Report on 1981Dublin Commemorative Function

dublin | history and heritage | news report Monday August 14, 2006 17:47 by IRSP

Over 150 Members and Supporters of the IRSM attended the Dublin 1981 Commemorative function on Saturday.

Over 150 Members and Supporters of the IRSM attended the Dublin 1981 Commemorative function on Saturday. Members travelled from Tyrone, Wicklow, Limerick and Waterford to attend the event. The proceedings were chaired by Dublin IRSP, Ard Comhairle member, John Murtagh. After a brief speech, he presented three supporters with framed Hungerstrike pictures and a Waterford crystal celtic cross to celebrate their birthdays and also as a small token of appreciation for their support over the years.

He then called on former INLA Prisoner Willie Gallagher from Tyrone to deliver the main speech. After his speech Willie received a standing ovation from the large crowd. John Murtagh then called on former INLA Prisoner Kevin Mc Laughlin to make a presentation on behalf of Republican Socialist Prisoners in Portlaoise, Castlerea and Maghberry in recognition of the sterling work Willie has done of behalf of Prisoners and his work for Teach Na Failte. Willie was presented with a Bodhran depicting the ten '81 Hungerstrikers.

John Morris whose son John was executed by the free states emergency response unit in June 1997 presented Willie's wife Linda with a bouquet of flowers. The raffle then took place where the prizes consisted of a selection of prison craft. Saoirse Gallagher, sister of Gino and Brendan, RIP, pulled out the first ticket, the lucky winner was Linda Gallagher, second ticket was pulled out by David Morris, brother of John, RIP, and the prize went to Davy Long, third ticket was pulled out by Brendan Mc Garrigle, and the prize went too Larry O" Byrne, 4th prize was pulled out by Linda Gallagher and the prize went to Alan Murphy, the Fifth ticket was pulled out by former INLA Prisoner Gerry Burns and the prize went to John Morris. The Band, Beggars Bush continued on with the ceol agus craic, which completed a great entertaining evening.

Dublin IRSP are to seek a meeting with representatives of the office of an Taoiseach and the Dept of Justice in light of the intimidation and harassment by the special branch, of members of the IRSP and its supporters at Saturday nights function. Most people at the event were stopped, questioned, searched and even photographed by the branch. Two of the main sp antagonists were a male and female tag team who also were photographed and video-taped consuming bottles of budweiser at the bar in saints and sinners. These photographs and video tapes as well as photos of the same pair driving whilst under the influence of alcohol will be made available to the same representatives.

Dublin IRSP are concerned that the same two special branch members who were phographed banging down the door of Dublin IRSP member John Murtagh, within ten minutes of them stopping and searching him. A neighbour who was parking his car rang John to let him know the sp were banging down his door, John asked him to note the time, and registration number of the silver mondeo, and asked to take a photo with his camera phone, which he did. John's Partner and three young Children who were at home at the time refused to open the door.

Members of Dublin IRSP will not be intimidated by members of the special branch. We are entitled to carry out political work, and will continue to do so irrespective of the siberian tactics adopted by the same sspecial branch.