30th Anniversary of 1981 Hunger Strikes

fitzcoff

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Hi,

There are a number of events happening in Co Waterford to commemorate the 1981 Hunger Strikes.

The first of these is in Portlaw.

On Sunday, May 1st, 2011 a Hunger Strike 30th Anniversary Commemoration will take place in Portlaw, Co. Waterford. Assemble in square at 6.00pm for 6.30pm start. Carrick on Suir RFB and colour party will lead the march to St Patricks church for a wreath laying ceremony and decade of the Rosary, then march back to the main square for Roll of Honour and speeches.. Speakers include Geno McCormack and David Cullinane. Later there will be a meet and greet event in the community hall with light refreshments followed by enterainment in The Pellum Bar that evening. To date, we have Cumann from counties Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford marching on the 1st and would like to extend an invitation to any other Cumann\groups or individuals who would like to come along an share in our commemoration.

There will be a number of other events including an educational workshop and talks in Lawlors Hotel on the 22 and 23 July.
There will be an exhibition in the hotel over the weekend also.

Just wanted to ask if there are any local photos/ commremorative pieces from Waterford that could be included in the presentations/exhibition.

We have a facebook page for this

http://www.facebook.com/pages/H-Block-Waterford/195499033820570

mike65

Does anyone remember the Provo caravan in Red Square getting towed into the Suir one night?

nickybutler

Anyone have a picture of this? I dont remember it?

fitzcoff

Just to bump the thread to remind people to join us in Portlaw tomorrow night.

Don't forget the "like" us on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/H-Block-Waterford/195499033820570

dlofnep

Will be heading up myself. Should be a good one.

Sully

Assume this is a SF outing judging by the Facebook?

dlofnep

Sully wrote: »

Assume this is a SF outing judging by the Facebook?

It was.

Good turnout today. Great commemoration.

fitzcoff

SF are involved but the committee also includes people not involved in Sinn Fein.

The hope is that the weekend in Dungarvan in July will be an educational /informative weekend where people can learn and find out more about what happened in 1980/1981. A chance for people to learn about their history.

The exhibition over the 22/23 July is one that is travelling all over Ireland with memorabilia from the hunger strike time.

We would really like to include information/memorabilia from Waterford in the exhibition if anyone has anything. Please PM or leave info here. Anything anyone gives will be returned to them.


Some photos from Portlaw have been added on the facebook page if anyone is interested

fitzcoff

The full arrangements for the weekend of July 22nd - 24th

Weekend opening ceremony July 22nd Lawlors Hotel Dungarvan. Speakers are TD Pearse Doherty & Dungarvan Mayor Cllr Teresa Wright

At 7pm the 30th Commemmoration of The Hunger Strike will be opened. The National Exhibition will be open to all in Lawlors Hotel. Come along to show your support for the memories of these 10 brave Men


Saturday 23rd July - GAA underage hurling blitz in Bushy Park Dungarvan – Kevin Lynch Cup 11am – 1pm, Teams from across the country playing - Cup presentation approximately 2.30pm


Saturday Main Event - The Legacy of 81’. – Admission Free
Guest speakers & audience discussion / debate in Lawlors Hotel,
Morning & Afternoon sessions 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm


Martin Coffey – Local historian, theme - History of Republican hunger strikers 1900-1985

Councillor Jim (Flash) Mc Veigh – Former political prisoner & the last Officer Commanding in long kesh, theme – From the Kesh to Government Buildings

Fr Joe Mc Veigh – Human Rights Activist & Author

Cyril Mc Curtain – Bobby Sands Cell Mate, theme- Characters & Comrades

Councillor Teroise Ferris, theme, - The Legacy of 81’


Then Saturday night theres a music night in Lawlors with Clann Na hEireann


Sunday night to round off the weekend we are showing the films H3 which was produced by my friend Laurence Mc Keown who was himself on Hunger strike. Laurence will also be in atendance and we will hold a Q&A session following the film


€10 ticket allows entrance to the music night on Sat and the showing of H3 on sun.- Tickets on 087 2614418 or in Lawlors hotel reception or can PM for tickets. Thanks

fitzcoff

Just wanted to remind everyone of this event

Mary Lou McDonald will be opening the event along with Dungarvan Town Mayor Cllr. Teresa Wright on Friday night

The film H3 is being shown on Sunday night in the Park Hotel

http://youtu.be/awtAQ0RUQyA

wellboytoo

My long lasting memory of this time , is the fellas with black flags standing in the middle of Broadstreet and the guy at the head of the line now a major cog in a large union proudly holding his flag and the Mirror in his pocket, ya have to laugh.