Fourthwrite .......................Issue No. 7

CD launched in Wickow

County Wicklow Hunger-strike Commemoration Committee invited Michael Devine -son of the H-Block martyr, Mick Devine - to launch a CD dedicated to the memory of the ten men who gave their lives for political status in 1981. The occasion was a resounding success with a large crowd turning out to remember and honour the ten heroes.Those present were also treated to a fine evening of music and song.  An outstanding feature of the launch was the attendance of many young people who are clearly inspired by the events of 1981.

A number of Fourthwrite contributors were present and they too found inspiration in the dedication of the hardworking Arklow committee.

Desmond Greaves Summer School

The 2001  Desmond Greaves Summer School was held over the weekend of 24-26 August in the Labour Museum located in the old Beggars Bush army barracks in central Dublin. The highlight for many (and best attended) was the Sunday afternoon lecture by leading Sinn Fein member Jim Gibney. Mr. Gibney addressed the school on  developments within Sinn Fein since the time of the 1981 hungerstrikes .

Having played a central role in the organisation of the campaign to support the prisoners on protest and on hunger strike, the speaker was able to give a real insight into the period. Moreover, having met a number of those on hungerstrike, he told a powerful story of the strength and determination of the hungerstrikers and their refusal to capitulate to the British Government. Following his moving address, Mr. Gibney took questions from the floor in what developed into a lively session of debate and discussion about the current peace process.

Acknowledging that the Good Friday Agreement is not a republican solution, Mr. Gibney said that it can be  seen however as “a stepping stone to the Republic”.

Prominent among those who spoke from the body of the hall was  former Sinn Fein Ard Comhairle member, Mr. Roy Johnston who complimented Jim Gibney and the current leadership of Sinn Fein, commenting that the current  Agreement is very similar to what he had proposed to the then Sinn Fein leadership in the late 1960’s.

Fourthwrite editor Tommy McKearney was one of the invited speakers at the unveiling in Mostrim, Co. Longford of a monument in memory of the dead hunger striker Martin Hurson. In the course of his address he likened the heroism of Martin Hurson to that of Kevin Barry and Che Guevara. Also speaking was republican Sinn Fein President Ruairi O’Bradaigh who detailed the support given to the hunger strike campaign by the people of Longford and West Meath in 1980 and 1981.

Derry Remembers

The Derry City branch of the IRSP organised a commemoration for  two  Derry men who died on hunger strike in1981. The event was part of the annual Festival of Resistance and drew a large crowd. Those who attended heard the late  Michael Devine’s sister Margaret tell of her last days with him before he died. This moving account was preceded by an out line of the conditions in Long Kesh at the time by Tony O’Hara, brother of hunger striker, Patsy. Fourthwrite editor Tommy McKearney and IRSP Ard Comhairle member Cathal McGovern also spoke from the platform.