Joe Hughes -100 years young

Sinn Féin MP for Mid-Ulster Martin McGuinness expressed best wishes  this week to Joe Hughes, father of IRA Hunger Striker Francis, on his 100th birthday. McGuinness who visited Joe on Wednesday on his birthday said that Joe Hughes was a fine Irishman who in the difficult months during the Hunger Strike stood shoulder to shoulder with his son.
Speaking on Tuesday McGuinness said:
“Tomorrow Joe Hughes, father of IRA Hunger Striker Francis will reach his 100th birthday.
“During very difficult and dangerous times Joe and his late wife Maggie stepped forward at great personal loss to themselves and their family.
“He is a proud and strong Irishman and a solid Republican who stood firmly behind his son, as Francis and his comrades faced down Margaret Thatcher and her criminalisation policy in Long Kesh in 1981.
“I wish Joe and the Hughes family best wishes on this occasion and look forward to joining with them tomorrow in Bellaghy to share this special day.”