Danny Morrison to launch Hunger Strike exhibition in Omagh on Monday

THE former Assembly member for Mid-Ulster and current Secretary of the Bobby Sands Trust, Danny Morrison, will officially launch the National Hunger Strike Exhibition in the Strule Arts Centre on Monday evening at 8pm.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Danny said:

The Hunger Strikes of 1980 and 1981 were defining moments in recent Irish history. As one of the negotiators at that time, I was on friendly terms with most of the men on the strike.

As such, I find it even difficult now to talk about those 10 men and their families and what they came through. Although, 30 years on, it still seems like yesterday, it's still powerful, and in terms of republicanism, it is up there along with 1916 for its effects and inspiration.

He added:

I was absolutely delighted to receive the invite to speak at the launch of the exhibition and facilitate a discussion on the Hunger Strike.

The exhibition consists of interpretative panels and personal artefacts which tells the story of the prison struggle. It is very personal and moving, and I encourage everyone, especially the younger generation to come along and learn about this period of our history.

Danny concluded:

I have a long association with this part of Tyrone having represented the area as an Assembly member from 1982 until 1986. During this time, I made many good friends in the county and am looking forward to renewing old acquaintances.

The exhibition will be open to the public from the launch on Monday until Friday 18th March, between 10am and 8pm, except for St Patrick's Day, when it closes at 5pm. The launch and exhibition has been organised by republican ex-prisoners' support group Éirí Ná Gréine as part of their 'Looking Back To Move Forward' project.

Danny Morrison at the H-Blocks of Long Kesh during the Hunger Strikes