Springfield Massachusetts Remembers the 1981 Hunger Strikers.

In a well-attended commemoration in the Rose Garden in Forest Park, wreaths were laid and songs were sung to remember the 1981 Hunger Strikers.

Speeches were made by Chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus Rep. Richard Neal, Mayor Domenic. J. Sarno and former Hunger Striker Pat Sheehan MLA. Pat remembered lost friends, spoke of his own experiences of surviving 55 days on Hunger Strike and his hopes for the future.

The Irish Proclamation was read by Caroline Murray JD and the event ended with music from Deidre Reilly.

Following the ceremony, Gerry Adams was introduced by Rep. Neal.

In a powerful and evocative contribution, Gerry Adams led out the challenges and opportunities that we now face to create a new and united Ireland.

Many thanks to Rep. Neal and the organizers for putting such a fitting tribute to the 1981 Hunger Strikers.

Thursday 8th July 2021 marks the 40th Anniversary of the death of Joe McDonnell on Hunger Strike in Long Kesh Prison.

To mark the anniversary we are very proud to present an interview with his friend, fellow prisoner, and author Jim (Jaz) McCann.

Jaz spent 17 years in Long Kesh. Jailed at the age of 20, he was on the Blanket and No-Wash protests. He details the routine brutality of the prison regime that led to the 1981 Hungers Strikes and the deaths of 10 republican prisoners. Within 2 years of the ending of the hunger strike, Jaz was one of 38 Irish Republican Prisoners that escaped in the largest prison breakout in Irish history. He was captured and returned to jail.

The interview is full of incredible insights and an astounding sense of comradeship that bound the prisoners together and eventually beat the prison regime.

A story of courage and the ability of the human spirit to overcome inhumanity.

Over the past number of weeks the largest Unionist party, the DUP, has sacked two leaders. The instability and refusal to honor agreements are threatening the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

In this interview, Ciarán Quinn Sinn Féin representative to North America gives an overview of political developments.

How did a Kentucky lawyer become head of Friends of Sinn Féin USA? What does the group do and what does the future hold for Ireland and the US?

Friends of Sinn Féin President, Mark Guilfoyle answers these questions and many more in his own informed and engaging fashion.

As Mark says, Friends of Sinn Féin is about building friends of Irish Unity.

Belfast born Jennifer McCann is a former prisoner, friend of Bobby Sands and former Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast from 2007 to 2016 . Enjoy this conversation as Jennifer talks about her upbringing, time as an Member of the Legislative Assembly and the inside story of the women prisoners of Armagh Gaol and the 1981 hunger strikes.

Enjoy this hour-long program as Dr. Ruan O'Donnell presents the story of how Irish America shaped and made possible the Easter Rising of 1916. Produced by Friends of Sinn Féin USA.

Conversation with James Connolly Heron. Enjoy this talk with the great-grandson of 1916 Easter Rising leader James Connolly. James has a deep and unique understanding of the events of 1916. James talks about his background, the life and legacy of his famous ancestor, the campaign to save Moore Street in Dublin and much more.

What about the big lad?" Bobby Sands asked, referring to if Gerry Adams would be allowed in the prison for negotiations to end the hunger strikes. The Brits have refused I told him and at that point he realized, we both knew, this visit would be the last time I would see him." In this powerful conversation Bik details his upbringing, time as a prisoner in the H Blocks, and role in the 1981 Hunger Strike.