hunger Strike Commemoration, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has encouraged people from across Ireland to travel to Ballina on Sunday, August 30, to honour the memory and legacy of Ireland’s hunger strikers.

Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill will deliver the keynote address on the day.

The national commemoration, marking the 45th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike, will pay tribute to Bobby Sands, Francis Hughes, Raymond McCreesh, Patsy O’Hara, Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty, Thomas McElwee and Mickey Devine, while also remembering the Mayo hunger strikers Michael Gaughan (1974), Frank Stagg (1976) and Seán 'Jack' McNeela (1940), whose courage and sacrifice remain an enduring source of inspiration.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mary Lou McDonald said: “The 1981 Hunger Strike was one of the defining moments in modern Irish history. The courage and selflessness of the Hunger Strikers transformed the political landscape of our country and inspired a generation to believe that change was possible.

“The Hunger Strikers asserted the right of the Irish people to determine their own future and, through their sacrifice, accelerated a political awakening that continues to shape Ireland today. Their legacy can be seen in the growth of republican politics, in the confidence of a new generation, and in the increasing momentum behind the objective of Irish unity.

“It is especially fitting that this year’s National Hunger Strike Commemoration will be held in Ballina. Mayo has a unique place in the history of the prison struggle through the sacrifices of Seán ‘Jack’ McNeela, Michael Gaughan and Frank Stagg, whose courage is woven into the story of Ireland’s struggle for freedom.

“On Sunday, August 30, republicans from every county in Ireland will gather in Ballina to honour all of our hunger strikers, to remember the ideals for which they gave their lives, and to recommit ourselves to building the new, united Ireland for which they sacrificed so much.

“The Hunger Strikers left us an extraordinary legacy of courage, resilience and hope. It is now our responsibility to continue the work they began by advancing the cause of Irish unity.”

Ms. McDonald concluded: “I encourage everyone who cherishes the memory of the Hunger Strikers, and everyone who believes in Ireland’s future, to join us in Ballina for what will be a fitting, respectful and inspiring national commemoration.”