Former Belfast Hunger Striker to Speak at Monument Dedication at Irish Memorial in Providence
GoLocalProv Lifestyle Team
Former Belfast Hunger Striker to Speak at Monument Dedication at Irish Memorial in Providence
The one-hour ceremony, sponsored by the 1916 Commemoration Committee, will begin at 1 PM on Sunday, May 21, at the Famine Memorial site located along the Providence River Greenway.
According to the committee, Sheehan was held in the Maze Prison in Belfast for 18 years. During that time, he joined the hunger strikes of 1981. He began fasting on August 10 and ended when the strike was called off on October 3.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe new monument will be featured at the ceremony.
Event organizers say that following welcoming remarks and the national anthems, Committee Chair James McGetrick will give a short history of the hunger strike. Then, Derry native Tricia McIver, MD, will discuss the 1916/1981 connection and its relevance today.
McIver will then be followed by keynote speaker Sheehan, who will describe his experiences as a prisoner and political activist. Martin Galvin, AOH Chairman of Freedom For All Ireland, will discuss the events in America at that time.
After the unveiling of the monument and concluding remarks, those in attendance are invited to the Ceilidhe Club located at 50 America Street in Cranston for a post-dedication celebration beginning at 2 PM.
Bob Drouin will be serving up traditional and popular tunes all afternoon; the “Dancing Doyles” Kevin (creator of “Roscommon Soles”) and his sister Maureen will perform, and pupils from the Kelly School of Irish Dance will join the entertainment.
The downstairs pub will be open at 2 PM for snacks, and a cash bar will be available. There is no admission charge, and the public is invited to this family-friendly event.