Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has encouraged people to join this year’s National Hunger Strike Commemoration which will be held online on Sunday evening. 

The West Belfast MLA and former hunger striker said: 

“The ten men who died on hunger strike in Long Kesh in 1981, as well as those republicans who died on hunger strike in the previous years and decades, continue to be held in the highest esteem by republicans everywhere. 

“Normally thousands of people from across the island gather at a different location each year to remember their heroism, dedication and sacrifice and to send our ongoing solidarity to their families. 

“This year, as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, we will be commemorating them in a slightly different way and the commemoration will be held online with various commemorative events with the main commemoration to be held on Sunday. 

“Sunday’s online commemoration will feature the poetry of Bobby Sands, performances from renowned musicians, including Damien Dempsey, and the main speech will be given by Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty. 

“It will be shown across Sinn Féin’s social media platforms on Sunday evening at 8pm and I would encourage everyone to join in and watch to remember the hunger strikers with dignity and pride.”