By Greg O’Loughlin
Executive Director
Friends of Sinn Féin
On Sunday, October 6 at Gaelic Park in Chicago, the community gathered to remember the 1981 Hunger Strikes.
A procession led by a piper carried the images of each of those who died. As the images were presented to the stage the names of each were read out. The Commemoration was addressed by, the newly elected MP for Newry and Armagh, Dáire Hughes.
The MP thanked those present for their work in promoting the cause of peace, justice, and Irish Unity. He noted that his constituency housed Armagh Women’s Gaol adding, “Armagh prison, now long abandoned is in my constituency. Its walls and barred windows could not contain the spirit of the women prisoner.” Dáire reminded all those present that there was further to travel to build a new and united Ireland.
The Good Friday Agreement provides a peaceful and democratic pathway to Irish Unity. Quoting Martin Luther King JR, Dáire said, “Change does not roll on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle”.
Together we can, and will, honor all those who came before us by building a new and united Ireland befitting their legacy.”
