Kevin Lynch Weekend in Waterford

H-Blocks veterans Pat Sheehan MLA and Raymond McCartney MLA were in Waterford for the Kevin Lynch Weekend and they gave first-hand accounts of their experiences on hunger strike for 55 days and 53 days, respectively.

WATERFORD Sinn Féin hosted a weekend of events in Waterford City on 30 September/1 October to mark the death in 1981 of H-Blocks Hunger Striker Kevin Lynch. Kevin was a Dáil general election candidate in Waterford in 1981, securing 3,370 first-preference votes.

Kevin’s sister Bridie and his nieces travelled from Dungiven, County Derry,. They joined the Kevin Lynch Republican Flute Band, the Carrick-on-Suir RFB and the local community for the weekend’s events, including a large commemorative parade in Waterford City on Saturday afternoon with people from all over the South-East turning out to show their support.

H-Blocks veterans Pat Sheehan MLA and Raymond McCartney MLA were in Waterford for the Kevin Lynch Weekend and they gave first-hand accounts of their experiences on hunger strike for 55 days and 53 days, respectively. They spoke following the screening of Bobby Sands: 66 days in Garter Lane Theatre in a discussion moderated by local journalist Dermot Keyes.

A Mayoral Reception was held on Saturday evening for the visitors from Dungiven with presentations made to Kevin’s family and to members of the flute band named after him. A function took place in the Craftsman bar on Saturday night where friendships were copper-fastened that will stand the test of time.

It is hoped to make this a biannual event, with a return journey already being planned to Dungiven next August.

• Former H-Blocks Hunger Strikers Pat Sheehan MLA and Raymond McCartney MLA on stage with moderator Dermot Keyes in Garter Lane Theatre following a screening of teh film Bobby Sands: 66 days