Mayo Sinn Féin

30/08/2026

🏃‍♂️ FIRST EVENT OF THE DAY – HUNGER STRIKE COMMEMORATION RUN/WALK 🏃‍♀️

Our first event of the day will see us gather at Ballina Athletic Club in Belleek Woods for the Annual 5K/10K Hunger Strike Commemoration Run/Walk.

📍 Venue: Ballina Athletic Club, Belleek, Ballina
📮 Eircode: F26 VH52

We look forward to welcoming runners, walkers, families and supporters as we come together for this special commemorative event.

⏰ Registration from 9:00am
🏃 Run/Walk begins at 10:00am

See you all in Belleek Woods! 🇮🇪

28/08/2026

The Much-Awaited Parade Route Has Been Revealed

The much-awaited route information for the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration in Ballina has now been released.

Taking place on Sunday, 30 August, the commemorative parade will cover approximately 2km, with the route being mostly downhill, making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

The parade will assemble at:

📍 Bunree Industrial Estate – F26 V243 at 2.30pm

From there, participants will make their way along the confirmed route before finishing in the heart of Ballina at:

📍 Market Square – F26 DY9P

The route provides an opportunity for people from Ballina, Mayo and across Ireland to come together in remembrance and solidarity as we mark the 45th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike.

We encourage everyone attending to arrive in plenty of time, follow the guidance of stewards and organisers, and help us make this a fitting and respectful commemoration.

2KM • MOSTLY DOWNHILL • ALL WELCOME

Sunday 30 August 2026
Ballina, Co. Mayo

Together we remember. Together we honour.

28/08/2026

📢 NATIONAL HUNGER STRIKE INFORMATION STALL 🇮🇪

Join us this Sunday, 30th August, at Block A, Innovation Quarter, Market Square, Ballina, from 12pm–6pm.

Come along and visit our National Hunger Strike Information Stall, where you can learn more about the history and legacy of the Hunger Strike and the people who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Also joining us will be the Mayo Óglach Project, showcasing their work and helping preserve our local republican history and heritage.

📖 MARTINA ANDERSON BOOK SIGNING
⏰ 12pm–2.30pm

Martina Anderson will be signing copies of her book Choosing the Struggle. Come along, meet Martina and get your copy personally signed.

📍 Block A, Innovation Quarter, Market Square, Ballina
📅 Sunday 30th August
⏰ 12pm–6pm

Come along, learn, remember and keep the story of the Hunger Strikers alive.

🇮🇪 Remember the sacrifice. Honour the legacy.

28/08/2026

🔥🇮🇪 THE IRISH BRIGADE – LIVE IN BALLINA 🇮🇪🔥

The countdown is on! Following the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration, join us for a massive night of music and craic with The Irish Brigade & Special Guests. ☘️

📍 Great National Hotel, Ballina, Co. Mayo
📅 Sunday 30th August
🕢 Doors 7.30pm
🎟️ Tickets €15

It promises to be a brilliant way to round off an historic Hunger Strike weekend in Ballina. Tickets are going fast – don't miss out!

🎟️ Tickets: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: 085 147 6654

☘️ Mayo will remember. Mayo will celebrate. ☘️

27/08/2026

🇮🇪ALL ROADS LEAD TO BALLINA🇮🇪

45TH NATIONAL HUNGERSTRIKE COMMEMORATION.

Visitor Guide

BALLINA, COUNTY MAYO | 29–30 AUGUST 2026

The Mayo Commemoration Team warmly welcomes you to Ballina for the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration.

This guide brings together the weekend programme, travel information, local food and drink recommendations, and places of historical and cultural interest around Ballina and County Mayo.

Mayo holds a special place in republican history as the home of JACK MCNEELA, MICHAEL GAUGHAN, FRANK STAGG, and others. We hope your visit is informative, meaningful, and memorable.

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SATURDAY • 29 AUGUST

2:00 PM – HISTORY TALK

George Stagg presents a talk on the events surrounding the return of Frank's body.

📍 Republican Plot, Leigue Cemetery
Eircode: F26 A062

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6:00 PM – PANEL DISCUSSION

"The Legacy of the Hunger Strike"

Speakers

Laurence McKeown

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Síle Darragh

📍 Great National Hotel
Eircode: F26 X5P3

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7:30 PM – LIVE MUSIC

Featuring:

Spirit of Freedom

Liam Lapin

Bernie Mullen Carroll

📍 Bar Square
Eircode: F26 AF84

🎟 Ticketed Event

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SUNDAY • 30 AUGUST

10:00 AM National Hunger Strike Commemoration 10 km / 5 km Run & 5 km Walk

Belleek woods ballina

To register, please contact Mayo Sinn Féin

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2:30 PM – NATIONAL HUNGERSTRIKE COMMEMORATION

📍 Assembly Bunree Industrial Estate
Eircode: F26 V243

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3:00 PM – COMMEMORATIVE PARADE

The parade departs for market square in the Town Centre.

Parking

Parking is recommended at:

Teeling Street – F26 HP79

Humbert Street – F26 TX04

Please allow approximately 20 minutes' walk to the assembly point.

