Ballinasloe Sinn Fein will holding its annual Hunger Strike commemoration and vigil in St Michael’s Square, Ballinasloe today from 5pm to 8pm.
Bobby Sands, who was a political prisoner in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh died on May 5 1981 after 66 days on hunger strike. The Hunger Strike, which began on March 1, lasted until October of the following year.
Up to 23 prisoners participated on hunger strike demanding recognition of political status. Ten prisoners in total died to gain political status or ‘prisoner of war’ status from the British government.
Today’s event will be addressed by Eoghan McCormaic. Mr McCormaic was a close friend of Bobby Sands and was in Long Kesh during the blanket protest and the hunger strike.
