“IRA Hunger Striker Óglach Joe McDonnell 1951-1981.” McDonnell was the fifth striker to die, on July 8th, after 61 days.
Shaws Road, west Belfast
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Óglach Joe McDonnell
hunger strike
Stop At Nothing
“Our rulers will stop at nothing to attain their ends. They will continue to rule and rob until confronted by men who will stop at nothing to overthrow them.” The quote is from James Connolly on Conscription in 1915. Local volunteer Joe McDonnell is portrayed between the names of the ten deceased 1981 hunger strikers. Lenadoon Avenue, Belfast.
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38 Days
Saor Uladh member Liam Hannaway went on hunger strike in protest at being held in a Special Supervision Unit at Maghaberry prison rather than with other republican prisoners. He ended his fast when he was moved to a hospital ward after 42 days. For more see RN | BBC-NI.
locationunknown (Eia St?)
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Let There Be No Bitterness
Michael Gaughan’s final message included the line “Let there be no bitterness on my behalf, but a determination to achieve the new Ireland for which I gladly die” which is loosely quoted in this hunger strikers Ardilea Close (in the Bone) mural. He is buried with Frank Stagg in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina (WP). The mural has been added behind the plaque to the hunger strikers in the middle-right: “Erected by the Olpark 1981 Committee. In proud and loving memories fo ten young Republicans who gave their lives during the 1981 hunger-strike in the H.Blocks of Long Kesh. No greater love than a man lay down his life for his friends.”
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Copyright © 2010 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Remember The Hunger Strike
2006 was the 25th anniversary of the second hunger strike, in 1981. This Ardoyne commemorative piece combines a painted border of Celtic knotwork with boards depicting scenes from 1981: a funeral volley, Derry women in blankets, women banging binlids, a masked protester throwing a Molotov cocktail at an armoured jeep, marchers outside a polling station.
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Copyright © 2008 Seosamh Mac Coılle
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Hunger Strikers
Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan are included alongside the deceased 1981 hunger strikers in a gallery of portraits that has been updated annually since (at least) 2006. The large panel shows blanket-men Hugh Rooney and Freddie Toal, and Bobby Sands, the first to die in 1981.
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Seosamh Mac Coille Collection 