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7:30 PM – LIVE MUSIC

Featuring:

The Irish Brigade

Richie Prendergast

Bernie Mullen Carroll

📍 Great National Hotel
Eircode: F26 X5P3

🎟 Ticketed Event

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Where to Eat & Drink

BAR SQUARE

A lively town-centre venue and ideal place to enjoy the atmosphere throughout the weekend.

THE JUNCTION

Conveniently located beside Ballina Railway Station, making it perfect for visitors arriving by train.

THE COT AND COBBLE

A popular riverside restaurant with beautiful views over the River Moy.

THE LOFT

A traditional local venue known for its warm welcome and excellent reputation.

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History & Nature in Ballina

THE JACKIE CLARKE COLLECTION

Located on Pearse Street, this award-winning museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in Irish history and political heritage.

BELLEEK WOODS

One of Europe's largest urban woodlands, offering peaceful riverside walks along the River Moy.

HUMBERT MONUMENT

Situated on Humbert Street, this landmark commemorates the 1798 Rebellion and Ballina's important place in that history.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

🚆 Rail

Direct train services operate from Dublin Heuston to Ballina via Manulla Junction.

🚌 Bus

Regular Bus Éireann services, including Routes 22, 52 and 440, serve Ballina.

✈ Air

Ireland West Airport Knock is approximately 46 km from Ballina.

Bus Éireann Route 440 provides a direct connection between the airport and Ballina.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

For enquiries, registrations or ticket information, please contact Mayo Sinn Féin:

📧 [email protected]

Facebook: Mayo Sinn Féin

WhatsApp: +353 85 147 6654

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The Mayo Commemoration Team wishes you a safe journey and an enjoyable visit to Ballina for the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration.

We look forward to welcoming you to County Mayo. Home of sam maguire 2026

27/08/2026

📢 A TRULY SPECIAL EVENT YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS

Mayo Sinn Féin is honoured and excited to welcome GEORGE STAGG as he shares the remarkable story of what happened on that dark winter's night of 5TH NOVEMBER 1977.

Hear, first-hand, from the man who lived it. George will recount the extraordinary events surrounding the reinterment of his brother, ÓGLACH FRANK STAGG , and the determination to honour Frank's final wish despite every obstacle placed in his way.

This is not the stuff of legend—this is THE LEGEND HIMSELF telling his story in his own words. Hear how one man's love for his brother overcame the efforts of the Irish Government and the Gardaí, ensuring that Frank Stagg's final wish was fulfilled.

This is a unique opportunity to hear history from someone who was there. Whether you know the story or are hearing it for the first time, George's account is one that will stay with you long after the evening ends.

Join us and be part of this unforgettable event.

27/08/2026

📜 A PLACE TO VISIT IN BALLINA THIS WEEKEND!

As part of the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration, why not take some time to visit the Jackie Clarke Collection – The Clarke Museum of Irish History on Pearse Street, Ballina.

The collection spans an incredible 400 years of Irish history, with fascinating items connected to some of the most influential figures in our national story, including Wolfe Tone, Michael Collins, Dr Douglas Hyde, Michael Davitt and O’Donovan Rossa.

📍 Pearse Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo
⏰ Saturday: 10am–5pm
⏰ Sunday: 10am–2pm

If you're travelling to Ballina for the Hunger Strike Commemoration weekend, make sure you add this important piece of our local and national history to your itinerary.

🇮🇪 Take a journey through Irish history like you’ve never experienced before.

27/08/2026

OUR LEGACY. OUR FUTURE.

As part of the 45th National Hunger Strike Commemoration Weekend, Mayo Sinn Féin is proud to host a special Republican Panel Discussion bringing together some of the most respected voices in Irish republicanism.

📅 Saturday, 29th August
🕕 6:00pm
📍 Great National Hotel, Ballina

This promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on the past, present and future of Irish republicanism, reflecting on the sacrifices that have shaped our journey and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of Irish unity.

We are honoured to welcome an outstanding panel:

🔸 Síle Darragh – A lifelong republican activist with decades of experience in political and community activism.

🔸 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin – Former Sinn Féin TD and one of the party's longest-serving public representatives, renowned for his lifelong commitment to republican politics and social justice.

🔸 Laurence McKeown – Former hunger striker, author and political commentator whose personal experiences and lifelong activism continue to inspire generations of republicans.

The discussion will be chaired by Úna Morris, ensuring an insightful and engaging conversation.

Whether you have been involved in the republican struggle for decades or are interested in learning more about our history and our vision for the future, this is an event not to be missed.

Our Legacy. Our Future. Join the conversation in Ballina.

27/08/2026

🇵🇸 BRING A FLAG, BRING A FRIEND 🇵🇸

For anyone travelling to Ballina tomorrow, why not join local activists in solidarity with Palestine as we stand together on Ham Bridge.

These local activists have been standing on the bridge every Friday since the start of the genocide, showing their continued solidarity with the people of Palestine.

If you’re in town tomorrow, come along, bring a flag, bring a friend and show your support for Palestine. 🇵🇸

📍 Ham Bridge, Ballina
📅 Friday 28th August
⏰ 5pm–6pm

Bring a flag. Bring a friend. Stand with Palestine. 🇵🇸

26/08/2026