Strabane Youth pay tribute to Frank Stagg

tyrone | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Wednesday February 15, 2006 16:02 by Ógra B - Ógra Shinn Féin

30th Anniversary Frank Stagg

Last Sunday, February 12th, saw Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin unveil a mural in the town centre in memory of Republican Hunger-striker Frank Stagg.

The day marked the 30th anniversary ot the death of Frank Stagg on Hunger-strike while refusing to be classed as a common criminal in Wakefeild prison England.

Last Sunday, February 12th, saw Strabane Ógra Shinn Féin unveil a mural in the town centre in memory of Republican Hunger-striker Frank Stagg.

The day marked the 30th anniversary ot the death of Frank Stagg on Hunger-strike while refusing to be classed as a common criminal in Wakefeild prison England.

Local Council Chairperson Brian McMahon who attended the mural unveiling, commended the young activists in Ógra Shinn Féin for their work on the mural saying,

"I would like to commend Ógra Shinn Féin unveiling this fine testament to this brave Irish soldier who gave his life to defeat the British policy of so-called "Criminalisation".

Councillor McMahon went on to stress the importance of the work of Ógra Shinn Féin, and encouraged young people to get actively involved in the Republican struggle and join the youth movement.

Also speaking at the unveiling spokesperson for Strabane Ó.S.F. Sean Mac Giolla Easpig said,

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Frank Stagg, and the 25th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger-strikes, both events touched the hearts of many young people in Ireland, commemorative events have been planned throughout this year, and I would encourage the public especially the youth of Strabane, to get involved in these events as many of the men who died on hunger-strike were of young age themselves."

The spokesperson went on to conclude that,

"Frank Stagg is an inspiration to myself and my comrades, a brave man who faced injustise and oppression on a daily basis, and stood strong to defeat it. We as young people should always acknowledge the bravery and selflessness of our comrades who have gone before us."

Strabane H-Block commemoration committee and Ógra Shinn Féin have planned events for the duration of 2006 to commemorate the hunger-strikes, and we would encourage the Tyrone public to support these events.