Saturday, August 7, 2010

Sinn Fein Calls for Mass Memorial of H-Block Hunger Strike Deaths

From: Sinn Fein

Speaking as the Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle met in Dublin this morning Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness called on party members and supporters and the wider Republican community to turn out in huge numbers for the annual Hunger Strike Commemoration which takes place in Bellaghy, County Derry next Sunday, 15th August.

Mr McGuinness said:

“Tomorrow August 8th marks the 29th Anniversary of the death of Tom McElwee on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh. Tomorrow morning along with members of Tom’s family and the local republican community we will gather at Tom’s graveside for a short commemoration.

“Then next weekend the National Hunger Strike Commemoration takes place in Bellaghy, County Derry, the area where two of the Hunger Strikers, Volunteer Francis Hughes and Volunteer Tom McElwee came from.

“Republicans in Derry are busy putting together the final preparations for what is expected to be a very well attended commemoration.

“This is one of the biggest events on the Republican calendar and I appeal to all Sinn Féin members and supporters, to the wider Republican community, to the people of Ireland and international sympathisers to mobilise and show support for the ideals for which the Hunger Strikers gave their all.

“While 29 years have now passed since this pivotal period in the course of Irish history, the pride with which the H-Block Martyrs are remembered is ever enduring and I would urge republicans from throughout Ireland to reflect this sense of pride by making a special effort to attend this major commemorative event.”

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