Full programme for National Hunger Strike Commemoration in Ballina this weekend
The Republican Graveyard Plot in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina, County Mayo, on the day of Frank Stagg's 50th anniversary commemoration.
Ballina is set to welcome people from across Ireland this weekend for the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration, with a two-day programme of events taking place across the town.
Mayo's connection to the history of hunger strikes is particularly strong, with Frank Stagg, Michael Gaughan and Jack McNeela among those being remembered over the weekend.
Organised by Mayo Sinn Féin, the programme will include a keynote address from Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, historical talks, panel discussions, a commemorative run, book signings, and live music across Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30.
The National Hunger Strike Commemoration marks the 45th anniversary of the deaths of Bobby Sands, Francis Hughes, Raymond McCreesh, Patsy O’Hara, Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty, Thomas McElwee and Mickey Devine, who died during the 1981 hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.
The weekend will begin at 2.30pm on Saturday with a talk from George Stagg, brother of Hollymount native Frank Stagg.
He will give a first-hand account of the events surrounding the return of Frank Stagg’s body to Ireland following his death on February 12, 1976, after 62 days on hunger strike in Wakefield Prison.
Stagg had requested to be buried alongside fellow republican and Ballina native Michael Gaughan in Leigue Cemetery.
His remains were brought to Mayo under heavy security, and he was initially buried separately from Gaughan. Gardaí subsequently maintained a 24-hour watch over the grave, while concrete was later poured over it to prevent access.
On November 5, 1977, almost two years after Stagg's death, George and five others exhumed the coffin and reinterred him alongside Michael Gaughan, fulfilling his final request.
George will recount the events surrounding that night at the Republican Plot in Leigue Cemetery.
Later on Saturday, Martina Anderson will be signing copies of her autobiography Choosing the Struggle from 3pm to 5.30pm at the Great National Hotel in Ballina.
The former Sinn Féin MEP and MLA for Foyle was imprisoned for 13 years in England before being released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.
Proceeds from the book signing will go towards a project to build a monument to the late Martin McGuinness, former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Following this, a panel discussion will take place at the Great National Hotel at 6pm on ‘The Legacy of the Hunger Strike’ featuring Laurence McKeown, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Síle Darragh.
Saturday's programme will conclude with live music in Bar Square, with Spirit of Freedom, Liam Lappin and Bernie Mullen Carroll taking to the stage.
Sunday’s programme will begin with the National Hunger Strike 5km and 10km run and 5km walk in Belleek Woods. Those wishing to register can contact Mayo Sinn Féin.
At 12pm on Sunday, Martina Anderson will hold a second book signing at Unit A of the Innovation Quarter in Ballina, where the Mayo Cumann Óglach Project will also be unveiled.
The main National Hunger Strike Commemoration will then get underway.
Those attending the parade are asked to assemble at Bunree Industrial Estate from 2.30pm, with the commemorative parade departing at 3pm. The 2km route will cross the River Moy before finishing at Market Square.
Mayo Sinn Féin is advising those attending to park at Teeling Street or Humbert Street car parks and allow approximately 20 minutes to walk to the assembly point.
The weekend will conclude with live music at the Great National Hotel from 7.30pm, featuring The Irish Brigade, Richie Prendergast and Bernie Mullen Carroll.
