Legacy Of The 1981 Hunger strike

Legacy Of The 1981 Hunger strike

The 1981 Hunger Strike for political status was one of the most intense and critical episodes in the modern history of Ireland. Ten Republican prisoners died during the Strike, while several more were left seriously ill and permanently damaged by their participation. Elsewhere in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh, hundreds of prisoners were subjected to daily brutalisation by prison warders. Outside the prison, the impact of the Hunger Strike witnessed the election of Bobby Sands as MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, with Kieran Doherty and Paddy Agnew elected as TDs in Leinster House. Historians, broadcasters, commentators, politicians, activists and, above all, the relatives of people who died during the turbulence of the 1981 Hunger Strike, still debate the legacy of that period. However, it is beyond question that the 1981 Hunger Strike was a pivotal and tragic moment in history. Twenty-five years on, there are many lessons to be learned from the legacy of that moment – both for republicans, unionists, and wider society on the island.

Through our seminar we hope to address the “Legacy of the Hunger strike”. Our panel for this seminar is made up of people who were actively involved in this critical and intense period of our recent history. The panel includes,

· Billy Mc Quiston Former Loyalist ex prisoner Belfast.
· Kevin Campbell Former Republican ex prisoner, Derry.
· Raymond Millar Former Loyalist ex prisoner, Derry.
· Mary Nelis Anti H-Block Campaigner, Former MLA Derry.

The seminar will begin at 7pm with the showing of a short film that was commissioned at that time and which deals with the polarisation of both communities at the time of the hunger strike. The fact that we have the panel that we have outlined above shows that we are making some inroads into addressing the polarisation of our communities. We are asking that people take the time to come along and listen to and if you feel the need to be involved in the night’s discussions.