17 April 1997 Edition
US honours Hunger Strikers
by Christy Mac an Bhaird
Irish activists from five states are expected to attend the unveiling of a Hunger Strike Memorial in Hartford, Connecticut. over the weekend of 3 and 4 May. Marcella Sands Kelly, Bobby Sands's sister, will be present at the dedication ceremony.
Irish Northern Aid Committee Vice Chairman Rich Lawlor, a Hartford attorney, has spearheaded the memorial project, an effort that has seen dozens of volunteers working for more than two years to honour Irish Republican hunger strikers who sacrificed their lives for Irish freedom.
``This has been in the planning stages for more than two years and many supporters have given countless hours in planning and preparation. It is a fitting tribute to the 1981 hunger strikers. It shows that Irish Americans appreciate, honour and understand their sacrifice for freedom,'' said Lawlor, a long-time Irish activist and member of NORAID's National Executive.
The weekend events begin with a dedication Mass at St. Peter's Church in Hartford on Saturday 3 May. That evening there will be a concert at the Four Green Fields Pub in Glastonbury. On Sunday INA will sponsor an Irish breakfast at the Four Green Fields.
The memorial dedication will be Sunday at 2:30 pm. The Celtic Cross, engraved with the names of the 1981 hunger strikers and the words ``Tiocfaidh ár lá,'' will be unveiled at that time.
Frank Stagg and Micheal Gaughan, two hunger strikers who died in the 1970s in English jails, will also be honoured.
Irish activists from five states are expected to attend the unveiling of a Hunger Strike Memorial in Hartford, Connecticut. over the weekend of 3 and 4 May. Marcella Sands Kelly, Bobby Sands's sister, will be present at the dedication ceremony.
Irish Northern Aid Committee Vice Chairman Rich Lawlor, a Hartford attorney, has spearheaded the memorial project, an effort that has seen dozens of volunteers working for more than two years to honour Irish Republican hunger strikers who sacrificed their lives for Irish freedom.
``This has been in the planning stages for more than two years and many supporters have given countless hours in planning and preparation. It is a fitting tribute to the 1981 hunger strikers. It shows that Irish Americans appreciate, honour and understand their sacrifice for freedom,'' said Lawlor, a long-time Irish activist and member of NORAID's National Executive.
The weekend events begin with a dedication Mass at St. Peter's Church in Hartford on Saturday 3 May. That evening there will be a concert at the Four Green Fields Pub in Glastonbury. On Sunday INA will sponsor an Irish breakfast at the Four Green Fields.
The memorial dedication will be Sunday at 2:30 pm. The Celtic Cross, engraved with the names of the 1981 hunger strikers and the words ``Tiocfaidh ár lá,'' will be unveiled at that time.
Frank Stagg and Micheal Gaughan, two hunger strikers who died in the 1970s in English jails, will also be honoured.