Former IRA hunger striker urges public to attend commemoration in Cork

Pat Sheehan began refusing food on August 10, 1981 and ended 55 days later when the hunger strike was officially called off on October 3

Local Sinn Féin organising committee members along with Pat Sheehan (left of statue), MLA and a former hunger striker in 1981. Picture: Denis Minihane.

A former IRA prisoner who survived 55-days without food during the 1981 H-block hunger strikes has urged people to attend a national commemoration in Cork.

The event will honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives on hunger strike for Irish freedom over the last century.