Gaughan Lynn Stagg Cumann

26/05/2026

REMEMBERING ÓGLACH MICHAEL GAUGHAN 🖤 🇮🇪

As Ballina prepares to proudly host the National Hunger Strike Commemoration this year, Mayo Sinn Féin invites you to join us in a dignified act of remembrance.

We will be holding a BLACK FLAG VIGIL to honor the enduring memory, courage, and ultimate sacrifice of Óglach Michael Gaughan.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, June 3rd

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Humbert Monument, Ballina

This is a milestone year for our community as we welcome people from across the country to remember our hunger strikers. Let’s stand together in solidarity to ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

All are welcome. Please share and encourage friends, family, and neighbours to attend.

21/05/2026

REMEMBERING RAYMOND MCCREESH (1957 – 1981) 🕊️

Today, we mark the 45th anniversary of the passing of Raymond McCreesh, who died on hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh on May 21st, 1981, at the age of 24.

A native of Camlough in South Armagh, Raymond was the third of the ten hunger strikers to die, following 61 grueling days on strike fighting for political status, dignity, and the recognition of the republican struggle.

Described by those who knew him as quiet, deeply determined, and fiercely dedicated to his community and the cause of Irish freedom, his sacrifice—alongside his comrades—profoundly changed the course of Irish history.

Forty-five years on, we remember his courage, his resilience, and the enduring legacy of the 1981 hunger strike.

"THEY CANNOT CRUSH SOMETHING AS STRONG AS THE IRISH DESIRE FOR FREEDOM."

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

21/05/2026

REMEMBERING PATSY O’HARA (1957 – 1981) 🕊️

Today, alongside his comrade Raymond McCreesh, we honor the memory of Patsy O’Hara on his 45th anniversary. Patsy passed away on May 21st, 1981, at the age of 23, after 61 days on hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.

A native of the Bishop Street area in Derry City, Patsy was a proud member and Officer Commanding (O/C) of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) prisoners within the jail. He was the fourth of the ten young men to make the ultimate sacrifice during the 1981 hunger strike.

From his early youth, Patsy was a dedicated activist, deeply involved in the civil rights movement and the struggle for Irish self-determination. Known for his sharp intellect, political conviction, and immense bravery, he stood firmly with his comrades in demanding dignity and political status.

Forty-five years later, his courage, integrity, and sacrifice continue to be remembered by republicans across Ireland and around the world.

"LET THE FIGHT GO ON."

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

21/05/2026

REMEMBER RAYMOND MCCREESH AND PATSY O'HARA 🕯️✨

​Mayo Sinn Féin extends a warm welcome to everyone to join us as we honor and remember hunger strikers Raymond McCreesh and Patsy O’Hara on the 45th anniversary of their passing.

​Let us gather together to reflect on their incredible courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy.

​🗓️ WHEN: Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 PM

📍 WHERE: The Humbert Monument, Ballina

​Come stand in solidarity with us this Thursday evening. All are welcome to attend.

​Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

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15/05/2026

07/05/2026

Belfast, 7 May 1981.

​Today, the streets of Belfast didn’t just speak; they roared in a silence that could be heard across the world.

​An estimated 100,000 people marched in a sea of grief and defiance to bid farewell to Bobby Sands. It is a heartbreak that defies words—the loss of a young life, a poet, and a leader who chose the ultimate sacrifice.

​But look at the crowd. Look at the scale of this unity. This isn't just a funeral; it is a testament to an unbreakable spirit. The weight of this moment has shifted the very ground of the Nationalist community.

​They may have let him die, but in doing so, they’ve made his voice eternal.

​Rest in peace, Bobby. Your sacrifice has lit a fire that will never be put out. 🕊️✊

07/05/2026

🇮🇪 Mayo Remembers Francis Hughes

​Join us as we gather to honor the memory and sacrifice of Francis Hughes on the anniversary of his passing.

​Born on February 28, 1956, Francis was a fearless solider of the Republic. We commemorate his incredible courage during the 1981 Hunger Strike, where he showed unbreakable resolve for 59 days before passing away on May 12, 1981.

​All are welcome and encouraged to attend this local commemoration as we pay our respects to his legacy.

​🗓 When: Tuesday, May 12th
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: Humbert Monument, Ballina

​Let’s stand together in remembrance. Please share and spread the word! ✊
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05/05/2026

HEAR THE PEOPLE SING ✊🇮🇪

​May 5, 1981. A date etched in history. A date when the world stopped to witness the ultimate sacrifice for dignity and self-determination.

​After 66 days of hunger strike in the Maze Prison, Bobby Sands—IRA Volunteer and elected Member of Parliament—closed his eyes for the last time. He was only 26 years old, but his resolve was unbreakable.

​The Legacy of a Legend Bobby didn't just fight with a weapon; he fought with the sheer power of his will. His death sent shockwaves from the streets of Belfast to the halls of international power:

​Global Awareness: From Tehran to New York, the world stood in solidarity against the handling of the strike.

​Political Shift: He proved that the hunger for justice is stronger than any prison wall, forever changing the landscape of the struggle.

​Unwavering Spirit: His sacrifice fueled a movement that refused to be silenced.

​"Everyone, Republican or otherwise, has their own particular part to play. No part is too great or too small; no one is too old or too young to do something." — Bobby Sands

​Today, we remember the man who gave everything so his people could be heard. His name remains a symbol of resistance, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.

​Tiocfaidh ár lá. 🇮🇪✨

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