Mayo Sinn Féin

31/05/2026

31/05/2026

Upcoming events at the Island Theatre GIFT VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE | HERE Saturday 11th July 2026 BALLINAMORE CAMINO LEARN MORE ISLAND THEATRE SOLAS ART GALLERY Solas Art Gallery relocates

31/05/2026

HONOURING A TITAN OF IRISH HISTORY: MICHAEL DAVITT @ (1846–1906) 🇮🇪☘️

​Today we remember Michael Davitt—a man whose fierce dedication to the cause of Irish freedom, social justice, and cultural identity reshaped history far beyond the shores of Ireland.

​Born in Mayo at the height of the Great Famine and evicted from his childhood home, Davitt’s life was defined by an unyielding resistance to oppression. From his early days as a dedicated Fenian and member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, to enduring years of brutal hard labour in British prisons for arms trafficking, he never lost sight of the people.

​Davitt understood a fundamental truth: political liberty was inseparable from land liberty. In 1879, alongside Charles Stewart Parnell, he founded the Irish National Land League, mobilizing tenant farmers to stand together against tyrannical landlordism. Through the power of unity and the birth of the "boycott" tactic, Davitt’s "Land War" broke the back of the landlord system.

​THE CELTIC CONNECTION 🟢⚪️
Davitt's fight for the working class deeply resonated with the Irish diaspora in Scotland. In 1889, he was named the very first formal Patron of GLASGOW CELTIC FC—a club founded to alleviate poverty among Irish immigrants.

​His connection was sealed in legendary folklore on March 5, 1892, when Celtic moved to their current home at Celtic Park. Davitt was invited to perform the ceremonial opening. Using a silver spade, he laid the very first sod of turf in the center circle—a patch of earth transported all the way from Mullaghduff, County Donegal, thickly planted with growing shamrocks. Upon laying it, Davitt famously expressed his hope that the club would prosper and that "no Saxon would be able to cross the sod of Irish turf now laid, without sustaining defeat."

​Revolutionary, organizer, champion of the oppressed, and a fundamental pillar of Celtic’s early identity—Michael Davitt remains an enduring inspiration.

​Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

​ Davitt

29/05/2026

ON THIS DAY: 29 MAY 1981

On this day in 1981, the National H-Block/Armagh Committee made a groundbreaking political move by announcing that nine republican prisoners would stand as candidates in the Republic of Ireland's upcoming General Election.

Following the historic by-election victory of Bobby Sands in Fermanagh/South Tyrone just two months prior, this strategy aimed to shatter the British government's "criminalisation" policy by proving the massive wall of public support for the prisoners' 5 Demands across the entire island.
The list of candidates included four men who were currently on active hunger strike, alongside five of their imprisoned comrades.

THE PRISONER CANDIDATES

The tactical selection of constituencies covered areas with deep-rooted republican traditions, designed to maximize the single-issue protest vote:

KIERAN DOHERTY (Hunger Striker) – Cavan/Monaghan

JOE MCDONNELL (Hunger Striker) – Sligo/Leitrim

MARTIN HURSON (Hunger Striker) – Longford/Westmeath

SEAN MCKENNA (Former Hunger Striker) – Kerry North

PADDY AGNEW (Blanket Man) – Louth

MAIREAD FARRELL (Armagh Prison Hunger Striker) – Cork North-Central

TONY O'HARA (Blanket Man & brother of the late Patsy O'Hara) – Dublin West

TOM MCALLISTER (Blanket Man) – Clare

KEVIN LYNCH (INLA prisoner who stepped onto the strike this very same day, May 29) – Waterford

Shaking the Political Establishment
The June 1981 election results would completely send shockwaves through Dublin and London. Both KIERAN DOHERTY in Cavan/Monaghan and PADDY AGNEW in Louth were successfully elected as Teachtaí Dála (TDs) to Dáil Éireann.

