FALLS Road man Kieran Nugent has been remembered at a series of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the blanket protest, which he began on September 14 1976.
Kieran became the first republican prisoner convicted since the withdrawal of Special Category Status. Among other things, this change in policy meant convicted paramilitaries could no longer wear their own clothes. He refused to wear the prison uniform, declaring himself a political prisoner and not a criminal, beginning the blanket protest.
Within weeks others joined the blanket protest and eventually it escalated to the no-wash protest which culminated in the 1981 hunger strikes.
On Saturday a large crowd attended a book launch at St Comgall’s for 'Kieran Nugent: The First Blanket Man' by Falls Commemoration Committee.
Visitors also toured a special history exhibition in St Brendan’s Hall, featuring photographs of Kieran and his family, alongside newspaper cuttings documenting his activism.
Falls Community Council’s Gerry McConville chaired the event and shared some personal memories of Kieran, while Danny Morrison spoke about the efforts to raise awareness of the blanket protest.
Síle Darragh spoke about the role of the women in Armagh Gaol in the campaign for political status and their part in the 1980 hunger strikes.
There was a huge welcome for Kieran’s family, while contributions from the floor were emotional, personal and, at times, very funny. The book is available from An Fhuiseog on the Falls Road, priced at £10.
On Sunday, a graveside oration by Tom Hartley took place at the City Cemetery, chaired by Sinn Féin councillor Tina Black followed by a showing of the Kieran Nugent play at Davitt’s GAA.
Tom Hartley
Cllr Black said: "An honour to chair this poignant memorial event for Kieran Nugent.
"The ceremony’s oration was provided by Tom Hartley and was a re-reading of Tom’s original oration. The words remain as powerful today.
"Thank you to Kieran’s family and wider circle and to Falls Commemoration Committee for organising this weekend's events."
On Monday, a White Line Picket also took place at the International Wall.
