Abhaile Arís Remembers the Hunger Strikes

Abhaile Arís host “Remembering the Hunger Strikes: an Evening of Discussion”

Letterkenny’s Radisson Hotel played host to a major event of Abhaile Arís looking at the legacy of the Hunger Strikes.

Danny Morrison, Mary Nelis, Seanna Walsh and Mary Doyle had the audience spellbound as they recounted their memories of the period leading up to the 1981 Hunger Strikes as well as their reflections on the events and aftermath of 1981 itself.

A large crowd gathered from early evening to view the National Hunger strike Exhibition which was also present at the venue. The exhibition includes many items of great historical importance from Long Kesh as well as politically important memorabilia and documents from the time.

The crowd then turned their attention to the discussion among the four invited guests.

Seanna Walsh and Mary Doyle told of their memories and of the atmosphere in Long Kesh and Armagh prison respectively during the period. Danny Morrison spoke of the propaganda battle and political goings-on during the time outside the prisons while Mary Nelis spoke as a mother whose sons were involved the prison struggle of the ordeal many relatives went through to fight the criminalisation of family members.

Abhaile Arís’s Outreach Worker Gerry Mc Monagle summed up the feelings of all in attendance in thanking the guests for insight and excellent contributions.