Mother told Haughey that ‘sons will die’
Bridie Lynch implored Mr Haughey to intervene weeks before the second protest began, urging him to “get it off before it starts”.
“I write you these few lines from the bottom of my heart to ask you to speak again about the situation in the H Blocks of Long Kesh,” she said.
The letter, dated January 9 1981, warned that a second hunger strike would start on Monday, January 19 or 26, although Ms Lynch said she could not be sure.
“The boys were going to come off their protest, wash and clean up if they would be allowed their own clothes, but in no way would they get their clothes,” she wrote.
Ms Lynch ominously warned: “If another hunger strike starts nobody will be able to stop it this time.
“We all love Charlie, nobody knows only God what prayers we offer up for you and we want you to be our Taoiseach for years, nobody will ever take your place.
“Our son Kevin is on the Blanket since the 15th December, 1977, took from his bed at quarter to six on the morning of December 2nd, 1966, only 20 years of age, the youngest of eight of a family. Thank God he didn’t hurt or kill anyone.
“I am sorry to have to trouble you, but please in God’s name do your best and get the hunger strike off before it starts.”
Ms Lynch told the taoiseach she had asked a priest to offer Mass for his intentions. She also said she would pray for him every morning. The Mass card was addressed: “To Charlie.”
Lynch, born in Park, Co Derry and brought up in nearby Dungiven, was jailed for INLA terrorist activities in 1977 and immediately joined the blanket protest, refusing to wear prison clothes.
He was the seventh republican prisoner to die, on August 1, 1981.
Mr Haughey replied saying he fully understood and sympathised with all the families who have suffered as a result of the H-blocks.
“You can be assured that the Government are keeping in close touch with the situation and are in continual contact with the British authorities about it,” he said.
“I am reasonably hopeful that the situation will continue to improve.”
On advice from senior advisers the taoiseach also had a special note of thanks for the Mass card.
Just over two weeks later, Lynch and Liam McCloskey had a letter smuggled out of the Maze to the Relatives Action Committee in Dungiven confirming they were going on hunger strike on March 1.
“We are now prepared to face death by once again embarking on a hunger strike to secure our right to political prisoner status,” they said.
“We have suffered for four years. We will not give in. We know it will be hard not only for us but for our families and friends but this time British double-talk and dirty deals will not work.”
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