Part 1 - Ray Collins speech CHSCC - 1981 Long Kesh Hunger Strike commemoration

NOTE Speech is in 4 parts.

Belfast/Brooklyn singer-songwriter and activist Ray Collins speaks at the Chicago Hunger Strike Commemoration, The Abbey Pub, Chicago on Saturday June 6, 2009. Ray spoke of his recollections of the dark days in 1981 as ten men died slowly on Hunger Strike at Long Kesh prison. During the Hunger Strikes of 1980 and 1981 Ray visited the prisoners, played numerous benefit gigs, and embarked on speaking tours in Britain and Europe to highlight the struggle for Political Status by Irish political prisoners in the H Blocks of Long Kesh and Armagh women's prison. The Chicago Hunger Strike Commemoration Committee was founded in 2006 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1981 H-Block Hunger Strike. In the spirit of Theobald Wolfe Tone, who sought to unite Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter; in acknowledgement of the leadership of the Easter 1916 Rising, which united disparate Republican forces against the might of Britains army; and most especially in the memory of the 1981 hunger strikers, who died united in protest inside the H-Blocks of Long Kesh; The Chicago Hunger Strike Commemoration Committee will do our part in unity to pay respectful homage to the legacy of ten brave men who sacrificed all for Ireland. We are a diverse group of Republicans from the Irish Freedom Committee, Irish Republican Socialist Committees of North America, as well as independent Republicans. All involved are devoted to the pursuit of a United and Sovereign 32 County Socialist Irish Republic, free of British military and administrative rule; and to the support of the families of Irish Republican political prisoners. For more information visit our website at www.wemustbeunited.com.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Ray Collins
• CHSCC
• Long Kesh
• 1981
• Hunger Strike
• Maze Prison
• Bobby Sands
• Patsy O'Hara
• IRSCNA
• Irish Freedom Committee
• IFC.

[swiftubag1001]

big crowd i see.lmbo

[TheTwollocks]

collins ....good ole english name .......

[knilmart]

Mai Lai massacre = usa shame.Private william calley murdered hundreds of children, only got a 2 week prison sentence.Great irish american !

[hatchetsnhammers]

YA DIRTY FENIAN BASTARDS

[tommystros]

fun and educational speech.............

[IRSCNA]

That was an excellent event and a great speech. Very educational and entertaining.