South African freedom fighter to deliver Bobby Sands lecture

Former South African political prisoner, Robert McBride is to deliver the annual Bobby Sands Memorial Lecture.

The lecture, on this the 25th Anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike, falls on Friday 5 May, the 25th anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands, following 66 days on Hunger Strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.

McBride, who was imprisoned in South Africa and sentenced to death for his involvement in the South African freedom struggle, is related to Major John McBride, executed for his part in the 1916 Rising.

Robert McBride is now a senior police officer in Cape Town and has visited Ireland on numerous occasions. On his most recent visit two years ago he spoke to republican activists about the changes he has witnessed in policing in South Africa.

This year's Bobby Sands Memorial Lecture is being held in the Devinish Complex, Finaghy Road North, Belfast on Friday night 5 May.

The lecture itself will begin at 8.30pm sharp and the tickets cost £7 For further information contact Twinbrook Sinn Féin on 028 90 611176.