Top Issue 1-2024

2 October 2017 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Passing of Fr Piaras Ó Dúill, National H-Blocks Committee

• 1981, National H-Blocks Committee: Bernadette McAliskey, Jim Gibney, Piaras Ó Dúill and Fergus O’Hare

“During the late 1970s he was especially moved by the plight of the H-Block and Armagh women prisoners on protest over political status"

GERRY ADAMS TD expressed his “deep sadness” at the death on 5 September of Fr Piaras Ó Dúill, best-known for his high profile campaigning as National Chairperson of the National Smash H-Block Committee during the 1980/81 Hunger Strikes.

Fr Piaras was born in Kilmainham, Dublin, in 1931 and trained with the Capuchin Order in Ards Friary in north Donegal. He began working as Chaplain in St Brendan’s Hospital in the 1960s. He was an avid Irish speaker and was a teacher of the language for a time.

The Sinn Féin leader extended his “sincerest condolences to Fr Ó Dúill’s family and friends.

Deputy Adams said:

“Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh le clann iomlán an tAth Piaras Ó Dúill.

“Bhí aithne agam ar an tAthair Ó Dúill ar feadh níos mó ná 40 bliana. Bhí suim mhór i gcónaí aige i gcoinníollacha na gcimí. Bhí sé corraithe go mór faoi na mná i bPríosún Ard Mhacha agus faoi na fir sna H Blocanna sna ‘70í a bhí ar agóid do stádas polaitiúil.

“I have known Fr Piaras for over 40 years. 

“He was always keenly interested in and concerned about the treatment of prisoners. 

“During the late 1970s he was especially moved by the plight of the H-Block and Armagh women prisoners on protest over political status.

“When the broad-based National Smash H-Block Committee was established, he took on the difficult and challenging role of its first National Chairperson.

“To his family and friends I want to extend Sinn Féin’s condolences on his death.”

GUE-NGL-new-Jan-2106

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland