Republicans to mark 25th Anniversary of the death of Vol. Martin Hurson
Republicans in Tyrone will over the course of the coming days mark the 25th Anniversary of the death of IRA Volunteer Martin Hurson on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh.
The events will begin on Thursday 13th July, Martin's anniversary and continue up until Sunday, when a parade in Galbally will be addressed by the Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.
Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane the IRA 'OC' in Long Kesh at the time encouraged people to attend the events over the course of the coming days.
Speaking today Brendan McFarlane said:
"The local Hunger Strike Commemoration Committee in East Tyrone have put together an impressive weekend of events to remember Martin Hurson and examine the legacy that he leaves us with. Martin was arrested and tortured by the RUC. He was convicted by a Diplock court and he joined the blanket protest demanding political status. Martin died on July 13th after 46 days on Hunger Strike. He was a candidate in Longford/Westmeath in the 26 county election and republicans in that area have already marked his 25th anniversary with the unveiling of a new monument in his memory.
"This weekends events will involve Martin's family and former comrades. It will also involve the wider republican community in East Tyrone. A further event will take place in County Cavan recalling the impact of the H-Block struggle in the border counties.
"I would encourage people to attend the events in their local areas or indeed travel to Galbally for Commemoration weekend."
Main events commemorating the 25th Anniversary of Martin Hurson
East Tyrone
Thursday 13th July
8pm Galbally Community Centre - "The life of Martin Hurson" - with contributions from the Hurson family, former PoWs and former Sinn Féin Publicity Director Danny Morrison.
Hunger Strike exhibition will be on display all weekend in Galbally Community Centre
Friday 14th July
10.30pm - Torchlight procession from Hurson home to St. John's Church, Galbally.
Saturday 15th July
12noon - Galbally Pearse's GAA ground - annual Martin Hurson football tournament
Sunday 16th July
7pm - Parade from St. John's Church, Galbally to Cappagh along the route of Martin's funeral. Main speaker Gerry Adams.
Cavan
Sunday 16th July
6pm - 9pm - Slieve Russell Hotel - Story of the Hunger Strike. Including Bik McFarlane, Owen Carron, Sean McManus and Charlie Boylan
Dublin
Thursday 13th July
12.30pm - Vigil outside GPO
Derry City
Thursday 13th July
Wreath laying ceremony - H-Block monument Rossville Street.
Belfast
Thursday 13th July
White Line Pickets across the city
6pm - Vol Martin Hurson memorial lecture - Golden Thread Theatre
Down
Friday 14th July
7pm - Downpatrick Parade and Commemoration - Assemble Flying Horse Shop for parade to Hunger Strike monument
Louth
Friday 14th July
5.30pm - vigil - Peace Bridge - Drogheda
Saturday 15th July
1pm - Dundalk - Vigil Market Square