Republicans to mark 25th Anniversary of Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O'Hara
Republicans throughout Ireland will this weekend mark the 25th Anniversary of the deaths on Hunger Strike of IRA Volunteer Raymond McCreesh and INLA Volunteer Patsy O’Hara.
A weekend of commemorative events will take place in South Armagh culminating in a parade on Sunday from Newry to Raymond McCreesh’s graveside in Camlough. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will address the commemoration.
In Derry a parade will make its way from the Bogside Inn to Patsy O’Hara’s former home in Bishop Street were a mural and plaque will be unveiled.
Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today urged people to attend the events.
Mr Murphy said:
“Raymond McCreesh was from my hometown of Camlough. This weekend Republicans from South Armagh and beyond will come together in Camlough for a weekend of events to remember Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O’Hara who died 25 years ago in the H-Blocks.
“In Derry Republican will gather to pay tribute to INLA Volunteer Patsy O’Hara.
“I would encourage people to attend the events and send out a clear message to those who still haven’t learnt the lessons of 1981 and still seek to try and criminalise the Republican struggle. The events of 1981 were a watershed moment for the Republican struggle and the sacrifices made by the men in Long Kesh and the women in Armagh Jail remain with us to this day.”
Main commemorative events this weekend.
South Armagh
Hunger Strike exhibition in Shane O’Neills GAA Club Camlough all weekend.
Friday 19th
7pm - Unveiling of plaque and mural at Raymond McCreesh’s home
8pm - Lecture by former PoWs and DVD launch in Marquee, Shane O’Neills club
Sunday 21st
1pm - parade to commence from Edward Street car park Newry to make its way to Camlough
3pm - mass in Carrickcruppin Church followed by commemoration at Raymond McCreesh’s graveside. Main speaker Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams
Derry
Sunday 21st
Parade will leave the Bogside Inn at 2.30pm to parade to Patsy O’Hara’s former home at Bishop Street were a mural and plaque will be unveiled.
Belfast
Friday 19th
7pm - Video launch and lecture involving former PoWs in Culturlann
Saturday 20th
1pm - Raymond McCreesh/Patsy O’Hara Cup, O’Donnells GAA pitch.
Sunday 21st
3pm - St Mary‘s college - ‘Talk Back’ - the legacy of the Hunger Strike. Involving Danny Morrison, former Hunger Strikers Bernard Fox and Pat Sheehan and former Armagh prisoner Mary McConville. Chaired by former Blanketman Fra McCann.
Black Flag Vigils will take place at 2pm across Belfast.
Cork
Friday 19th May
8.30pm - Vigil at the Tadhg an Astraa Monument in Cork City
7pm - Vigil Ballincolig
Dublin
Sunday 21st May
Vigils 12 noon - Driminagh Road; Kylemore Roundabout and Dolphins Barn Bridge
Louth
Friday 19th May
5.30pm - Vigil Drogheda Bridge.
Saturday 20th May
1pm - Vigil Market Square Dundalk.