Joe McDonnell narrowly missed out by just over 300 votes in Sligo/Leitrim, and the substantial support garnered by all the prisoner candidates directly contributed to the collapse of Charles Haughey’s Fianna Fáil government.

By taking the struggle directly to the ballot box, this day marked a permanent turning point in modern Irish history—proving that the plight of the H-Block prisoners resonated deeply in every corner of Ireland.

28/05/2026

Remembering George McBrearty & Charles “Pop” Maguire

Today, May 28th, we honour IRA Volunteers George McBrearty and Charles “Pop” Maguire of the Derry Brigade, who lost their lives in action on this day in 1981.

Two courageous and committed republicans, George and Pop stood firm during one of the most difficult chapters in our history. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice continue to be remembered with deep pride and respect.

"And the people of the Creggan and the Bogside know full well,
Of the courage of these heroes and the tragedy that befell..."

On this anniversary, we hold their families, friends, and comrades in our thoughts and solidarity.

Their memory endures in the ongoing struggle for a free and united Ireland. 🇮🇪

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

28/05/2026

🇮🇪 Mayo Sinn Féin – Michael Gaughan 52nd Anniversary Commemoration 🇮🇪

Join us across a series of events as we honour and remember Ballina patriot Michael Gaughan on the 52nd anniversary of his death.

⚫ Wednesday, 3rd June 2026 – Black Flag Vigil
📍 Humbert Monument, Ballina
🕖 7:00 PM
All welcome — bring a friend.

📅 Saturday, 6th June 2026
📍 Ballina, Co. Mayo

🕙 10:00 AM – Remembrance Fun Run / Walk
Starting from Michael Gaughan Lane, Ardnaree, led by members Cú Chulainn Running Club Doire.

🕛 12:00 PM – Main Commemoration Ceremony
At the Republican Plot, Ballina Cemetery.
🎤 Main Speaker: Rose Conway-Walsh TD

🍵 Afternoon Social Gathering & Table Quiz
Join us afterwards in Bar Square, Ballina for refreshments, conversation, and a community table quiz.

Bígí Linn — All Are Welcome.
Bring your family and friends as we remember Michael Gaughan’s enduring legacy and sacrifice.

28/05/2026

ON THIS DAY: 28 MAY 1981

On this day in 1981, 24-year-old Tyrone republican Martin Hurson joined the hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh.

Martin stepped forward to fill the gap left by Derry prisoner Brendan McLaughlin, who had been forced off the strike just two days prior due to a sudden and life-threatening medical emergency. With the British government refusing to budge, the prisoners remained resolute in their collective demand for political status, and Martin willingly took his place in the line of protest.

Hailing from a staunchly republican family in Cappagh, Martin entered the fast fully aware of the heavy price paid by the four comrades who had already died that May. His body would ultimately succumb to the effects of starvation much faster than many of his fellow strikers, leading to a rapid decline. He would go on to endure 46 DAYS on the strike before passing away on 13 July 1981.

His profound bravery, self-sacrifice, and unyielding spirit in the face of absolute adversity are remembered today with the utmost pride and enduring respect.

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.

26/05/2026

ON THIS DAY: 26 MAY 1981

On this day in 1981, 29-year-old Derry republican Brendan McLaughlin was taken off the hunger strike in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh following a sudden, life-threatening medical emergency.

Brendan had stepped forward into the gap on 14 May, right after the death of Francis Hughes. He did so during the deadliest month of the protest, fully aware of the stakes. However, just 12 days into his fast, his body suffered severe internal complications—a perforated ulcer that caused massive internal bleeding.

As he rapidly lost consciousness, the severe hemorrhaging meant that immediate medical and surgical intervention was required to save his life. Under these critical conditions, he was removed from the strike line.

Though his strike was cut short by a brutal physical breakdown, Brendan McLaughlin’s willingness to place his life on the line during one of the most volatile weeks of modern Irish history stands as a testament to the extraordinary commitment of the H-Block prisoners.

25/05/2026

Rose Conway-Walsh was speaking on this morning's Tommy Marren Show.