Springfield Massachusetts Remembers the 1981 Hunger Strikers.

In a well-attended commemoration in the Rose Garden in Forest Park, wreaths were laid and songs were sung to remember the 1981 Hunger Strikers.

Speeches were made by Chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus Rep. Richard Neal, Mayor Domenic. J. Sarno and former Hunger Striker Pat Sheehan MLA. Pat remembered lost friends, spoke of his own experiences of surviving 55 days on Hunger Strike and his hopes for the future.

The Irish Proclamation was read by Caroline Murray JD and the event ended with music from Deidre Reilly.

Following the ceremony, Gerry Adams was introduced by Rep. Neal.

In a powerful and evocative contribution, Gerry Adams led out the challenges and opportunities that we now face to create a new and united Ireland.

Many thanks to Rep. Neal and the organizers for putting such a fitting tribute to the 1981 Hunger Strikers.

Thursday 8th July 2021 marks the 40th Anniversary of the death of Joe McDonnell on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh Prison.

To mark the anniversary we are very proud to present an interview with his friend, fellow prisoner, and author Jim (Jaz) McCann.

Jaz spent 17 years in Long Kesh. Jailed at the age of 20, he was on the Blanket and No-Wash protests. He details the routine brutality of the prison regime that led to the 1981 Hungers Strikes and the deaths of 10 republican prisoners. Within 2 years of the ending of the hunger strike, Jaz was one of 38 Irish Republican Prisoners that escaped in the largest prison breakout in Irish history. He was captured and returned to jail.

The interview is full of incredible insights and an astounding sense of comradeship that bound the prisoners together and eventually beat the prison regime.

A story of courage and the ability of the human spirit to overcome inhumanity.

Over the past number of weeks the largest Unionist party, the DUP, has sacked two leaders. The instability and refusal to honor agreements are threatening the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

In this interview, Ciarán Quinn Sinn Féin representative to North America gives an overview of political developments.