Remember The 1981 Hunger Strikers - O'Connell Bridge, Dublin, May 5th
Éirígi For A New Republic has announced the details of the 2022 Black Flag Vigil to mark the 41st anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands during the 1981 H Block Hunger Strike. It will be held on O’Connell Bridge in Dublin at 6 pm on Thursday, May 5th.
May 5th, 2021 Black Flag Vigil on O’Connell Bridge, Dublin
Speaking about the vigil, Cathaoirleach Éirígí Brian Leeson said, “Bobby Sands was a young man of only 27 years when he became the first to embark on Hunger Strike in 1981. Married with a young son, popular amongst those who knew him, and possessed of a lively and intelligent mind, he had every reason to live. Heroically, he would sacrifice all to lead his comrades into a struggle that soon became one of the most defining events in our recent history.
What was at stake for Bobby and his comrades was the very essence of what it meant to be an Irish Republican. Ultimately ten young men would die resisting the efforts of the British government to criminalise the fight for a free and independent Irish Republic.
After first refusing food on March 1st, Bobby remained on hunger strike for 66 days before his passing on May 5th. On the 9th of April, 1981 he was elected as MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, winning the seat with 30,493 votes.
On every May 5th since 2009, we’ve commemorated Bobby Sands and his comrades with a black flag vigil on O’Connell Bridge. The same location was used for protests and vigils throughout the 1981 hunger strike.
With the exception of 2020, missed due to Covid-19, we have gathered each year to remember with pride the sacrifice of The Ten: Bobby Sands, Francis Hughes, Patsy O Hara, Raymond McCreesh, Joe McDonnell, Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty, Thomas McElwee and Mickey Devine.
I’m inviting people from Dublin and further afield to join us at 6 pm on May 5th on O’Connell Bridge. All are welcome, bígí linn.”