Staılc Ocraıs

Twelve hunger strikers prior to the 1981 strike are included in this Shaws Road board: on the left: Thomas Ashe, Mountjoy 1917; Michael Fitzgerald, Cork 1920; Terence McSwiney, Brixton 1920; Joseph Murphy, Cork 1920; Joseph Witty, Curragh 1923; Denis Barry, Newbridge 1923; Andrew Sullivan, Newbridge 1923; Tony D’Arcy, Arbour Hill 1940; Jack McNeela, Arbour Hill 1940; Seán McCaughey, Portlaoise 1946; Michael Gaughan, Parkhurst 1974; plus on the right: Frank Stagg, Wakefield 1976.

For the mural in better condition, see M04541.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X05923

38 Days

Saor Uladh member Liam Hannaway went on hunger strike in protest at being held in a Special Supervision Unit at Maghaberry prison rather than with other republican prisoners. He ended his fast when he was moved to a hospital ward after 42 days. For more see RN | BBC-NI.

locationunknown (Eia St?)

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00352 X00353

Let There Be No Bitterness

Michael Gaughan’s final message included the line “Let there be no bitterness on my behalf, but a determination to achieve the new Ireland for which I gladly die” which is loosely quoted in this hunger strikers Ardilea Close (in the Bone) mural. He is buried with Frank Stagg in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina (WP). The mural has been added behind the plaque to the hunger strikers in the middle-right: “Erected by the Olpark 1981 Committee. In proud and loving memories fo ten young Republicans who gave their lives during the 1981 hunger-strike in the H.Blocks of Long Kesh. No greater love than a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00354

Remember The Hunger Strike

2006 was the 25th anniversary of the second hunger strike, in 1981. This Ardoyne commemorative piece combines a painted border of Celtic knotwork with boards depicting scenes from 1981: a funeral volley, Derry women in blankets, women banging binlids, a masked protester throwing a Molotov cocktail at an armoured jeep, marchers outside a polling station.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00244

Hunger Strikers

Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan are included alongside the deceased 1981 hunger strikers in a gallery of portraits that has been updated annually since (at least) 2006. The large panel shows blanket-men Hugh Rooney and Freddie Toal, and Bobby Sands, the first to die in 1981.

Click image to enlarge
Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
X00282 X00281