Hunger Strike Youth Event
Meath Ógra Shinn Féin held a Youth Event in Trim on Wednesday night to coincide with similar events taking place throughout the country, to mark the
30th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike.
The evening consisted of a DVD showing, a book launch and a discussion by former hunger striker Paddy Quinn.
Quinn was well received by the audience. In an emotional contribution, he gave a detailed and accurate account of his experiences in the H-Blocks. He wanted to particularly address his remarks to young people he said, “It is very important that young people understand the Hunger strikes, what caused them and the legacy they have left behind. This period in Irish history became a catalyst for political change in Ireland.
The deaths of ten young men on hunger strike, 30 years later still reverberates through Irish politics today. Young people can learn from the leadership shown by the hunger strikers, their sacrifice, their commitment and their vision for the creation of a new Ireland where equality and prosperity would be enjoyed by all”.
Cllr. Caoimhe Ní Shluáin who was also in attendance, presented Paddy with a decorative crystal piece from Newgrange as a token of appreciation for having attended the event.
Meath Sinn Féin Ógra spokesperson Dylan MacMiacháin said; “We are delighted to have hosted this event. Everyone present has gained a sense of what it was like to be on hunger strike, as well as the dynamic of the hunger strike and the consequences it left behind. We in Ógra Shinn Féin feel it is important to learn from the past, in order to build for the future”.
