West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Vigils held in memory of Volunteer Bobby Sands MP

Published: 5 May, 2009

Several hundred Republicans lined roads across Belfast today, Tuesday 5th May, to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the death on hunger strike of IRA Volunteer Bobby Sands MP.

Vigils took place on the Falls Road, Whiterock Road, Andersonstown Road, Stewartstown Road, Mountpottinger Road and Antrim Road.

In attendance at the vigil on the Andersonstown Road were Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brun, Hunger Strikers Pat Sheehan and Jackie McMullan, and former H-Block OC Seanna Walsh.

Speaking at the vigil on the Andersonstown Road, senior Sinn Fein member Seanna Walsh said:

''Bobby Sands died in the early hours of 5th May 1981 after 66 days on hunger strike for political status in the H-Blocks of Long Kesh Prison.

''We are here today to remember Bobby and all the Hunger Strikers with pride.

''Three of the Hunger Strikers came from Belfast - Bobby from Twinbrook, Joe McDonnell from Lenadoon and Kieran Doherty from Andersonstown.

''Bobby was an outstanding Irishman who continues to inspire our struggle in Ireland and struggles all over the world.

''It is great to see that so many people have come out onto the roads to pay tribute to Bobby and to show their disgust at the attack on Bobbys mural in Twinbrook on Sunday.

''Bobby Sands was a valued member of the community and spent his life working for the betterment of the community.

''He was also a friend and comrade to many, many people.

''Our objective is to finish the task at hand and that is to create a Republic that we can all be proud of.

''That would be the greatest tribute to Bobby.''