Commemoration at Duleek monument
DULEEK 1916-1981 Monument Committee will hold an independent commemoration in Duleek on Sunday July 10th to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1981 hunger strike in the H-Block’s of Long Kesh when ten Irish republicans died in an attempt to gain political status for political prisoners.
The event will begin at the village green at 2.30pm and a parade will make its way down Main Street onto Station Road arriving at the hunger strike monument at King’s Gate.
‘This commemoration promises to be the biggest held in Co Meath by any organisation for years,’ says committee spokesperson Thomas Lynch.
‘It will be a memorable event with republicans from all corners of Ireland in attendance to remember ten brave young Irish patriots who unselfishly gave their lives to get better conditions for their comrades in the H-Blocks and Armagh gaol.’
Amongst those participating in the parade will be republicans carrying ten black coffin lids with photographs of the hunger strikers who died in 1981 and Pride of Eireann RFB from Portadown Co, Armagh.
Prominent Lurgan republican Breandan MacCionnaith will give the main oration.
‘During the hunger strikes of 1981, thousands of ordinary members of the public came out onto the streets in towns and villages throughout Ireland to support the prisoners,’ added Thomas, ‘and indeed as a young lad myself, I stood with many people of the village of Duleek at the courthouse on the Main Street holding black flag vigils.
‘We invite the public to join with us again to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their deaths.
Thomas concluded that Duleek 1916-1981 Monument Committee are an independent republican commemoration committee not affiliated to any organisation and all are welcome to attend.’
