May 5 is the 30th anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands during the 1981 Hunger Strike. He was 27 years old and fasted for 66 days. He was the first of ten young men to die on hunger strike in 1981.
From the writings of Bobby Sands, “I can hear the curlew passing overhead. Such a lonely call, such a lonely struggle. But, my friend, this road is well trod and he, whoever he was, who first passed this way, deserves the salute of the nation. I am but a mere follower and I must say Oiche Mhaith” (good night).
Cuba is the only country other than Ireland to have a monument to the Hunger Strikers of 1981. A commemoration is held each year on May 5, the anniversary of Bobby Sands’ death.
