23 February 2006 Edition

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Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2006 HUNGER STRIKE COMMEMORATION

BY SHANE Mac THOMÁIS

1916 and 1981 major themes

With the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising and the 25th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strikes ocuuring this year, both events were majopr themes of the 2006 Ard Fheis.

Both events were referred to by many delegates over the three days. An exhibition put together by the National H-Block Commemoration Committee detailing the events leading up to, and sacrifices made during, the campaign for political status was on display all weekend in the exhibition room.

The display included many photographs and articles that have never been shown before and was accompanied by numerous pieces of prison art as well as comms from prisoners to friends and families or showing maps of the prison.

A special section detailing the struggles of women prisoners shone some light on a facet of the prison struggle that is sometimes overlooked.

Two members of Ogra Shinn Féin, Grace Vaughey and Barry McColgan performed moving readings on stage from Nora Connolly O'Brien and Bobby Sands prior to the Presidential Address by Gerry Adams. The Sinn Féin President also made references to members of the families of Hunger Strikers Frank Stagg and Raymond McCreesh who were present in the audience.

Francie Brolly closed the Saturday session of the Ard Fheis with an emotive rendition of The H-Block Song with the the Ard Chomhairle and the hall singing accompaniment.

Over the weekend delegates showed their admiration for the men and women of 1981 by proudly wearing the newly-designed H-25 badges which are available from Sinn Féin Shops.


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